Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery is one of the architectural gems of Shan State, located approximately 2.4 kilometers north of Nyaungshwe. Built in the 19th century (approximately 150 years ago), it is a superb example of Burmese feudal religious architecture, distinguished by its simplicity and elegance.

Architecture and Decoration

• Main Materials: The main building of the monastery is constructed entirely of teakwood, painted a deep red. Teakwood is a primary material used in many monasteries in Myanmar, but this monastery stands out for its strong and durable teakwood, along with its solid supporting pillars, demonstrating the quality of craftsmanship from the past.

• Intricate Carvings: The interior of the monastery is filled with intricate decorations, such as

• Ceiling: Decorated with exquisite wood carvings and intricately applied gold leaf.

• Interior Walls: Covered in bas-relief carvings made of wood, adorned with colorful glass mosaic tiles, and painted in gold.

• Oval Windows: The monastery's most striking and unique feature is its large oval windows, almost as large as the doors. These windows are part of the ordination hall. Such large, oval-shaped windows are a rare sight in Myanmar. The window frames are decorated with simple yet beautifully carved patterns, making them a highly sought-after backdrop for photographers.

Social and Spiritual Significance

• Purpose: Shwe Yan Pay Monastery was built with the noble purpose of providing housing for impoverished boys from the region. These boys would later become novice monks and study the Dharma here. As a result, the temple's architecture emphasizes practicality rather than the grandeur of a typical royal temple.

• Peaceful Life: Half of the main building serves as a dormitory for novice monks, allowing visitors to closely experience the peaceful daily life of the monks, such as eating, bathing, and washing their robes.

• Companion Religious Sites: Adjacent to Shwe Yan Pay Monastery is a small vihara housing hundreds of Buddha images (some say red-robed) arranged in niches along the corridors. Many candles are often lit, creating a sacred atmosphere for the monks to meditate.

Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery is therefore more than just a tourist attraction. But it is a center of ancient religious buildings that demonstrate the exquisite art of teak construction and has continued to function as a school and a residence for monks for over a century.

• From Nyaung Shwe Town: Take a tuk-tuk or scooter for about 5 minutes.

• From Inle: Take a boat from Nyaung Shwe Pier, then transfer to local transport.

• Most tourists stop here before heading to Inle Lake.

• Dress modestly—no shoulder-length or above-the-knee clothing.

• Avoid loud noises, as monks and novices are studying in the pavilion.

• Remove shoes before entering the temple grounds.

• If you wish to photograph monks or novices, always ask permission.

Admission Fees:

• There is no admission fee, but a small maintenance fee (donation) may apply.

Opening Hours:

• Open from approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.