Hire cars are used for long distance travel to places surrounding Mawlamyine, such as to Mudon, Thanbyuzayat (location of the Htaukkyant war cemetry and Death Railway Museum), Kyaikmayaw, Kyaikkami and Setse. Many of the cars are 15 to 20 year old Japanese sedans most without air con, but in better shape than many of the taxis you find in Yangon!

The cost for hiring a car for a day starts from 25,000 kyat which includes the driver and fuel. Although self-drive vehicles for foreign tourists are not unheard of in Myanmar, they are rare and even more so in Mawlamyine. Furthermore, you'll probably encounter more hinderance in your travels if you self-drive, due to the countless toll booths, police checks, military checkpoints you'll encounter along the way when travelling by road in Myanmar. Such encounters are much better dealt with by a local driver than a foreigner.

Cars for hire in Mawlamyine can be found on Lower Main Rd, just a few meters south of the intersection with Myoma Tadar St. Toyota pickups seating up to 12 to 14 people can also be found here.