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Mingun Pahtodawgyi
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Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the massive ruin of an uncompleted stupa, commissioned by King Bodawpaya in 1790. Had it been finished, the structure would have stood 150 meters tall, making it the largest stupa in the world at the time. Construction was halted in 1819 following the king's death, partly due to a prophecy claiming that the completion of the pagoda would lead to the downfall of the kingdom and the dynasty. Today, only the 50-meter-high brick base remains, a colossal structure consisting of millions of handmade bricks that dominates the riverbank. The structure was severely damaged by the 1839 earthquake, which left enormous vertical fissures running through the massive solid brickwork. Nearby, the Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tons, was cast to be part of the temple and remains one of the largest ringing bells in the world. The site is a significant example of the 'merit-making' architecture typical of Burmese monarchs, reflecting both spiritual aspiration and monumental ego.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Tri Pitaka Mingun Sayadaw Museum · တန်ခွန်တိုင် · Chinthe Ruins
- Nearby: Meiktila (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 11 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 32 | 44 | 33 | 38 | 30 | 33 | 9 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Visitors can explore the massive exterior of this unfinished brick pagoda, walking around its enormous base and observing the profound cracks left by historical earthquakes. While climbing to the very top was once a popular activity, access may now be restricted or completely prohibited for safety and preservation reasons.
Typical hours
The archaeological site is typically accessible during standard daytime hours, generally from early morning until just before sunset. It is always best to arrive earlier in the day to avoid the intense midday heat and to fully appreciate the monumental scale of the structure in cooler conditions.
Photography
The sheer size of the ruin makes it a fantastic subject for wide-angle landscape photography, especially when capturing the enormous fissures running down its brick faces. The nearby colossal lion statues, although heavily damaged, also provide excellent and dramatic photographic opportunities for dedicated visitors.
Time needed
A comprehensive visit to the massive pagoda structure and its immediate surroundings usually takes roughly one to two hours. This timeframe provides plenty of opportunity to walk around the entire base, take countless photographs, and soak in the fascinating history of this ambitious but ill-fated architectural project.
Combine with
This site is practically always combined with the other significant attractions scattered throughout the small town of Mingun. Visitors typically walk to the nearby Mingun Bell, one of the heaviest functioning bells in the world, and the beautiful white-washed Hsinbyume Pagoda, both located just a short stroll away.
Getting there
The most popular and scenic way to reach Mingun is by taking a relaxing ferry ride across the Irrawaddy River from the nearby major city of Mandalay. Once you disembark at the local jetty, the pagoda and other main sites are easily accessible on foot or by hiring a local traditional ox cart for a fun experience.
Insider tip
Be sure to wear sturdy but easily removable walking shoes, as you will navigate uneven and sometimes dusty terrain around the ruins, but you must respect the local customs by taking off your footwear if you step into any actively used religious shrines nearby. Bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
Geography
Facts
- The base of the stupa measures approximately 72 by 72 meters (236 feet).
- Construction began in 1790 and was officially abandoned in 1819.
- It was intended to be 150 meters tall but reached only about 50 meters.
- King Bodawpaya oversaw the project from a nearby island for 20 years.
- The massive cracks were caused by the great earthquake of March 23, 1839.
- The ruined Chinthe (lion) statues guarding the entrance were 29 meters high.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mingun Pahtodawgyi (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Mingun-Pahtodawgyi?
A huge, unfinished brick temple intended to be one of the largest structures in the world.
Can you climb the structure?
You can explore the base of the temple, but climbing the upper levels is prohibited.
How do I get there from Mandalay?
Best by taking a daily ferry across the Irrawaddy River.
What else is there to see nearby?
The huge Mingun Bell and the white Hsinbyume Pagoda are just a short walk away.
Is the visit safe?
Yes, but be mindful of the cracks in the masonry caused by earthquakes.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi: where is it located?
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Mingun Pahtodawgyi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tri Pitaka Mingun Sayadaw Museum, တန်ခွန်တိုင်, Chinthe Ruins.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi: why is it worth visiting?
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the massive ruin of an uncompleted stupa, commissioned by King Bodawpaya in 1790.
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