Pyay or Prome (Burmese ပြည်မြို့) is a city (pop. 134,861 as of 2014) in the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar.
Pyay is an ancient yet modern city dating back to 638. It has interesting religious sights such as the giant sitting Buddha south of the city and the Shwebontha Muni Pagoda in nearby Pa Daung. It has three universities.
Most people come here to see the ancient ruins of Sri Kshetra aka the old Pyu city. Pyay is not yet that famous with western tourists.
- Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. This pagoda offers the perfect view to take pictures of the giant, sitting Buddha (Sehtatgyi). 1,500 kyat (take the stairs to avoid it).
- Sehtatgyi. Giant, sitting Buddha.
- Pagoda. This pagoda offers a great view of Pyay and the surrounding area.
- Tharaykhittaya Archaeological Museum. An interesting collection of artifacts found around the ruins, showing bronze, ceramic and stone funerary urns, silver coins and bowls, jewellery, carved stone Buddhist and Hindu figures as well as ceramic votive plaques. 5,000 kyat.
- Shwe Myethman Pagoda. A Buddha with glasses, and the 80 Buddhas Monastery. There are other pagodas within 400 m diameter around Shwe Myethman. Also see this interesting sight., 2 km before Shwe Myethman.
- Shwe Bontha Muni Pagoda. The Shwe Bontha Muni Buddha is supposed to be one of three replicas of the Maha Myat Muni Buddha, believed to date to 554 BCE when Sandar Thuriya, the king, ruled.
Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. This pagoda offers the perfect view to take pictures of the giant, sitting Buddha (Sehtatgyi). 1,500 kyat (take the stairs to avoid it).
Sehtatgyi. Giant, sitting Buddha.
Pagoda. This pagoda offers a great view of Pyay and the surrounding area.
Tharaykhittaya Archaeological Museum. An interesting collection of artifacts found around the ruins, showing bronze, ceramic and stone funerary urns, silver coins and bowls, jewellery, carved stone Buddhist and Hindu figures as well as ceramic votive plaques. 5,000 kyat.
Shwe Myethman Pagoda. A Buddha with glasses, and the 80 Buddhas Monastery. There are other pagodas within 400 m diameter around Shwe Myethman. Also see this interesting sight., 2 km before Shwe Myethman.
Shwe Bontha Muni Pagoda. The Shwe Bontha Muni Buddha is supposed to be one of three replicas of the Maha Myat Muni Buddha, believed to date to 554 BCE when Sandar Thuriya, the king, ruled.
- Sri Ksetra. Even if you have seen Bagan, this sight is well-worth the visit. In 2014, Sri Kshetra, Halin and Beikthano (the Pyu cities) have been declared UNESCO World Heritage. 5,000 kyat.
- Akauk Taung. 1/2 day. In the cliff carved, beautiful Buddha statues. Best be seen by boat from the river. In addition, you can make a stop and explore the temples and Buddhas on top of Akuak Tuang mountain, which takes about one hour. 15,000 kyat per boat (2-6 people).
Sri Ksetra. Even if you have seen Bagan, this sight is well-worth the visit. In 2014, Sri Kshetra, Halin and Beikthano (the Pyu cities) have been declared UNESCO World Heritage. 5,000 kyat.
Akauk Taung. 1/2 day. In the cliff carved, beautiful Buddha statues. Best be seen by boat from the river. In addition, you can make a stop and explore the temples and Buddhas on top of Akuak Tuang mountain, which takes about one hour. 15,000 kyat per boat (2-6 people).
Several ATMs can be found in the city.
- Pyay Say Gyi Market. Try this market for the typical items found on Burmese markets.
- Night Market.
Pyay Say Gyi Market. Try this market for the typical items found on Burmese markets.
Night Market.
- May Ywet War Myanmar Restaurant, Kan St (One block north of San Francisco, +95 53 25 338. A wide range of delicious curries. Top choice among all restaurants in Pyay.
- San Francisco Restaurant, Strand Rd (Just north of Pyay Strand Hotel, +95 53 29 297. Not very good value for money.
- Grandma's Restaurant. Good western and South Korean food by the owner Banyar Aung, who has worked as a cook in Kuala Lumpur. 1,000-2,500 kyat.
- Hline Ayar Restaurant. Great for sunset, including extensive English menu.
May Ywet War Myanmar Restaurant, Kan St (One block north of San Francisco, +95 53 25 338. A wide range of delicious curries. Top choice among all restaurants in Pyay.
San Francisco Restaurant, Strand Rd (Just north of Pyay Strand Hotel, +95 53 29 297. Not very good value for money.
Grandma's Restaurant. Good western and South Korean food by the owner Banyar Aung, who has worked as a cook in Kuala Lumpur. 1,000-2,500 kyat.
Hline Ayar Restaurant. Great for sunset, including extensive English menu.
Some bars for the evening and including beer can be found south of the main roundabout. Some have English menus.
- Jade Dragon, No.29, Market Street (3 blocks south of Pyay Say Gyi Market, +95 53 29 125. 06:00-09:00. Coffee, tea and little snacks.
- Romeo Cold Cafe. Another riverside option good for a chill and tea.
Jade Dragon, No.29, Market Street (3 blocks south of Pyay Say Gyi Market, +95 53 29 125. 06:00-09:00. Coffee, tea and little snacks.
Romeo Cold Cafe. Another riverside option good for a chill and tea.
Long distance buses will start from the Highway Bus Station. For short distances, try the pickups or minibus along the main road out of town.
- Bagan – One of the most famous attractions in Myanmar. Due to the new and direct highway between Yangon and Mandalay, it has become harder to catch a bus to Bagan from Pyay—but also reachable by ferry.
- Mrauk U – Famous for is ancient sights and traditional, surrounding Chin Villages.
- Ngapali – Has the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar, but is mostly a resort place with few budget options available. The best option is to go by bus to Taungup and catch onward travel to Thandwe bus station (6 km from the beach) from there.
- Pathein – Famous for its handcrafted umbrellas. Reachable by bus or ferry.
- Sittwe – Not particularly famous, more a transport hub for in- & outbound travel from & to Yangon (via plane), mostly for Mrauk U.
- Taungup – Is nothing special, but there exist some tourist accommodation options. It can be a convenient hub for road travel between Pyay, Mrauk U, Sittwe and Ngapali.
- Yangon – Reachable by bus, train or ferry.