🌏 Myawaddy Mischief: Border Bazaars, Boat Rides & the Best Noodles You’ll Ever Cry Over

#springitinerary Okay, real talk—I just got back from Myawaddy, and this border town hit me with more chaos, charm, and chili fumes than I expected. Between almost getting adopted by a market granny and finding a secret sunset spot, here’s why you need to go. 🌅 First Impressions: Smells Like Adventure Stepping off the bus, Myawaddy smelled like diesel, grilled fish, and that weirdly addictive Thai-brand insect repellent. The streets? A glorious mess of motorbikes swerving around betel-nut spit puddles, with the Moei River glittering in the distance like a sneaky invite to Thailand. 🤣 The “Oops, I Bought a Fake Adidas Shirt” Moment At the border market, I tried to haggle for socks. Instead, I left with: • 1 “Adibas” shirt (close enough) • A bag of tamarind candy I didn’t negotiate • A granny insisting I marry her grandson (plot twist: I didn’t even meet him). Pro tip: Just smile and say “mouh sain lah?” (“How much?”)—they’ll still overcharge you, but it’s funnier. 🍜 Foodie Heaven: Noodles That Made Me Sweat Tears Breakfast was Myawaddy’s famous khao soi—coconut curry noodles so spicy my nose ran faster than the river. The cook laughed and handed me a free iced lychee drink “for survival.” Worth it. Hidden gem: A shack near the boat pier sells banana-blossom salad with crispy garlic. No sign, just follow the crowd of off-duty soldiers. 💎 Secret Spot: The Abandoned Pier Skip the crowded riverside. Walk 10 minutes past the market to a crumbling wooden pier where locals fish. At sunset, the water turns liquid gold, and you’ll have it all to yourself—just you, some ducks, and the sound of Thailand’s evening prayers drifting across the river. ⏳ Weekend Itinerary (For Maximum Fun/Minimum Sleep) Day 1: Border Chaos & Noodle Feels • 6:30 AM: Sunrise at the Friendship Bridge (watch trucks crawl into Thailand). • 8:00 AM: Khao soi at the market (ask for “phet noi” = less spicy… if you’re weak). • 10:00 AM: Market treasure hunt (fake sneakers, jade bracelets, and durian ice cream). • 4:00 PM: Longtail boat ride (5,000 kyat—wave at Thai fishermen). • 7:00 PM: Moei River BBQ (get the skewered pork intestines—trust me). Day 2: Pagodas & Peace • 7:00 AM: Shwe Muay Wan Pagoda (golden, quiet, and full of kittens). • 9:00 AM: Secret pier picnic (grab sticky rice and mangoes first). • 12:00 PM: Thai iced tea smuggled across the border (shh). 💡 Survival Tips ✔ Carry tissues (market toilets are… adventurous).
✔ Wear slip-on shoes (you’ll be kneeling at temples and fleeing spice).
✔ Learn “Aow kaung lah?” (“Can you lower the price?”—but they’ll still say no). Myawaddy isn’t pretty. It’s sticky, loud, and smells like fish sauce. And I’d go back tomorrow. 🤸♂️ #bordertownbae