Pyay, Myanmar
Region: Bago Region
Geographic Coordinates: 18.816700, 95.216700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 135308
Language: Burmese
Pyay, Also known as Prome, Is a charming town located in the Bago Region of Myanmar. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River and is one of the oldest cities in Myanmar with a history dating back to the Pyu Kingdom (5th-9th century AD). The city has been an important center for trade and commerce since ancient times and is now a bustling hub for agriculture, Fishing, And tourism. One of Pyay’s most striking landmarks is the Shwesandaw Pagoda which sits atop a hill overlooking the city.
This pagoda dates back to 589 AD and is believed to contain relics of Buddha himself. Visitors can climb up several flights of stairs to reach its summit where they will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Pyay and its surrounding countryside. Another must-see attraction in Pyay is Sri Ksetra Ancient City. This archaeological site was once the capital of the Pyu Kingdom and contains many well-preserved ruins from that era. Visitors can explore ancient temples, Stupas (Buddhist shrines), Palaces, Moats, Walls, Gates, Roads – all surrounded by lush greenery.
For nature lovers seeking adventure activities like trekking or bird watching tours around Mt. Akaut Taung are highly recommended as it offers stunning views from its peak at 1’000 meters above sea level. Foodies will love exploring local markets where they can taste traditional Burmese dishes such as Mohinga (rice noodle soup), Shan noodles (thin rice noodles served with meat or vegetables), Or Laphet Thote (fermented tea leaf salad).
In addition to cultural attractions like temples & pagodas there are also plenty of natural wonders around Pyay such as hot springs at Akauk Taung mountain range or waterfalls near Htonbo Forest Reserve which offer refreshing dips on hot days! Overall, Pyay is a fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, Culture, Nature or adventure activities – this charming town has it all!
Important Landmarks
- Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Pyay Akauk Taung
- Bawbawgyi Pagoda
- Bebe Pagoda
- Thayekhittaya Archaeological Site (Sri Ksetra)
- Se Htan Myaing Hot Springs
- Aungmyin Ma Nan Yin Monastery
- Pyay Market
- Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda
- Tan Kyi Mountain
Primary Industries
- Agriculture: Pyay is renowned for producing rice, beans, pulses, sesame seeds, peanuts, sugarcane, and vegetables.
- Manufacturing: There are various small-scale manufacturing units in Pyay that manufacture textiles, garments, handicrafts and pottery.
- Trading: The town has a lively market where traders sell different types of goods including food items like fruits and vegetables.
- Transportation: Due to its location on the Ayeyarwady River (Irrawaddy River), Pyay serves as an essential transportation hub for boats carrying goods upriver to Mandalay or downriver to Yangon.
- Tourism: The ancient city of Sri Ksetra located near Pyay attracts tourists interested in exploring Myanmar’s history and culture.
- Education: There are several educational institutions including universities that provide education opportunities for students from nearby towns/cities as well as other parts of Myanmar.
- Healthcare: Several hospitals/clinics provide healthcare services to people living in Pyay and surrounding areas.
Noteable History
- Shwesandaw Pagoda is a renowned landmark in Pyay and is believed to have been constructed during King Anawrahta’s reign in the 11th century.
- U Thant, a Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, was born in Pyay.
- Bawbawgyi Pagoda, an ancient pagoda estimated to have been built around 200 BC by King Bawbawgyi, who ruled over Pyu city-state.
- The Battle of Prome occurred in March 1825 when British forces led by General Archibald Campbell defeated Burmese forces near Pyay as part of the First Anglo-Burmese War.
- Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda features unique architecture and intricate carvings believed to date back to the Mon period (9th-11th centuries).
- Bo Aung Kyaw Street is named after a prominent Burmese independence activist and politician; this street has colonial-era buildings lining it and serves as a significant commercial hub in Pyay.
- The Irrawaddy River has played an important role in Myanmar’s history and economy for centuries; Pyay sits on its banks.
Museums and Things To See
- Shwesandaw Pagoda is a stunning golden pagoda perched atop a hill that provides breathtaking views of Pyay.
- Bawbawgyi Pagoda is an ancient pagoda believed to have been constructed in the 3rd century BC.
- Akauk Taung Buddha Images are over 1000 Buddha images carved into limestone cliffs along the Ayeyarwady River.
- Beikthano Ancient City is an archaeological site featuring ruins from an ancient city dating back to the Pyu civilization.
- Hsehtatwin Monastery is a serene monastery situated on a hilltop overlooking Pyay, renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate wood carvings.
- Shwegugyi Temple was built in the 15th century and boasts impressive brickwork and intricate carvings.
- Sri Ksetra Museum showcases artifacts from Sri Ksetra, an ancient city that once served as the capital of the Pyu Kingdom.
- Aung San Museum pays homage to General Aung San, one of Myanmar’s most significant political figures who played a crucial role in gaining independence from British colonial rule.
- Pyay University Library houses more than 60,000 books and journals available for public use – making it one of Myanmar’s largest libraries.
- Pyay Golf Club offers awe-inspiring views over Ayeyarwady River while playing golf – which makes it popular with both locals and tourists alike!
Sports Teams
- Unfortunately, I do not have access to the most current information on sports teams and their histories in Pyay, Myanmar.
- However, I suggest searching local news sources or contacting a local tourism office for more information.
Cultural Events
- Shwesandaw Pagoda Festival is a major event in Pyay, held annually in either February or March. It spans over a week and attracts numerous visitors from all parts of Myanmar.
- Thadingyut Festival is celebrated in October to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. It’s a time for families to come together, indulge in feasting and exchange gifts with their loved ones.
- Pyay Akauk Taung Buddha Festival commemorates the famous Akauk Taung Buddha images situated on the cliffs along Ayeyarwady River near Pyay. This festival takes place during November and features boat races, traditional music and dance performances as well as food stalls.
- Maha Thingyan Water Festival is Myanmar’s largest water festival that occurs nationwide every April to signify the start of Burmese New Year celebrations. In Pyay, it’s customary for people to splash water on one another as an act of cleansing bad luck from the previous year.
- Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Lighting Festival may not be located within Pyay (it’s roughly 200 km away), but it’s worth mentioning due to its spectacular nature that draws many visitors from Pyay each year between November and February when thousands of candles are lit around Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (also known as Golden Rock) at night creating an enchanting atmosphere that must be seen to be believed!
Cuisine
- Mohinga: a traditional breakfast dish made with fish broth and rice noodles, served at street stalls and local restaurants such as Myaing Thazin Mohinga.
- Shan-style noodles: a popular dish made with thick rice noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu, served at restaurants such as Shan Noodle House.
- Burmese Curry: a spicy curry made with various meats or vegetables, served at restaurants such as Golden Myanmar Restaurant.
- Tea leaf salad: a salad made with fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, tomatoes and other ingredients; it is often served as an appetizer at local restaurants like Thein Than Kyaw Tea Shop.
- BBQ chicken skewers: grilled chicken skewers marinated in spices and served with dipping sauces; they are sold by street vendors throughout Pyay.
- Htoo Htoo Lay Restaurant: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Burmese dishes like mohinga soup and curries.
- Shwe La Minn Restaurant: A restaurant serving Chinese-style dishes like fried rice and stir-fried vegetables along with Burmese specialties like mohinga soup.
Parks and Recreation
- Shwesandaw Pagoda Park
- Pyay Central Park
- Bawbawgyi Pagoda Park
- Ayeyarwady Riverbank Park
- Hngetpyawtwin Lake and Garden
- Thiri Mingalar Taung Nyunt Recreation Centre
- Myanmar Golf Course
- Pyay University Sports Ground