Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUS
Monywa's bus station is just over a mile southeast of the clock tower down Bogyoke Rd.
Several companies operate hourly buses 5am to 4pm to Mandalay (K2000/3000 without/
with air-con, three hours). There are also regular buses to Pakokku (K2500, three hours)
with onward connections to Bagan available there, taking an extra hour. Aung Gabar Ex-
press operates a direct service to Bagan (K3500) departing at 7.30am. Buses to Shwebo
(K2500, three hours) depart regularly from 5am to 1pm plus at 3pm. The attractive rural
route passes
through Kyaukka, famed for its lacquerware cottage industry, but local help is needed if
you want to see much there.
TRAIN
The daily train to Mandalay departs at 6am ($3, six hours) every day, but it takes twice as
long as the bus in an uncomfortable box car.
Getting Around
Motorbikes/trishaws/three-wheelers to the centre from the bus station cost K1000/1500/
2000. All these transport options, along with white, plain-clothes taxis, linger near the
northern Shwezigon Paya entrance.
CHINDWIN PERMITS
As Myanmar undergoes rapid change, the permit situation is also very fluid, which
is particularly apt for journeys up the Chindwin River. According to transport offi-
cials on the ground, it is no longer necessary to arrange permits to travel north on
the Chindwin River. However, the situation on arrival in remote Chindwin towns (eg
Mawleik, Homalin or Khamti) may differ and it is possible that travellers might be
sent back without the relevant paperwork. So in the meantime, do some research
in Yangon before heading way up the Chindwin.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Monywa
With only one full day to spare, the most popular option is to visit Hpo Win Daung caves
followed by Thanboddhay and Bodhi Tataung. The latter is west-facing, and so is best
seen in afternoon sunlight.
