Pyay

Pyay is a city in the Bago Region of central Myanmar. It lies on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River and serves as the administrative seat of Pyay District and Pyay Township. The city functions as a regional commercial center and is connected by road, rail, and river transport.

Historically, Pyay is near the Pyu-era city of Sri Ksetra (Thayekhittaya), one of the principal urban centers of the Pyu civilization. The surrounding area has yielded important archaeological remains and artifacts that illustrate early urban planning, trade, and culture in what is now Myanmar.

The city was known as Prome during the British colonial period and was renamed Pyay in 1989 as part of nationwide renaming efforts. Modern Pyay maintains a blend of commercial activity and cultural heritage, with markets that handle agricultural products and other goods, and a river port that supports inland trade.

Culturally, Pyay features Buddhist temples and monasteries that reflect the region’s religious traditions. The city also serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the Pyu archaeological heritage in the surrounding countryside, including sites associated with Sri Ksetra. Pyay’s role as a transportation and administrative hub links it with neighboring towns and regions, underscoring its ongoing importance in central Myanmar.