This is a complex of carved caves that hold thousands of Buddha statues. The Buddhas are all carved in one piece and were carved simultaneously while the caves were being excavated between the 14th and 18th centuries.
This area also holds a more modern version of Buddhist pagodas and temples, but it’s more frequented by the Burmese natives who value flashing LED lighting and painted gold statues over carved ancient relics.
We hired a young Burmese woman who was born in the area as a guide so we’d get the most out of our visit. She was studying law in Yangon and had returned to her home in Monywa to earn some money for school, and she was worth every penny.
Location: Phowintaung Caves, Monywa District, Sagaing Region, Northern Burma