Discover Tranquility at Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
Experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, a must-visit destination on Inle Lake in Myanmar.
A brief summary to Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
- GV8X+M4M, Myayni Gone, MM
Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, often referred to as the "Jumping Cat Monastery," is a cultural gem located on the picturesque Inle Lake in Myanmar. This monastery stands out not only for its serene atmosphere but also for its distinctive architectural style, featuring beautifully crafted wooden structures that have been lovingly preserved over the years. Visitors are often captivated by the monastery's unique collection of ancient Buddha statues, each with its own history and significance. The tranquil setting, surrounded by lush gardens and the calm waters of the lake, creates an ideal backdrop for reflection and appreciation of the spiritual heritage of the region. As you walk through the monastery, you may also encounter the famous leg-rowing fishermen, who are a hallmark of Inle Lake's local culture. Their unique method of rowing boats using their legs adds an intriguing element to your visit, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the local community. The monastery is not just a place of worship; it is a vibrant hub of tradition and culture where monks engage with visitors, sharing stories and insights about their lives. Timing your visit is key, as the monastery can get busy with tourists, especially during peak seasons. Early mornings are ideal for those seeking to capture the sunrise over the lake, providing a stunning backdrop to your experience. Be sure to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery, as it is a sacred site. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply in search of peace, Nga Phe Chaung Monastery is an unforgettable destination that embodies the spiritual essence of Myanmar.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and beautiful sunrise photography.
- Dress modestly to show respect while exploring the monastery.
- Take a boat ride around Inle Lake to see the unique leg-rowing fishermen.
- Engage with the monks; many are open to sharing their experiences and stories.
- Don't forget to explore the surrounding gardens for a complete experience.
Getting There
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Boat
To reach Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, start your journey from Nyaung Shwe, the main town on the edge of Inle Lake. Head to the boat jetty located on the eastern side of Nyaung Shwe. You can hire a long-tail boat or join a boat tour at the jetty. The boat ride to Nga Phe Chaung Monastery will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the boat's speed and the water conditions. As you travel, enjoy the picturesque views of the stilt houses and floating gardens that characterize Inle Lake. The monastery is located at the coordinates GV8X+M4M, Myayni Gone, which is a well-known landmark, so feel free to ask the boat driver to take you directly there.
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Walking
If you are already on the lake and wish to explore nearby areas on foot after reaching the monastery, you can take a short walk around. Once you disembark from your boat at the monastery, you can explore the surrounding area on foot. The monastery itself is situated in a scenic location, and you can enjoy walking along the paths around the lake and the nearby villages to appreciate the local culture and lifestyle. However, please note that walking is generally limited to the immediate vicinity of the monastery.
Attractions Nearby to Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
- Floating Gardens of Inle Lake
- Inle Lake
- Mine Thauk Bridge - မိုင်းသောက် တံတား
- Nyaung Ohak
- Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda
- Natural Hot Spring (သဘာဝရေပူစမ်း)
- Khaung Daing Natural Hot Spring
- Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery
- Inle Horse Club
- Nyaung Shwe Night Market
- Kyaung Daw Pagoda
- Nyaung Shwe Cultural Museum
- Shwe Yan Pyay
- Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung
- Kakku Pagodas
Landmarks nearby to Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
- Paramount Inle Resort
- Floating Gardens
- Golden Moon
- BLUE SKY
- The Serenity Inle Resort
- Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort
- Phaung Daw OO Market
- Amazing Inlay Resort
- Amata Garden Resort, Inle Lake
- Villa Inle Boutique Resort
- KMA INLE Hotel
- Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle
- Nan Pan Market
- Sky Lake Inle Resort
- Ananta Inlay