Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is derived from the word Moulmein, which means the damaged eye in the Mon language. It refers to the legend of an older man with a third-eye, which was destroyed by his wife. There is no historical evidence regarding the origin of the city, but it finds a mention in the 14th-century administrative record. Mawlamyine became a part of the Mon dynasty in 1594 and faced several conquests over the next decades from the neighbouring Siamese and the Portuguese. It fell into their hands for brief periods before becoming a part of the Burmese kingdoms.

After the British annexation of Burma, they made Mawlamyine their first capital for many years due to its excellent location by the coast. It overgrew as a seaport, along with other towns that were developed by them for overseas trade of precious stones, gems, textiles, silk, spices and more.

Other countries of Europe like Norway, Germany, France and others set up their consulates during this time establishing sovereignty as well as carrying out massive trades. A lot of wealth reached these lands during the last two centuries. After the independence of Burma in 1948, Mawlamyine faced political tension by the locals, but eventually became a part and is now a major seaport.

Mawlamyine might disappoint if you have high expectations as the town has basic amenities for tourists, or don’t prefer quieter and smaller towns.

The top things to do in Mawlamyine are Hpa An, Mudon, Setse Beach, Setse Beach, Death Railway Museum, Kyaikthanlan Pagoda. You can see all the places to visit in Mawlamyine here

The top places near to Mawlamyine are Chiang mai which is 296 km from Mawlamyine, Dawei which is located 270 km from Mawlamyine, Bangkok which is located 429 km from Mawlamyine, Pattaya which is located 524 km from Mawlamyine, Siem reap which is located 749 km from Mawlamyine