Salay River View Inn

Top choice in Myanmar (Burma)

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One of the best guesthouses in central Myanmar, Salay River View (part of Salay House cafe) is a treat. The main building dates from 1906 and drips old-world character. The rooms themselves are set around a riotous tropical garden, overlook the Ayeyarwady River and are spacious and comfortable. Many people come for a night and end up staying several.

Best of all, though, are the couple who run the place. They speak fluent English and German, are experts on the town's history and will fuss over you to an embarrassing degree. Oh, and if you get sick, one of them is a doctor.

Bike hire is US$8 for a half-day.

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Nearby Myanmar (Burma) attractions

1. Mann Paya

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In the complex about 500yd west of Paya Thonzu, Mann Paya is a modern pagoda housing a 13th-century, 20ft gold buddha made of straw lacquer. As the story…

2. Sasanayaunggyi Kyaung

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The monastery and meditation centre Sasanayaunggyi Kyaung, 0.3 miles north of Paya Thonzu, is a stop-off point for day trippers. It features a lovely 19th…

3. Youqson Kyaung

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Designed as a copy of the Crown Prince House in Mandalay, and built in 1882–92, this huge wooden monastery is one of Salay's not-to-be-missed sights…

4. Paya Thonzu

0.39 MILES

In the pagoda-filled area just east of Youqson Kyaung lies Paya Thonzu, a small trio of brick shrines with sikhara (Indian-style corn-cob-like temple…

5. Shinpinsarkyo Paya

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About 4 miles southwest of town, you'll find the Bagan-era (but renovated over the years) Shinpinsarkyo Paya (Temple 88), which is full of original…

6. Omwara Paya

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Around 1 mile south of Shinpinsarkyo – some taxis won’t drive it, but it’s an easy 20-minute walk – is the so-called Temple 99, an unassuming 13th-century…

7. Sittana Paya

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About half a mile south of New Bagan, this large, 13th-century, bell-shaped stupa is one of the most impressive structures in the area. Built by…

8. Lawkananda Paya

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At the height of Bagan’s power, boats from the Mon region, Rakhaing (Arakan) and even Sri Lanka would anchor by this riverside pagoda with its distinctive…