Taungdwingyi, Myanmar
Region: Magway Region
Geographic Coordinates: 20.001700, 95.546100
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 38.0°C (64°F to 100°F)
Climate: Seasonal variations in Taungdwingyi’s climate and weather patterns.
Population: 145909
Language: Burmese
Taungdwingyi is a charming town located in the Magway Region of Myanmar, Boasting picturesque landscapes, Ancient temples and pagodas, And a rich cultural heritage. The town sits on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Among Taungdwingyi’s most prominent attractions is the Shwe Myatman Pagoda. This exquisite pagoda dates back to the 11th century and features intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Visitors can climb to its top for breathtaking views of Taungdwingyi and its surroundings. Another must-see attraction in Taungdwingyi are the Pho Win Daung Caves.
These caves house over 900 Buddha statues as well as ancient murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. The caves are also famous for their unique rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. For history enthusiasts, A visit to Taungdwingyi’s Archaeological Museum is highly recommended. The museum displays artifacts from various periods throughout Myanmar’s history, Including prehistoric times, Bagan period (9th-13th century), Ava period (14th-18th century), And Konbaung period (19th century).
Aside from historical attractions, Taungdwingyi offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking trails with stunning views in surrounding hills or excellent fishing opportunities at nearby Ayeyarwady River. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich cultural heritage like Thadingyut Festival held during October or November where people light up candles all around their homes as well as public places like temples or streets. Overall, Taungdwingyi provides visitors with an exceptional blend of history, Culture and natural beauty making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore Myanmar off-the-beaten-path.
- Shwe Myintzu Pagoda
- Maha Myat Muni Pagoda
- Kyauk Thar Yar Pagoda
- Tha Htone Monastery
- Auk Taung Mountain
- Kyauk Sa Lone Cave
- Nga Pyaw Taw Mu Buddha Image
- Chin Swe Haw Village
- Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery
- Agriculture (especially rice cultivation)
- Livestock rearing
- Fishing
- Weaving
- Handicrafts
- Small-scale manufacturing units for products such as textiles, pottery, and furniture
- Trading hub for the surrounding rural areas where farmers bring their produce to sell in the local markets
- The Battle of Taungdwingyi was a significant event during the Second Anglo-Burmese War, where the British forces defeated the Burmese army and captured Taungdwingyi.
- U Ottama and U Ba Swe, both born in Taungdwingyi, were famous nationalist leaders who played crucial roles in Burma’s independence struggle from British colonial rule.
- During World War II, Japan occupied Burma and established a puppet government known as the State of Burma, with Taungdwingyi being one of the areas under Japanese control.
- Thakin Than Tun was another prominent nationalist leader from Taungdwingyi who contributed to Burma’s independence movement.
- The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a rebel group that has been active since the early 1980s and has had a presence around Taungdwingyi at times throughout their history.
- The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company had its headquarters near Pakokku town close to Taundgwinji and operated steamboats on Myanmar’s rivers until it went out of business during World War II due to bombing raids causing damage.
- Taungdwingyi Archaeological Museum
- Shwe Myint Zu Pagoda
- Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
- Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda
- Mahazedi Pagoda
- Yadana Yoma Elephant Camp
- Myittha Cave Temple
- Koe Htat Gyi Buddha Image
- Pyu Ancient Cities (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Thadingyut Festival: This festival is celebrated in October and marks the end of Buddhist lent. It’s a three-day festival that includes music, dancing, and lighting candles.
- Thingyan Water Festival: This is the Burmese New Year celebration which takes place in April. People splash water on each other to wash away their sins from the past year.
- Taungdwingyi Pagoda Festival: This festival takes place at the Taungdwingyi Pagoda and attracts thousands of visitors from around Myanmar every year.
- Kason Full Moon Day: Celebrated in May, this day marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death all on one day.
- Ananda Pagoda Festival: Celebrated in January or February depending on the lunar calendar this festival celebrates the famous Ananda Temple located near Bagan.
- Mahamuni Pagoda Festival: Celebrated during February/March each year at Mahamuni Pagoda which houses one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddha images.
- Shan-style noodles – a dish made with rice noodles served in a meat broth with various toppings such as pork, chicken, or vegetables.
- Mohinga – a traditional Burmese breakfast dish made with fish soup and rice noodles.
- Kyay-Oh – another noodle soup dish that is popular in the region.
- Tea shops – these are common places to eat in Taungdwingyi where you can find various snacks such as samosas and steamed buns.
- Aye Myit Tar Restaurant – this restaurant serves traditional Burmese dishes along with Chinese and Thai cuisine.
- Shwe Pyi Moe Cafe & Restaurant – known for its coffee and tea selection along with Burmese dishes like Mohinga and Shan-style noodles.
- Thiri Mon Restaurant – offers a range of local dishes including curries, soups, salads, and stir-fried vegetables.
- Zaw Gyi Restaurant – serves both Burmese and Chinese cuisine including seafood dishes like prawns curry or fried squid rings.
