[2025 Inn Wa Attraction] Travel Guide for Maha AungMye BomSan Monastery (Updated Jul)

#springitinerary Nestled in the historic town of Inwa (also known as Ava), Myanmar, the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century Burmese architecture. Commonly referred to as Me Nu Oak Kyaung (Me Nu's Brick Monastery), this structure was commissioned in 1818 by Nanmadaw Me Nu, the chief queen of King Bagyidaw, as a residence for the royal abbot Nyaunggan Sayadaw U Po. The monastery was consecrated on January 29, 1828, and later offered to the second Nyaunggan Sayadaw U Bok. Unlike traditional Burmese monasteries constructed from wood, the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery is built entirely of brick, simulating the appearance of wooden structures. Its architecture features a multi-tiered roof and a seven-tiered superstructure, showcasing the grandeur of the Konbaung dynasty's architectural style. The monastery is adorned with intricate stucco sculptures, including floral patterns and mythical creatures, reflecting the artistic achievements of the period. The monastery suffered significant damage during the earthquake of 1838 but was meticulously restored in 1873 by Queen Sinbyumashin, the daughter of Nanmadaw Me Nu. Despite the passage of time and natural calamities, the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery remains a testament to the resilience and artistic prowess of Myanmar's architectural heritage. Visitor Tips: Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the soft lighting for photography. Dress Code: Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect. Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with nearby sites like Bagaya Monastery, Nan Myint Tower, and Yedanasini Temple for a comprehensive tour of Inwa's historical landmarks. #MahaAungmyeBonzan #MeNuOakKyaung #InwaHeritage #BurmeseArchitecture #KonbaungDynasty #BrickMonastery #MyanmarTravel #CulturalGems #SpiritualJourney #HistoricSites

📜 Maha Aung Mye Bom San Monastery is an important religious and cultural heritage site in Mandalay, Myanmar. Built in the late 19th century 📆 (specifically 1818), during the latter part of the Konbaung Dynasty, it was commissioned by the royal family 👑. Its original purpose was to serve as a place for royal nobles and elite monks to study Buddhist scriptures, combining religious education with meditation practices. 📝 The monastery is renowned for its all-teakwood structure, featuring intricate and exquisite carvings. It blends traditional Burmese style with European decorative elements from the colonial period (such as arched doors and windows), reflecting the multicultural influences on Burmese architecture at that time. ✍🏻️ The name "Maha Aung Mye Bom San" means "great and boundless light protection," symbolizing its influence as a spiritual sanctuary. Monks still practice here today, continuing ancient religious traditions. Having withstood wars and the ravages of time, the temple remains well-preserved and serves as a significant example for studying Burmese Buddhist architecture and the social changes of the 19th century. 【📍Address】Near Amarapura, Mandalay, close to U Bein Bridge. 【⏰Opening Hours】Open all day, but daytime visits are recommended (6:00am–6:00pm). 【🎫Tickets】Free, but donations are welcome. 【🚕Transportation】 ✔️ From downtown Mandalay, it's about a 30-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride, costing around 10,000–15,000 MMK (approx. USD 5–7). Negotiate the fare yourself. ✔️ Renting an e-bike or bicycle is an option, suitable for independent travelers. Confirm rental locations in advance (city center hotels or rental shops). ✔️ The monastery is only 2 km from U Bein Bridge. If you're staying near the bridge, you can walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride (about 5 minutes). 【📌Tips】 1⃣ Witness monks' daily activities, such as chanting scriptures and having meals, in the early morning (6:00am–7:00am). 2⃣ Wear long pants/skirts and cover your shoulders. Shoes must be removed before entering. 3⃣ The soft light of early morning or evening is ideal for visiting, avoiding the midday sun. 4⃣ The interplay of light and shadow on the wooden structures inside the monastery makes it perfect for capturing cultural or architectural close-ups. 【✍🏻️Nearby Attractions】 ✔️ U Bein Bridge: Visit at sunrise or sunset. Boat rentals are available for silhouette photography (approx. 10,000 MMK). ✔️ Mahagandhayon Monastery: Mandalay's largest Buddhist monastery. Around 10:00am daily, thousands of monks line up for their meal, a truly impressive sight. ✔️ Amarapura: Explore the ancient city ruins and silk workshops, and experience traditional weaving. 【📜Suggested One-Day Itinerary】 Maha Aung Mye Bom San Monastery in the morning > Mahagandhayon Monastery > U Bein Bridge at sunset > Dinner in Amarapura.

Maha Aungmye Bonzan in Myanmar is one of the most unique and interesting temple I have ever seen. This ancient temple of Myanmar holds so much history value and the ancient architectural design of this temple really stole my heart. I simply in love with this place. Amazing. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Surrounded by several famous Mandalay temples, this temple in the heart of Mandalay is just across the street from Mandalays most famous Maha Muni Temple. The stupa in the temple is very unique. In the temple, there is also a school. Every morning, the local Xiaosha is accompanied by students into the classroom to study life. Beautiful white tower stands under the blue sky and white clouds. The beautiful lake is beautiful under the beautiful scenery, and you can enjoy such a beautiful scenery quietly together. The nearby Mahmouni Temple is surrounded by a beautiful lake and white stupa.

Maha Aungmye Bonzan is a temple similar to Angkor Wat, but much smaller. This is a brightly colored building. Despite the wind and rain, you can still see the gorgeous yellow and majestic spirit. The Maha Ang Temple, also known as the Huang Temple, is the most beautiful building in the Inwa ruins. It was donated by the emperor of King Meng Yun (Podaupe) of the Gongbang Dynasty in 1818 to the sergeant of the national teacher Nyaung Gan Sayadaw. The residence, which was initially wooden structure, was dumped in large or medium damage. It was destroyed in the earthquake in 1838 and was repaired in 1872. The pale yellow walls are adorned with cumbersome carvings. The lines under the sun are very soft and look like a European castle. The temple is very deserted, lacks sunshine and lacks popularity. After a circle of corridors, it is a deep temple. The interior walls are white. The Buddha statues are placed in the center of the temple. It is so dark that it is not clear. The outer part of the temple is a circle of walls. It surrounds the main tower like a courtyard. In addition to the habitual walls, roofs and stone pillars, there are no large sculptures. It seems to be empty. The courtyard is not paved with cement, and with the quaint architecture, the feeling of peace and tranquility comes.