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Pathein is the capital of the deltaic region. This port of call is reached by road, or by double deckers through the complex Ayeyarwady river deltaic region. The landscapes are all full of rice producers with crops such as sesames, groundnuts, jute, maize, pulses, tobacco, chilies, etc. Parasol production is synonymous with Pathein.
Pathein is still an important port of call for ferryboats carrying passengers or cargo plying between Yangon and the northern and eastern parts of the Myanmar. So it has a rather busy harbor area, which is fronted by a crescent of shop houses and go-downs. Rice from the delta region continues to be exported through the port of Pathein.
Some 300,000 people live in Pathein, which was established in 1852 as a garrison town by the British. Although the majority are ethnic Bamars (formerly Burmans) and mainly Buddhist, there is a significant number of Kayin (formerly Karen) who are either Catholics or members of the Karen Baptist Church. These are mainly lowland farming Karen who were encouraged by the British to move form Karen state in eastern Myanmar to help settle the delta region, which was in need of rice farmers.
There are thus a number of churches of note, apart from the usual pagodas. The red-and-white-brick St Peter's Cathedral, for instance, was built in 1872. Even older is the former St Joseph's Convent, now a public high school and an elegant, if rather dilapidated, wooden house for the local clergy.
The most important pagoda is the Shwemokhpaw Pagoda, all-aglitter with inlaid mirrors. The center of the pagoda is whitewashed sputa surrounded by smaller stupas, wooden pagodas and nat shrines. Legend has it that the pagoda was one of three built by the lovers of a princess as proof of their love for her. The other two are the Tazaung and Thayaunggyaung Pagodas. The Shwemokhpaw Pagoda. The Shwemokhpaw Pagoda draws pilgrims from the entire delta region during an important full moon festival in May.
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Pathein is also noted for its umbrella-making cottage industry. In Taw Yakuang Road, a half-hour ride by trishaw from the center of town, you will find row upon row of burgundy-colored umbrella laid out to dry in front of houses. Practically every household in the village seems to be engaged in producing these umbrellas used only by monks. In the bigger households, "summer" umbrellas painted in a variety of bright colors and adorned with flowers or village scenes are also produced for ordinary use.
A scenic waterfront, Chinese as well as Myanmar temples and building provide sightseeing; it
is also gateway to "Chaungtha Beach Resort".
Where to stay in Pathein & Chaung Tha Beach!
Chaung Tha Beach Hotel
Chaung Tha Beach, West Pathein.
Ph: 22587
Pathein Hotel
Monywa-Ye Oo Rd., Pathein.
Ph: 21162
It is a pleasure to visit the unspoiled Chaung Tha Beach. Just half-a-day drive from Yangon via Pathein.
Sightseeing:
 Po Kalar Island
The Phyu Island
Kyauk Maung Nhama
Specialities:
a variety of seafoods
crayfish and lobster
To double your pleasure there, you can stay in comfort at Chaung Tha Beach Hotel (Bungalow- Type). The beach is in West Pathein Township, Ayeyarwaddy Division.
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