| Elevation | 1,070 m, about 67 km east of Mandalay |
|---|---|
| Nickname | City of Flowers (Pan Myodaw) |
| Old name | Maymyo, from the colonial era |
| History | summer capital of British Burma |
| Population | township 361,088 at the 2024 census |
The town was discovered by British colony at the very end of the Third Burmese War and called Maymyo – meaning May’s Town, after the name of a commander. Thanks to the town’s comfortable and cool climate even in hot season – its unique trait that no other regions in Burma can possess, Maymyo quickly became British Government’s summer residence. When Burma regained control over its administration, the town’s name was changed into Pyin Oo Lwin as we know today.
Pyin Oo Lwin is known as Myanmar’s center of sericulture, medicinal plants researching, vegetable and flower production, and coffee growing. Main businesses of the area are sweater knitting, cow rearing, strawberry and pineapple orchards, flower and vegetable gardens, and coffee plantations. As a result, markets in Pyin Oo Lwin are filled with shops selling knitted sweaters, strawberry jams, coffee, wine, and different kinds of fresh greens and fruits.
Coming to this dreamy town, you will be amazed by the stunningly beauty of chrysanthemum, gladiolus and aster as these are Pyin Oo Lwin’s key flowers which are intensively grown and widely exported throughout Myanmar in any time of the year. Together with the alluring landscape and pleasurable weather, lots of old buildings in Edwardian style from British colonial government still remains at present, making the town an attractive destination. To get around the city, you can walk, rent a bicycle or motorbike at your hotel, or call a motorcycle taxi. Also, you can hide gharry – a type of cab drawn by horse – to grab a sense of traveling around Pyin Oo Lwin at its old days.
About 1.5 kilometers north of Pyin Oo Lwin is National Kandawgyi Gardens, the town’s most famous attraction. Originally built in 1915 under the name Maymyo Botanical Gardens, this place currently owns a diverse and copious collection of flora. Highlights of the complex are rose and orchid gardens, along with a stupa (a semi-hemispherical structure commonly seen in Myanmar) in the middle of a pond.
On the town’s main intersection is Purcell Tower whose clock is said to be a replica of Big Ben’s chimes. On the road behind Purcell Tower, there is Shiva Temple, a Hindu temple worshipping Lord Shiva. South of the town, Chinese Temple is a large and colorful temple constructed by immigrants from Yunan, China. These are attractions that you cannot miss when visiting Pyin Oo Lwin. Plus, it is worth a try to have a sip of grape wine at local restaurants or a cup of espresso at a shop named Golden Triangle Cafe & Bakery.
The summer capital
English Wikipedia describes Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly Maymyo, as a hill town in the Mandalay Region about 67 kilometers east of Mandalay at an elevation of 1,070 meters. Known as the City of Flowers, it served as the summer capital of British Burma and remains a popular resort for its cool highland climate. The township had 361,088 people at the 2024 census, 149,439 of them in the urban area. We have not verified the older text on gardens, waterfalls, horse carriages or prices. Conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so check your government’s current travel advice and confirm access with your operator before booking.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Pyin Oo Lwin. Last checked November 2026.
Pyin Oo Lwin: FAQ
Where is Pyin Oo Lwin?
About 67 km east of Mandalay at 1,070 meters.
What was its old name?
Maymyo.
Why is it called City of Flowers?
It is the town’s best-known nickname.
Why was it a summer capital?
Its cool highland climate suited British Burma’s administration.
How many days do you need?
One night from Mandalay.