Maha Myat Muni Temple

Maha Myat Muni Temple is a pilgrimage shrine in Kengtung built in traditional Shan style with gold lacquer work covering the walls and ceiling. The building occupies a central roundabout location and holds a major gold replica of the Mahamuni Buddha statue from Mandalay.

Construction of the temple began in 1920 under commission from Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng and finished in 1926. This project established a major Buddhist center in Shan State and reflects the local commitment to religious traditions during that era.

The temple serves as a central place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist believers in the region who gather to make offerings and pray. The golden Buddha image creates a spiritual connection to the original in Mandalay while keeping local devotional practices alive.

The temple is easy to locate at the central roundabout in Kengtung and accessible for foot traffic from the surrounding streets. Wear comfortable shoes as you can explore the interior and walk around the Buddha image.

The Buddha statue undertook a remarkable journey of over 700 kilometers by bullock cart through mountainous terrain to reach Kengtung. The route crossed difficult landscape and required the statue to be transported across the Thanlwin River by raft.