A mere ten-kilometer boat ride from Mandalay lies what some people call the largest pile of bricks in the world at Mingun. This astonishing pile of bricks was intended to be the largest pagoda in the world. It was never finished, and it was badly damaged in an earthquake. Yet, what remains is an incredible sight.

Guarding the entrance to the pagoda are two equally massive chinthe – the mythical creatures that protect pagodas in Myanmar. Both have lost their heads, but they are impressive even without them. And nearby is a 90-ton bell that once held the record as the largest functioning bell in the world. Next to that is the gorgeous Myatheindan Pagoda all in white.

As an easy morning trip from a jetty on the Irrawaddy River, you couldn’t ask for more. In fact, just the boat ride to get to Mingun was an attraction in itself. It is a test of your balance to walk the planks just to get to the boat.