Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery
A beautifully preserved 19th-century monastery showcasing intricate wood carvings and traditional Burmese architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 19th-century monastery showcasing intricate wood carvings and traditional Burmese architecture.
"Marvel at the detailed wood carvings and historical architecture, a true testament to Burmese craftsmanship."
💰 Check Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is 5000 kyats, which some find pricey. Assess if it fits your budget and expectations.
📸 Photography Focus
Capture the stunning wood carvings and architectural details. Best light is often in the morning or late afternoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Wood Carvings
Marvel at the detailed wooden sculptures adorning the monastery's exterior and interior, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.

Historic Monastery Architecture
Explore the impressive wooden structure, a testament to 19th-century Burmese architectural style and preservation.
Ancient Buddha Images
Discover ancient Buddha statues housed within the monastery, offering a glimpse into religious art and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Entrance Fee & Value
Focus on Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Check Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is 5000 kyats, which some find pricey. Assess if it fits your budget and expectations.
📸 Photography Focus
Capture the stunning wood carvings and architectural details. Best light is often in the morning or late afternoon.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow about an hour to explore. It's a single building, so don't plan for an extensive visit.
🧐 Appreciate the Artistry
Focus on the detailed wood carvings and historical significance rather than expecting extensive exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Check Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is 5000 kyats, which some find pricey. Assess if it fits your budget and expectations.
📸 Photography Focus
Capture the stunning wood carvings and architectural details. Best light is often in the morning or late afternoon.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow about an hour to explore. It's a single building, so don't plan for an extensive visit.
🧐 Appreciate the Artistry
Focus on the detailed wood carvings and historical significance rather than expecting extensive exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery is praised for its beautiful and intricate wood carvings, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Burmese architecture. However, some visitors find the 5000 kyat entrance fee to be quite high for the relatively limited scope of the attraction, suggesting it might be skippable for those on a tight schedule or with less interest in historical buildings.
"This palace,My friends Yangon bagan bike trip recember.
"Salay Yoke Sone Monastery" I twas build by U Boe Kyi and his wife Daw Shwe Thet from Salay in 1882 AD and completed in 1892. It measure 150 feet inn length and 89 feet in breadth. It Has 154 wooden posts ad 6 halls in still remaining . There are 45 sculptures of woodcarvings arounds the veranda of the vicinity of Salay region in 1995. Now it was preserved and protected by the department of Archaeology and National Museum."
Thant Zin
"It is an Old monestary and now converted in to Museum, but there is nothing much to see here other than this building it self !! And there is an entrance fee of 5000 kyats !! And it is really over priced ! No need to visit this unless you are out of places"
Travellers Path By Nestor P Simon
""Yoke-Sone-Kyaung'' is a cultural heritage site in Salay.
Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung was built in AD 1882. There are very beautiful artistic work woodcarvings around it and also ancient Buddha images."
May Kyaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery is located in Salay, a town accessible by road from Bagan. You can hire a car or take a local bus. The monastery itself is a central landmark within Salay.
While not always a standard stop on every Bagan tour, it can be included as a day trip or a stop on longer itineraries, especially those focusing on historical sites outside the main temple complex.
Many travelers opt for a private car or taxi for a comfortable and direct journey. Alternatively, local buses are available but can be slower and less direct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 5000 kyats. Some visitors feel this is a bit high for the experience, so consider this when planning.
Currently, there are no widely advertised discounts or special passes for this monastery. The standard entrance fee applies to all visitors.
The monastery is generally open during daylight hours, typically from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to visit during standard tourist hours to ensure it's accessible.
No, tickets are usually purchased on-site upon arrival. There's no need for advance booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate wood carvings around the veranda and the overall architectural structure. The exterior details are particularly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the religious nature of the site. Check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
The morning or late afternoon offers softer light that can enhance the details of the wood carvings and the building's texture.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the monastery building itself, featuring beautiful artistic wood carvings and ancient Buddha images. It's preserved from King Thibaw's era.
Most visitors spend about an hour here, focusing on appreciating the architecture and carvings. It's a single structure, so it doesn't require a lengthy visit.
While children can appreciate the visual aspects of the carvings, the historical context might be less engaging for younger ones. It's more of an adult-oriented historical site.
Built between 1882 and 1892, it's a significant cultural heritage site showcasing traditional Burmese craftsmanship and architecture from the late 19th century.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with family, focus on pointing out the most visually striking carvings and explaining the concept of a monastery in a simple way. Keep the visit brief, perhaps an hour, to avoid boredom. Consider it an optional stop if time permits and your children have a good tolerance for historical sites.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Appreciate the historical significance of the monastery as a cultural heritage site. The presence of ancient Buddha images further enhances its value for those interested in religious art and history. Allocate ample time to truly absorb the details and understand the craftsmanship involved.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, if your budget allows and you have a keen interest in traditional Burmese architecture and intricate wood carvings, it can be a worthwhile experience. Consider it an optional splurge for a unique cultural insight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and Wood Carvings
These artistic works are not just decorative; they represent a significant cultural heritage, preserved by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum. Visitors often highlight the detailed artistry as the primary reason to visit, noting that the building itself is a museum of traditional woodworking. The monastery also houses ancient Buddha images, adding to its historical and religious significance.
While the monastery is a preserved structure, some reviews suggest that beyond the building and its carvings, there isn't much else to see. Therefore, the experience is best suited for those who appreciate historical architecture and detailed artistry. It's a glimpse into a bygone era, meticulously maintained for future generations to admire.
Visitor Experience and Value
However, a recurring point in reviews is the entrance fee of 5000 kyats, which some visitors consider to be 'overpriced' given the limited scope of the attraction. While the historical and artistic value is undeniable for enthusiasts, those with tight schedules or looking for a broader range of activities might question the cost-to-experience ratio. It's often recommended for visitors who have ample time or a specific interest in Burmese art and architecture.
Despite the cost concerns, the monastery is generally well-preserved, reflecting the efforts to protect this cultural heritage site. For those who decide to visit, the key is to manage expectations and focus on the unique artistic and historical elements that the monastery uniquely offers. It's a place to admire craftsmanship rather than an interactive museum.
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