Phowintaung
Phowintaung
4.5
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4.5
316 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
81
Average
22
Poor
9
Terrible
0
Angela W
Brisbane, Australia40 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We weren't at all inspired by Mandalay (one of the big 4) so were so glad we made the small (3 hour) journey from Mandalay to this off the beaten track destination. You will not be disappointed. We hired a Jeep to go there for 20,000 but I would suggest the 4 wheel drive or sedan to keep your teeth in your mouth and to prevent any further dust asphyxiation that you normally get in Myanmar.
When we arrived our driver introduced us to a lovely young woman Kiama who would be our guide. I can thoroughly recommend her, she has pretty good English and is sweet and knowledgeable. She doesn't have a set fee, just a donation to help her studies. Generally she gets about 3000 but we gave her 10000 as she was so good. She nearly fell over with appreciation as she had never earns this much, yet it was less than we would pay for 2 drinks at home!
Anyway we learnt a lot about the journey of Buddha and the 14th century caves carved out of the hill that all house an impressive array of buddha's. The monkey's were also an entertaining attraction.
Enjoy! And say hello to Kiama from Angela and Tim if you see her.
When we arrived our driver introduced us to a lovely young woman Kiama who would be our guide. I can thoroughly recommend her, she has pretty good English and is sweet and knowledgeable. She doesn't have a set fee, just a donation to help her studies. Generally she gets about 3000 but we gave her 10000 as she was so good. She nearly fell over with appreciation as she had never earns this much, yet it was less than we would pay for 2 drinks at home!
Anyway we learnt a lot about the journey of Buddha and the 14th century caves carved out of the hill that all house an impressive array of buddha's. The monkey's were also an entertaining attraction.
Enjoy! And say hello to Kiama from Angela and Tim if you see her.
Written 5 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailBlazer741942
1 contribution
Nov 2017 • Solo
The "caves" were different from the other Myanmar's sights and therefore worth to see. We were amazed by our local guide Khaing Mar who was born and lives in the village. She is very nice, friendly and very happy to present the caves to foreigners, because there is not many tourists. She speaks above-average English and has a very good knowledge of the site, religion, history and local life. We felt like going around with a friend. She leaves it to you what you pay. You can phone or SMS her +95 9779988532.
We went there from Monywa by taxi for 30.000 kyats.
We went there from Monywa by taxi for 30.000 kyats.
Written 26 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shula m
israel129 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
If at all possible, try travel from Bagan to Mandalay by road, otherwise you will miss this beautiful site. Around 150,00 caves or niches, carved in the stone of hill slope. each niche (or cave) with one or several Budah statues. Some decorated, some simple. Most statues sits, some reclines There are beautiful stone decoration outside the caves. We were told there are 450,00 statues in total.
What is nice about this site, is the feeling and patina of age. No glittering lights like you see so often in other temples. just a place to pray.
What is nice about this site, is the feeling and patina of age. No glittering lights like you see so often in other temples. just a place to pray.
Written 1 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stonemanSydney
sydney422 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
Took a moto taxi 12000 Kyats return plus tip. Arrived & asked for the female guide Kiama who was immediately summoned. Speaks very good English. Purchased some peanuts to feed the monkeys as we walked around. A sign said $2 entry for foreigners but no one asked me to pay. So much more interesting with Kiama to explain the history etc. Another guy followed us around so gave Kiama 2000 Kyats in secret & 1000 Kyats at the end. Certainly worth the effort to visit.
On the way there I visited Shwe Daung Oo Pagoda which has a small zoo (couple of bears, deer, rabbits etc) adjacent, all free.
On the way there I visited Shwe Daung Oo Pagoda which has a small zoo (couple of bears, deer, rabbits etc) adjacent, all free.
Written 13 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SIEW Ngung Chia
Singapore, Singapore1,083 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Good site. Lots of walking. Lots of temples but in bad shape. Beware of moneys - quite fierce. Better to wear good walking shoes and appropriately dress. Many statues in cave and paintings very badly maintained. Better to have a guide. Rich in history
Written 8 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MIB Tour Compan... M
Mandalay Region, Myanmar91 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
We can get to the cave by crossing Chindwin river by boat and taking van. We can also get there directly by car. There are two ways to reach the cave by walking along the star-cases or climbing by car along the little high road. A lot of monkeys are spread out. We saw many sand stone made sitting Buddha images and caves. Sand stone pagodas can be found only abundantly in Mrauk U in Rakkhine State. We can walk inside the caves and see ancient wall paintings. The caves look cool. Some of them are under the maintenance. At the mouth of some cave, we can see artful stucco carvings like angels, giants and mythical animals of Nyaungyan period
Written 28 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashish T
291 contributions
Sept 2017
Located in out skirt of Monya but worth a visit. Surprisingly such a good site is totally in negligence and in a bad condition. Would suggest to go by boat as it is just another side of city across the river. You can choose approaching road also but it is a long way.
Written 17 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mavo2
Hamburg79 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
The caves are in a not well-kept state. It is as if you just discover them. The buddhas in there are carved out of stone, some walls are colorfully painted. Ask in the village for Khaing Mar, a woman that can guide you with above-average English and a very good knowledge of the site and history. She makes more out of a visit and leaves it to you what you pay. I gave her 10000 kyat (ca. 6 euros, 7 dollars) for a two-hour guidance and she was happy. You can phone her +95 9779988532.
If you want to go use a taxi or rent a motorbike as tuktuks are nearly as expensive as the taxi. The prices were in Oct. 2017 motorbike 15000 per day, tuktuk 25000 for the trip, taxi 30000 kyats.
If you want to go use a taxi or rent a motorbike as tuktuks are nearly as expensive as the taxi. The prices were in Oct. 2017 motorbike 15000 per day, tuktuk 25000 for the trip, taxi 30000 kyats.
Written 23 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ballie2014
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Solo
These caves and their Buddhad are all manmade. It was a combination of a small Petra in Jordan with Lalibela in Ethiopia.
I have seen many places in Myanmar but this was one of the best.
The girls name who is mentioned in other posts is Khine Mar and you can call her in +95 9779988532. or ask for her at the restaurant. Wonderful, knowledgeable and great guide!
I have seen many places in Myanmar but this was one of the best.
The girls name who is mentioned in other posts is Khine Mar and you can call her in +95 9779988532. or ask for her at the restaurant. Wonderful, knowledgeable and great guide!
Written 1 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher
Pennsylvania762 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
I arrived via boat and pick up truck from Monywa. The driver asked me to wait while he got someone... a pretty young lady appeared to show me around.
The cave complex is actually carved alcoves and larger areas out of sandstone. Many Buddhas carved inside along with some wonderful interior painting. Worth a couple hours.
But the highlight was Khaing. She spoke quite good English and was very well versed on Buddhist imagery and background. Speaking to her about her life, hopes and aspirations, it was like having a special friend to hang out with.
Go! Enjoy it, ask for Khaing when you arrive and tip well! You will be making a difference in someone's life...
The cave complex is actually carved alcoves and larger areas out of sandstone. Many Buddhas carved inside along with some wonderful interior painting. Worth a couple hours.
But the highlight was Khaing. She spoke quite good English and was very well versed on Buddhist imagery and background. Speaking to her about her life, hopes and aspirations, it was like having a special friend to hang out with.
Go! Enjoy it, ask for Khaing when you arrive and tip well! You will be making a difference in someone's life...
Written 22 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo Weltenbummler,
können Sie einen Guide bzw. englischsprachigen Fahrer in Monywa empfehlen?
Freundliche Grüße aus Köln
Friedrich Ochsmann
Written 14 August 2019
Arkar spricht sehr gut Englisch und hat mich bereits in 2016 geführt - kann ihn empfehlen - seine Tel Nr ist 09254154096
Gruss von mir- Johannes
Written 7 December 2019
Please how do you get there what air port and what travel guide did you use?
Written 29 January 2019
It is approx 180 km away from Mandaly .If take a flight schedule to Mandalay Int'l Air Port then take a package tour by car to the cave ,it is easier to visit.
Written 1 February 2019
Do you have to walk barefoot throughout the caves? My husband had Guillain-Barre syndrome over 20 years ago and it affected the nerve endings in his feet so it would be terribly painful for him. He has managed being barefoot around temples and monuments in Cambodia and India but this may be a stretch too far. We have no intention of upsetting anyone by being disrespectful and will go somewhere else if he cannot wear anything on his feet, even socks would help. Any advice gratefully accepted.
Written 12 August 2018
Sorry for your husband's condition- yes, barefoot.... not negotiable . I tried the sock thing bc - lets be honest- its dirty and idea of walking barefoot on dirt and pebbles is antithetical to how we live. BUT.....This was my favorite site from our 2 week trip and your husband should wear shoes but when he arrives at caves (thousands of them) either pop his head in or see how he manages w out. Its amazing.
Written 27 August 2018
Bonjour ! Quels sont les tarifs pour aller de Monywa au grottes de Po win daung ? Merci d'avance pour votre aide ! :)
Alois
Written 10 March 2017
merci pour réponses ! j'ai effectué le trajet en tuk tuk pur 20000 Kyatts soit environ 15 dollars aller-retour pour 1h40 de trajet !
Cdlt
Written 28 March 2017
Est-il possible de combiner sur une journée au départ de Mandalay les visites de Thanboddhay, bodhi tataung et Po win Daung et retour à Mandalay ?
Ou bien est-il préférable de prendre deux ou trois jours et peut- être associer autre chose ? Merci de vos réponses. (Nos pouvons prendre notre temps pour ces visites mais est-ce pertinent.) Sabine
Written 4 March 2016
Je vous conseille de dormir une nuit sur Monywa, le win Unity est très agréable. Les grottes méritent effectivement deux bonnes heures de visite. Il faut vraiment prendre son temps ce lieu est magique.
Written 6 March 2016
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