Pathein (formerly known as Bassein) is a city (1983 pop. 144,092) and the capital of Ayeyarwaddy Region, Myanmar. Lying at the western edge of the Ayeyarwaddy river delta, on the Pathein (Ngawan) River 190 km west of Yangon, Pathein is accessible to large vessels and despite its distance from the ocean, it is the most important delta port outside of Yangon. It is also the terminus of a branch of the main railroad line. The town is a rice-milling and export center.
The British built a fort and established a garrison in 1826, after the First Anglo-Burmese War.Pathein is now a peaceful little town with a scenic waterfront, many Buddhist temples, and Pathein umbrella workshops. The colourful hand-made umbrellas made in Pathein are famous in Myanmar.Although once part of the Mon kingdom, Pathein has few ethnic Mon residents today. There are sizeable minorities of Karen and Rakhine.