Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the government-owned Candacraig
Hotel , worth popping inside for its
hunting-lodge vibe.
he town's most popular attraction is
the National Kandawgyi Gardens on
Nandar Road (daily 8am-5.30pm; $5;
T
arrangement, as will shared taxis to Hsipaw (3hr). Pick-ups
to Mandalay (3hr) run 6am to 6pm, but more frequently
early on, from Bogyoke Rd and from the train station when
a service arrives. They stop at the Zegyo (main market)
in Mandalay.
INFORMATION AND TOURS
Tour agents Seven Diamond Express, Circular Rd (Mon-
Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am-6pm; T 085 33333622).
085 22497), 2.5km south of the
centre. Founded in 1915, this large
botanical garden includes a short
swamp walkway and an aviary that is a
hit with children. Close to the main
entrance there's an outdoor swimming
pool (K1000; bring your own towel),
while views from the Nan Myint tower
on the northwest side give a good sense
of the a uent part of town in which the
gardens are set. Note that the gardens
are owned by Htoo Group, which has
been subject to international sanctions
(see box, p.521).
he most rewarding half-day trip out
of Pyin Oo Lwin is to the Anisakan
Falls , located amid densely forested hills
9km southwest of town. he easiest way
to visit is to take a motorbike taxi
(K5000 return) from the roundabout
on the southwestern edge of town. he
walk from the car park to the base of
Dat Taw Gyaik - the most impressive
of the falls - takes 45 minutes, and
it's a fairly strenuous hour back. he
falls are at their most spectacular in the
rainy season.
GETTING AROUND
You can get around the town's sights on foot, or rent a
motorbike (K8,000/day) or bicycle (K2000/day) from
guesthouses or rental shops (daily 9am-7pm) on the
Mandalay-Lashio road. Alternatively, you could take one
of the town's iconic horse-carts on a short tour for K6000/
hr. They wait for customers around Purcell Tower and the
Central Market.
7
ACCOMMODATION
Bravo Hotel Mandalay-Lashio Rd T 085 21223 or T 09
2044249. An understandably popular mid-range option,
with comfortable a/c rooms and very clued-up staff who
can help you make the most of the town. Breakfast
included. $30
Cherry Guest House 19, 6th Block T 085 21306. It isn't
anything fancy, and breakfast isn't included, but this
Hindu-run place is one of the best of the cheaper guest-
houses. The floors and lower walls are tiled and clean, but
there's only sporad ic ho t water in the en-suite bathrooms.
Wi-fi in reception. $20
EATING AND DRINKING
There's a good café in the National Kandawgyi Gardens.
Feel Off Nandar Rd. The almost comically extensive menus
(plural) don't bode well, but this upmarket restaurant
(mains mostly K3000-5000) does a pretty good job of
pulling off Thai, Japanese and Chinese dishes - and more.
The lakeside setting makes it best to visit during daylight.
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus or minibus Buses and minibuses to Hsipaw leave
from San Pya restaurant, northeast of town on the main
highway. A turning close to the restaurant leads to the
Thiri Mandala bus station, which is used by most other
buses and minibuses. There are bus ticket o ces in the
town centre on the Mandalay-Lashio road. Minibuses
for Mandalay will pick you up at your accommodation
by arrangement.
Destinations
TREAT YOURSELF
Royal Green Hotel 17 Ziwaka Rd,
corner of Pyitawthar 1st St T 085 28422
or T 096506133. You can pay a lot for a
room in Pyin Oo Lwin, but this new hotel
is the best bargain in town. The standard
rooms are impeccable, with fresh new
linen, satellite TV and wi-fi, as well as free
water, coffee and tea. For $45 you get a
balcony and bathtub, while the $55
delux es a re corner rooms with loads of
light. $35
Bago (daily; 10hr 30min); Hsipaw (2 daily;
4hr); Mandalay (hourly; 2hr); Nay Pyi Taw (daily; 8hr
30min); Taungoo (daily; 10hr); Yangon (daily; 12hr).
By train The train station is centrally located, just north
of the Mandalay-Lashio Rd.
Destinations Hsipaw (daily; 4hr 30min); Mandalay (daily;
3hr 30min).
By shared taxi or pick-up Shared taxis to Mandalay
depart when full from the roundabout southwest of the
town centre, from 6am until they run out of passengers.
They will also pick you up from your accommodation by
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search