Natogyi, Myanmar
Region: Mandalay Region
Geographic Coordinates: 21.416700, 95.650000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 250000
Language: Myanmar
Natogyi is a charming town located in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, Boasting beautiful landscapes, Rich culture, And traditional ways of life. With a population of around 10, 000 people who are primarily engaged in agriculture, Natogyi offers visitors an authentic experience into Myanmar’s rural life. Surrounded by lush green fields and hills that provide an ideal setting for hiking and trekking, Natogyi lies along the Irrawaddy River which offers scenic boat rides to visitors who want to explore the area from a different perspective.
The river also provides fertile land for farming activities that have been the backbone of Natogyi’s economy for generations. The town has several ancient temples and pagodas that date back to the Bagan period (11th-13th centuries). One such temple is called Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda which houses a Buddha statue made from pure gold. Another popular attraction in Natogyi is the Taung Tha Man Lake which boasts stunning views during sunset.
In addition to its natural beauty and historical landmarks, Natogyi has maintained its traditional way of life with many families still living in wooden houses built on stilts above ground level. Visitors can witness this unique architecture while strolling through streets lined with local shops selling handmade crafts such as pottery, Weaving products, And bamboo baskets. The people of Natogyi are known for their hospitality towards visitors who come from all over Myanmar or abroad. They welcome tourists with open arms into their homes where they offer delicious home-cooked meals made from fresh ingredients grown locally.
Overall, Visiting Natogyi allows one to appreciate nature’s beauty while learning about its rich history and culture through interactions with locals who have preserved their traditions over time.
Important Landmarks
- Shwe Myet Hman Pagoda – a beautiful golden pagoda located in the town center.
- Kyauk Ta Lone Pagoda – a historic temple with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Natogyi Lake – a serene lake popular for boating and fishing activities.
- Thaungdut Hot Springs – natural hot springs believed to have healing properties.
- Myittha River Bridge – a picturesque bridge spanning over the Myittha River offering scenic views.
- Natogyi Market – a bustling local market selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Ngwe Taung Dam – a hydroelectric dam on the Ngawun River providing electricity to nearby towns.
- Zawgyi Hilltop Viewpoint- A hilltop viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Natogyi town and its surroundings.
These are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Natogyi that attract visitors from all over Myanmar and beyond every year.
Primary Industries
- It is challenging to identify the primary industries and businesses in Natogyi, Myanmar due to the limited information available online.
- However, based on the typical economic activities in rural areas of Myanmar, potential industries and businesses in Natogyi may include:
- Agriculture (e.g., rice farming)
- Livestock raising (including buffalo and cattle)
- Fishing
- Handicraft production (such as weaving)
- Small-scale manufacturing (e.g., food processing or garment-making)
- Retail trade
- It is essential to recognize that this data is speculative and may not precisely represent the current economic status of Natogyi.
Noteable History
- Natogyi was once a part of the powerful Pagan Kingdom (9th to 13th centuries) in Southeast Asia.
- The town has a significant Buddhist heritage and is home to many ancient temples and pagodas such as Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda, Hsinbyume Pagoda, etc.
- During the British colonial period (1824-1948), Natogyi was under the control of Mandalay Division.
- U Thant (1909-1974), who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, was born in Pantanaw village near Natogyi.
- Japanese forces occupied Myanmar during World War II (1939-1945) and established a military base in Natogyi.
- In recent years, there have been reports of conflict between ethnic groups in nearby regions such as Rakhine State and Shan State that have affected residents living in Natogyi and surrounding areas.
Museums and Things To See
- Natogyi Pagoda – This ancient pagoda is a significant religious site in the area.
- Bagan Archaeological Zone – This UNESCO World Heritage Site features thousands of temples and pagodas dating back to the 11th century.
- Ananda Temple – One of the most famous and well-preserved temples in Bagan with stunning architecture.
- Mount Popa – A sacred mountain located about 50 kilometers from Natogyi with monasteries and shrines on its summit.
- Shwezigon Pagoda – A beautiful golden pagoda built in the 11th century that is considered one of the most important religious sites in Myanmar.
- Bagaya Monastery – An impressive teak monastery built-in 1834 that showcases traditional Burmese architecture.
- U Bein Bridge – The world’s longest teak bridge spanning over Taungthaman Lake near Mandalay is a popular tourist destination for sunset views.
- Mandalay Hill – A scenic hilltop overlooking Mandalay City with stunning panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys.
- National Museum Naypyidaw- The museum displays artifacts from Myanmar’s history including royal regalia and ancient inscriptions.
- Mingun Bell- It is an enormous bell weighing around 90 tons located near Mingun Pahtodawgyi which was never completed due to superstitious beliefs.
Parks and Recreation
- Natogyi Lake Park: This park is located near the center of the town and offers a scenic view of the lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing or just relax by the water.
- Thiri Mingalar Park: This is another popular park in Natogyi that has a playground for children and a walking trail for adults.
- Hiking trails: There are several hiking trails around Natogyi that offer stunning views of mountains, forests and rivers.
- Cultural tours: Visitors can take cultural tours to explore local villages, temples and markets to learn about the traditional way of life in Myanmar.
- Sports facilities: There are several sports facilities such as basketball courts, football fields and tennis courts where visitors can engage in sports activities.