In northwest Myanmar, one hundred and thirty-five kilometres from Mandalay, lies Monywa, a handsome town that welcomes you for an unforgettable journey. With its many points of interest, Monywa stands as Myanmar's hidden treasure. Though it doesn't top the list of the country's most visited towns, this takes nothing away from its charm. The best-hidden treasures are always the most precious. Between Buddhist temples, gigantic Buddha statues and sculpted caves, Monywa reveals, within a singular setting, a natural beauty.
Imagine a site offering more than five hundred thousand images of the Buddha, concentrated in a single place. This is what awaits at Thanboddhay Pagoda, Monywa's flagship attraction. The pagoda is a monumental Buddhist temple with an immense stupa that bears a curious resemblance to the one at Borobudur, Indonesia. Construction of this gem dates back to the 1300s.
Next comes the imposing Bodhi Tataung Buddha, set on a hill near Thanboddhay Pagoda; a distant view of this monument is striking, so sumptuous are the two colossal statues that come into sight. As if to protect the town — and indeed the whole country — this standing Buddha statue rests on a pedestal thirteen and a half metres high before rising one hundred and thirty metres into the sky. Beside it stands a second, no less impressive, Buddha statue. A lift provides access to the top of the statues, where prayer rooms are arranged across several levels.
While Mohnyin Thanboddhay Paya is Monywa's main attraction, the Po Win Daung caves remain an absolute must-see. This exceptional archaeological site lies around forty kilometres from Monywa. Four hundred and ninety-two caves, carved between the 14th and 18th centuries, make up this remarkable site, now turned into temples devoted to Buddhism. Inside the caves are around two thousand six hundred Buddha statues. The ceilings, like the walls, are decorated with magnificent rock paintings. Many monks have made their home here, where they protect the statues from looting.
Monywa is also known as a genuine trading hub, supplying the population with a variety of agricultural products drawn from the Chindwin Valley. Oranges, beans, jaggery, flour and noodles are just a few examples. In Monywa you can also try the delicious Alon sausages, a popular local dish. But food is not the only thing this town has to offer — traditional objects crafted from bamboo or reed can also be found here.
