Mingun is a former royal city on the Irrawaddy River, a short trip upstream from Mandalay in central Myanmar. It makes a rewarding day out for visitors who want to step away from the city and see a different side of the country's history.
What to see
- The unfinished pagoda. Mingun is best known for a massive pagoda that was never completed. Its enormous, partly built form stands as a striking reminder of the ambitions behind it, and it is the first thing most visitors come to see.
- The great bell. Nearby hangs what is described as the world's largest ringing bell. Visitors can see it up close and get a sense of its scale.
Planning your visit
Because Mingun sits across the river from Mandalay, many travellers reach it by boat, which adds to the pleasure of the trip. The journey itself, with the river and the countryside passing by, is part of the experience. Allow a few hours to walk around the main sites at an unhurried pace, and take water and sun protection, as the grounds are largely open.
Mingun suits visitors interested in history, architecture and the Irrawaddy landscape. Combined with a morning or afternoon in Mandalay, it gives a good picture of the region's royal past.
