Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

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 Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

Pyin Oo Lwin / Pyin U Lwin is pronounced “Pin Oo Loo-win” is a lovely town between Mandalay and Hsipaw. This blog will give you some ideas of EPIC things to do in the area and some information to help you plan the best way to do it.

Getting around the area

 Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

Taxis: Taxis are convenient but expensive. Be prepared that the taxi may not look any different to other cars on the road with the exception of a sign. Taxis can often be arranged through your guesthouse- you may not get the best price but if you prefer the additional security of doing it this way it may be worthwhile. If you wish to travel by taxi, it is recommended that you try and share a car with other travellers in order to split the cost.

Horse and cart: This is not a joke! You can also find horse and cart around town who will willingly take you to various places around town for an agreed sum of money. The horse and cart are not here for the tourists- this delightfully archaic transport survives from the colonial era in Myanmar. This is worth doing just for the experience. Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

Rent a bicycle: For trips around town this is an enjoyable and convenient way to get around. You can a bicycle for around 2,000Ks (around $2 or £1.40) per day (morning until evening). Grace II guest house offers bicycle rental.

Rent a motor bike: If you are comfortable on a motorbike this is the best way to get to Dee Doke and Anisakan waterfalls. There are several places around town offering motorbike rental. Most places a quite over priced. Grace II hostel offers the best motorbike rental price at 7,000Ks per day for a manual bike and 8,000Ks per day for an automatic bike. Note one day is from morning until evening. Top tip: If you would like to see a sunrise the following day you may be able to negotiate an early morning return for the same price. You can also pay 4,000Ks for half a day.

Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

1. Enjoy beautiful blue Dee Doke waterfalls

Alternative spellings: Dee Dote / Dee Doe

There is so much to say about how to get here and what to do it is worth a blog on its own so that’s exactly what we have done…

Click here for a FULL detailed info blog on Dee Doke waterfalls>>

This is a truly magical place to enjoy swimming in surreal blue pools and exploring winding paths by waterfalls. The journey from Pyin Oo Lwin takes about 2 hours by motorbike. Drive about 40km along the Mandalay-Lashio main road in the southwest direction towards Mandalay. There are detailed directions in our blog. 

2. Take in the impressive Anisakan waterfalls

Alternative spelling: Anesakhan waterfalls

At an impressive 120m tall, this waterfall is genuinely EXTREMELY impressive and a little terrifying if you get up close! The spray from the waterfalls dampens everything in the area. The ominous plunge pool is not safe for swimming! A visit to Anisakan waterfall is a MUST DO if you are in Pyin U Lwin. It can be combined with a day trip to Dee Doke waterfalls. Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

Click here for a FULL detailed info blog on Anisakan waterfalls>>

3. Visit the serene Pwe Kauk waterfall

Alternative spelling: Pwe Gauk

Pwe Kauk waterfall (pronounced “Perwe Kawk”)  a small picturesque waterfall located conveniently close to Pyin U Lwin. It is much less dramatic than Anisakan waterfall, however it is also much more accessible. If you have a an hour or two to kill then it’s definitely worth a visit. The journey from the centre of Pyin U Lwin takes around 20 minutes on a bike. The waterfall is very close to the carpark (just a 1 minute walk).  For some mysterious reason foreigners have to pay a 500Ks (50 cents or 30 pence) entrance fee.

So what can you do here? Take some photos, wash some clothes (laundry is expensive in Myanmar) and take a ride on a merry go round. Everything you’d expect at a waterfall really.  Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

The waterfall is a 20 minute drive out of town. Follow the Mandalay-Lashio main road in the Hsipaw direction. Watch out for the left turn in the picture above (it is not sign posted at present). Drive for 2-3 minutes and you will arrive at the carpark. The waterfall is pinned on this map…

Nothing special is needed to enjoy these waterfalls. If you wanted to hang out here for a while you might consider bringing some sunscreen and some water. Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

4. Relax at the peaceful Kandawlay Lake

This beautiful lake is only a 20-30 minute walk from the centre of Pyin Oo Lwin. It is a wonderful place to visit in the evening at sunset time and could be done after a trip to the Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens. On the way back into town enjoy a relaxing massage at the Beauty Centre and Spa.

 Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

5. Explore the beautiful Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens

Enjoy exploring these gorgeous botanical gardens with over 80 different species of plants. They are located around 4km (2.5 miles) south of Pyin Oo Lwin. The entrance fee is $5 for an adult and $3 for a child. This would be an ideal activity for a bicycle trip. If you go in the day it is highly recommended that your wear sunscreen. The ticket office and entrance is pinned on the map:

2-4 people could share a horse and cart to the gardens from town for around 7,000Ks (around 6$ or £4). As ever in Asia the price is negotiable and should be agreed before the journey!

6. Explore the colourful local markets

The local street markets of Pyin Oo Lwin are one of the best places to connect with and immerse yourself in local culture. Locals sell a wide variety of fresh fruits, veggies and meat.

You will be able to find markets around the streets of the area pinned on this map… Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

7. Relax with an incredible massage

The Pyin Oo Lwin Beauty Centre and Spa is a wonderful place to get a lovely relaxing massage. There is a Thai influence to the style- however it is slightly less bendy and soothing!

There is a wide range of treatment options available including oil treatments. It may cost approximately 5,000Ks (around $4 or £3) per hour for a massage, but different treatments will cost more.

The Pyin Oo Lwin Beauty Centre and Spa is a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town in the direction of the lake. The location is pinned on this map.

8. Drink coffee!

Check out an absolutely delightful coffee shop on Ziwaka street called Barista khine. They prepare coffees from fresh locally sourced beans and make them in a surprisingly nice way!

The coffee and snacks are surprisingly good and ridiculously cheap for what you get. Coffees start at 1,000Ks. If you are feeling really cheeky we highly recommend the cream top pudding!

Note, this coffee shop is pinned incorrectly on other maps. As of 2016, this lovely coffee shop is correctly pinned on this map:

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Things to do around Pyin Oo Lwin Myanmar Burma

There’s always more…

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