Phowintaung

Phowintaung is a cave complex with hundreds of chambers carved into sandstone cliffs along a river in Myanmar. The caves contain numerous Buddha statues and are connected by pathways and stairs that allow visitors to move through the site.

Buddhist monks began carving these caves between the 14th and 18th centuries for meditation and prayer. Local rulers and communities supported the work over generations, gradually expanding the site.

The caves display painted walls telling stories from Buddhist teachings and showing geometric designs that developed over centuries. Visitors walking through the chambers can see how artists expressed their faith and skill through the decoration of these meditation spaces.

The site is accessible by road via a bridge from the nearby town or by ferry across the river. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as there are many stairs and uneven paths to navigate.

One chamber known as the Labyrinth contains 70 Buddha statues and displays intricate carving work from the 18th century. This cave stands out from others because of how its rooms connect in complex ways and the level of artistic detail inside.