Monywa Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural beauty of Monywa with our informative guide covering everything from must-see attractions to local customs and tastes.


Introduction to Monywa

Monywa is a city in Northern Myanmar that has often been overlooked by travelers eager to explore the country’s more popular destinations. Despite this, Monywa has much to offer visitors and is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. This city boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous ancient temples, museums, and historical landmarks, as well as some of the most stunning natural scenery in the region.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Monywa, the top things to do, where to stay, must-try local dishes and beverages, and much more. So, pack your bags and discover the cultural and natural beauty of Monywa.

List of Places to Visit in Monywa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Monywa boasts a rich cultural heritage and visitors should not miss these important cultural landmarks and museums:

  • Thanboddhay Pagoda: This magnificent Pagoda is Monywa’s most famous attraction. It is adorned with over half a million Buddha images arranged in spiraling tiers and is a truly unique sight.
  • Po Win Taung Caves: Po Win Taung caves are a series of 947 caves that have been carved into the hillside, filled with ancient Buddhas and murals. They are considered one of the most extensive and well-preserved collections of mural art and could easily occupy a whole day.
  • Laykyun Setkyar: Rising 116 meters high, the Laykyun Setkyar is one of the tallest statues in the world. It is an impressive sight to behold and an important landmark of the region.
  • Monywa Cultural Museum: This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Monywa with interesting exhibits and artifacts related to the area’s history.

Natural Attractions of Monywa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Monywa is full of natural splendor and outdoor adventures. Some of the top natural attractions in Monywa are:

  • Shwe Ba Taung: This collection of cave temples is located in a beautiful setting amongst the rocks and offers stunning views of the countryside below.
  • Phowintaung: Similar to Po Win Taung, Phowintaung is a series of more than 800 caves, some of which have been converted into monasteries.
  • Chindwin River: The Chindwin River passes through Monywa and offers some of the most scenic river views in Southeast Asia. Taking a boat ride on this river is a must-do activity.
  • Chin Swe Haw Pottery Village: Take a trip to this traditional pottery village and witness the artist working to create intricate pieces of Burmese pottery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Monywa

Monywa has numerous hiking and biking routes perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best:

  • Hiking to Bodhi Tahtaung: This trek takes visitors through beautiful scenery and culminates in the 300,000 Buddha images at Bodhi Tahtaung.
  • Biking to Po Win Taung and Shwe Ba Taung: Visiting these ancient cave temples should be on every visitor’s list, and biking is an excellent way to explore them properly.
  • Hiking through the White Cliff Forest: This trek takes visitors through a unique environment with stunning white cliffs and rocky outcrops, culminating in a beautiful waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Monywa: Activities and Tours

Monywa offers various activities and experiences that will leave visitors with lasting memories. Some of the best activities to try in Monywa are:

  • Balloon rides: Take in the scenic views of Monywa and the surrounding countryside atop a balloon ride.
  • Cycling tours: Enjoy a self-guided or guided cycling tour through Monywa and its surrounding regions.
  • Hot air balloon safaris: Take a hot air balloon safari over Monywa, Shwe Ba Taung, and Po Win Taung for unobstructed views of the temples and surrounding countryside.
  • Sunset riverboat cruise: Take a relaxed boat ride during sunset and enjoy the scenic views of Monywa’s landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Monywa

Day 1: Visit Thanboddhay Pagoda, Monywa Cultural Museum, and Laykyun Setkyar statue. Day 2: Explore Po Win Taung caves and nearby Phowintaung caves. Day 3: Take a hot air balloon safari over Po Win Taung, Shwe Ba Taung, and scenic views of Monywa’s landscapes. Day 4: Visit the pottery village at Chin Swe Haw to witness skilled artists creating intricate pottery art. Day 5: Visit White Cliff Forest for a day trip to see the white cliffs and stunning waterfall. Day 6: Take a sunset riverboat cruise for scenic views of Monywa’s surroundings. Day 7: Shop for souvenirs and try out local delicacies.

Food and Drink Scene of Monywa

Must-Try Dishes

Monywa is known for its traditional local cuisine, which is influenced by neighboring countries like China, Thailand, and India. Must-try dishes in Monywa include:

  • Shan-style noodles: This dish is a Burmese favorite and is made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, and broth.
  • Mont Lin Ma Yar: This sweet snack is a mixture of glutinous rice flour and jaggery.
  • Gyin Thohk: This spicy salad variant is made from a mix of ginger, tamarind paste, and tomato as the primary ingredients.
  • Mawlamyine-style Mont Ti: This is a deep-fried stuffed vegetable dish that is usually served with a tomatoey broth that rounds up the flavor.

Local Beverages

Myanmar is famous for its large tea leaf salads, and Monywa is no exception. Other local drinks include Burmese beer and soft drinks, Burmese brandy, as well as various types of tea.

Where to Stay in Monywa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Monywa is a moderately developed city, and accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Some of our picks are:

  • Win Unity Resort: A luxurious resort with a swimming pool and excellent views of the Chindwin River.
  • Hotel Chindwin: A budget-friendly hotel with clean and spacious rooms. It is located near the city center and offers easy access to various landmarks.
  • Win Nyunt Guest House: A budget-friendly guest house with simple but clean rooms and friendly staff.
  • Shwe Taung Tan Hotel: A delightful mid-range hotel with fantastic amenities, including a sauna, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Monywa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best things to buy in Monywa are:

  • Jewellery: Visitors can purchase locally made gold and silver jewelry in traditional Burmese styles.
  • Shan paper: Shan paper is a handmade paper made from the mulberry tree and is used for calligraphy and other decorative purposes. It is available at the local markets in Monywa.
  • Local spices: Visitors should get their hands on local spices like lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and turmeric to bring the flavors of Monywa home.
  • Traditional Lacquerware: This is a traditional Burmese handicraft made from bamboo and lacquer and is available at local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Monywa

Myanmar is known for its rich cultural heritage, and Monywa is no exception. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting Monywa:

  • Dress modestly: Visitors should ensure to wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites and temples.
  • Respect religious customs: Remove shoes and cover the head when entering temples and religious sites.
  • Be respectful of elders: Elders are held in high regard in Burmese culture, so treat them with respect.
  • Buy local handicrafts: Encouraging and supporting local artists will go a long way in preserving their handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit Monywa

The best time to visit Monywa is from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monywa

Do:

  • Explore the ancient temples and religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and public places.
  • Keep interactions with locals respectful and polite.

Don’t:

  • Do not disrespect Buddhist customs.
  • Do not litter or damage the ancient temples and sites.
  • Do not photograph without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Monywa

Although Monywa is a safe city, visitors may experience pickpocketing, so it is always wise to keep an eye on your valuables when in public areas.

Health in Monywa

Visitors should ensure that they are updated on their vaccines before traveling to Monywa. Also, it is essential to carry insect repellant and wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Monywa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Monywa is reachable through many travel options. Here are some of the best ways to get to Monywa:

Airports Near Monywa

The nearest airport is Mandalay International Airport, which is around 125 kilometers away from Monywa and is well-connected.

Bus Stations Near Monywa

Monywa is accessible through several bus stations in the area. Some of the most popular are:

  • Yangon Bus Station: This station has regularly scheduled buses to Monywa. The journey takes around 16-18 hours.
  • Mandalay Bus Station: Mandalay is proximal to Monywa and has regular buses that take around 3-4 hours to reach Monywa.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or private car from Mandalay or Yangon to reach Monywa. However, this option is relatively expensive, but visitors can enjoy the scenic views en route.

How to Get Around in Monywa

Monywa has plenty of transportation options, from taxis to trishaws and buses. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the city independently.

Where to Go Next from Monywa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular destinations to visit after exploring Monywa are:

  • Mandalay: A culturally rich city that is home to various ancient Buddhist sites.
  • Bagan: This site offers a unique and vast collection of ancient temples and is perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Yangon: Myanmar’s biggest city offers a variety of tourist attractions, from bustling markets to stunning pagodas.

Conclusion

Monywa may not be as well-known as some of Myanmar’s other destinations, but it is full of unique cultural sites, ancient temples, and stunning natural scenery. This travel guide has explored the best places to visit in Monywa, top things to do, and local customs and experiences that visitors should not miss. So, pack your bags and head to Monywa for an adventure that you are bound to remember for a lifetime.

Bodhi Tataung Bodhi Tataung Buddha statues at Bodhi Tataung Buddha statues at Bodhi Tataung Thanboddhay Pagoda Thanboddhay Pagoda