Mingun Village , the royal village of Myanmar with its century old buildings , locate approximately 11km upstream from Mandalay. We need to take a transportation by ferry boats across the river. It takes about 1 hour for upriver and 40 minutes for downriver. Mingun village was established in 1790, at the end of the 18th century as King Boedawpaya decided to go off piste somewhat so commissioned a new capital upriver. The name of Mingun means the King’s residence. The attractions of the Mingun Village are its unfinished stupa Mingun Pahtoedawgyi( the world largest pagoda )and Mingun Bell (the world largest intact Bell). If you only have a very few limite time in Mandalay, a boat trip to Mingun is a serious contender for a ‘must-see’ attraction and also pleasant with plenty of life on the river to see.

Mingun Pahtoedawgyi , was founded by King Boedawpaya who was also founded the ancient capital of Myanmar, Amarapura, the city of immortality. He was very famous for his conquest military. This temple was founded for enshrine the tooth of the buddha that was donated by China emperor. You can study Myanmar arts and crafts of Kongbaung period in that place. The most tourist attraction is at the 174 stairway of Pahtodawgyi,50 meters long which faces the Ayeyawaddy river and two enormous statues of lions on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River infrond of Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. If Mingun Pahtoedawgyi been completed , it would have been the largest monument with 150 meters height. It was also damaged with cracks by the earthquake of 1836. But it is still the largest brick base in the world two statues of lions on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River in front of Pahtoedawgyi Pagoda.

The next is  Mingun Bell , which was constructed by King Boedawpaya in1805. We also known as the a magnificent sight of the world’s largest bell with 90tons because King Bodawpaya dedicated to construct a gigantic Pagoda, a gigantic bell and a gigantic lion  in that reign. The weight of the bell in Burmese measurement, is 55,555 viss or peiktha (1 viss = 1.63 kg). Before it was suspended with teak pillars. These teak pillars were damaged due to 1839 earthquake. So in 1904, the Irrawaddy River company replaced them with iron pillar. You had to pay about 5000 kyats for entrance fees. You can duck beneath and stand within the bell while some helpful bystander gives it a good thumb.

Myatheindan Pagoda (Hsin Phyu Me Pagoda) located in the Northern part of Mingun town on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. It locate in the proximity of the Mingun Pahtoedawgyi.  So you can make a transportation with bullock cart. This pagoda was build by Bagyidaw in 1822 for celebrate the memory of his wife , Hsinpyume who had died a week after the birth of their first son. Can enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of Mingun village and Ayeyarwaddy river. Its design is a great departure from Burmese pagoda design norms. It also base on descriptions of the mythical Sulamani pagoda on Mount Meru . And the lower parts of the pagoda represent the mountain. Seven concentric terraces represent the seven mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru according to Buddhist mythology. This Pagoda is unique in its architecture . Unfortunately it was damaged by an earthquake in 1836 and was restored by King Mindon.

In conclusion, Mingun is a pleasant ancient capital city. You can easily add with motor-bike or taxi tour from Mandalay. But it’s the most popular to go by boat.

Departure time is 8:30 am . The driver will pick you up in the early morning.

 Whenever you come from, a boat  trip to Mingun  is one of the highlights trip when you are in Mandalay.