MinGun, Myanmar: 3 Awe-Inspiring Sites

MinGun, Myanmar

Photography by Lucas Stoffel can be licensed on Shutterstock and Getty Images

The Unfinished Stupa by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Mingun, Myanmar and the Gigantic unfinished stupa and the world's 2nd largest bell.

Nice pile of bricks you’ve got here. The Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a nice pile of bricks indeed and holds the record for being the biggest pile of bricks in the world.

Intended to be a 500 foot high stupa, a mound housing Buddhist relics, the Pahtodawgyi remains unfinished to this day but is still an awe-inspiring structure. Measuring 450 by 450 feet and 172 feet high, it dwarfs the surrounding area, and would easily have rivaled the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza had King Bodawpaya finished its construction.

Construction began in 1790, using mostly slave labor, and causing a massive drain on resources and manpower in the area. The project was widely unpopular during its time, which some suspect caused its cessation.

The Unfinished Stupa by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

King Bodawpaya was a superstitious man and during the construction, it was prophesied that the completion of the great stupa would cause his death or the destruction of the country. Worried about maintaining his empire, the king slowed progress on the stupa. When he died, construction was abandoned completely.

Despite not completing the stupa, construction on an accompanying bell was finished, and was similarly grand in size. The finished bell weighed over 200,000 pounds and is 12 feet high. The massive bell can be rung by striking the outside since it has no internal ringing mechanism.

Since the early 19th century, the stupa has become increasingly decrepit. An earthquake in 1839 left giant cracks along the face of the stupa, and wear and tear have led it to become almost natural looking. Without the bright white entrance, visitors could easily mistake the stupa for a large earthen mound, or simply a pile of bricks.

Next door is the beautiful white pagoda. One of Min Gun's finest attractions:

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The White Pagoda by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

#Myanmar #Bagan #Mingun #Buddha #Buddhist

Mandalay, Myanmar: 5 Things To Check Out

Mandalay, Myanmar

Photography by Lucas Stoffel can be licensed on Shutterstock and Getty Images

Buddhist Mandala by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Mandalay is Myanmar’s second largest city and in terms of commerce, it’s most important. The population surpasses one million, and though it is a center of Burmese culture, immigrants from Yunnan Province are quickly bringing a Chinese counterculture as well. Just wait until that highway from China opens up. There’s enough to see here to spend a few days on your way north or as you are waiting to board a local boat for a full day’s journey south to Bagan.

Mandalay Palace

You’ll see the big ramparts and surrounding moat and think this must be a big deal. Well, it was. When the monarchy came to an end, this was its last home when the British took it in 1885 and ousted King Thibaw. During World War II most of it was destroyed by fire and what you see today within the walls is a reconstruction from the 1990s. The space is shared by military grounds now, but you can still see what the Glass Palace quarters, the Great Audience Hall, and Lion Throne Room looked like. There is also a climbable watchtower. The Royal Mint and a clocktower survived the WWII fire. If you have time to kill, it’s worth seeing. Oh, and do NOT take photos of the soldiers or military installations.

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Mandalay Hill (photo credit: Kevin Revolinski)

Mandalay Hill

For those who love views, head up Mandalay Hill for a view of the city. You can get to the top with a vehicle, but you can also make merit by climbing this 240-meter hill on foot as you pass Buddha images, flower vendors, and ogre statues. Get there for sunset.

Sandamani or Sanda Muni, Mandalay (photo credit: Kevin Revolinski)

Mandalay Buddha by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Sandamani or Sanda Muni Paya

Just off to the southeast of Mandalay Hill for a convenient stop, is Sanda Mani pagoda. Inside you’ll find the largest iron Buddha, topping 18.5 metric tons and, like most important Buddha images, arriving here via various previous homes due to war and changing capital cities. This location was where King Mindon’s provisional palace once stood, and the pagoda was his memorial to a younger half-brother. Recognize it by the large collection of white pagodas standing tall and narrow.

Temple Monk by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

#Myanmar #Mandalay #Buddhist #SouthEastAsia

Yangon, Myanmar: Unveiling the Timeless Charms of the Golden Land

Yangon, Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda Buddha by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Nestled along the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, is a place where time appears to stand still. With its rich history, awe-inspiring temples, and warm-hearted locals, Yangon offers travelers a captivating journey into the heart of the Golden Land.

As I wandered through Yangon's bustling streets, I was struck by the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here, colonial-era buildings stand side by side with glittering shopping malls, while street vendors offer tantalizing local delicacies amidst the urban buzz.

Shwedagon Pagoda by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Timeless Yangon: The Shwedagon Pagoda

My journey began at the Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon's crowning jewel and one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. As I approached this gilded masterpiece, its sheer size and radiance left me in awe. The pagoda's golden stupa soared into the sky, reflecting the sun's rays with an ethereal glow. I joined pilgrims and monks in circling the pagoda, absorbing the serenity and spirituality that permeated the air.

Reclining Buddha Yangon by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

A Glimpse into Myanmar's History

Yangon also serves as a window into Myanmar's tumultuous history. The National Museum offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts, from ancient Buddhist relics to royal regalia. The museum's exhibits vividly recount the nation's journey through time.

Also Yangon's colonial-era architecture harkens back to its past as a British colonial capital. The dilapidated yet charming buildings whispered stories of a bygone era. Sipping tea at a century-old teahouse, I could almost hear the echoes of literary greats like George Orwell, who once found inspiration in these very streets.

Young Boy in Yangon by Luke Stoffel - Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Practical Tips

• Visa: Ensure you have the appropriate visa to enter Myanmar. The process varies depending on your nationality.

• Currency: The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK), and it's best to carry cash.

• Respect Local Customs: Myanmar is a conservative country with strong Buddhist traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove your shoes before entering.

• Local Transport: Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for getting around the city. Negotiate fares beforehand.

• Language: While Burmese is the official language, many locals in Yangon's tourist areas speak some English.

As I bid farewell to Yangon, I couldn't help but feel that I had unearthed a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. Yangon's timeless charm, warm hospitality, and rich cultural tapestry left an indelible mark on my journey. It's a city where tradition dances with modernity, and where the spirit of Myanmar shines as brightly as the golden stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda.