The first settlers in Myanmar, the Mon people had control of the south of the country and Thaton was the capital. The ancient Mon Kingdom spread across Thailand and into Cambodia. Today, the Mon people continue to use their own language and stick to their traditional ways of life.

Places of interest

Kyaiktiyo Mountain
An important place of pilgrimage for all Buddhists. A well-beaten path leads up to the top of the mountain. From base camp it is a 13km climb. Alternatively you can take a 4-wheel drive. From the top of Kyaikto Mountain, spectacular sunsets shine off the Andaman Sea.

Golden Rock
Overlooking Kyaiktiyo, this is the top attraction in the state, a small stupa sits on top of a huge boulder, covered in gold leaf. Legend states that the boulder balances on the cliff thanks to a hair of the Buddha, preserved inside the stupa.

Thaton
The former capital of the Mon Kingdom, today, Thaton is a busy port city and has picturesque tree-lined streets and old style colonial mansions. Sadly, 90% of the old city walls have been demolished.

Mawlamyine
Mawlamyine was the admin centre of British Burma in the 19th century and many old colonial buildings remain intact. Up in the hills are several monasteries and shrines, all giving excellent views over the city and the harbour. The most visited place in Mawlamyine is Mahamuni Pagoda, the biggest example of Mon style architecture.

Shampoo Island
Takes it's name from the annual royal hair-washing ceremony, water for which was taken from a spring on the island.

Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery
Contains more than 3,500 graves of Allied Prisoners of War who died while constructing the infamous "Death Railway", from Kanchanaburi province in Thailand. The railway was designed to provide a supply route for the Japanese army. As the railway enters Thailand, it passes over the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai".

Kyaikkami
Home to Yele Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine perched over the sea.

Setse
During Mon festivals, this beach area has a fairground, traditional Mon boxing and an excellent market place selling traditional Mon souvenirs.