About 25 kilometres downstream from Pyay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady, a low limestone cliff rises straight out of the river. Almost the entire face is carved with Buddhist images — seated Buddhas, niches, and a few larger reliefs — accumulated over centuries.
Akauk Taung is reached by boat from Hsin Mu Htaung jetty, a short drive from Pyay. The half-day trip takes you upstream past fishing villages and water buffalo on the banks. Climbing the cliff to the small pagoda on top gives a long view over the meandering river. It is a quiet, peculiar place and one of the best half-day excursions from any lower-Ayeyarwady stop.