Happy TravellerWelcome to Pathein, the largest city and capital of the Ayeyarwady Region in Myanmar. Formerly known as Bassein, Pathein is located 190 km west of Yangon on the bank of the Pathein River, which is a western branch of the Irrawaddy River. The city has a population of 237,089 (2017 census) and is a melting pot of different ethnicities including Bamar, Karen, Burmese Indian, Rakhine, and Burmese Chinese.
Pathein’s name is believed to derive from the Old Mon name, ဖာသီ ([pha sɛm]), which means a big sea. The name was corrupted to Bassein during the British colonial period. The city’s history dates back to the Mon kingdom, and the British established a fort and garrison in 1826 after the First Anglo-Burmese War.
Geographically, Pathein lies at the western edge of the Ayeyarwady River delta, on the Pathein (Ngawan) River, 118 miles (190 km) west of Yangon. Despite its distance from the ocean, it is the most important delta port outside of Yangon and is accessible to large vessels. The city is also a terminus of a branch of the main railroad line which connects it to Hinthada, Letpadan, and Yangon. The coastline along the Bay of Bengal is surrounded by the Arakan Mountains, and the area is home to Inye Lake, which is known for its fishing. Diamond Island, an offshore reef, is popular with bathers and is also noted as a turtle breeding ground.
Pathein is a rice-milling and export center, and the town has numerous sawmills and umbrella workshops. The colorful handmade parasols made in Pathein are widely known throughout Burma and are called Pathein hti. The city is also known for its pottery and colorful hand-made baskets and buckets. Among Pathein’s most prominent industries are the production of salt, mats, and Pathein halawa. The textiles produced in Pathein Industrial Zone are the largest industry economy of the city. The surrounding area of Pathein is employed in agriculture and primarily cultivates rice, sesames, groundnuts, jute, maize, pulse (legume)s, tobacco, chilies, as well as a wide variety of fruits like banana and tamarind.
Pathein has a tropical monsoon climate (Am) according to the Köppen climate classification system. Pathein experiences a sustained period of extraordinary rainfall from June through August. The dry season which runs from December through April, begins with noticeably cooler temperatures than the remainder of the year, but becomes sweltering as the wet season approaches in March and April.
Pathein has a population of 169,773 (2014 Myanmar Census) and is subdivided into 15 urban wards. The city has a scenic waterfront and many Buddhist temples, including the main sight of Shwemokhtaw Pagoda. Other landmarks include Tagaung Mingala Pagoda, Settawya pagoda, Phaung Daw U Pagoda, Clock Tower, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Pathein University, and Pathein Cultural Museum.
The city is home to the Pathein Education College for elementary teachers and Pathein University for arts and science students. The Computer University (Pathein) offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and computer technology, while Technological University (Pathein) offers engineering courses.
Sports enthusiasts can visit the 6,000-seat Ayar Stadium, which is one of the main venues for popular local football tournaments. The stadium is the home of Ayeyawady United F.C., a Myanmar National League (MNL) football club.
Pathein General Hospital serves people in Pathein and its surrounding districts. Notable people from Pathein include Ba U, the 2nd president of Myanmar (1952–1957), Mahn Win Maung, the 3rd president of Myanmar (1957–1962), 8th president Thein Sein, and 10th president Win Myint.
In conclusion, Pathein is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From its colorful parasols to its famous pagodas, there is something for everyone in this hidden gem of Myanmar. Come and experience the beauty of Pathein for yourself!
