Mingun Pagoda

The massive, unfinished Mingun Pagoda is an impressive site on the bank of the Irrawaddy River. Two giant stone lions about 29 meters high guard the pagoda, which, if completed, will be the largest pagoda in Myanmar.

Mingun Pagoda

The history of the pagoda can be dated back to the end of the 19th century when King Bodawpaya wanted to build the largest pagoda in the country to enshrine his war loot, a Buddha tooth relic, something that his predecessors had not achieved. To demonstrate his power, the King intended the pagoda to be 152 meters high and even moved to a new residence on an island in the river to supervise the construction. However, when the pagoda reached a height of 50 meters, the project was halted due to a lack of funds and labor. Today, the pagoda is still left unfinished. Nevertheless, it still serves as a place of worship and meditation with a Buddha image enshrined in it. To enter the shrine, you need to take off your footwear.

The Mingun Pagoda is adjacent to the giant Mingun Bell and Hsinbyume Pagoda, whose architectural style is meant to represent the mythological Mount Meru. Here is a sample tour covering all these key attractions. Check it out!