How To Reach Innwa Ancient City

Welcome to Innwa Ancient City, Mandalay, Myanmar

Innwa, also known as Ava, is a historical city near Mandalay that can offer a step back into Myanmar's rich past. Here's how you can reach this ancient capital.

Traveling to Innwa Ancient City

To reach Innwa, sitting just south of the bustling city of Mandalay, you have several options:

• By Car/Taxi: You can hire a car or a taxi from Mandalay. The drive is roughly 21 kilometers and takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. You'd head towards the southwest of Mandalay to reach the city.
• By Motorbike: For the more adventurous traveler, renting a motorbike allows for a scenic route to Innwa and offers more flexibility for exploration.
• By Local Bus: Local buses depart from various points in Mandalay to Innwa. It's a more economical way to travel, though it may not be as comfortable or as direct as taking a taxi or driving.
• By River: Another interesting way to reach Innwa is by taking a ferry across the Myitnge River. This method offers a unique perspective of the region and is quite popular among tourists.

Once you're in Innwa, a popular mode of transport around the ancient city is by horse cart, which you can hire at the entrance of the destination. These carts can take you on a tour around the main sights.

Main Attractions in Innwa

Innwa is rich with historic sites that include:

• Bagaya Monastery: An architectural masterpiece made entirely of teak wood with intricate carvings.
• Yadana Hsemee Pagoda Complex: An ensemble of ancient stupas and Buddha images.
• Nanmyin Watchtower: The leaning tower of Innwa that offers panoramic views, once the 'Ava Palace watchtower'.
• Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery: A beautiful brick-and-stucco monastery also known as the Ok Kyaung, dating back to the 1800s.

Remember to respect the local culture by dressing modestly when visiting and to pay the small fee for the maintenance of these historical sites.

Additional Tips for Travelers

• Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly, it can get quite hot during the day.
• Carry drinking water, a hat, and sunscreen for protection against the sun.
• It's advisable to carry some local currency (Myanmar Kyat), as some of the small local vendors may not accept cards or foreign currency.
• Allocate at least half a day to explore Innwa thoroughly, though a full day would allow a more relaxed pace with time to soak in the atmosphere.

Safe travels to Innwa Ancient City, where history and culture await your discovery!