Bagaya Monastery Inwa
An ancient teak monastery in Inwa, Myanmar, renowned for its intricate carvings and massive wooden pillars, offering a glimpse into Konbaung-era archi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Bagaya Monastery Inwa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient teak monastery in Inwa, Myanmar, renowned for its intricate carvings and massive wooden pillars, offering a glimpse into Konbaung-era architecture.
"The outside carvings are gorgeous. So meticulous."
Go in the Afternoon
Experience the monastery's quiet charm and appreciate the carvings without the midday rush.
Explore All Sides
Walk around the entire building for different perspectives and to fully appreciate its scale.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Teak Carvings
Marvel at the detailed wood carvings adorning the monastery, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship from a bygone era.
Massive Teak Pillars
Stand in awe of the 267 colossal teak pillars supporting the monastery, a testament to its grand construction.
Faded Glory Ambiance
Experience the unique aura of this historic wooden structure, where gilded elements and weathered teak tell a story of time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go in the Afternoon
Experience the monastery's quiet charm and appreciate the carvings without the midday rush.
Explore All Sides
Walk around the entire building for different perspectives and to fully appreciate its scale.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this active Buddhist monastery.
Check for Access
Sometimes parts of the monastery may be closed; inquire politely if you wish to see inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go in the Afternoon
Experience the monastery's quiet charm and appreciate the carvings without the midday rush.
Explore All Sides
Walk around the entire building for different perspectives and to fully appreciate its scale.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly out of respect for this active Buddhist monastery.
Check for Access
Sometimes parts of the monastery may be closed; inquire politely if you wish to see inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Bagaya Monastery to be a beautiful and historically significant site, particularly admiring its intricate teak carvings and massive pillars. However, some express disappointment if access inside is restricted or if the site appears deserted, noting that the Buddha statues may have been removed. Despite this, the exterior craftsmanship is consistently praised.
"So beautiful
So sad that it's just deserted like that.
The guard couldn't even find the damn key to let me go inside to see it.
But I think the Buddha statues had been removed anyway.
The outside carvings are gorgeous.
So meticulous"
Emma Travel-the-World
"Bagaya Monastery is a quiet and serene place that is best seen in the afternoon when you can almost have the place for yourself. The teak building with its deep red colors also has elements made of stone. The heaviness of the stone contrasts with the beauty of the wood and the delicate nature of the temple's wood carvings. Some parts of the building are gilded. Others have lost their gold color. The combination of various elements and colors give the building an aura of faded glory. Make sure to go around the building for perspectives of the ensemble that you would miss otherwise."
Georges Younes
"The Bagaya Monastery, located in Inwa, Mandalay Region, Burma. This magnificent monastery is also known as Maha Waiyan Bontha Bagaya Monastery.
The Bagaya Monastery (Bagaya Kyaung) was built in 1834 during the reign of King Bagyidaw. But it’s actually the second attempt–the original, which dated back to 1593, burned down in 1821.
Amarapura, just south of Mandalay City, was the royal capital of Burma during periods in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s now no more than a township and has long been subsumed as part of Mandalay City. But it’s still quite rural, with what were once opulent stone pagodas and palaces destroyed by earthquakes and now overgrown.
The pagoda is made entirely of teak, a timber long prized in shipbuilding and boatbuilding. It’s held up by 267 massive posts of teak, the largest of which is 60 feet high and 9 feet in circumference. The floors and walls are also made of teak. Making this today would be prohibitively expensive even if you could still find solid teak trunks like this anymore."
Happyness Nokwatu Raselabe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bagaya Monastery is located in Inwa, which is a short distance from Mandalay. You can hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk to take you to the ferry point for Inwa. From there, you'll take a short boat ride across the river to the island. Once on Inwa, you can hire a horse-drawn cart to take you to the monastery.
Inwa is an island, so direct car access is not possible. You'll need to take a ferry across the river from the mainland near Amarapura.
Horse-drawn carts are the primary mode of transport on Inwa and are a charming way to explore the historical sites, including Bagaya Monastery.
The journey from Mandalay to Bagaya Monastery typically involves a taxi ride, a ferry crossing, and then a horse cart ride. Allow at least 1-2 hours for travel and exploration.
Negotiate your horse cart fare beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings. Many visitors combine a visit to Bagaya Monastery with other Inwa attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the monastery is a historical site, there isn't a formal entrance fee mentioned in most visitor accounts. However, donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep.
As a working monastery, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Some visitors have reported it being closed or inaccessible at times, so it's advisable to check locally if possible.
Access inside the monastery can sometimes be restricted. While the exterior carvings are stunning, you may not always be able to enter the main halls.
No advance booking is required for Bagaya Monastery. It's a historical site that can be visited as part of a day trip to Inwa.
Visiting in the afternoon is recommended as crowds tend to thin out, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate teak carvings on the exterior, the massive wooden pillars, and the overall architecture offer numerous photo opportunities. The afternoon light can create a beautiful ambiance.
Photography rules can vary. If you are able to enter, be respectful and check if photography is permitted inside.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the monastery and its pillars. A standard zoom lens will be great for details of the carvings.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical and religious sites in Myanmar. It's best to avoid bringing drones to prevent any issues.
The late afternoon, leading up to sunset, often provides the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the teak.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The current Bagaya Monastery was built in 1834, replacing an earlier structure that burned down in 1821. The original monastery dated back to 1593.
It is famously constructed almost entirely of teak wood, supported by 267 massive teak pillars, the largest of which is 60 feet high.
It dates back to the Konbaung Era (1752–1885), a significant period in Burmese history.
'Bagaya' translates to 'Royal Monastery' in Burmese, indicating its historical importance.
Yes, the intricate carvings are a significant example of Burmese artistry and craftsmanship from the 19th century, depicting various motifs and stories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the monastery is a religious site, so encourage children to be respectful of the surroundings. The afternoon visit is ideal to avoid the harshest sun and potential fatigue. Pack water and snacks, as amenities on Inwa can be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to truly convey the monastery's unique character. Consider capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the intricate carvings. Remember to be patient and wait for moments of quiet to get the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Teak
The monastery's construction would be prohibitively expensive today, not only due to the cost of such massive teak logs but also the intricate artistry involved. The combination of the wood's natural warmth, the gilded accents, and the detailed carvings creates an atmosphere of faded glory, a poignant reminder of its historical significance and the passage of time.
Visitors often remark on the meticulous detail of the exterior carvings, which showcase a rich tradition of Burmese art. While some parts may show signs of age, the overall impression is one of enduring beauty and historical importance.
A Glimpse into History and Culture
Amarapura, the township where the monastery is located, was once the royal capital of Burma during several periods in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although now largely subsumed by Mandalay City, it retains a rural charm and echoes of its opulent past with ancient pagodas and palaces, many of which are now overgrown or damaged by earthquakes.
As a working Buddhist monastery, Bagaya Monastery is not just a historical relic but a living spiritual site. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of its religious function, dress respectfully, and appreciate the serene atmosphere that contributes to its unique character.
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