Embracing The Land Of Heritage Monywa
Nestled in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar, Monywa offers travelers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and commercial vitality.
Serving as a prominent layover for tourists journeying between the iconic destinations of Bagan and Mandalay, this bustling town holds a strategic position as a key hub in the vibrant Chindwin Valley.
Monywa Myanmar (Cre: flickr)
Monywa plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade between Myanmar and India, contributing to its status as a bustling commercial center. Against this backdrop, Monywa's main thoroughfare comes alive after dusk, adorned with colorful food stalls and lively beer stations, offering visitors a dynamic and immersive experience.
Weather Of Monywa
Monywa experiences two primary seasons: the rainy season from May to September and the dry season from October to April. Throughout the year, temperatures remain consistently high. April stands out as the hottest month, with an average maximum temperature of 38°C. On the other hand, the winter months, particularly December to February, offer milder temperatures, averaging around 28°C in January.
It is advisable to visit Monywa during the dry and relatively cooler months, which are from November to February. Starting from March, temperatures begin to rise steadily, and the hot weather persists until October, often accompanied by increased chances of rainfall.
Where To Visit In Monywa
Thanboddhay Pagoda
- Location: 3698+P6, Myae Nae, Myanmar
- Opening hours: 06:00 - 18:00 daily
- Entrance fee: US $3 for foreign visitors
Located 20 km southeast of Monywa, Thanboddhay Pagoda is a colorful and unique site, housing over 500,000 Buddha images and adorned with hundreds of golden spires.
Marvel At The Golden Splendor Of Thanboddhay Pagoda (Cre: Wikimedia)
Spread across 15 hectares, it comprises an ornate main pagoda, a spacious prayer hall, and a watchtower offering panoramic views. The main pagoda is renowned for its ornate design, adorned with Buddha images at every corner and surrounded by over 800 intricately decorated small pagodas and statues of lions and mythical creatures.
Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery
- Location: 37JQ+5Q6, Monywa, Myanmar
- Opening hours: 06:00 - 19:00 daily
- Entrance fee: US $3 for foreign visitors
Located near Thanboddhay Pagoda, the Laykyun Sekkya standing Buddha statue is famous for its golden-robed figure, standing at 116 meters tall, ranking as the third tallest statue worldwide in 2018.
Find Solace In The Peaceful Sanctuary Of Bodhi Ta Htaung (Cre: tsemrinpoche)
Surrounding the statue is a religious complex with bodhi trees, sitting Buddhas, and a giant reclining Buddha. Inside, visitors can see depictions of Buddhist teachings and propaganda photos. The hollow statue allows visitors to climb nearly to the top for panoramic views.
Pho Win Taung Caves
- Location: 2XXM+3JR, Damapala, Myanmar
- Opening hours: All day
- Entrance fee: US $1,5 for foreign visitors
Pho Win Taung features a series of sandstone caves adorned with thousands of Buddhist statues, murals, and frescoes dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
These caves, carved into cliffs and hillsides, offer insights into Myanmar's religious heritage. Visitors can explore maze-like passages, marveling at depictions of Buddha's life, mythical beings, and celestial figures, providing a unique glimpse into the region's artistic and religious traditions.
Immerse In The Timeless Allure Of Pho Win Taun (Cre: travelfish)
Shwe Ba Taung
- Location: 2XRQ+RRX, Damapala, Myanmar
- Opening hours: 06:00 - 19:00 daily
- Entrance fee: US $3 for foreign visitors
Shwe Ba Taung, comprising 46 temples, was meticulously hand-carved from sandstone over a century, from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries. One remarkable aspect is the extensive effort invested in its creation.
Explore The Ancient Wonders Of Pho Win Taung
The entire complex was crafted by excavating 5 to 10 meters into a large sandstone slab to form roads, paths, and staircases. Further horizontal carving produced rooms with intricate facades. Shwe Ba Taung is frequently compared to Jordan's famous Petra because of its intricate construction nestled within natural rock formations.
Things To Do In Monywa
Visit Local Markets
Monywa is the primary trade hub for agricultural goods such as beans, sesame, pulses, cotton, and palm sugar. As you wander through the lively streets, you will have an insight into the daily routines of the locals, offering a diverse range of fresh produce and handicrafts. Renowned for its diverse assortment of fruits, vegetables, and spices, Monywa's markets boast everything from juicy mangoes to exotic herbs, ideal for enhancing your culinary experiences.
A Bustling And Hustling Morning In The Local Market (Cre: flickr)
You can explore several local markets near each other by the Chindwin River, like Chindwin Yadana Market, Aung Chan Thar Market, and Tharzi Market. These markets typically open at 06:00 and close at 18:00, providing ample time for exploration. Additionally, there are night markets available for you to discover, offering a variety of goods and experiences after sunset.
Have A Taste Of Delicious Cuisine
Indulge in the city's renowned traditional cuisine, featuring dishes like mohinga (rice noodle soup), shan-style tofu noodles, and flavorful curries prepared with fresh ingredients. Don't miss trying Burmese snacks such as mont lin ma yar (a tasty fried snack) or lahpet (pickled tea leaves) for a delightful culinary experience.
Savor The Delicious Monywa Local Food (Cre: myanmartravel)
Moreover, some restaurants offer open-air seating with picturesque views of pagodas or lush landscapes, enhancing your dining experience.
We recommend some restaurants for you to try and form your own opinion:
- Pleasant Island Restaurant: Bogyoke Road, opposite Win Unity Hotel; open daily 08:00 - 22:00.
- Chindwin River Restaurant: Bogyoke Road, Aung Chan Thar Quarter; open daily 08:00 - 23:00.
- Win Unity Resort Restaurant: located in the Win Unity Hotel’s Complex, Bogyoke Road, Yone Gyi Quarter; open daily 09:30 - 21:30.
Enjoy The Chindwin River Cruises
The Chindwin River is the heart of Monywa, along which kingdoms have flourished. Today, the banks of the river are home to villages thriving on fishing. The sunsets and sunrises are magical.
Have A Relax Moment On The Chindwin River (Cre: jasmineholidays)
The best way to witness all these is through boat trips that take you through the little-explored countryside of Myanmar. Whether you have an hour or days, you can easily fit in a boat tour on the Chindwin. You can directly book these tours at the pier with the tour operators. The price starts from US $48 per person.
Where To Stay In Monywa
Opting to lodge in the vicinity of Chindwin River and Kan Thar Yar Lake, along Monywa Road, offers convenient access to numerous tourist attractions and the local market, streamlining your travel experience. Plus, the serene ambiance of the water enhances the overall stay, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking both convenience and tranquility.
| Accommodation | Class | Address |
| Win Unity Hotel | 3 star | Bogyoke Road, Yone Gyi Quarter Kantharyar, Monywa |
| Hotel Chindwin | 3 star | Bogyoke Street, Monywa |
| King & Queen Hotel | 3 star | Kyauk Kar Road Near Kyaukka Traffic Light, Yankin Community, Monywa |
| Shwe Taung Tan Hotel | 3 star | Kanpat Street Aung Chan Thar Quarter, Monywa |
| Glorious Monywa Hotel | 3 star | Lai Ti Street, New General Aung San Road, Daw Na Chan Ward, Monywa |
What To Buy When Traveling To Monywa
Palm Sugar
Palm sugar, a prevalent sweetener in Myanmar, is readily available in local markets, grocery stores, and sometimes from street vendors or specialty stores.
Derived from the sap of different palm trees, it's widely used in various Myanmar dishes. To buy some, consider exploring the offerings at nearby local markets as a starting point.
Palm Sugar (Cre: teasalad)
Lacquerware
Monywa is known for its lacquerware, which includes a variety of items such as bowls, trays, boxes, and vases with traditional designs, making them both stylish and long-lasting souvenirs. Additionally, Kyaukka village in Kale Township, just 12 miles from Monywa, is famous for its everyday lacquerware utensils, offering visitors the chance to purchase authentic pieces.
Exquisite Product Made From Lacquer (cre: mekongsustainabletourism)
Traditional Textiles
Look for beautifully crafted textiles such as longyis (traditional Burmese sarongs), scarves, or shawls made from local materials.
These fabrics are known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making them both fashionable and memorable souvenirs of your visit to Monywa.
Embroidered Textiles With Colorful Patterns (Cre: myanmarlifeandcolours)
How To Get To Monywa
By Air
There are no international airports in Monywa, so you need to reach Yangon, Naypyidaw, or Mandalay if you want to visit there.
The nearest international airport to Monywa is Mandalay International Airport (IATA: MDL), which is approximately 136 kilometers (about 85 miles) away. Ticket price for a flight between domestic cities is generally from US $50 - 150.
By Train
Trains are another popular option with travelers in Myanmar. It provides an opportunity to take in beautiful scenery and to mingle with locals who also use the train to get around the country.
Ticket prices range from around US $10 - 25 depending on route and carriage class and booking in advance for sleeper trains is highly recommended.Remember to bring your passport when purchasing train tickets.
By Bus
Bus services connect Monywa with various cities and towns in Myanmar. You can take long-distance buses from major cities such as Mandalay, Yangon, Naypyidaw, or Bagan to Monywa.
There are three alternatives for travelers: Air-conditioned bus with 48 seats, VIP luxury bus with 27 seats, and Air-conditioned minibus with 19 seats. The price for these often takes from US $7 - 30 depending on the duration of the ride and the carriage class.
How To Get Around Monywa
Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle taxis offer a convenient and flexible transportation option for exploring Myanmar. With the freedom to depart and stop at your leisure, they provide a relatively comfortable way to travel between destinations. Additionally, motorcycle taxis are cost-effective, especially for solo travelers. It's advisable to request a helmet for safety reasons and to comply with regulations.
Identifying a motorcycle taxi stand is easy, and rates typically start at US $0,24. It's recommended to ask about the rates before hiring one.
Taxi
You can flag down taxis almost anywhere. While rates between bus stations, airports, and downtown are usually fixed, taxis hailed from hotels, restaurants, or shopping centers tend to charge more.
Therefore, it's advisable to inquire about the standard rates at your guesthouse before seeking a taxi elsewhere. Within the city, fares are negotiable, with prices typically rising during evening rush hours and heavy traffic times. Short-distance trips can start from US $0,24, but it's common for foreigners to be charged higher rates. Also, you might be requested for a surcharge if you want to turn on the air-conditioning.
Local Tips When Traveling To Monywa
- Dress Modestly: As Monywa boasts numerous religious sites, it is essential to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Stay Hydrated: The heat in Monywa can be intense, so remember to bring water with you to ensure your health.
- Be Ready For Walking: Many of Monywa's attractions require walking or climbing stairs, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and expect some physical activity.
- Bring Insect Repellent: Due to the abundance of mosquitoes, particularly near rivers or at dusk, it's advisable to bring mosquito repellent with you to prevent bites.
- Respect Local Customs: Myanmar is a culturally rich country with deep-rooted traditions, so it is recommended to show your honor to local customs, traditions, and etiquette while visiting. Always seek permission before photographing individuals or religious artifacts.
