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| Pindaya | ||
| State | Shan State | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 15.000 | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | unknown | |
| no value for height on Wikidata: | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Pindaya(Burmese: ပင်းတယ မြို့) is a rather tranquil place in the Shan State in Myanmar. The place is located on the rectangular Natthamikan lake. The small state is known for its cave system in which there are over 8,000 statues of Buddha.
getting there
| Distances | |
| Kalaw | 50 km |
|---|---|
| Nyaung Shwe | 90 km |
| Aungban | 40 km |
| Mandalay | 320 km |
Package tourists have it easiest, they get on the bus early and everything is organized. It is a bit more difficult for the individualists. In Kalaw you can get a car. The day tour costs $ 20-25. The journey takes 2 hours each. Also in Nyaung Shwe you can book Pindaya as a day trip for about $ 45. Here the travel time is longer (3-3.5 hours). There are three possible starting points for a trip to Pindaya with the cheapest option - the bus.
- Nyaung Shwe - By bus to Aungban (MMK 200) and from there to Pindaya (MMK 250); Private Taxi: $ 60
- Kalaw - By bus to Aungban (MMK 100) and from there to Pindaya (MMK 250)
- Taunggyi - directly to Pindaya (MMK 400)
mobility
Pindaya is a quiet little place. You can walk or use the horse-drawn cart (MMK 100).
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Shwe U Min Pagoda (ပင်းတယ ဂူ).
This pagoda, the main attraction of the place, is a cave system in the U Min hill. So it is more likely under the name Pindaya Cave common. In the first rooms there are countless Buddha statues (over 8000). Until recently, it was customary for every couple who marry to donate a Buddha figure. During the tour you will also find small rooms that you can only crawl into. These are used to meditate. There is a driveway to the caves. There are also covered stairs from the lake. The last part you climb another staircase, or you use the elevator that was built some time ago with donations. Entry is $ 3. Additional fees (MMK 100 or 300) have to be paid for cameras and video cameras.
activities
Pindaya is a very good starting point for hikes in the hilly surroundings. Excursions of one to three days are possible. You pass tea plantations and idyllic mountain villages of the Danu and Palaung (not to be confused with the Padaung - the "giraffe women" - who live further in the east of the country). The overnight stay takes place in mountain villages, you sleep on site e.g. in the monastery, which is in every village. The guides also have the food with them and cook on the way. You have to expect an average of $ 5 per person per day. If you are lazy, you can have your luggage carried for an extra fee. A normal daypack is sufficient, you come back to Pindaya. Hotel staff will usually help organize a tour and order a guide.
shop
As in every place there is a market in the center where you can buy all kinds of things. Pindaya also specializes in the manufacture of paper umbrellas. The paper is made from the mulberry tree. There are a few handicraft businesses in the village. There you can watch the production and buy umbrellas in all sizes. The material is treated with an agent that smells a bit rancid. The smell dissipates after a short time in the air. But when a whole bus full of tourists with freshly bought and packed umbrellas is on the bus for a few hours, this can be a bit uncomfortable.
kitchen
There are simple food stalls and tea rooms on and around the market. Other restaurants are:
- Kyanlite restaurant
- 1 U Aseik restaurant
- Teik His restaurant
The hotels also have their own restaurants with good cuisine.
nightlife
Nightlife is virtually non-existent in this secluded place. If you are interested in a local dance performance, you can go to the for dinner Conqueror Hotel walk. The large dining room also has a stage where local dances are performed.
accommodation
- 1 Myit Phyar Zaw Gyi Hotel, 317 Zaytan Quarter (near the market, on the lake). Tel.: 95 (0)81-23257. Room with shower / toilet; breakfast included.Price: $ 12-15 / 20-25 (single / double).
- 2 Golden Cave Hotel, Shwe Oo Min Pagoda St. (near the Pindaya Hotel). Tel.: 95 (0)81-23471. Room with shower / toilet.Price: $ 14/20 (single / double).
- 3 Pindaya Hotel, No.5, Main Str. (Located directly on the lake). Tel.: 95 (0)81-22409. Fan / AC and shower / toilet.Price: $ 22/25 (single / double).
- 4 Conqueror Hotel, Shwe Oo Min Pagoda Rd. Tel.: 95 (0)81-23257. Bungalows with shower / toilet, TV, refrigerator; breakfast included; in the evening there are also dance performances in the dining room; But there are also secluded rooms for drinking beer and relaxing; from the complex you also have a view of the Pindaya Caves.Price: $ 40/42 (single / double).
- 5 Inle Inn (in the south of Pindaya). Tel.: 95 (0)81-23257. Beautiful bungalow complex; AC, shower / toilet; with breakfast.Price: $ 45/50 (single / double).
trips
- Padah Lin caves. This is an archaeological site with rock carvings. But here you should inquire in Pindaya whether you can visit them. The approach takes place with an off-road vehicle. Then there is a short walk. Or you can visit the caves from the west: With a local guide and off-road vehicle, turn off the Mandalay-Yangon Highway approx. 80 km south of Mandalay at the signs to the east. After approx. 35 km you are at the Kinda dam. After a short crossing to the opposite bank and a 5 km hike you finally reach the impressive caves. To visit the caves, written permission must be obtained in Mandalay beforehand (status: October 2008, contact: [email protected]).
literature
Web links
- An official website is not known. Please open Wikidata add.
