Mottama City 2013

Mottama City 2013: Traveling back to the former Mon capital with mr.hotsia

Many people are probably familiar with the nameMottama Cityfrom textbooks or stories of the Mon people in the past. Mottama is not an island in the middle of the water as many think, but a land connected to the major city of Mawlamyine in Mon State and also close to Yangon. My travel experience with mr.hotsia took place in 2013 when there was no bridge over the Salween River yet. Now the bridge is open, making travel from Mawlamyine to Mottama much more convenient.

Originally, tourists or travelers wanting to go to Mottama had to cross by boat from Mawlamyine only. But now I chose to rent a round-trip motorcycle for 15,000 kyats (about 100 baht) to fully explore this city without worrying too much about cost or safety. I highly recommend hiring a motorcycle with a driver because if you rent and ride yourself and have an accident or lose the bike, the costs and risks are very high. I stopped renting and riding myself a long time ago.

Easy travel with the Salween River bridge

The bridge connecting Mottama City with the Mawlamyine side makes travel much easier. Instead of only crossing by boat, now you can ride a motorcycle across the bridge round-trip at an affordable price. So I chose to hire a motorcycle with a driver because besides convenience, I also received recommendations about various tourist spots in this city.

Nowadays, Mottama has fewer pure Mon residents than before, but more Burmese people have moved in. Most Mon people gather in Mudon town and importantly on Bilu Island (also known as Ogre Island), which has over 40 Mon villages where visitors can clearly experience the traditional Mon way of life.

Bilu Island - A must-visit attraction

If you have enough time, I recommend visiting Bilu Island, which is not far from Mottama City. There is a ferry every hour, costing about 60 baht. On Bilu Island, there are dozens of Mon villages, and if you want to tour the island by motorcycle, rental services are available for about 400-500 baht. It's worth it if you want to experience a peaceful island atmosphere full of real local life.

For me, on a budget, I just took the boat to stroll and observe the local lifestyle and stopped to buy local products before returning. Both Mottama City and Bilu Island have their own charm that made me feel like I truly experienced Mon history and culture up close.

Experience food and culture in Mawlamyine before traveling

Before reaching Mottama, I stayed in Mawlamyine on the opposite side, a city that feels like my second home because I stayed atThe Breeze Guesthousefor 6 nights. With a riverside atmosphere by the Salween River and warm service from the owner who is a genuine Mon, this place is perfect for travelers seeking peace and authentic lifestyle experiences.

In Mawlamyine, I tasted authentic local food, especially at Chinese restaurants that perfectly blend Mawlamyine cuisine, such as Mawlamyine-style fried chicken and shrimp fried rice atBONE GYI RESTAURANTwhich was so delicious I had to return multiple times. The food here may not be fancy, but the taste and local aroma left a strong impression.

Besides food, I also watchedBurmese traditional dancewhich has a unique charm that makes you feel the deep culture and long-standing history passed down through generations.

Travel tips and precautions

For traveling to Mottama, if you don't have a private vehicle or don't want to rent and ride a motorcycle yourself, I recommend hiring a round-trip motorcycle with a driver, which is more economical and safer. Also, don't forget to prepare cash for ferry fees to Sarphum Island or Bilu Island, as these boat services are not included in the motorcycle rental price.

Traveling to Mottama and Bilu Island combines experiencing nature, local lifestyles, and authentic Mon history. Remember to prepare your body, travel carefully, and open your heart to experiences different from what you have known.

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

Mottama is not just the old capital of the Mon people but also a fascinating cultural and historical connection point. I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to experience the real atmosphere, meet people, eat local food, and see a lifestyle that has changed but still perfectly preserves Mon identity.

If anyone plans to travel to Myanmar, don't forget to visit Mawlamyine and Mottama to experience the cultural and natural diversity that remains beautifully traditional and unchanged.

For more information about traveling in Mawlamyine on your own or stories about food and accommodation I have recommended, you can read atTraveling Mawlamyine on your ownandMawlamyine cuisineincludingThe Breeze Guesthousewhich impressed me a lot.