Pyin U Lwin Myanmar – Top Picks for Attractions and Sights

Unlike many other parts of Myanmar, Pyin U Lwin is not so famous for its pagodas and temples and is better known for its colonial buildings and natural scenery.

Many of the beautiful buildings here are built in the Tudor style, as a result of the British colonial period, and many have now been restored to their former glory and have become restaurants or hotels. You will also find lush gardens here as well as some churches that date from the early 1900s.

1. The National Kandawgyi Gardens

One of the jewels in the crown of Pyin U Lwin is the National Kandawgyi Gardens which were built in 1915 by Alex Rodger. The gardens are a riot of colour and there is a mix of English blooms here as well as local flora. Some highlights include the aromatic rose garden here as well as the glassy central pond which is topped with a stupa. There is also a large aviary and a pretty orchid garden. Entry to the gardens is USD 5 and you should leave a good few hours if you want to see everything.

2. Purcell Tower – a Colonial Era Gem

Another colonial relic in Pyin U Lwin is the Purcell Tower which is often simply referred to as the Clock Tower. This was also built during the colonial period and the clock here is said to have been modelled on the chimes of Big Ben in London.

3. Anisakan Falls – Do Some Exercise

Many of the other attractions in Pyin U Lwin are located outside of the town centre. These include the neighbouring Anisakan Falls which are part of a rocky gorge and fall at the base of a Buddhist temple. You can get a bus to the main road close to the falls for KYT 3,000 and you will then need to trek along a two kilometre long path to get to the actual cataract.

4. Pwe Kauk Falls – Time for a Picnic

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Pwe Kauk Falls which are also known as the Hampshire Falls. This waterfall is a popular picnic spot, so with that in mind it can get quite crowded with local families at weekends or on public holidays. The falls are located on the way to Lashio and the best way to get here is to take a shared taxi in the direction of Lashio and then ask to be dropped off at the falls. It is then around a one hour trek out to the falls and there are plenty of guides available who will show you the route and point out spots of interest along the way.

It does pay to get a guide however as it is easy to get lost along the way here. You can also visit the U Naung Gu Caves here at the same time which have some small Buddha statues located inside.

5. Caving Enthusiasts, Your Turn!

If you want to see some more caves with Buddhas inside then you can also head to Pyeik Chin Miang which is also on the road in the direction of Lashio. The caves here are more impressive than those at U Naung Gu but the Buddha statues are mostly new so this is less of a historical relic and more of a modern attraction. There is also a natural pool located here in the lush jungle which makes a great spot to go swimming.

6. Shan Villages – Have a Glimpse of Local Life-Style

Many visitors to Pyin U Lwin also choose to visit the Shan villages in the area, and this is a good choice if you are not going to visit the villages around Hsipaw. Some of the main villages that you can visit as part of a tour from Pyin U Lwin include Mogyopit, Yechando and Ye Negye.