Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery
ရွှေယံပြေကျောင်း
A 19th-century teak monastery on the northern outskirts of Nyaungshwe, famous for its oval windows and novice monks reading by them, a classic photo subject.
Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery lies about 1.5 km north of Nyaungshwe. Built in the late 19th century, it is a reddish-brown teak monastery on stilts. Its best-known feature is a row of oval windows, and images of young novice monks reading by the window often appear in Myanmar photography. Beside the monastery, a white pagoda contains hundreds of glass-inlaid niches. It's on the way when cycling to Red Mountain Estate or out of town, and admission is free (donations are welcome). Ask permission before photographing monks, and remove your shoes before entering.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Cultural Museum (Haw of the Sawbwa)
- Mingalar Market
- Yadana Man Aung Pagoda
- Nyaungshwe
- Red Mountain Estate
- Khaung Daing Hot Springs
- Intha Leg-rowing Fishermen
- Maing Thauk