Mingun Giant Bell

Mingun Giant Bell: The wonder of Sagaing that mr.hotsia must experience

When it comes to must-visit attractions that mr.hotsia recommends from Myanmar, there’s no way to miss taking you toMingun Giant Bellalso known asMingun BellThe largest bell in the world, towering in Sagaing Region on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River, about 10-15 kilometers from Mandalay city center.

I, mr.hotsia, set off from Mandalay at 3 PM by renting a motorcycle with a driver for 15 USD or about 15,000 kyats. Along the way, the atmosphere on both sides was filled with the peacefulness of rural Myanmar, the breathtaking wide Irrawaddy River views, and the simple lifestyle of locals, interwoven with the scent of ancient history and culture.

After crossing the bridge and turning left along the Irrawaddy River towards Mingun, it took me about an hour to reach the giant bell located next to Mingun Pagoda, an unfinished but still magnificent and impressive pagoda.

Mingun Giant Bell: A grandeur you can truly feel

This bell was cast starting in 1808 and completed in 1810. The Mingun Giant Bell weighs up to 90 tons! The diameter of the bell’s rim is 4.95 meters, with a circumference of approximately 15.47 meters. The bell’s height is 6.3 meters. Standing close to it, I, mr.hotsia, can say it’s grander than words can describe.

Although Mingun Pagoda was never completed, the bell here has become a symbol of grandeur and the craftsmanship of that era, still astonishing visitors. This makes me want to recommend everyone who has the chance to visit Myanmar to stop by here at least once to see it with their own eyes.

Routes and travel to Mingun recommended by mr.hotsia

There are two main travel options to Mingun that I have tried and want to share:

1. Rent a motorcycle with a driver from Mandalay– Suitable for those who want freedom and control over their own time. I spent about an hour from Mandalay city to Mingun that afternoon, and had about two hours to take photos and stroll around the bell and pagoda before returning.
2. Travel by boat– There are two daily boat departures from Mandalay to Mingun at 8:30 AM and 8:45 AM, taking only a few tens of minutes. This route is not only fast but also offers beautiful views of the Irrawaddy River and avoids the detour around the bridge. The return boat departs around 1 PM.

I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying both if you have time. Taking the boat lets you truly experience the riverside lifestyle of the Burmese people, while renting a motorcycle suits those who prefer flexibility and want to stop at several points in Sagaing Region.

Atmosphere and life in Sagaing Region experienced by mr.hotsia

Besides the Mingun Giant Bell, the area also has Mingun Pagoda, which, although unfinished, has charm and grandeur. Around it are small souvenir shops offering local handicrafts, wood carvings, and beautiful Burmese silverware.

If you walk around the nearby village, you will see the simple but warm lifestyle of the locals. From conversations with them, I, mr.hotsia, learned that they are proud of Mingun’s cultural heritage and history.

Why visit the Mingun Giant Bell with mr.hotsia

Many might think a single bell isn’t interesting, but if you experience it yourself as I, mr.hotsia, have, you will understand it’s not just an ordinary bell. It is a window revealing the grandeur of Myanmar’s past that still remains, and a place that connects us with the lifestyle, architecture, and beautiful nature of Sagaing.

If you are planning a trip to Myanmar, don’t forget to make time to visit here. The Mingun Giant Bell not only takes you back in history but also offers peace and inspiration that you won’t easily find elsewhere.

For more information and reviews of other attractions in Myanmar and Asia, mr.hotsia welcomes you to follow athotsia.comWhere travel stories are told firsthand from the field by me.