Inn Wa

Inn Wa (also known as Ava) is a true window into Myanmar's past. This ancient imperial capital, located just outside of Mandalay, offers an extraordinary glimpse into the kingdom's glory days from the 14th to 19th centuries.

As you explore Inn Wa, you'll encounter crumbling city walls, ancient monastery ruins, and impressive wooden structures that have withstood the test of time. The area has a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, with rural farmland surrounding historic buildings—creating a striking contrast between daily life and the remnants of royal history.

One fascinating aspect of Inn Wa is how it fell from prominence. After ruling as the capital for centuries, a devastating earthquake in 1839 convinced the royal court to abandon the city. What's left today is essentially an open-air museum spread across a rural landscape.

Highlights include the Bagaya Monastery with its intricate teak carvings, the leaning watch tower of Nanmyin, and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery with its unusual brick construction. Most visitors explore the area by horse cart, which adds to the old-world charm of the experience.

Inn Wa offers a less crowded alternative to some of Myanmar's more famous sites while still delivering an authentic and meaningful historical experience.