This un-touristic place was a good surprise for us as we only got to know about it from Mr. Beauty (our helper) in the border. From him, we got a list of places that shouldn’t be missed (in the page below), and Pyay got our attention because it was located between two towns where we were planning to stay on - Yangon and Bagan. A small charming town with a large gold-painted Pagoda (not unexpected at all!) in the centre called the Shwe San Daw Pagoda. This was actually our first stop and we couldn’t believe that an elevator was available in exchange for a small fee. It was still impressive even after visiting the Pagoda in Yangon, principally because of the gigantic Buddha statue hidden behind it, as well as the panoramic views that go so far as the river.
In direction of the Irrawaddy River and about 63km or 1,5 hours away by motorbike, we arrived at the small fish town of Tonbo. There we hired a boat with return for 15.000 MMK (9,30 EUR) as one helpful man jumped on to serve as a guide for the whole visit to the Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda. Later on, we got to know that he volunteers at the temple and is the town doctor, while enjoying his retirement. Such a wonderful person! During the boat ride we caught sight of the rock cliff at Akauk Taung (Tax Hill), where many Buddha statues were carved on the walls. The traditional custom to do when visiting this place is taking a small piece of a tree and put it at the feet of the damaged wall. It doesn't have any physical meaning but it's like a wish to 'help' protecting the wall not to fall down. A bit further from there and on the top of the cliff is the pagoda and the meditation centre we had planned to visit. We were lucky enough to eat with the monks the food that the local people prepared and offered the temple, as everyone has a role and works in community. On the way back, some kids awaited us and were so kind to help us out of the boat.
Next Stop: Bagan, Myanmar
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