PYAY

Pyay, an ancient city called Sri Khetra from AD 300 to 1000, is about 285 km north of Yangon, situated on the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. The sprawling ancient ruins of the Pyu era are easily accessible and the area is an important archeological site with unusually constructed stupas still visible in the fields. They rise up mysteriously, their simple yet imposing architecture reflecting the distant time of their construction.

A small museum near the ancient palace ruins contains some fascinating and beautiful artifacts from these earliest times and we highly recommend a visit.

In the town of Pyay, the pagoda that houses a unique Buddha image with glasses is of interest. The huge curious spectacles were donated by a gentleman whose wife was cured of vision problems after a visit to the original image.

Side Trip: Combine a 2 hour drive by road across the Nawaday Bridge over the Ayeyarwaddy with a 15 minute boat ride, to make an excursion to Akhauktaung, where beautiful Buddha images are carved in the face of the steep rocky river banks.