Magway, Myanmar

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Magway, Myanmar

Region: Magway Region

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Geographic Coordinates: 20.150000, 94.950000

Climate: Dry and hot climate with limited rainfall throughout the year in Magway, Myanmar.

Population: 289247

Language: Burmese

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Magway is a city situated in central Myanmar, Also known as Burma. It serves as the capital of Magway Region and is located on the eastern bank of Irrawaddy River. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage that includes various ancient temples and pagodas that attract tourists from all around the world. One of the most famous tourist spots in Magway is Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, Which was constructed during King Anawrahta’s reign in 1059 AD.

The pagoda stands at a height of 46 meters and has undergone several renovations over time while retaining its original architecture, Making it an essential historical landmark. Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda is another significant religious site in Magway dating back to around 1000 AD. This temple features intricate carvings and beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Magway also offers natural beauty with its stunning landscapes consisting of rolling hills, Lush forests, And picturesque riverside views. Visitors can take scenic boat rides along Irrawaddy River or hike up Mount Popa for breathtaking views of surrounding areas.

Apart from its cultural and natural attractions, Magway is also renowned for its delicious cuisine. Local dishes include Mohinga (rice noodle soup), Shan Noodles (stir-fried noodles), And Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad). The people of Magway are friendly towards visitors who can explore this charming city on foot or by bicycle easily. There are plenty of small shops selling traditional handicrafts such as lacquerware products, Silk textiles, Pottery items that make great souvenirs to take home. Overall, Magway provides an authentic experience to travelers seeking a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature & hospitality while visiting Myanmar.

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1. Mya Tha Lun Pagoda
2. Minbu Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha
3. Thanboddhay Pagoda
4. Salay House of Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery
5. Ngwe Taung Dam and Reservoir
6. Chedi Phaya Thonzu Temple
7. Kyauk Hlay Gar Elephant Camp
8. Popa Mountain National Park
9. Magway Elephant Museum
10. Magway Market (the largest market in the region)

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• Magway is a region in Myanmar that is primarily focused on agriculture
• The major industries in Magway are:
1. Oil and gas production
2. Rice milling
3. Sesame seed production
• There are also small-scale manufacturing industries producing textiles and handicrafts
• The region has a growing tourism industry due to its historical sites such as:
• The ancient city of Salay
• The Mount Popa pilgrimage site

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Noteable History

1. Magway, a city in central Myanmar, has a rich history with notable events and people associated with it.
2. According to legend, the city was founded by two brothers who were princes from Bagan in the 9th century.
3. King Anawrahta’s reign was significant as he built many temples and pagodas in Magway, including the famous Myathalun Pagoda.
4. Buddhism arrived during his reign and became an important center for Buddhist learning and practice.
5. The British colonial period saw Magway become an important administrative center, with many buildings still standing today.
6. U Ottama was a prominent monk who played a key role in Myanmar’s struggle for independence from Britain and established several monasteries in Magway.
7. Aung San Suu Kyi spent much of her childhood there while her father led Myanmar’s struggle for independence.
8. Magway is known for its oil industry as it has many oil fields that have been exploited since colonial times until now by foreign companies such as Chevron Corporation (formerly Standard Oil).

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Museums and Things To See

1. Shwe Myet Hman Pagoda is a significant religious site situated in the center of Magway.
2. The Magway Regional Museum displays the history, culture, and art of the region.
3. Minbu Palace, constructed during the Konbaung Dynasty, was a home for Prince Kanaung.
4. Kyauk Ta Lone Pagoda is famous for its Buddha statue and picturesque views of the countryside.
5. Salay House is an old mansion converted into a museum that showcases Burmese art and culture.
6. Nat Taung Kyaung Monastery’s unique teak wood carvings make it popular among tourists.
7. Mount Popa National Park offers breathtaking views of Mount Popa, an extinct volcano located 50 km east of Magway.
8. Pakhangyi Archaeological Site features well-preserved ruins dating back to the Pyu period (5th to 9th century AD).
9. Chauk Market is a bustling market located 40 km southwest of Magway that offers local produce such as fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles etc.
10. Thanboddhay Pagoda near Monywa town in Sagaing Region has over half million Buddha images engraved within its walls making it one-of-a-kind temple not only within Myanmar but also around Southeast Asia.

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Cultural Events

1. Magway Nat Festival is an annual celebration honoring the Nats, or spirits, that are believed to protect and bless the region.
2. Thadingyut Festival is observed in October and signifies the end of Buddhist Lent. It’s a time for paying respect to elders and making offerings at pagodas.
3. Water Festival, also known as Thingyan, is a festival celebrated in April where people douse each other with water as a symbol of cleansing away sins and starting anew.
4. Pwe Taw Ya Festival takes place in November and celebrates Buddha’s life with traditional dance performances, music, food stalls, and cultural activities.
5. Chinlone Tournament is a traditional sport where players kick a woven ball back and forth without using their hands; teams from all over Myanmar compete for prizes during this tournament.
6. Shwe Kyun Pin Pagoda Festival happens every February or March celebrating one of Magway’s significant pagodas with music performances, dance shows, food stalls, carnival rides among others.
7. Kyaikhto Pagoda Festival occurs in September or October at one of Magway’s most famous pagodas located on top of a hill overlooking the city below.
8. Taung Pyone Nat Pwe held near Mandalay every August similar to Magway Nat festival but pays homage to spirits believed to protect soldiers killed during wars fought by Myanmar kings centuries ago.

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Cuisine

• Mohinga – a fish-based soup with rice noodles, served with banana stem and crispy fritters.
• Shan-style noodles – a dish of rice or wheat noodles served with pork or chicken broth and vegetables.
• Mont Lin Ma Yar – a sweet snack made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and jaggery (unrefined cane sugar).
• Kyay Oh – a noodle soup dish made with meat or seafood broth, topped with sliced meat, fish balls, bean sprouts, and herbs.

Some popular restaurants in Magway serving these dishes are:

1. Aung Mingalar Restaurant
2. Myittha Restaurant
3. Shwe Pyi Thar Restaurant
4. Nan Daw Kyay Oh Shop

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Parks and Recreation

1. Magway Mya Tha Lyaung Park
2. Taungdwingyi Park
3. Minbu Thar Yar Gone Ecotourism Camp
4. Salin Natural Forest Reserve
5. Pakokku Shwe Ku Pagoda and Hilltop Viewpoint
6. Popa Mountain National Park
7. Mount Popa Climbing and Hiking Trails
8. Ngwe Taung Dam Reservoir for fishing, boating, and picnicking
9. Kyaukpadaung Hot Springs for bathing and relaxation
10. Minbu Thit Pin Gyi Waterfall for swimming and hiking

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Escape The Norm.

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