Pathein is a city in the Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), located on the Pathein River, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Yangon. It is the capital of the Pathein District and the Ayeyarwady Region, and has a population of around 300,000 people. Pathein is known for its production of Pathein umbrellas and for its seafood industry.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Pathein, you might want to start with the city’s history. You can also check out the nearby Goyangyi Island, Ocean Super Center, St. Peter Cathedral, and the Buddha Statue. There’s so much to see and do in this charming area of Myanmar. For some ideas, read on! We’ve listed some of the best places to see in Pathein, along with some other tips to make your trip an unforgettable one!
The name Pathein is derived from the Burmese word for Muslim. This is likely the result of the region’s large Arab and Indian communities. In any case, the city is known for its colorful umbrellas/parasols and umbrella-making traditions. Pathein is located in the Ayeyarwady Division, on the banks of the Pathein River. The city is an important railway junction and rice-milling center.
In addition to its many attractions, Pathein is also home to one of the most famous football clubs in the country – Ayeyarwady United FC. In fact, the city is home to a 6,000-seat stadium, making it a key site for football tournaments. Interestingly, umbrella workshops in Pathein were established over 200 years ago and are still very successful. In addition to its football team, Pathein is also home to many other cultural institutions and businesses.
Goyangyi Island
Pathein offers some interesting places to see and do. The city is the center of the Delta region and is home to one of Myanmar’s largest ports. The town also has a number of traditional parasol workshops and Buddhist monuments. Once you’re here, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the unique things to do in Pathein.
Goyangyi island is still unspoiled and virgin beach for tourist and local visitors. It is full of biodiversity. You can feel an authentic beach lifestyle. It is very quiet. So, you can rest. You can also see the locals fishing and the way of life of local people.
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Ocean Super Center
The first Ocean Super Center in Myanmar opened its doors on 30 June 2016. It is a shopping mall with 18 shops and an anchor tenant, the Ocean Supercenter. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The shopping center has a net leasable area of 57,000 square feet and is home to many international brands. It is also home to many local businesses, including restaurants and burger chains. Located in the city’s Myoma Ward, it is the perfect place for the whole family.
St.Peter Cathedral Pathein
The cathedral was built in 1872 and sits in a Catholic educational compound.
It was built by the British colonial government and has a unique outer wall, so it is very conspicuous. The interior of the church is also extraordinarily ornately decorated, comparable to the Catholic churches in Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.
Royal Lake Amusement Park
If you’re looking for a great way to have a blast, visit the Royal Lake Amusement Park in Pathein, Myanmar. Located just 15 minutes outside of Pathein, this water park is packed with family fun for all ages. For an added touch of culture, you can also visit the Confucian Temple and the town’s night market.
This riverside town is about 190 km west of Yangon. It’s an easy side trip en route to Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung. The town is home to St. Clair University, which offers courses in Myanmar. There are several Buddhist temples and monasteries in Pathein, including the Shwedagon Paya. You can also visit the town’s Chaungtha.
Shwemokhtaw Pagoda
The Shwemokhtaw Pagoda is definitely not to be missed. It was founded by King Ashoka of India in 305 BC. The pagoda is gilded with gold, silver and bronze along with more than 800 diamonds, 800 rubies and thousands of semi-precious stones.
The current stupa stands at 374 feet, which makes it the tallest in Myanmar. The monks at Shwemokhtaw Pagoda often pray for prosperity and long life. The Buddhist religion is highly influential in the country and the temples in this area are well-known. It is also an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Visiting this site is a must-do when in Pathein, Myanmar.
Chaung Tha Beach
For those looking for a great day out in Myanmar, Chaung Tha is the perfect place to relax. The waves here are big enough to go swimming, but you can also have a great time tubing. Although the water is not particularly clear, snorkelling is not recommended, so you should plan your day around this. Alternatively, you can head north to see the famous Buddha image at the Pagoda.
The Chaung Tha beach is about forty kilometers west of the town of Pathein, a convenient drive from Yangon. It is home to several offshore islands and is often less crowded than the other beaches. While the beach itself isn’t as picturesque as the nearby Ngapali, it’s still an excellent place to spend a day or a weekend in Pathein. And while it doesn’t compare to Ngapali, Chaung Tha has the advantage of being accessible during all seasons. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery with a fresh coconut.
The Pathein area is home to the largest city in the Yangon Delta, and it also features several beach resorts on the west coast. The two largest beach resorts here are Chaung Tha Beach and Ngwe Saung. Other attractions in the area include Twante, a pottery town, and Shwesandaw, a gilded pagoda. It’s important to note that visitors to Pathein are required to have a permit to visit Shwesandaw.
Pathein Chinatown
The Pathein Chinatown is well worth a visit, as it has become a part of the local scenery. The Chinese proverb, “eat, drink and be merry,” can be heard at almost any restaurant in the area. While Pathein is not renowned for its food, the locals know their way around Chinese cuisine. The best place to eat in Pathein is the riverfront, where you can sample traditional Burmese snacks and fried noodle dishes.
When in Chinatown, try to make a reservation at one of the many restaurants. The 19th Street is the most popular area, resembling wet markets in other local cities. The street bustles with activity from dawn to dusk, and you can pick up some fresh produce and snacks at the many stands set up in the middle of the street. Be sure to tip the driver for the best prices on food and drink, and you’ll be on your way to a memorable night.
The Grand United Hotel is another good choice, since it is located in the heart of Chinatown. The rooms are simple but clean and well-maintained. It offers free internet access and airport transfers. Its location is convenient for both shopping and sightseeing, and its staff is friendly and helpful. The only disadvantage is that the hotel is overpriced, so it might not be the best choice for a budget traveler.
For information about accommodation in Pathein this is a link to TripAdvisor
Interesting Facts about Pathein
- the area around Pathein is a major rice growing area in Myanmar and is well known for fragrant rice
- Pathein has always been a trading city and the name Pathein is likely derived from the Burmese name for Muslim Pathi
- Pathein was a part of the Mon kingdom but very few Mon remain today
- the former name for Pathein was Bassein
- The British first established a fort and garrison at Pathein in 1826
- Pathein is well know for handmade umbrellas/parasols and there are parasol making workshops in the city
- Ba U the second president of Myanmar 1952-57 was born in Pathein in 1887