From Mandalay: Full Day Excursion To Monywa

Mandalay , Myanmar

From Mandalay: Full Day Excursion To Monywa

Active

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

When in Mandalay, it is very worthwhile to take a visit to Monywa, which lies on the banks of the Chindwin River and northwest of Mandalay. Marvel at the architecture of the amazing Thanbuddhay Pagoda and Cave Temple at Pho Win Taung.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Excursions to the cave temples of Pho Win Taung which is famous for their Buddha statues, mural paintings and woodcarvings.
• Visit to Thanbuddhay Pagoda, another highly important attraction completed in 1951 after 12 years of construction with over 800 small Buddha Stupas on and around the pagoda. There are also reportedly 582, 357 Buddha statues on the ceiling, walls, archways and the niches in an on the temple compound.
• There are also reportedly 582, 357 Buddha statues on the ceiling, walls, archways and the niches in an on the temple compound.

Available options

From Mandalay: Full Day Excursion To Monywa

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch at local restaurant,

Private sightseeing with an English speaking guide & air-conditioned vehicle

Pick-up and drop off from/to your Hotel in Mandalay

Snow towel & 1 Bottle of purified drinking water

Detailed itinerary

In the early morning approximately 07:00 A.M., our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Mandalay, and then drive to Monywa (150 km – approx. 2 hours). Arrive Monywa and continue to visit a sandstone cave system in the Pho Win Hills, named after a famous 'zawgyi' (alchemist) who once lived here. The Caves of Pho Win Taung, numbering more than one hundred, are full of Buddhist statues and murals. Most exhibit the Innwa style but some may date from the 14th Century. Nearby, visit Shwe Ba Taung which features unique pavilions cut from the surrounding sandstone and filled with Buddha images.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Then visit Moenyin Thanboddhay Pagoda, which is about 20 Kilometers from Monywa. The richly decorated central stupa has no less than 845 smaller stupas around it. Inside the patio, you will see thousands of Buddha images (reportedly over 500,000) decorating every wall, archway and niche. The buildings in the compound have interesting jataka relieves and there is a huge Reclining Buddha (Shwe Thar Lyaung Pagoda) nearby.

Following sights includes: Aungset Kya Pagoda, Bodhitahtaung Pagoda, where you will see 1000 Bo trees with sitting Buddha images.

Visit Laykyun Sakkya Yattawmu Pagoda, famous as the world’s tallest standing Buddha image and after that drive back to your hotel in Mandalay.

What's not included

Hotel accommodation

Services not mentioned in our itinerary

Mandalay Zone Fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to the current political unrest situation in those area, we currently do not recommend this tour until further notice. Permissions are required from the local authorities to visit those areas. (Updated on 26 May 2025)

As you will be visiting religious sites, please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and remember to take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas.

This tour is not available during the Water Festival period between 12 to 18 Apr. During this time, everything in town is closed: restaurants, shops, markets, Museum, etc. Driving through Yangon is extremely difficult if not impossible because people celebrate the famous water-festival. You cannot avoid of getting very wet because everyone throws water at everybody. People drive through the city in open cars and there are stages along the street where people throw water. Everybody going up will get very wet.

Important notes

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

About Mandalay

Mandalay is a cultural and historical hub in Myanmar, known for its rich heritage as the last royal capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. The city is a treasure trove of ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional crafts, offering a deep dive into Burmese culture and history.

Top Attractions

Mandalay Hill

A sacred hill offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It's home to numerous pagodas and monasteries.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Mandalay Palace

The former royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty, now a museum and historical site.

Historical 2-3 hours 5,000 MMK

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Famous for housing the world's largest book, a collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mandalay Fried Rice

A flavorful fried rice dish with meat, vegetables, and traditional Burmese spices.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with seafood

Mandalay Tea Leaf Salad

A tangy and nutritious salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, and seeds.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mandalay Hill Biking around the city Tea house visits River cruises Visiting temples and pagodas Attending local festivals Boat rides on the Irrawaddy River Watching traditional puppet shows