Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery
မဟာအောင်မြေဘုံစံကျောင်း
A yellow brick monastery built in 1822 with multi-tiered roofs imitating wooden architecture, a rare form among Burmese monasteries.
Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, also called the “Yellow Brick Monastery,” was funded in 1822 by Queen Mee Nu, the queen of King Bagyidaw. Unlike the teak monasteries common in Myanmar, it imitates wooden architecture in brick and plaster. Its seven-tiered roofs, galleries and arches are finely made, and the surface is painted an earthy yellow. Inside, it is cool and dim. It was damaged in the 1838 earthquake and restored in 1873. It lies in the middle of Inwa’s ancient site, is on the horse-cart circuit, and you must go barefoot inside. Some buildings were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake, so check current opening arrangements locally.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Inwa (Ava)
- Yadana Hsemee Pagoda Complex
- Bagaya Monastery
- Sagaing Hill
- U Min Thonze Pagoda
- Snake Pagoda (Paleik)
- Mahagandayon Monastery
- U Bein Bridge