Distance from Yangon: 680km

Overview: 

Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) is a city in the Mandalay Division of Central Myanmar.

It is home to the Defense Academy of the Burmese military, and an important military base. At an elevation of 1,070 m, there is an abundance of flowers, strawberries, and coffee beans.

Pyin U Lwin is relatively free of the ubiquitous pagodas. Some colonial Tudor-style houses still stand (mostly around the National Kandawgyi Gardens), albeit in poor condition, and walking around is an interesting way to see how the Raj lived. There are many churches as well, the oldest dating to about 1910.

Best time to travel: 

The dry season í from November to February. It enjoys pleasant weather with little rainfall and cool temperatures. Therefore, the dry season has become the peak tourist season in Pyin Oo Lwin and is a wonderful time to visit. The hot season is usually from March to April when the weather is dominated by searing heat and there is less rainfall. 

The rainy season is from May to October. The southwest monsoon erupts in May, bringing rain showers to the area. Heavy rainfall may have an impact on tourism, such as making roads difficult to travel on, and spoiling some views. So it’s recommended for you to arrange some indoor activities. However, as it is the low season, costs will be cheaper than in the peak season. 

What to do: 

• Admire the colonial architecture
• Take a horse-and-cart ride
• Take a stroll through the botanical gardens
• Hike to minority villages
• Take the train over the Gokteik Viaduct
• Head out to Anisakan Waterfall