Top 5 Things to Do in Monywa, Myanmar

Monywa is a city in Myanmar in the Sagaing Division, around 136km north-west of Mandalay. The best way to reach the city is by bus and this is one place that any culture buff should visit. There are so many things to see and do in Monywa that you’ll have trouble deciding. That’s why we put together this list of the top 5 things to do in Monywa, Myanmar.

1. Thanboddhay Pagoda 

If you’re headed to the city by car then you need to visit the Thanboddhay Pagoda on the way. Thanboddhay Pagoda is the unique architecture of Myanmar. There are more than 50.000 tiny sculptures which are engraved around the temples. This unusual Buddhist temple is part of the Mohnyin Forest Monastery retreat. Construction of the pagoda began in 1939, lasting through to 1952. It was created by the MohnyinSayadaw, an effigy of whom is visible nearby.

There are many pieces of Buddhist art and imagery to be found in the pagoda, which is the only one in the country with this unique shape. Tourists are able to study and take photos of the different aspects of the temple such as the decorated pillars and the masonry fruits.

In addition, the pagoda festival is also interesting activity that tourists can join with the local people. This festival is held every year in November and it lasts for few days. During this festival, the local people who live near to the pagoda come, enjoy music and dance together. Around this places, there are many stalls selling traditional accessories. You can  purchase them as souvenirs.

Furthermore, some famous Myanmar products including Myanmar Thanakha, sandalwood and textile like blankets can be sale in the festival.things to do in monywa

2. Po Win Taung Caves 

Po Win Taung literally translates to “Mountain of Isolated Solitary Meditation”. This man made labyrinth is full of murals displaying a mixture of Animism and Buddhist beliefs. The murals depict mythical beings, animals, and flowers alongside Buddhist art featuring murals relating to the jataka reincarnation stories of the Buddha.

There are approximately 790 caves and around a thousand temple shrines carved into the stone. Many of the shrine’s entrances are framed by sculptures of humans, demons, and animals that guard the shrines.

Like Thanboddhay Pagoda, there is also a Buddhist festival which organized on the ancient temple ground in November depending on Myanmar lunar calendar.  The festival's atmostphere is exciting and full of energy. This occasion is the good time for everyone visit family and friends. You can wallow yourselves in the traditional music and plays during this lively festival.Take a tour with Chinwind river cruises and discover these caves to see the magic and wonder for yourself. 

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3. Htan Ta Loke Stream 

The Htan Ta Loke Stream is one of the most beautiful natural wonders to see in Monywa, Myanmar. This is one of the most famous picnic spots in the Kyaukka village. The stream features a waterfall and a cold stream sourced from an underground spring. The area is surrounded by shady trees and large boulders. Take a trek through the area to get up close and personal with nature, or take a bath in the stream. 

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4. Pho Win Hill 

It takes around 20 minutes to walk up Pho Win Hill but it’s worth it. There are around 900 sandstone caves filled with Buddha imagery and other preserved murals. Some of the caves also feature incredible exterior decorations. Some of the Buddha images in the caves have been covered with gold leaf by pilgrims. The unique images and paintings in Pho Win Hill have been dated to between the 14th and 18th centuries, and is considered to be the greatest collection of Buddhist imagery and murals in South East Asia. 

There are many caves with different areas engraved with old Buddha images. There are over 400,000 images around these caves. things to do in Monywa 3

5. LaykyunSetkyar Standing Buddha

The LaykyunSetkyar Standing Buddha was built by Bodhi TahtaungSayadaw. This is the second tallest image of Buddha in the world, standing at 116 meters tall. It can be found on Po Khaung Tang and is hollow.  Laykyun Sekkya is not only the impressive attraction of tourists but also place of worship for the local people. 

There is an entrance into the Laykyun Sekkya image and access to all of the floors which allow visitors climb up for one of the best views. The LakyunSetkya standing Buddha has become one of the top things to see in Myanmar, becoming a major tourist attraction. 

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There’s no shortage of things to do in Monywa, Myanmar. Take a voyage with Myanmar river cruises to the city and see it all for yourself 

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