Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mingun Paya
STUPA RUIN
Started in 1790, Mingun Paya (or Pahtodawgyi) would have been the world's biggest
stupa had it been finished. In fact, work stopped when King Bodawpaya died in 1819.
That left only the bottom third complete. But the result is still a huge structure - a
roughly 240ft cube on a 460ft lower terrace. It is often described as the world's largest
pile of bricks.
For added drama, there are several deep cracks caused by the massive 1838 earth-
quake. The November 2012 earthquake caused further damage, meaning that climbing to
the top is currently forbidden for safety reasons.
Pondaw Paya
STUPA
To see what Mingun Paya would have looked like had it ever been completed, have a
quick look at diminutive Pondaw Paya, 200yd south at the end of the tourist strip.
Chinthe Ruins
RUIN
Across the road from Mingun Paya lie two house-sized brick-and-stucco ruins. These are
just the haunches of what would have been truly gigantic
chinthe
(the pagoda's half-lion,
half-dragon guardian deities).
Mingun Bell
GIANT BELL
In 1808 Bodawpaya continued his biggest-is-best obsession by commissioning a bronze
bell weighing 55,555
viss
(90 tonnes). It's 13ft high and over 16ft across at the lip and
was the world's biggest ringable bell for many decades, albeit now surpassed by the giant
bell of Pingdingshan, China. You can duck beneath and stand within the bell while some
helpful bystander gives it a good thump.
Hsinbyume Paya
BUDDHIST STUPA
Built in 1816, possibly using materials pilfered from Mingun Paya, this unusual pagoda
rises in seven wavy, whitewashed terraces representing the seven mountain ranges
around Mt Meru - the mountain at the centre of the Buddhist universe.
Eating
There are half a dozen snack shacks around Mingun Paya entrance.
Point
(mains
K2000-3500)
, near the ferry jetty, has a river view and serves draft Spirulina beer (K700).
Getting There & Away
