Monywa Myanmar
Myanmar
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chindwin, the Irrawaddy's main tributary, well away from the usual circuits. Boats moor against the bank, right beside a busy town where scooters weave between carts.
A pagoda unlike anything else: built between 1939 and 1952, it stacks terraces painted in bold colours and bristling with hundreds of gilded spires, and holds more than 500,000 images of the Buddha.
A site whose name means a thousand Buddhas, its statues tiered across hills planted with Bodhi trees. At the summit stands a 132-metre standing Buddha, one of the tallest statues in the world, visible for kilometres.
The whole Chindwin valley, a chequerboard of fields and palms that catches fire at sunset. Burmese pilgrims come as families, picnic baskets in hand, and climb the stairs laughing.
A maze of 947 shrine caves carved into a sandstone hill on the west bank of the Chindwin, about 25 kilometres from town. The oldest murals date from the fourteenth century.
By car with a driver or on an organised excursion, river crossing included. The visit is more exploration than sightseeing, torch in hand; closed shoes help on sandstone polished by centuries.
Yes, and they add an element of surprise. Hold on tightly to glasses and snacks.
Beans, sesame, thanaka in sticks, lacquerware and cottons. These are among the most active markets in the region, a hub for the valley's produce, and few foreigners linger in the aisles.
A golden bark paste women wear on their cheeks, at once sunscreen and adornment. Sellers will gladly explain how it is made, stone grinder at the ready.
A full day to combine Thanboddhay, Bodhi Tataung and Hpo Win Daung, since the caves alone are a half-day trip. On a short call you have to choose.
