Overview
Monywa is a mid-sized regional city in Sagaing Division that sees far fewer tourists than Mandalay or Bagan. Its main draw is the Thanboddhay Pagoda, an extraordinary 1939-1952 structure housing an estimated 500,000 miniature Buddha statues, plus the Boddhi Tataung complex with towering standing and reclining Buddha statues 4 km away.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet is available at mid-range hotels but unreliable or absent at budget guesthouses. Consider purchasing a local SIM for data access.
Health
Mosquitoes are prevalent—use repellent year-round. Odomos brand repellent is cheap at 700 kyat per 100ml tube and available at street shops.
Money
Myanmar kyat (MMK) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at hotels and some tourist establishments. ATMs are limited outside major cities—bring sufficient cash. Mosquito repellent costs 700 kyat for 100ml.
Safety
Monywa is generally safe for travellers. Agree on tuk-tuk fares before boarding. Standard precautions against petty theft apply.
Transport
Non air-con buses connect Monywa with Mandalay (3 hours, 2,000 kyat) and Bagan (3-4 hours, 3,000-5,000 kyat). Tuk-tuks within town cost up to 1,000 kyat.