Flowers and a lake in National Kandawgyi Botanical gardens in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar.

© mathess/Getty Images/iStockphoto

National Kandawgyi Gardens

Top choice


Founded in 1915 and carved out by Turkish prisoners captured by the British during WWI, this lovingly maintained 435-acre botanical garden features more than 480 species of flower, shrub and tree. The most appealing aspect is the way flowers and overhanging branches frame views of Kandawgyi Lake’s wooden bridges and small gilded pagoda. Admission includes the swimming pool, the aviary, the orchid garden and butterfly museum, and the bizarre Nan Myint Tower.

Looking like a space rocket designed for a medieval Chinese emperor, the 12-storey tower offers panoramic views, which are better appreciated from the external staircase than through the grease-smeared windows of the observation deck.

Unfortunately, you can’t use a bicycle to get around the grounds, so bring walking shoes and allow around two hours to do the place justice. Using the southern entrance slightly reduces the walking you have to do. By 6pm both gates will probably be locked, so watch the time, as there are no closure warnings.

It gets very busy at weekends (Sunday in particular) and at times the orchids seem to be outnumbered by canoodling couples behind every tree. It does add some local colour!

The garden’s two entrances are both on the eastern side of Kandawgyi Lake, around a mile south of smaller Kandawlay Lake.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. National Landmarks Garden

0.43 MILES

This extensive hilly park is dotted with representations of famous landmarks from around Myanmar. It's pretty tacky, but if you haven't got time to tour…

3. Candacraig Hotel

1.7 MILES

Dating from 1904 and formerly the British Club, this colonial pile comes complete with side turrets and is set in attractively manicured gardens…

4. Chan Tak

1.94 MILES

This large, classically styled if mostly modern, Chinese temple comes complete with ornate stucco dragons, rock gardens, a vegetarian buffet restaurant,…

5. Survey Training Centre

2.05 MILES

Grand, off-pink building that's now used by the government (so it can't be entered) dating back to the colonial era.

6. All Saints’ Church

2.07 MILES

This red-brick church was founded in 1912 and while there's something of the English country village look to its shape, in colour and atmosphere it's a…

7. Maha Aung Mye Bon Thar Pagoda

2.15 MILES

Around 6am the pretty Maha Aung Mye Bon Thar Pagoda broadcasts Buddhist suttas (lectures) through its loudspeakers, just in case your alarm clock is…