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 Monywa is a worthwhile trip for temple enthusiasts or other who just wants to go where there are few travelers. It lays 136km north-west of Mandalay along the Mandalay-Budalin branch railway line, but is best reached by bus or car. Situated on the eastern beach of the Chindwin River, with a population of 300,000, Monywa is now the second biggest town in Upper Myanmar and serves as a major trade centre for agricultural produce from the surrounding Chindwin Valley, especially beans, pulses and jaggery (palm sugar). In addition to some 600 warehouses, Monywa supports mills for the production of cotton blankets from Monywa are famous in Myanmar; some even end up sewn into knapsacks sold to tourists in Bangkok. Other regional crafts include mats and baskets made of bamboo and reed, bullock carts and agricultural implements such as hoes and machetes. Goods coming from India pass through Monywa on their way to other parts of Myanmar. A forest reserve, west of the Chindwin River, produces teak and various other hardwoods. With the northern reaches of Sagaing Division opening up to foreigners, Monywa can serve as a stepping stone for Chindwin River trips north-west to Kalewa. From Kalewa, It’s just a short road trip to the Chin State. Interesting Places in Monywa: Thanboddhay pagoda, Alan tayar reclining Buddha Image, Ledi Stone Inscriptions, Pho Win Taung caves, Shwe Ba Taung caves, Kyaukka lacquer ware
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