Taungoo: See
Thandaung Gyi. Old colonial hill station which is home to Naw Bu Baw prayer mountain and some other sights. There have been reports that the area is closed, however it was opened in June 2013; a passport check is usually not required before entering the area, but make sure to bring copies anyway. There are multiple B&Bs in the village (8,000-30,000 kyat). There are several routes up and down, the cheapest option is to find a truck from the central square in Taungoo, but for a more comfortable ride it is best to call ahead to a B&B in Thandaung Gyi so that they can arrange a car for you (30,000 kyat). An alternative is to find a motorcycle driver in Taungoo (16,000 kyat). The trip takes about 2 hr one-way through teak forests. There is a tea plantation at the top. Lots of armed forces are present, however the checkpoint is run by a welcoming tourism ministry. They might ask your religion. (updated Apr 2018)
Naw Bu Baw. The name of a mountain, and the lady who is said to guard it. The mountain is highly regarded by Karen Christians, and is accessed through the old British hill station town of Thandaung Gyi (pronounced "than down gee") (NB this is not the same town as the newer relocated Than Daung at the bottom of the mountain). (updated Apr 2018)
There is a small restaurant with outstanding fishhead soup (muhinga) between Happy Restaurant and the mountain. Look for a small building with two tables and a baby hammock inside. Ask prices first, some restaurants have been rumored to charge more than 2,500 kyat for a basic local meal, which the local people consider to be scandalous.
There is a local pick-up that goes up the mountain, but it only runs in the early morning.
Pho Kyar elephant camp is about 2 hr from Taungoo, if you love nature and elephants.