Mon State

The first ancient capital city of Mon State is formally known as Suvanna Bummi of Thaton between Thanlwin River and Sittaung River. Theravada Buddhism was introduced in the third century BC. Shwesayan Pagoda, Myathabeik hill and Bayin Nyinaung cave are of famous ancient Pagodas in Thaton.

Mawlayaing (Moulmein)

Mawlamyaing is the capital city of Mon state, lies on the mouth of Thanlwin River about 44 miles from Thaton. Former colonial city port for teak export. There are many ancient Pagodas on the slopes of hill range in the city. The main Pagodas are KyaikThalan, Uzina, and Mahamuni Pagodas. One of the main interesting place is Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery where Allied prisoners of World War 11's died while building the infamous Death Railway line that cross into Thailand from the Bridge on river Kway.

Shrines at Kawhnat-Kadoe villages  

The shrines at Kawhnat-Kadoe villages should be included as one of the intereating sites to visit for tourists. For those visiting Mawlamyaing it will be more than worthwhile to visit these villages nearby (11km.). There you have a collection of shrines of varying architecture and elaborate artwork, constructed over a hundred years ago by wealthy and illustrous personalities from those villages, one of whom (U Nar Auk) came later to be acknowledged ar a national hero. Some of these shrines may well be regarded as national treasures.