Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung
Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
621 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
271
Average
77
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Mike
Florida Keys, FL10 contributions
Jun 2019
I like this teak wood old monastery, especially Buddha Images in side are so beautiful. Design of building as well so beautiful.
Young monks are sitting on the circular windows is so cute too.
I will recommend you to visit when you come to Inle.
Young monks are sitting on the circular windows is so cute too.
I will recommend you to visit when you come to Inle.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MMDIN
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar20 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
This is a place always packed with tourists. A very picturesque wooden monastery from late 19th century is a must stop for the tourists on their way to Nyaungshwe (Inle Lake) or upon leaving the town. For those staying in Nyaungshwe, they can be visited this place at off-peak hours: either before 9:30am or just before the sunset and it will give them a huge benefit without crawling though the crowd.
The main attraction is the wooden monastery with the oval-shape windows where novices sit and study and pose for the photographs. The main shrine inside the monastery has large lacquer Buddha with a modest collection of antique religious artifacts including scripture boxes, Buddha statues of all sizes and postures, and beautiful ceiling lamps. Remember, this is a living monastery and one should be very careful in dress (cover your legs and shoulders) code and lower your voice. There is a room for the chief monk on the right side of the shrine and dormitory for the novices in the backside. The room on the left side of the shrine is turned into a storeroom. It is forbidden to enter into the dormitory although you may see some negligence tourists.
The whitewashed brick and cement temple in a separate compound is a unique to Myanmar and you couldn’t find an identical architecture in all of Myanmar. There are hundreds of tiny niches containing tiny stone Buddha status are also covered with red robe. There are a few Buddhist (Jataka) stories displayed in the form of glass mosaic on the interior walls and the work here is fabulous.
If you have time, explore the village in the west of the monastery and in the afternoon, there are villagers bathing/washing across the road at a very scenic lakeside location.
The main attraction is the wooden monastery with the oval-shape windows where novices sit and study and pose for the photographs. The main shrine inside the monastery has large lacquer Buddha with a modest collection of antique religious artifacts including scripture boxes, Buddha statues of all sizes and postures, and beautiful ceiling lamps. Remember, this is a living monastery and one should be very careful in dress (cover your legs and shoulders) code and lower your voice. There is a room for the chief monk on the right side of the shrine and dormitory for the novices in the backside. The room on the left side of the shrine is turned into a storeroom. It is forbidden to enter into the dormitory although you may see some negligence tourists.
The whitewashed brick and cement temple in a separate compound is a unique to Myanmar and you couldn’t find an identical architecture in all of Myanmar. There are hundreds of tiny niches containing tiny stone Buddha status are also covered with red robe. There are a few Buddhist (Jataka) stories displayed in the form of glass mosaic on the interior walls and the work here is fabulous.
If you have time, explore the village in the west of the monastery and in the afternoon, there are villagers bathing/washing across the road at a very scenic lakeside location.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran0629
Phnom Penh, Cambodia34 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
I took a pleasant 20 minute walk from Nyaungshwe to this much photographed monastery. Yes, the ordination hall is a lovely and interesting building but if you're just relying on your LP guide which doesn't mention the white building with the gold stupa you're missing out. I wandered in there to see whatnthe source ofnthe chanting was and found myself in a beautiful structure lined with hundreds of niches holding small Buddhas in gilded red and blue walls. And I found the two men chanting and sat and listened to them for awhile. During that time I saw other visitors come and go who just went into the ordination hall, posed in the windows for pictures and left. if there's one thing I've learned traveling in Burma it's never just follow the guidebook. Always wander around in monasteries and temples. Nobody ever stops you and you are often rewarded with friendly chats and great pictures.
Written October 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynkster
Australia253 contributions
Dec 2019
Unique in its architecture and style, this is a working monastery - somehow the young novice monks just continue with their studies regardless of the throngs of tourists that move in and out of the room. It's a little uncomfortable to watch some of the tourists just squat down and stick a long lens into some of the young boys faces and then waddle off without a comment. There's one tourist whose guide paid two young monks to walk around and strike poses for his photographer client. There aren't many vendors hawking goods.
There is a small building nearby that houses small Buddhist statues for all the donors that have given funds for the upkeep of the monastery. Once again, when going barefeet, watch where you step as the floor isn't too clean in some places and have sharp pebbles.
There is a small building nearby that houses small Buddhist statues for all the donors that have given funds for the upkeep of the monastery. Once again, when going barefeet, watch where you step as the floor isn't too clean in some places and have sharp pebbles.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthurrvr
Marlborough, UK1,441 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
The Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung is passed by nearly every tourist visiting Lake Inle as it is on the main road from Helo Airport down to Lake Inle, on the right approximately one kilometre before one arrives at the main Lake Inle town of Nyaungshwe. However it is worth more than just passing by, as the monastery has a very famous wooden ordination hall (a thein) on stilts with 2 oval shaped large wooden windows, a very unusual feature. This ordination hall is particularly beloved by photographers just because it is so striking, and unusual, and indeed I have seen posters of this monastery on sale at Amazon! The ordination hall is made of red painted (in parts) teak and is believed to have been built in the late 18th or early 19th Century.
The inside of the ordination hall is worth visiting although it is not as spectacular as the outside. Many of the rooms are quite dark inside but they have a number of old Buddha statues in some rooms, some locked up behind glass in a cupboard. The gilded ordination hall itself is also quite pleasant with a nice wooden ceiling. This is a proper 'working' monastery although when we were there (about 0830) we saw no sign of the monks other than robes hanging out to dry, no doubt they were in a different part of the monastery undertaking meditation or other activities.
While at the monastery definitely do not miss out on visiting the low white building by the Shan style golden stupa, across from the ordination hall. Looks nothing special from the outside, but inside the are some very unusual very old brick and stucco corridors, many of them covered in red ochre style 'paint'. The corridors have small niches, some with niches covering the whole wall, some only a few niches, but all containing a wide variety of small Buddha images. Some alcoves look as if they had been windows at some stage but now have a series of small steps with Buddha images on each one. Some of the Buddha statues are clothed in monks robes, some are not. Also note the unusual, and old, small floor tiles. All in all, this is a very unusual and interesting sight, certainly something I have never seen before in this particular style.
When we were there, some handicraft and other stalls were being set up for the day on the other side of the main road, opposite the monastery entrance, so one can always indulge in some retain therapy as well if one wants!
The inside of the ordination hall is worth visiting although it is not as spectacular as the outside. Many of the rooms are quite dark inside but they have a number of old Buddha statues in some rooms, some locked up behind glass in a cupboard. The gilded ordination hall itself is also quite pleasant with a nice wooden ceiling. This is a proper 'working' monastery although when we were there (about 0830) we saw no sign of the monks other than robes hanging out to dry, no doubt they were in a different part of the monastery undertaking meditation or other activities.
While at the monastery definitely do not miss out on visiting the low white building by the Shan style golden stupa, across from the ordination hall. Looks nothing special from the outside, but inside the are some very unusual very old brick and stucco corridors, many of them covered in red ochre style 'paint'. The corridors have small niches, some with niches covering the whole wall, some only a few niches, but all containing a wide variety of small Buddha images. Some alcoves look as if they had been windows at some stage but now have a series of small steps with Buddha images on each one. Some of the Buddha statues are clothed in monks robes, some are not. Also note the unusual, and old, small floor tiles. All in all, this is a very unusual and interesting sight, certainly something I have never seen before in this particular style.
When we were there, some handicraft and other stalls were being set up for the day on the other side of the main road, opposite the monastery entrance, so one can always indulge in some retain therapy as well if one wants!
Written March 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dingo_6152
Fremantle, Australia1,979 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Located just to the north of Nyaung Shwe, this monastery is worth visiting. The teak monastery with its unique oval windows (reminds me of hobbit town on stilts) is light and airy, unlike many other monasteries in the area. We were fortunate to visit whilst a novice initiation ceremony was underway and were invited by the abbot to share a hot tea and sunflower seeds. Make sure that you also visit the shrine next to the monastery, with its glass mosaics and the walls of miniature Buddha images.
Written December 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frankascanbe
Dublin, Ireland102 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Lovely old temple (13th century I think). We did this on the way to the winery and it was lovely to see the colours of the monks cloths and the dragon tribe women with their amazing head scarfs.
Some guides will bring a launch for you to eat in the temple with the local and this looked great. Did not do it but wish I had know in advance. Takes about 30min to see the temple.
Some guides will bring a launch for you to eat in the temple with the local and this looked great. Did not do it but wish I had know in advance. Takes about 30min to see the temple.
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia9,804 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
At Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery you will find many novice monks. The photos I've included show young novice monks standing in the oval old teak wood panels of the monastery built in the 19th century. This is near the famous Inle Lake in the Shan State. During Thingyan, the Burmese New Year, many Burmese boys celebrate shinbyu, a special rite of passage when a boy enters a monastery for a short time as a novice monk. They live the tough life of the monks: waking up early, washing with cold water and strict discipline. As the monks do, they have to buy their food with money given as alms. One meal a day.
The building has deteriorated over the years and yet it has character and charm about it. The monks are happy for you to take their photos in return of a smile and a nod.
Inside is the main shrine which has a very large lacquer Buddha surrounded by some artifacts including little scripture boxes.
The chief monk sleeps to the right side of the shrine and the novices sleep in a dormitory at the rear.
Please note that this is a real monastery where monks practice daily. Wear appropriate clothing and speak in soft tones.
Next door is a large white brick temple that is somewhat separate to the monastery. Inside there are hundreds of tiny little niches that contain small Buddha statues, most of which are different to each other. I never saw anything like this before in all my travels. Quite stunning. There appear to be a few Buddhist stories displayed in the form of glass mosaic on the interior walls and the work here is fabulous.
Another great opportunity for photos here.
You could spend no more than half an hour here and across the road is a small market which is worthwhile visiting.
Again - be mindful of where you are and respect the monks home.
The building has deteriorated over the years and yet it has character and charm about it. The monks are happy for you to take their photos in return of a smile and a nod.
Inside is the main shrine which has a very large lacquer Buddha surrounded by some artifacts including little scripture boxes.
The chief monk sleeps to the right side of the shrine and the novices sleep in a dormitory at the rear.
Please note that this is a real monastery where monks practice daily. Wear appropriate clothing and speak in soft tones.
Next door is a large white brick temple that is somewhat separate to the monastery. Inside there are hundreds of tiny little niches that contain small Buddha statues, most of which are different to each other. I never saw anything like this before in all my travels. Quite stunning. There appear to be a few Buddhist stories displayed in the form of glass mosaic on the interior walls and the work here is fabulous.
Another great opportunity for photos here.
You could spend no more than half an hour here and across the road is a small market which is worthwhile visiting.
Again - be mindful of where you are and respect the monks home.
Written October 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wasessa
Shrewsbury, UK517 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We visited here as part of a Titan tour of Bangkok and Burma as a group of 24 people.
It was very interesting to see the donations of individual Buddhas made by people from around the world.
A lovely wooden monastery. Accidently peeked into the private area to see the young monks playing on their computer games - boys don't differ around the world!
The toilet facilities were OK.
There are market stalls opposite.
It was very interesting to see the donations of individual Buddhas made by people from around the world.
A lovely wooden monastery. Accidently peeked into the private area to see the young monks playing on their computer games - boys don't differ around the world!
The toilet facilities were OK.
There are market stalls opposite.
Written March 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazinghorizons
Los Angeles, California354 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This monastery was made of teak and was quite beautiful. It was wonderful getting to see the novices chanting. Unlike some of the golden and colorful monasteries, this one was naturally beautiful.
Written February 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung
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