DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°8
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is one of the most significant religious sanctuaries in Myanmar, situated on the shores of Inle Lake in Shan State. It houses five small 12th-century Buddha images that have become almost spherical due to the immense thickness of gold leaf applied by male devotees over many centuries. The pagoda is famous for its elaborate annual festival, typically held in September or October, during which four of the images are transported across the lake on a gilded royal barge shaped like a mythical bird. This 18-day celebration is the most vital cultural event for the local Intha people and draws pilgrims from every corner of the nation. Architecturally, the pagoda reflects traditional Shan styles, featuring multi-tiered roofs and intricate carvings that dominate the central shrine area. Because the site is accessible only by boat, it highlights the unique aquatic lifestyle and the famous floating gardens of the Inle region. Today, it stands as a major center for Theravada Buddhism and a primary landmark that defines the spiritual and historical landscape of eastern Myanmar.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171922252423232223222018
Rain mm11272487891201309083208

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is the central sanctuary on Inle Lake and is accessible to visitors. The main shrine holding the five Buddha statues can be viewed from outside; the inner sanctum is reserved for monks.
🕒
Typical hours
The pagoda is typically open from sunrise to sunset as it is an active place of worship. It is especially lively during the annual Phaung Daw Oo festival in October.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds but not in the innermost shrine area. Respect local traditions and photograph worshippers only with permission.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the pagoda takes about 30 minutes. If taking a boat tour on Inle Lake, allow half to a full day for the entire region.
➕
Combine with
On Inle Lake, visit the floating gardens, one-legged rowers, and silver smith workshops. The nearby Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is also worth seeing.
🧭
Getting there
The pagoda sits on a small island in Inle Lake and is only accessible by boat. Boat tours are offered from surrounding villages like Nyaung Shwe.
💡
Insider tip
Buy a small sheet of gold leaf at the entrance and apply it as an offering to the statues - a local tradition. Visit the pagoda early morning to avoid tourist crowds.

Geography

Coordinates
20.46530, 96.88890

Facts

  • Houses five Buddha images dating back to the 12th century.
  • Images are heavily covered in gold leaf by male devotees.
  • The annual pagoda festival lasts for 18 days.
  • A royal barge in the shape of a Hintha bird carries the icons.
  • One image always remains in the temple during the festival.
  • The site is a major pilgrimage destination in Shan State.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Inle LakeInle Lake2 km · SWExplore →
Inle Lake Floating GardensInle Lake Floating Gardens3 km · NExplore →
Red Mountain Estate VineyardsRed Mountain Estate Vineyards8 km · NExplore →
Aythaya VineyardAythaya Vineyard11 km · NExplore →
TaunggyiTaunggyi17 km · NExplore →
Tigyit Coal Power PlantTigyit Coal Power Plant21 km · SExplore →
Kakku PagodasKakku Pagodas22 km · NExplore →
Gokteik ViaductGokteik Viaduct25 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (8)

Inndein Stupas🏺 historical

An archaeological complex featuring hundreds of weathered and gilded stupas on a hillside.

In Dein Stupas🏺 historical

Historical ruins of ancient stupas, some partially entwined by jungle vegetation.

pagodas⛪ religious

A group of restored pagodas with golden spires perched above the ruins of In Dein.

Monastery⛪ religious

A traditional Shan-style monastery built with dark teak wood on stilts over the waters of Inle Lake.

Inn Dein pagoda⛪ religious

A famous temple complex in Indein known for its over 1,000 ancient stupas clustered closely together on a hillside.

Floating Village📍 landmark

A fascinating settlement on Inle Lake where houses stand on high stilts and are accessible only by boat.

the Buddha boat for the festival📍 landmark

A splendid, gilded royal barge shaped like a mythological bird, used for religious processions.

black smith📍 landmark

A traditional blacksmith workshop where artisans forge metal tools like knives and axes over open fires.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda festival?
A festival where Buddha statues are carried on a golden barge across the lake.
Why are the statues shaped that way?
Constant application of gold leaf has left them completely shapeless.
Are women allowed to touch the statues?
No, women are not permitted to touch the statues directly.
When is the best time to visit?
Mornings are the quietest and most beautiful.
Is it hard to find?
No, it is located right on Inle Lake and easily accessible by boat.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: where is it located?
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Inndein Stupas, In Dein Stupas, pagodas.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: why is it worth visiting?
The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is one of the most significant religious sanctuaries in Myanmar, situated on the shores of Inle Lake in Shan State.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Myanmar (Burma) →

Nearby cities

Muse — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Muse
An important border town in northern Shan State, characterized by heavy trade with China.
Taunggyi — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Taunggyi
The capital of Shan State, located on a ridge and known for its cool climate.
Lashio — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Lashio
The largest town in northern Shan State and an important trading center near the Chinese border.
Putao — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Putao
A remote gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, famous for trekking, snow-capped peaks, and rare biodiversity.
Hsipaw — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Hsipaw
A relaxed town in the Shan highlands, famous for trekking to ethnic hill villages and its historic Shan Palace.
Kengtung — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Kengtung
A picturesque town in eastern Shan State, known for its traditional architecture and ethnic diversity.

Nature

Inle Lake — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Inle Lake
A famous freshwater lake in Shan State, known for its floating villages and one-legged rowers.
Salween River — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Salween River
One of Asia's longest free-flowing rivers, cutting through deep gorges in eastern Myanmar.

More places

Inle Lake Floating Gardens — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Inle Lake Floating Gardens
Unique agricultural areas on Inle Lake where farmers grow tomatoes and other vegetables on floating islands.
Tigyit Coal Power Plant — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Tigyit Coal Power Plant
Myanmar's largest coal-fired power plant, located in southern Shan State, providing energy but often facing criticism for pollution.
Kakku Pagodas — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Kakku Pagodas
A remote religious complex in Shan State consisting of thousands of ancient stupas clustered closely together.
Gokteik Viaduct — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Gokteik Viaduct
An impressive railway bridge from the British colonial era that crosses a deep gorge in Shan State.
Pindaya Caves — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Pindaya Caves
A major pilgrimage site featuring an extensive limestone cave system that houses thousands of Buddha statues.
Shweli 1 Hydropower Station — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Shweli 1 Hydropower Station
A large hydropower project on the Shweli River in Shan State, contributing to the energy supply of both Myanmar and neighboring Chinese p…
Shan Hills — Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Shan Hills
A vast mountainous plateau that forms the eastern part of Myanmar, known for its deep gorges and distinct ethnic diversity.
🗺️
105 Mile Trade Zone
The largest and most important border crossing station on the border with China near Muse, handling the bulk of bilateral trade.