What to see in Mandalay, Myanmar: Part 2 Inwa- The Bagaya Kyaung Monastery & The Yedana Hsemee Pagoda

Once referred to as Ava under the British rule, Inwa is quite an interesting place to visit among the many treasures in the Mandalay region.  Inwa was the capital of Burma for over six centuries and there are many buildings in this area that show the greatness of this former capital. The most popular way to get to this area is to take a ferry and cross the Ayeyarwady River although by road is available but much longer. Once you cross there are a number of locals offering transport to the many nearby sites by horse cart.

The horse cart ride to the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery is about 15 minutes maximum and you see mostly villages, rice fields, banana trees, and things like the Nan Myin Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Kyaung, and Shwedigon and Nogatatphu Pagoda along the way. I didn’t have time to visit these places because I was on a tight schedule but would recommend spending at least half a day exploring this area if you can.

What makes the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery so unique is that is made entirely of teak wood and still in good condition. It was built in 1834 A.D. during the reign of King Bagyidaw and contains 267 gigantic teak wood posts with the largest post measuring 60 feet high and 9 feet in circumference. The carpentry skills are amazing once you enter the monastery and see the attention to detail. You can’t miss the seven-tiered spire as you look at it from up close. The sitting area is where you’ll see most of the detailed carvings. The price of admission is free and do remember to take off your shoes when entering this holy site.

The other place I visited was the Yedana Hsemee Pagoda. It’s along the main road and you can’t miss it. I can’t tell you when it was built and by whom but it’s a small and humble complex with a lot of charm. There is a main pagoda next to a very large tree to the right when you enter. In the middle is smaller structure with a Buddha inside. Off to the left you see the ruins and a very large Buddha at the end of some roofless pillars with palmyra palm trees in the background.

It shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes to see this complex but the brick stupas give the place a rustic atmosphere. There are a handful of artists and vendors will not be too pushy in trying to sell you stuff too. The price of admission is also free here and do remember to take off your shoes when entering.

If you have a wide-angle lens this is the place to use it!

Happy traveling and don’t forget the sunscreen.