Pyin Oo Lwin

Today, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, has moved on and returned to a quaint little up-country town. Famous nowadays for its fruit, jams and fruit wines, it is a popular weekend and hot-season getaway with Myanmar’s emerging middle classes, so get here sharpish to experience what’s left of the old charm and calm.

Colonial charm

Many relics of its grander past remain, not least its numerous colonial mansions and Christian churches. The Purcell Clock tower, built in 1936 still chimes on the hour and is said to be completely in sync with Big Ben. In the surrounding street, horse-drawn carriages line the kerbs waiting for passengers.

The 437-acre botanical gardens, established in 1915 and modelled on Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, are genuinely spectacular. There are over 514 species of indigenous trees and more than 300 species of orchids. The gardens went into many decades of decline following independence but have recently been returned to their former glory. It’s one of our favourite places. You’ll even meet the resident Takins (Google it if you must but you should know!).

The Governor’s residence has been preserved as a museum. And like many things in Burma, an eccentric approach has been taken. Throughout the house, weird life-size models are used of notable people from history and at the time of our last visit the much trumpeted gallery consisted of only two pictures. But the place is genuinely interesting with some insightful artefacts and should be on your list if it’ is open – opening hours also fall into the eccentric category.

Gokteik Viaduct

If you are not a fan of colonial history, there is no shortage of other sights. A large cave complex called Peik Chin Myaung was recently discovered and it houses thousands of Buddha statues. It will leave you awed by its sheer size. There are also spectacular waterfalls and colourful little markets.

Many people stay overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin hotels not because of the town itself, but because it is the staging point for a truly mind-blowing train journey on the Gokteik viaduct, completed in 1900. Today it remains the largest bridge in Myanmar and at the time of its construction, it was the largest trestle in the world, at a staggering length of 689 metres. Described by Paul Theroux in his acclaimed travelogue The Great Railway Bazaar as ‘a monster of silver geometry in all the ragged rock and jungle, its presence was bizarre’.

Out and About

Pyin Oo Lwin is a simple hill town with a very laid back and casual vibe. Other than the main sights, the main pastime is gentling walking along the wide streets flanked by pine trees talking in the magnificent colonial houses – bizarrely they are often mock Tudor – once inhabited by British officials and officers. Today, they are either private residences or owned by the Myanmar army, with many of them sadly falling into disrepair.

Eating and drinking

In honesty, best to stay in your hotel. Don’t come here with great expectations of a culinary nature.