Ayeyarwaddy

The Maw Tin Zun pagoda is well-known for situating on a cape protruding into the sea which is known as Mawtinzun in NgapudawTounship, Ayeyarwady Region. Although the pagoda is renowned as “MawTinZun” pagoda, it’s sacred title is “MahaKhuHtaYanThi” which was built by King AlaungSithu. There is another small pagoda on a rock at the very edge of the sea beach with the sacred title of “Phaung Daw OO” as it was built at the place where the royal barge of King AlaungSithu had berthed. The pilgrims offer “Hsoon” (food), flowers, water and light to the “Maw Tin Zun” pagoda beginning at dawn as they participate in the pagoda festival. After paying obeisance to the pagoda, the pilgrims could visit Ngwe Saung Beach in the environ of the pagoda for swimming. The pilgrims can not only visit beautiful sites in the vicinity of the pagoda but also (flat rock) at “PyiThayar” village and the tortoise island in “Ngaputaw” Township. The pilgrims are warmly welcomed to the wonderful “MawTinZun” pagoda for carrying meritorious deeds, sightseeing and observing the regional knowledge.

Zalun is a small town located in Ayeyarwady Region, located about 50 miles from Yangon. It is also a source of national pride, for the principal Buddha Image with the title, the MahaMahnAungMyin Buddha is believed to be endowed with extraordinary strength and powers. Pilgrims from all over the country, including a large number from Yangon and nearby towns come to worship and pray there, especially on weekends. Generally, families arrive in the morning, spend the day there and leave when the heat of the afternoon sun has abated.  

The MahaMahnAungMyin Buddha Image was said to have been cast in Rakhine State on the orders of King SandarSuriya at the same times as four other images. The first to be cast was famed the Mahar Muni Buddha now at Mandalay. From the remaining metal the second image to be cast was known as Shin Kyaw, the third as ShweBonthar and the fourth, the Mahn Aung Myin Image. The name Mahn Aung Myin signifies the Lord Guatama’s victory over the five Maras (evils). After the image was cast it occupied a place of honour on the right flank of the Maha Muni Image. Its total weight was 24,000 pounds altogether. The ShweBontha Image occupied the left flank.The MahaMahnAungMyin Buddha is known as ZalunPyidawpyan or the image that returned to the Native Land. After occupying Lower Myanmar, British colonists brought the statute of the temple to London for melting. According to the legend, the Queen of England often had headaches and nightmares because of this statute. Thus, the Queen ordered her soldiers to return it back to Myanmar. After they returned the statute, the Queen recovered from the pains. That is why it is also known as Buddha Returned to the Native Land.Myanmar is known as “the Land of Pagodas” the world over because every single town and village has at least one pagoda. There is also a pagoda festival in every town or village throughout the year. ThaZalunPyidawpyan Pagoda festival is held in the full moon day of Tabaung, the last month of the Myanmar Calendar, which falls in March. The festival lasts for ten days and the exact dates vary each year, depending upon the Myanmar Calendar. Locals from around the country donate goods to the Buddha Image and make offering of alms to the monks.

Gaw Yin Gyi Island is an island in Ayeyarwady Region in South West, Myanmar. It is located near Nanthapu village, Nga Yoke Kaung sub-township,Pathein District of Myanmar. It is a tourist destination due to its beautiful rock formations and reefs and it is also adventure trip.

Chaung Thar is a village and beach resort located in Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. Chaungtha Beach, as it is more commonly known, is about 5 hours’ drive away from Yangon and is a popular resort with Yangonites from October to April. As it has been opened roundabout 1990 and it is relatively more affordable than the nearbyNgwesaung andNgapalibeaches,Chaungtha is more crowded and less cleanly than the two more expensive and better maintained beaches. Chaungtha received its name from the small stream (chaung) which flowed at the western part of the village. In Myanmar Language, Chaungtha means Pleasant Stream. Chaungtha is renowned for its fresh and reasonably priced seafood. A major attraction is a small pagoda built on a limestone boulder at the southern end of the beach. Nearby fishing villages and tidal mangrove forests are also popular among the tourists.

NgweSaung Beach Resort, opened in the year 2,000, is one of the loveliest and most pleasant beach resorts in Myanmar. It is located in AyeyarwadyRegion, some 48 kilometres from the town of Pathein, NgweSaung, with a beach frontage on the Bay of Bengal with its clear blue waters, its white crested waves, sandy beaches and unspoiled and pollution-free natural surroundings, is indeed one of the best places to select for a holiday interlude of rest and relaxation.

This elephant camp is located at Padaung Village, around half an hour from NgweSaung on the road to Pathein.The elephant camp has been opening since 2000 in Padaung Village where elephants are well trained in the compound. The camp itself is purely for tourists and no logging takes place.Every day at the NgweSaung camp, in the dawn hours the mahouts creep into the jungle, tracking their charges to their usual hangouts and leading them back to camp for an 8am bath in the creek. Then tourists will have a great chance to join in many exciting activities such as riding, feeding and washing them. It is possible to go for a half-hour elephant ride through the forest. On the back of these trained elephants, tourists can hike up and down steep hills and cross streams.At noon – the heat of the day – the camp sets them free and closes up, only to open again upon their recapture the following day.The elephants are chained to trees between 8am and 12pm if no tourists are there to visit.

It is located in Bogalay Township of Ayeyarwaddy Region and its area is 52.79 sq miles. It was established in 1986. It can be reached from Yangon to Bogalay, 99 miles by river launch and Bogalay to MeinmahlaKyun 12 miles by small motorboat. MeinmahlaKyun is most famous for its saltwater crocodiles and is the premier place in Myanmar to see them. They are most easily spotted by searchlight during nighttime boat trips.at least 117 species of birds have been recorded from the site, including forest, open water, riverine and coastal species. The island is an important breeding and staging area with the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and boasts numerous migratory waterbirds over the winter, from November to February.It is estimated there are around 30 Irrawaddy Dolphins in the rivers and creeks around MeinmahlaKyun Wildlife Sanctuary (though no detailed studies have been done). Sightings are most likely from November to February, but are possible year-round. However, as the water is quite turbid, it is difficult to get a clear view. We can study mangrove ecosystem; behavior of wildlife including reptiles, mammals and aquatic animals; the egg-laying of marine turtle at Kadonlay nesting beach and bird watching.

Thameehla Island is known as a home to fascinating turtles. Via Higyi Island you can go to Thameela Island in Ngaputaw Township by boat. Sea turtles mostly green turtle always-lay eggs on the island. Department of Fisheries started sea turtle conservation programme since 1986. Thameehla Island appears as a Diamond Island in olden map. The surrounding area is about 3 square miles and situated 8 miles from Higyi Island. Due to the coral reefs around this island about 12 miles from their feeding ground. Distinguish character is that sea turtles come to lay their eggs annually.