Myanmar / Burma Travel Update
Since I was there, the situation in Myanmar/Burma has changed a lot. In February 2021, a military coup sparked widespread civil unrest and armed conflict.
The U.S. State Department currently advises: "Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict." You can find their full travel advisory and security alerts here. And you can find the British Foreign Office's travel advice for Myanmar / Burma here.
There’s not quite so much of the gold left that once covered the wood, but its ornately carved teak is arguably even more impressive.
Built in 1880 of carved teak, Shwenandaw Monastery was originally part of the imperial palace at Amarapura. About five years before the British arrived it was moved, in part because the king’s father had died in the building—you can still see the bed chamber where he died—and the new king preferred not to be constantly reminded of it. It now sits on a site near the base of Mandalay Hill, in the north of Mandalay.
It was originally the king’s private retreat. After he died, for a long time it was a monastery.
Its architectural style is traditional Burmese. Numerous solid teak tree trunks hold the structure up off the ground. All of the monastery’s interior is also constructed from teak, from the massive floor planks to the walls and the ornate decoration. The outside now looks blackish, but it was originally covered in gold leaf. You can still see the gold leaf lining the walls and ceiling inside. And there’s no electrical wiring or air conditioning here–it’s all natural light and fresh air ventilation.
The central structure is quite similar in overall structure and layout to the teak monastery of Bagaya Kyaung that’s still in Inwa, though the Shwenandaw Monastery is much more ornate and, well, golden.
Photos of Shwenandaw Golden Palace Monastery
More About Shwenandaw Monastery
- Originally built in Amarapura during the 19th century
- Moved to Mandalay by King Mindon who used it as his personal apartment
- Reconstructed as a monastery by King Thibaw due to concerns of the building being haunted by King Mindon’s spirit
- Features traditional Burmese architecture and craftsmanship
- Known for its intricate wood carvings, which include Jataka tales, floral motifs, and mythical creatures
- Initially gilded in gold, earning it the name Golden Palace Monastery
- Most of the gold has worn off, revealing the carved teak wood beneath
- Located in Mandalay, Myanmar
The Shwenandaw Monastery, also known as Shwenandaw Kyaung, is a historic Buddhist monastery situated in Mandalay, Myanmar. This stunning teak wood structure was built in the 19th century and showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and traditional Burmese architecture of the period. Initially part of the royal palace complex in Amarapura, King Mindon moved the building to Mandalay and used it as his personal apartment. Following his death, his son King Thibaw reconstructed the building as a monastery due to concerns that it was haunted by his father’s spirit.
Visitors to Shwenandaw Monastery can admire the intricate wood carvings that cover both the interior and exterior of the building. These carvings depict scenes from the Jataka tales, stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, as well as traditional Burmese floral motifs and mythical creatures. Although the monastery was once covered in gold, much of it has worn off over time, revealing the beautifully carved teak wood beneath.
What’s Nearby to Shwenandaw Monastery
- Mandalay Royal Palace
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Atumashi Monastery
- Mahamuni Buddha Temple
How to Get to Shwenandaw Monastery
Shwenandaw Monastery is located in Mandalay, Myanmar. The nearest major airport is Mandalay International Airport (MDL). From there, visitors can take a taxi or arrange transportation to the monastery, which is situated in the heart of the city.
Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
What To Know Before You Go
While it’s no longer a functioning religious site, it once was. So you’ll still have to take your shoes off.
Shwenandaw Monastery FAQs
What is the history of Shwenandaw Monastery?
Shwenandaw Monastery was built in the 19th century as part of the Mandalay Royal Palace complex. It was originally known as the Golden Palace Monastery, and was built entirely out of teak wood. After King Mindon’s death in 1878, his son, King Thibaw, moved the building outside the palace walls and converted it into a monastery.
How old is the teak wood used in Shwenandaw Monastery?
The teak wood used in the construction of Shwenandaw Monastery is estimated to be over 150 years old. It is said to have been salvaged from the former Mandalay Palace, which was destroyed during the British invasion of 1885.
What is the significance of the carvings on the exterior and interior of Shwenandaw Monastery?
The carvings on the exterior and interior of Shwenandaw Monastery depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and the life of the Buddha. They are considered to be some of the finest examples of traditional Burmese woodcarving.
How can I get to Shwenandaw Monastery?
Shwenandaw Monastery is located in the heart of Mandalay, Myanmar, about 1.2 miles (2 km) north of the city center. It is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or on foot from most parts of the city. It is also often included as part of guided tours of Mandalay’s historical sites. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and there is a small entrance fee for visitors.
What is the significance of Shwenandaw Monastery?
Shwenandaw Monastery, also known as the Golden Palace Monastery, is a historic Buddhist monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar. It is famous for its exquisite teak wood carvings depicting scenes from the Jataka tales and traditional Burmese motifs. The monastery was originally part of King Mindon’s royal palace but was dismantled and reassembled as a separate structure to preserve its unique artistry.
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