Monywa Myanmar – Top Picks for Attractions and Sights

Monywa has some stunning attractions, including the second tallest Buddha statue in the world which is worth the trip alone. Many of the main sights are located a short distance outside of the centre of town and this also gives you the chance to take in the pretty countryside and pass local villages and exquisite temples.

Back in Monywa proper there are fewer ‘sights’ as such although it is still a great place to go for a walk, to take in the traditional Burmese small-town atmosphere and to sample some amazing local curries.

Bodhi Tataung

For many Bodhi Tataung is the main reason to come to Monywa and is the famous Buddha statue that stands proud at 130 meters above ground. This amazing monument is located on a hill and is around 20 kilometres outside of town but easy to get to via motor taxi or tuk-tuk. Surrounding the statue is a garden which has a range of lush trees and ornate sculptures as well as a tea shop. The most amazing aspect of the Buddha is that it’s hollow and you can climb inside it by going floor by floor until you get to around half way up, at which point you can’t go any further. The Buddha closes at 5 pm so make sure to time your trip accordingly. A taxi is about USD25 for the round trip from Monywa.

Thanboddhay Paya

The other big attraction outside of Monywa is Thanboddhay Paya which is a monastery made of interconnecting shrines, lanes, alleys, and stupas. Dating from the 14th century, Thanboddhay Paya has over 500,000 depictions of Buddha which makes it one of the most amazing sights in Myanmar. The monastery is not designed in the traditional way which makes it unusual and you will find intricate Buddha statues as well as multi-hued tiles and other quirky decorative features. It’s unlike many other religious buildings across the country and at just USD2 for a ticket it is also one of the best values for money.

Po Win Taung Cave Temples

For us, the cave temples were definitely the highlight of travelling to Monywa and are simply amazing! To get there from Monywa, you need to cross the river and then negotiate a taxi ride to the caves.

Po Win Taung Cave Temples is a complex of chambers cut into the soft sandstone and comparisons to Petra in Jordan abound. There are said to be around 1,000 caves here with shrines and temples located inside and you will also find freestanding stupas on the main area in front of the cliffs. Inside some of the larger caves you will also find paintings and these are said to have been created any time from the 14th to the 17th century.

One option to explore the caves is to hire a guide although this is not mandatory but it can be a good choice if you want to see some of the key parts of the complex and learn a little of the history at the same time. Guides usually charge around USD2 for a tour that lasts about an hour and there is a USD2 entrance fee.

Shwe Ba Taung

Close to the Po Win Taung Caves is Shwe Ba Taung which is made up of more of the same in the form of labyrinths of sandstone passages that lead to exquisite shrines. If anything this is more impressive than the Po Win Taung Caves and you can even find Buddha statues carved directly into the rock here in a range of styles that take from different historical periods and influences.

Shwe Ba Taung is 35 kilometres outside of Monywa but you can also take a boat and tuk-tuk combination for around USD15 for both. There is an entrance fee of USD2 but it is more than worth it and the boat trip across the river makes for a memorable experience.

Shwezigon Paya

A visit to Shwezigon Paya located in the centre of town makes for a great evening stroll. The golden stupa looks so elegant beautifully illuminated and the tiny golden leaves on the handsome finial sing their crystal song in the wind creating relaxed and meditative vibe throughout the whole place.