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Dattawgyaik Waterfall

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Dattawgyaik Waterfall (Myanmar (Burma))

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Dattawgyaik Waterfall, widely known as Anisakan Waterfall, is one of the most magnificent and tallest waterfalls in Myanmar, located near the highland town of Pyin Oo Lwin. The water plunges over a massive cliff approximately 120 meters down into a deep gorge, creating a thunderous and spectacular natural display, especially during the monsoon season. Reaching the base of the falls requires a strenuous hike down a steep, narrow trail, which typically takes about 45 minutes and demands a fair level of physical fitness. At the foot of the falls sits a small golden pagoda, providing a serene spiritual contrast to the raw power of the cascading water. Geographically, the waterfall is situated on the edge of the Shan Plateau, where the cooler climate makes it a popular retreat from the stifling heat of the lower plains. The clear water forms natural pools among the rocks, though swimming is cautioned due to strong currents. Historically, the site has been a key geographical attraction in the Mandalay region, often visited alongside the colonial-era sites of Pyin Oo Lwin. The lush vegetation and pristine environment of the canyon make it a haven for hikers and nature photographers alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212428313130303030292623
Rain mm11271532443338303397

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The waterfall and its wide-open surrounding natural landscape can be visited freely by outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can hike down the steep natural trails to admire the various plunging tiers of this impressive waterfall.
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Typical hours
As a pristine natural outdoor area, there are generally no strict official opening hours to worry about. However, for obvious safety reasons, visiting is highly recommended only during daylight hours and avoiding heavy rain.
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Photography
The remarkably dense green vegetation contrasting with the clear, plunging water provides spectacular nature photography motifs. Be sure to carefully protect all sensitive camera equipment from the fine, pervasive mist.
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Time needed
Visitors should generally allow about an hour and a half to two full hours for their complete waterfall experience. This timeframe comfortably includes the challenging descent, relaxation time, and the strenuous hike back up.
Combine with
A nature trip to this magnificent waterfall combines perfectly with an extended visit to the nearby hill town of Pyin U Lwin. This particular destination is well known for its historic British colonial architecture and gardens.
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Getting there
The cascading waterfall is located just outside of Pyin U Lwin and is most easily accessed by renting a local scooter or taking a taxi. This is followed by an approximately thirty-minute steep hike downhill to the very base.
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Insider tip
The winding trail leading down to the water is quite steep and can quickly become very slippery, especially after recent rainfall. Be absolutely sure to wear sturdy shoes with an excellent grip, and bring swimwear to dip.

Geography

Coordinates
21.98330, 96.53330

Facts

  • The waterfall has a total drop of about 120 meters.
  • The hike down to the base takes roughly 45 minutes.
  • Located near Anisakan village, close to Pyin Oo Lwin.
  • Features a small golden pagoda at the very bottom.
  • Most spectacular during the rainy season (July-October).
  • Part of the Dattawgyaik River system on the Shan Plateau.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Dattawgyaik Waterfall (4)

ဒဏ္ဍာရီလာ ခံစစ်ကျုံးကျွန်းတိုင်ကြီး🏺 historical

Ancient defensive ruins perched above the gorge where the Dattawgyaik Waterfall cascades down.

z project📍 landmark

A modern observation deck designed for viewing the dramatic, three-tiered Dattawgyaik Waterfall.

စေတီ📍 landmark

A Buddhist stupa situated on the edge of the deep forest ravine near the upper rim of the great waterfall.

စေတီ📍 landmark

A spiritual shrine providing a resting point for hikers trekking to the base of the Dattawgyaik falls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the hike to the waterfall?
The descent and ascent back can be strenuous.
Can you swim in the water?
Yes, there are some pools for cooling off.
What should you bring?
Sturdy footwear and water are a must.
Is there food available?
Only simple stalls with drinks and snacks.
When is the best time to visit?
Mornings offer the best light.
Dattawgyaik Waterfall: where is it located?
Dattawgyaik Waterfall is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Dattawgyaik Waterfall: what is there to see?
Highlights include ဒဏ္ဍာရီလာ ခံစစ်ကျုံးကျွန်းတိုင်ကြီး, z project, စေတီ.
Dattawgyaik Waterfall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Dattawgyaik Waterfall: why is it worth visiting?
Dattawgyaik Waterfall, widely known as Anisakan Waterfall, is one of the most magnificent and tallest waterfalls in Myanmar, located near the highland town of Pyin Oo Lwin.
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