Kuthodaw Paya

Mandalay


Kuthodaw Paya, aka the ‘world’s biggest book’, draws tour-bus crowds to see its 729 slabs that retell the Tripitaka canon, which is effectively part of the Buddhist Bible. Note that many of the slabs are placed behind grated entrances in small stupas (and are written in Pali), so it's tough to make out the text. Nearby, the Sandamuni Paya (admission includes entrance here) has more such slabs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mandalay attractions

1. Sandamuni Paya

0.21 MILES

At this shrine, you'll find 1774 ensconced marble slabs inscribed with commentaries on the Tripitika (Buddhist scriptures). Along with the stone slabs at…

2. Atumashi Kyaungdawgyi

0.25 MILES

This unusually shaped temple is a series of diminishing stupa-dotted terraces over an arched base decorated with peacock motifs. When built in 1857, it…

4. Shwenandaw Kyaung

0.33 MILES

This fine teak monastery-temple is noted for its carvings, particularly the interior gilded scenes from the Jataka (past-life stories of the Buddha). The…

5. Kyauktawgyi Paya

0.41 MILES

At the heart of this large 19th-century complex is a 900-tonne buddha, 26ft tall and dressed in royal attire. Carved from a single block of marble, it…

6. Mandalay Hill Chinthe Entrance

0.46 MILES

The stairway leading to the summit of Mandalay Hill is flanked by two enormous chinthe (mythical lion-like creatures).

7. Standing Buddha

0.53 MILES

This Buddha statue on Mandalay Hill points towards the royal palace.