Shwe Oo Min Paya
Probably one of few sacred payas constructed by utilising the features of the environment rather than creating a man-made structure, the Shwe Oo Min Paya can be found in the caves of the mountain town of Kalaw, Myanmar.
Housing a huge amount of golden Buddha statues stretching over a series of caves abundant with stalactites and stalagmites, the paya is a culmination of religion, nature, and human ingenuity. It is best advised to contact a local to be your guide when entering the paya, not because there are safety concerns, but because the locals’ stories attributed to the different Buddha statues will make your journey more meaningful and historically enriching. Without a guide, you will still enjoy the serenity offered by the sparsely visited paya as you admire the exquisiteness of the different Buddha statues. Traversing the cave is also a good form of exercise. One thing is for sure, the Shwe Oo Min Paya stands tall among other pagodas and payas when it comes to uniqueness.
Location
Shwe Oo Min Paya is located at Oo Min Road, Kalaw, Myanmar.
Opening Days and Hours
It is best to visit this attraction during the daytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is completely free.
How to Get There
- From Yangon, take a train to Kalaw.
- Rent a bicycle to Shwe Oo Min Paya.
Suggested For
- Solo travelers/backpackers
- Couples
- Families
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Visiting this cave is best done during the morning – preferably from 8:00 to 11:00.
Food
New Simple Life, Red House Bar and Restaurant, Picasso Healthy Spa and Restaurant, Thu Maung Myanmar Restaurant, and Shan Ma Lay are some of the options to choose from.
Nearby Attractions
- Thein Taung Monastery
- Pine Hill Resort
- Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp
- Hnee Paya
Stay
While in Kalaw, you can find accommodations from Railroad Hotel, Dream Villa Hotel, Pine Breeze Hotel, Morning Glory Inn, Hillock Villa, and Winner Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 65.
