Mahapasana

Yangon


Totally artificial, this ‘great cave’ is where the Sixth Buddhist Synod was held in 1954–56 to coincide with the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Measuring 456ft by 371ft, the cave, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people, was built in 14 months by 63,000 volunteer labourers. Grand religious ceremonies are still held here.

It's part of the Kaba Aye Paya complex.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yangon attractions

1. Kaba Aye Paya

0.17 MILES

This overly glitzy ‘world peace’ zedi (stupa), about 5 miles north of the city centre, was built for the 1954–56 Sixth Buddhist Synod which coincided with…

2. Myanmar Gems Museum & Gems Market

0.33 MILES

This small and, given its subject matter, surprisingly lacklustre museum offers a handful of eye-catching pieces of bling and precious stones, including a…

3. Meilamu Paya

1.7 MILES

Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice…

4. Inya Lake

1.81 MILES

Inya Lake, created by the British as a reservoir in 1883, is Yangon's largest artificial body of water. The best spots from which to view the lake are the…

5. AAPP Museum

2.29 MILES

More of a one-room exhibition, this compact museum attached to the offices of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) focuses on the…

6. Aung San Suu Kyi's House

2.35 MILES

When she's not in Nay Pyi Taw, Aung San Suu Kyi lives in this lakeside house, the former home of her mother and where she spent 15 years under house…

7. State Fine Arts School

2.59 MILES

Built in the early 20th century as the grand home of shipping-and-rubber magnate Lim Chin Tsong, this is another decaying but highly evocative slice of…

8. Kyauk Daw Kyi

2.68 MILES

Not far from the airport, this immense seated buddha was carved from a single piece of marble found outside Mandalay in 1999. The partially finished…