Bagan & Central Myanmar - Myanmar (Burma) - page 296

Myanma Thiri Hotel HOTEL $
( 054-23764; [e-mail] ; Magalar Rd; r $20-55; ) With a bit of
TLC, this old colonial-era building could be Taungoo's answer to a boutique hotel. The
cheaper rooms, set in the original building, are cavernous but decaying. There are a few
deluxe rooms in separate new chalets set amid the spacious grounds. It is probably best
avoided until some builders get to work.

Royal Kaytumadi Hotel HOTEL $$$ $$$

( 054-24761; www.kmahotels.com ; Royal Kaytumadi St; r $75-150, ste $250-1000; )
Hogging the west side of the lake is Taungoo's fanciest option, with superbly appointed
rooms, striking decorative detail and facilities including a swimming pool and spa. The
property is owned by a businessman with close links to the generals. The same business-
man also bankrolled the new city gates and giant statue of Mingyinyo erected to celeb-
rate the city's 500th anniversary.

Eating
Around Taungoo's tea shops, try asking for yo yo (normal coffee), which should get you
a cup of 'Taungoo coffee', which actually comes from the Karen mountains to the east.
At the night market , which convenes next to the central market, vendors specialise in
chapattis and meat-stuffed palata (fried flatbread). On the old Yangon- Mandalay High-
way, particularly to the south, are many Chinese and Myanmar restaurants; the restaurant
at Mother's House Hotel is particularly inviting.

Yagon Food Villa PAN-ASIAN $
(185 Bo Hmu Pho Kun St; mains K2000-3000; 8.30am-9.30pm) Colourful fake-leather sofas
and chairs add a bright note to this reliable option serving the usual mix of rice and
noodle dishes, with surprising cameos from international dishes such as burgers and fish
and chips on the menu.

Information

Arena Net Cafe (Bo Hmu Pho Kun St; per hr K500; 9am-4pm) Arena is next to Myanmar
Beauty Guest House 1. Internet cafes are abundant, but don't expect speedy connections.
Dr Chan Aye ( 054-23270; [e-mail] ; Myanmar Beauty Guest House II, III, IV)
Runs a clinic and speaks good English.