Monywa Myanmar - A Must-visited Place To Put In Your Bucket List

If you are traveling from Bagan to Monywa, it is well worth spending a night or several days there to see the sights. Monywa Myanmar is a town near the more well-known Mandalay.

Monywa is home to several noteworthy sights, including the world's second-tallest Buddha statue and a picturesque monastery renowned for its collection of over 500,000 Buddha statues.

This area is also home to a number of elaborate traditional temples, some of which are housed inside breathtaking limestone caverns.

Where is Monywa Located?

Monywa is the central Myanmar locality that is roughly 136 km northwest of Mandalay and 110 km east of the Indian border from Mandalay. The city is situated on the eastern shore of the Chindwin River, which is an important trade and transit point in the Sagaing Region. Monywa is a frequent stop-over city for people exploring the country, as it is well connected by road to other major cities such as Mandalay and Bagan.

Monywa Myanmar History

The historical and cultural background of Monywa Myanmar is very rich. Long ago, it was a significant link in trade and commerce that was strategically positioned along the banks of the Chindwin River. The city has always been a cradle of Buddhist studies, and it's temples and pagodas embody the deep spiritual heritage of Myanmar. The city has been a site for the various Burmese dynasties and innumerable religious relics likewise have attracted the locals and pilgrims from as far as the kingdom.

During British colonial rule, Monywa played a role in trade between Myanmar and India. Today, it continues to be an important economic center for the Sagaing Region, known for its agriculture, copper mining, and handicrafts.

Monywa Myanmar

Best Time to Visit Monywa Myanmar

In general, November through February is the ideal time of year to travel to Myanmar Monywa. Since the monsoon season ends right after this time, the country experiences its nicest weather, which is often dry and not very hot.

Temperatures start to climb in February, which might be uncomfortable if you're not used to the heat. Remember that the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, is when the dust turns to mud and flooding is frequent in rural regions. There isn't a true high season that you should avoid because Monywa doesn't receive as many tourists as other regions of the nation.

How to Get to Monywa Myanmar

There is an airport at Monywa. However, at this time, there are no airlines that offer flights to or from Monywa. Mandalay and Bagan are the two closest airports to Monywa. There are then a number of ways to go to Monywa.

Monywa is about 3 hours from Mandalay, making a day trip possible but quite long.

One way to get here from Mandalay is by train, though schedules can be erratic. A daily train departs at 5:45 am, takes around 6 hours via Sagaing, and costs about 1 USD. However, only ordinary class carriages are available, making it a less comfortable option.

A better option is the bus. Buses to Mandalay depart daily at 5 am and 4 pm for 2 USD. Air-conditioned minibuses leave at 5 am and 9:30 am for 2.50 USD.

Buses also run from Monywa to Pakokku, connecting to Bagan. They leave at 6 am, 9 am, and 12:30 pm for 2 USD, but check the final destination as some only go as far as Pakokku.

For northern travel, boats operate in the rainy season but are unreliable in the dry season. Boats to Kalewa, Mawlaik, and Homelin take between 10 to 24 hours. Many leave at around 4 am, with tickets costing between 9 USD and 26, including meals.

Monywa is worth exploring if you decide to get there

Why is Monywa Famous for?

Despite having the second-tallest Buddha statue in the world and a monastery with more than half a million Buddha statues, Monywa Myanmar is somewhat underappreciated as a tourist destination.

It also features a variety of temples housed in breathtaking sandstone caverns that are distinct from many of Myanmar's traditional temples. Although most tourists don't come to Myanmar just to visit Monywa, it is nevertheless worthwhile to swing there if you are nearby, especially in Mandalay, just to see the monuments. It gives you the opportunity to experience a less touristy and busy experience away from the crowds in addition to sculptures and temples.

Monywa Famous Places That You Should Experience

Thanboddhay Pagoda

When asking what is the famous pagoda in Monywa Myanmar? It’s definitely Thanboddhay Pagoda. The bright and distinctive pagoda is situated 20 kilometers southeast of the town. The pagoda has hundreds of golden spires and more than 500,000 Buddha figures. An elaborate main pagoda, a sizable prayer hall, and a lookout with views of the pagoda and the surrounding plains are all part of the 15-hectare complex.

This pagoda's entrance is not guarded by the legendary lions, in contrast to the majority of pagodas in Myanmar. Statues of two white elephants, which are considered auspicious and sacred in Buddhist symbolism, take their place.

One of the most elaborate and vibrant monastic structures in the nation is the main pagoda. Images of Buddha are adorning every part of the building. More than 800 intricately adorned miniature pagodas, lion statues, and other mythological animals encircle its square base. A huge golden stupa with an hti top piece atop it sits in the center. Small Buddha images are housed in dozens of ascending rows of niches on the walls and pillars.

Thanboddhay Pagoda

Po Win Taung Caves

Visit this magnificent complex, which is reported to have around 500 Buddha chambers carved into the surrounding soft limestone slope, if you wish to get a taste of the local way of life.

Although the caves are shallow, the Buddha chambers, which date from the 14th to the 18th century, are nonetheless a sight to behold if you have never seen anything like them before.

The complex has 947 caves, both huge and little, with elaborate decorations. Between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, they were constructed. Hundreds of Buddha sculptures carved into a sandstone outcrop and elaborate mural paintings may be found within the site. Through the caves, visitors can discover geometric patterns and Jataka legends.

Po Win Taung Caves

Bodhi Tataung (Standing Buddha and Reclining Buddha)

Bodhi Tataung is home to two gigantic Buddha statues—a standing Buddha and a reclining Buddha. These statues are major religious landmarks, attracting both tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.

It is well-known for the golden-robed standing Buddha statue of Laykyun Sekkya. As of 2018, it is the third-tallest statue in the world, standing at 116 meters. Aung Sekkya Stupa, hundreds of seated Buddhas, bodhi trees, and a massive reclining Buddha in front of the Laykyun Sekkya are all part of the expansive sacred site behind it.

The statue's interior includes propaganda pictures of the generals in power when it was finished in 2008, along with renderings of Buddhist teachings, including some frightening pictures of depravity and the punishment of evildoers.

Numerous Buddha pictures in various mudras are on display on the ground floor. Two enormous white Chinthes, mythological animals that resemble lions, guard the stairs leading to the platform where the artwork is located.

Bodhi Tataung Monastery

Eat at the local Night Market

The final thing that you should do in Monywa Myanmar is to try all the local food in this city. The Night Market, which is near the neighborhood clock tower, is the best place to go if you're seeking inexpensive food in Monywa.

The majority of the vendors only have small plastic chairs and tables, so the setup isn't particularly fancy. However, you can purchase some delectable delicacies like succulent skewers of barbecued meats.

Additionally, there is beer available, and it's a great spot to see how Myanmar natives eat.

Try the local food at Monywa Myanmar

Conclusion

Monywa Myanmar, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a perfect mix of history, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring its ancient temples, breathtaking cave complexes, or vibrant food scene, Monywa is a destination that should not be missed. From the towering Bodhi Tataung Buddha to the intricate Thanboddhay Pagoda, every corner of this city holds a piece of Myanmar’s rich heritage. If you are looking for an authentic and unique travel experience, Monywa is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.