Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery (also called Mai Nu Oak Kyaung) in North East Inwa (Ava) is a massive ancient monastery built around 1820.

Like a lot of other buildings in the area it was damaged in the 1838 earthquake. It was subsequently fully restored in 1873.

To the right of the main entrance are two large chinthe lion statues that guard the roadway beside the Monastery grounds.

Whilst no longer in daily use this ancient monastery is one of the finest examples of surviving 19th century Burmese architecture. The current working monastery is now to the rear right of this massive ancient building.

The whole outside of the building is simply covered with ornate decorations right up to the tips of the many layered roofs.

A wander through the inner part of the monastery reveals many cliostered passageways and a few Buddha statues. You can also go under the monastery via the openings at ground level.

Directly behind Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery you will find a small complex of several white stupas, this is Htilaing Shin Pagoda. The stark white of this pagoda is in marked contract to the ochre coloured monastery.

Google Map reference to help you locate Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery in Inwa – Google Map

If your trip to Inwa (Ava) only allows you enough time to see a few ancient sites make sure that Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery is one of them. A must see.