The vast block
Reddish-brown brick.
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Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a huge unfinished stupa on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady, 11 km up the river from Mandalay. It would have been the largest in the world at 150 metres, but work stopped. What remains is a vast block of reddish-brown brick that looks like a smoothed-off hill, with wide cracks that astonish you as you come close. King Bodawpaya began it in 1790 and never finished it, as an astrologer is said to have told him he would die once it was complete. The earthquake of 23 March 1839 opened deep cracks that are still visible. The king also had a giant bell cast, the Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tons and the largest ringing bell in the world. Nearby stands a small working model of the planned stupa. You see a broad square base with sloping brick walls, and a decorated doorway at the centre of the front, tiny against the mass. Black cracks run from top to bottom. Close by hang the Mingun Bell and the white Hsinbyume Pagoda with its waving tiers. Along the way between sights are ox carts, trees and the wide river. It is about 10 km from Mandalay Palace in a straight line, and visitors usually come by boat from Mandalay. Climbing on it is banned and dangerous, so follow the rules. Take off your shoes at the gate. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to this area, and roads and flights may be cut, so read the current advice before you plan.
Reddish-brown brick.
From top to bottom.
Weighing 90 tons.
Mingun, west bank of the Ayeyarwady, Myanmar
The story says an astrologer warned the king he would die on completion, so work stopped.
Usually by boat from Mandalay, so check that it runs and read official advice.