Kuthodaw Pagoda

The Kuthodaw Pagoda sits at the foot of Mandalay Hill in Central Myanmar. Built by King Mindon in the mid-19th century as part of the foundations of the new royal city, its gilded central stupa is modelled on the Shwezigon Pagoda and rises above terraces to a height of about 57 m.

Around the main stupa are the kyauksa gu stone-inscription shrines: hundreds of small white stupas each sheltering a polished marble slab engraved on both sides with pages of the Pali Canon (the Tipitaka), a work sometimes described as the world’s largest book. The inscription shrines were arranged and opened to the public in the 1860s and the site was later inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

The complex retains traditional features such as carved teak entrance doors, covered approaches (saungdan) with frescoes, and rows of fragrant star flower trees that shade the stone shrines; local families often picnic in the grounds. The pagoda was damaged and looted after the 1885 annexation but was restored in the early 20th century with donations and repairs, and further conservation has preserved the marble inscriptions and surrounding structures.

• Gilded central stupa: A 19th-century, gilded Buddhist stupa modelled after Shwezigon Pagoda that dominates the precinct.
• Stone-inscription shrines (kyauksa gu): Rows of small white stupas each containing marble slabs inscribed with pages of the Tipitaka, collectively called the world’s largest book.
• South saungdan and teak doors: The main southern approach has massive carved teak doors and a covered walkway with frescoed ceilings.
• Star flower trees and picnic lawns: Mimusops elengi trees give a jasmine-like scent and provide cool shade where locals sometimes picnic.
• Old terrace tree: A large tree on the southwest inner terrace is traditionally regarded as very old and is supported by props.

The pagoda is in Mandalay city; the nearest airport is Mandalay International Airport and the nearest major railhead is Mandalay railway station. From the city centre the pagoda is a short taxi or local-transport ride to the foot of Mandalay Hill.

The final stretch is usually on local roads; many visitors arrive by taxi, tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi and then walk within the precincts. Check local transport options and opening days locally before you travel.

• Dress and behave respectfully: cover shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering shrine areas.
• Do not step on or touch the inscribed marble slabs, which are sacred texts and fragile.
• Visit early morning to avoid mid-day heat and to see the grounds in cooler, quieter conditions.
• Bring an umbrella or light rain gear in the wet season as paths can become muddy and wet.
• Be mindful of worshippers when taking photographs and keep noise to a minimum.