Twante Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Twante? This comprehensive guide provides a list of places to visit, things to do and see, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Twante

Nestled in the heart of Southern Myanmar, Twante is a hidden gem where visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. This small town is known for its pottery and weaving industry, traditional architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination to add to your itinerary, Twante is an excellent choice.

List of Places to Visit in Twante

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shwesandaw Pagoda - One of the most famous landmarks in Twante, this ancient pagoda dates back to the Mon Dynasty. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Twante Canal - This canal is an important transportation route that connects the Ayeyarwady River to the Yangon River. It was built during the British colonial period and is an impressive feat of engineering.
  • Twante Market - A bustling market where you can find handmade pottery, woven textiles, and other locally made products.
  • Twante Train Station - A charming colonial-era train station that provides visitors with a glimpse into the town’s history.

Natural Attractions of Twante: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Thanlyin Bridge - This bridge provides panoramic views of the rivers and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular spot for photography and sunset views.
  • Twante Hills - These hills offer panoramic views of Twante and the surrounding area. Visitors can hike or bike to the top for a stunning viewpoint of the town.
  • Twante Creek - Take a boat ride on this creek and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Twante

For hiking and biking enthusiasts, Twante offers several routes that showcase the town’s natural beauty and the surrounding countryside. Some popular routes include:

  • Twante Hills Hike - This trail takes you through the hills surrounding Twante and provides stunning views of the town.
  • Twante to Thanlyin Bike Ride - A scenic bike ride that takes you through the countryside and past rice fields, local villages, and other sites.
  • Twante to Yangon Cycle Tour - A challenging, multi-day tour that takes you from Twante to Yangon through the countryside and past cultural sites.

Best Things to Do in Twante: Activities and Tours

  • Pottery Workshops - Twante is known for its pottery industry, and visitors can attend workshops to learn about traditional techniques and even make their pottery.
  • Weaving Workshops - Along with pottery, Twante is also famous for its weaving industry. Visitors can learn about the traditional methods and make textiles.
  • Cycling Tours - Take a cycling tour through the countryside and visit local villages and cultural sites.
  • Boat Rides - Take a boat ride on the Twante Creek and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Temple Visits - Visit the various temples and pagodas in Twante and learn about the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Twante

Day 1: Arrive in Twante and relax at your hotel/hostel/guesthouse.

Day 2: Start your day by visiting the Shwesandaw Pagoda and then explore the Twante Market. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Twante Creek.

Day 3: Take a bike ride to Thanlyin and visit the Thanlyin Bridge. In the evening, return to Twante for a pottery workshop.

Day 4: Explore the Twante Hills by hiking or biking to the top for stunning views of the town. In the evening, attend a weaving workshop.

Day 5: Visit the Twante Train Station and learn about the town’s colonial-era history. In the afternoon, take a cycling tour to local villages and cultural sites.

Day 6: Visit the various temples and pagodas in Twante and learn about the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 7: Depart from Twante for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Twante

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mohinga - A traditional Myanmar breakfast dish made with fish broth, rice noodles, and various spices.
  • Shan-style Noodles - A dish of rice noodles with chicken or pork and a variety of spices.
  • Myanmar Tea - A traditional drink made with strong tea leaves, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine - A popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented sap from the palm tree.
  • Sugarcane Juice - A refreshing drink made by squeezing the juice out of sugarcane.

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

There are several accommodation options in Twante for all budgets. Some popular options include:

  • Twante Farm Guest House - A budget-friendly guesthouse with rustic, charming rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Hotel Sint Yadanar - A mid-range hotel located in the heart of Twante with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
  • Hg Net Guesthouse - A modern, stylish guesthouse with spacious rooms and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

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

  • Pottery - Twante is known for its traditional pottery industry, and visitors can purchase handmade pots, vases, and other ceramics as souvenirs.
  • Textiles - Twante is also famous for its weaving industry, and visitors can purchase handmade textiles and fabrics.
  • Thanaka - A natural cosmetic made from dried tree bark. It is a popular beauty product in Myanmar and can be found in various forms in Twante.

Local Culture and Customs of Twante

  • Buddhism - Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Dress Code - When visiting temples and pagodas, it is customary to dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees.
  • Greetings - When meeting locals, it is customary to greet them with a polite “Mingalabar.”

Best Time to Visit Twante

The best time to visit Twante is from November to February when the weather is dry and pleasant. The temperatures are moderate, and it is not too humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Twante

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Try local cuisine and products, such as pottery and textiles.
  • Interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t litter or damage cultural or historical sites.
  • Don’t engage in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Twante

Twante is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and sticking to well-lit areas at night.

Health in Twante

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and stay hydrated in the hot, humid climate. It is also advisable to consult a doctor before traveling to get updated information on vaccinations and other health precautions.

Getting to Twante: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Twante

The closest major airport is the Yangon International Airport, which is about 2 hours away from Twante by car.

Bus Stations Near Twante

There are several bus stations in Yangon that offer regular bus service to Twante.

Other Options

Another transportation option is taking a taxi or private car rental from Yangon to Twante.

How to Get Around in Twante

The best way to get around Twante is by bike or by foot. Bikes can be rented from local shops at a reasonable price. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available, but they can be more expensive.

Where to Go Next from Twante: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yangon - Myanmar’s largest city and cultural capital, Yangon is home to several attractions, including the Shwedagon Pagoda and several museums and cultural sites.
  • Bago - A historic city with several ancient pagodas and temples. It is about an hour’s drive from Twante.
  • Inle Lake - A natural wonderland and cultural hotspot, Inle Lake is famous for its traditional fishing techniques and floating villages. It is about 12 hours away by bus from Twante.

Conclusion

Whether you are interested in cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or simply unwinding in a peaceful town, Twante has plenty to offer. This comprehensive guide should help you plan your trip and explore everything this charming town has to offer.

Shwesandaw Pagoda, Thante Shwesandaw Pagoda, Thante