Pyay

Pyay (formerly Prome) is a historic city in southern Bago Region on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, with a population of about 135,000. Dating back to 638 AD, Pyay was a key city of the Pyu civilization and is today the primary gateway to Sri Kshetra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was one of the great Pyu city-states. The city has a relaxed riverside atmosphere, three universities, and a fascinating mix of ancient ruins, giant Buddha statues, and colonial-era buildings.

Most travellers come to Pyay to explore Sri Kshetra (the ancient Pyu capital) and the remarkable riverside Buddha carvings at Akauk Taung, but the city itself makes a pleasant stop with good food and accommodation. The climate is tropical monsoon, with cool and dry conditions November–February being the best travel window.

By Plane

Pyay Airport (PRU IATA) is 5 km east of the city centre, but has no scheduled commercial flights. Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the nearest operational airport, approximately 290 km south (8 hours by road).

By Train

Pyay Main Station is in the city centre. Trains from Yangon depart from both central station (13:00, 8.5 hr, upper class 3,900 kyat) and Kyemyindine station (07:00 and 11:00, 11 hr). From Pathein, the train leaves at 05:30 (2,000 kyat) to Kyankin, then use local transport for the last 100 km. The ticket counter is not open all day — ask locals for hours.

By Car / Road

Pyay is a major bus hub. Buses from Yangon (8 hr, from 10,000 kyat), Bagan (10 hr, from 11,000 kyat), Ngapali/Thandwe (8–12 hr, 8,000–15,000 kyat), Pathein (10 hr, 6,000–10,000 kyat), Mrauk U (16 hr, 20,000 kyat), and Sittwe (18 hr, 22,000 kyat). The Highway Bus Station is 4 km east of the train station. The mountain road to Taungup and the Rakhine coast is very bumpy.

By boat: A local ferry from Bagan departs Sundays at 17:30 and arrives Monday 10:45 (from 20,000 kyat). A ferry from Yangon departs Fridays at 16:00 (24 hr).

The city centre around the Main Roundabout (Aung San statue) is walkable. Motorbike taxis and shared pickups are the main forms of transport — a private ride to the Highway Bus Station costs about 1,000 kyat, shared pickups 500 kyat for 10–15 km. Bicycle rental starts at 1,000 kyat from guesthouses.

• Sri Kshetra (Tharaykhittaya): 9 km east of Pyay, this UNESCO World Heritage Pyu city features massive brick ramparts, palace platforms, and the Archaeological Museum (5,000 kyat) with bronze, ceramic, and stone funerary urns, silver coins, jewellery, and Buddhist figures. Explore by motorbike, tuk-tuk (15,000 kyat), or bicycle.

• Shwe Sandaw Pagoda: On a hill 500 m east of the main station, offering perfect views of the giant Sehtatgyi Buddha. Entry 3,000 kyat (take the stairs to avoid it).

• Sehtatgyi (Big Ten-Storey Buddha): A giant seated Buddha at the foot of Shwe Sandaw — 10 storeys of impressive scale.

• Akauk Taung: 40 km south of Pyay along the river, cliffs carved with beautiful Buddha statues best seen by boat. Half-day trip, about 15,000 kyat per boat (2–6 people). Combine with a stop at the temples on top of the mountain.

• Shwe Myethman Pagoda (14 km south): A Buddha image wearing glasses, plus the 80 Buddhas Monastery.

• Shwe Bontha Muni Pagoda (19 km south in Pa Daung): One of three replicas of the Maha Myat Muni Buddha, believed to date to 554 BCE.

• Pyay Say Gyi Market: 1 km north of the main roundabout, a traditional Burmese market.

• Night Market: On Strand Road near the main roundabout.

• Explore Sri Kshetra: The highlight of any visit — allow 2–3 hours to walk or cycle the ancient Pyu city walls and visit the museum.

• Boat Trip to Akauk Taung: A memorable half-day excursion along the Irrawaddy to see cliff-carved Buddhas.

• Sunset from Shwe Sandaw Pagoda: The best view over Pyay and the giant Buddha.

• Riverside Stroll: The Strand Road riverfront is pleasant in the late afternoon.

• May Ywet War Myanmar Restaurant (Auntie Moe's): Kan Street, one block north of San Francisco. Wide range of delicious curries — top choice in Pyay.
• Hline Ayar Restaurant: On the riverfront with an extensive English menu — great for sunset.
• Grandma's Restaurant: Northwest of the night market. Good western and South Korean food (1,000–2,500 kyat).
• Eat Hotpot BBQ and Cafe: On Highway 2, serve-yourself all-you-can-eat hotpot and BBQ for 6,000 kyat.
• San Francisco Restaurant: Strand Road, just north of Pyay Strand Hotel — not great value.

Vegetarian options are available.

Bars and beer pubs are south of the main roundabout; some have English menus. Jade Dragon (Market Street, 06:00–09:00) serves coffee, tea, and snacks. Romeo Cold Cafe on Strand Road is a riverside spot for tea and a chill atmosphere.

• Budget: Pan Ga Ba Guest House (342 Merchant Street, US$14–20) — family-run, clean, helpful, and the recommended choice. Hotel 3D (Shwe Tite Tan Street) — small cheap rooms with WiFi.
• Mid-range: Smile Motel (between the roundabout and Shwe Sandaw, from US$22) — central, comfortable beds, AC. Pyay Strand (6 Strand Road, US$25) — bright rooms on the riverfront.
• Upscale: Lucky Dragon (772 Strand Road, US$45–70) — the best in town with a swimming pool and full amenities.

Pyay Say Gyi Market offers typical Burmese market items — textiles, fresh produce, and snacks. ATMs are available in the city. A night market operates on Strand Road.

• Bagan (10 hr by bus, or by ferry) — The legendary temple plain of ancient Myanmar.
• Ngapali Beach (9–10 hr via Taungup) — Myanmar's most beautiful beach with white sand and resorts.
• Mrauk U (16 hr by bus) — Ancient Arakanese capital with stunning temples and Chin villages.
• Pathein (10 hr by bus) — Famous for handcrafted parasols and umbrellas.
• Yangon (8 hr by bus, train, or ferry) — Former capital with Shwedagon Pagoda.
• Taungup (4–7 hr) — Mountain transit hub connecting Pyay with the Rakhine coast.