If you are planning a tour Myanmar in 2019 and want to pick up some interesting spots to put into your itinerary, Pindaya is one of the not-to-miss destinations that worth a day to discover. Stay in the west of Pindaya Township which is about 70 km from Inle Lake, Pindaya is home to the impressive Pindaya limestone cave and breathtaking vista. It is also a good place to start an amazing trekking journey to Inle Lake. In this article, let’s find out the best things to do in Pindaya including the top attractions, weather, where to stay and how to get there.
Pindaya Attractions & Best Thing To Do and See
Pindaya Cave & Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda
Located next to the town of Pindaya, Pindaya Cave is the most dramatic attraction in Pindaya where houses over 8000 images of Buddha line the rocky shelves and stalagmite altars. It’s beautiful and stretches to nearly 200 meters into the hillsides. To enter the cave, tourists have to walk through the Shwe Oo Min Pagoda which attracts visitors with two large spider statues guarding at the entrance. The pagoda is well-known with the legend of a prince who killed the spider inside Shwe Oo Min cave to save seven princesses who were trapped by the spider web. The story said that after killing the spider, the prince shouted “Pinku Ya-Pyi”, which means “I have got the spider”. It has passed through over the centuries and then changed to “Pindaya”.
Each of the Buddha image in the cave is unique and are in different sizes. No one knows exactly when did all the images exist, but the oldest one is believed to be date back to the 18th century.
Annually, the Pindaya Pagoda festival takes place at the full moon day of Tabaung (8th of March). It’s an occasion to witness the timeless tradition in the region which has been passed through generation to generation in the countryside of Myanmar. If you are a cultural enthusiast, don’t miss this chance to visit Pindaya this time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
Visit Shan Paper and Umbrella Workshop
If you want to get the first-hand experience of the traditional production of Pindaya, don’t miss this experience! Discover the Shan paper and umbrella making is another great thing to do in Pindaya. From the raw mulberries barks, the skillful artisans have processed and created into the beautiful paper with attractive flower designed. Upon here, you will discover that everything is made by hand from the paper to the famous Burmese parasols.
Hsin Khaung Taung Kyaung Temple
The gorgeous temple of Hsin Khaung Taung Kyaung can be found along the way downhill from Pindaya Cave on the dirt path to Pone Taloke Lake. It’s a 200-year-old and made of teak wood in traditional Shan style. Inside the temple, you can see a bronze and bamboo Buddha image.
Pone Taloke Lake
Lie very close to the Shwe Oo Min Cave, Pone Taloke Lake is what to next in Pindaya. It is a good place for those who want to take a short break on the way back from the cave to the town. The beautiful lake-wide 81.12 area. Have a sit on the lake shore and listen to the story from your guide about the legend of seven angles and the love story with the human is an amazing experience that you should try when you are in Pindaya.
Kan Tu Kyaung Temple
Take a walk toward the north of Pone Taloke Lake, Kan Tu Kyang Temple is an interesting destination to visit in Pindaya. The temple features some heavily restored stupas and a fin teak kyaung (Burmese Buddhist monastery) and noted for a large collection of antique Buddha images on ornate plinths.
Pindaya Trekking
Last but not least, it would be a big mistake if we skip this experience out of the top things to do in Pindaya. Pindaya’s magnificent limestone and spectacular view making it one of the best routes for Myanmar trekking tours. It offers you an amazing off the beaten track trek to explore the region’s natural beauty and visit some local village to gaze out at their simple daily life, meet some minorities and learn about their unique custom and tradition.
Pindaya Travel Guides
Pindaya Weather – The best time to Visit Pindaya
Like many other parts in Myanmar, Pindaya weather is warm in all year round. The warmest month is in April when the temperature can climb to nearly 40 degrees Census. The coolest month is January, this time, the lowest temperature can be 13-degree Census.
The best time to travel to Pindaya is all year round as the weather is relatively comfortable. If you want to stay away from the heat, manage to visit Pindaya from November to February when the weather is most pleasant. In contrast, if you love the sun, travel from April to October to enjoy the best of Pindaya.
How to Get to Pindaya
Situated about 65km from Heho airport, Pindaya can be easily accessed by taxi around 2 to 2 hours and it costs K65000 ($43). If you travel alone, you can save your money by booking the taxi in advance through your hotel.
The most convenient way to get to Pindaya is to fly. There are scheduled flight from Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Kyaung Tong, Lashio, and Tachileik to Heho. The ticket can be bought directly at the airport.
Where to Eat in Pindaya
Green Tea Restaurant
#Rank of the top 5 best restaurants in Pindaya on Trip Advisor. This is the best restaurant in Pindaya to dine. Located between the market and Shwe Oo Min Pagoda, the restaurant offers a stunning view to the picturesque Pone Taloke Lake and pan-Asian menu, with a Western classics.
Good Morning
#Rank 2 of the top 5 best restaurants in Pindaya on Trip Advisor. This is an ideal restaurant that offers customers with a small English menu of tasty noodle dishes, coffee, and fruits also.
Kyan Lite Restaurant
A good restaurant for a great view of the Pone Taloke Lake and very close to the market. It offers cold beers and a familiar menu of Chinese-Burmese dishes
Accommodation in Pindaya
Pindaya Inle Inn
3-star hotel
#1 best value on the top 8 places to stay in Pindaya rated by Trip Advisor
12 deluxe chalets with fireplace, satellite TV, private bathroom
Free Wifi
Breakfast included
Free parking
Laundry service
Swimming pool, spa, restaurant, fitness center with gym
Conquer Resort
#3 best value on the top 8 places to stay in Pindaya rated by Trip Advisor
Free parking, wifi
Swimming pool, spa, restaurant, Laundry service
Pindaya Mountain View Guesthouse
3-star hotel, suitable for family
#3 best value on the top 8 places to stay in Pindaya rated by Trip Advisor
Free Wifi
Breakfast included
Free parking
Laundry service
Restaurant
Golden Cave Hotel
3-star hotel, suitable for family
#4 best value on the top 8 places to stay in Pindaya rated by Trip Advisor
Free Wifi
Breakfast included
Free parking
Laundry service
Restaurant
Children activities
Babysitting
Global Graves Pindaya Hotel
3-star hotel with a great view
#5 best value on the top 8 places to stay in Pindaya rated by Trip Advisor
Free Wifi
Breakfast included
Free parking
Laundry service
Restaurant
Children activities
Babysitting