Mingun
Mingun is a small town on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River, located about 11 km northwest of Mandalay. It is home to some of the most impressive and unique monuments in Myanmar, built during the reign of King Bodawpaya. Mingun offers grand, unfinished structures that tell stories of ambition, faith, and natural beauty.
Highlight Places
Mingun Pahtodawgyi
A massive, unfinished pagoda that would have been the world’s largest if completed.
Mingun Bell
Weighing 90 tons, it’s one of the world’s largest intact ringing bells.
Hsinbyume Pagoda
A white-washed pagoda inspired by Buddhist cosmology, known for its wave-like terraces.
Mingun Village
Explore the peaceful riverside village life with friendly locals and handicraft stalls.
Best Experiences in Mingun
Contrast of Scale
Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda is complete and polished, while Mingun’s grand structures are majestic in their rawness.
River Life vs City Life
The slow ferry ride to Mingun showcases a rural rhythm completely different from urban Yangon.
Architectural Variety
Mingun introduces unique, experimental architecture, contrasting Yangon’s colonial and religious buildings.
Cultural Experiences
Buddhist Legends – Learn the myths and royal ambitions behind Mingun’s structures.
Local Interaction – Talk with artisans selling hand-made items and sweets near temples.
River Journey Rituals – Witness boat-side prayers and offerings, blending religion with river culture.
