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Laykyun Sekkya Buddha
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monument
The Laykyun Sekkya is a monumental standing Buddha statue located near Monywa in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. Upon its completion in 2008, it became the tallest statue in the world, a title it held for several years. The structure stands 116 meters tall and is positioned on a 13.5-meter throne, resulting in a total height of approximately 129.5 meters. The interior of the statue is divided into 31 floors, corresponding to the 31 planes of existence in Buddhist cosmology, and is decorated with mural paintings. Adjacent to the standing figure is a massive reclining Buddha, which was completed in 1991. The site is part of the Maha Bodhi Tahtaung complex, which features thousands of smaller statues.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Shwe Gū Nī Buddha Image & Cetī · Swimming Duck Pagoda · စေတီ
- Nearby: Myingyan (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 27 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 34 | 41 | 34 | 36 | 34 | 37 | 9 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha stands freely accessible on a large compound in Monywa. Visitors can view the statue up close and also enter the interior of the pedestal.
Typical hours
The compound is typically open from morning until evening, similar to other religious sites in Myanmar. Best visited early morning to avoid the midday heat.
Photography
Photography of the statue and grounds is encouraged, but avoid disturbing local worshippers. A wide-angle lens is good to capture the Buddha's full height.
Time needed
A walk around the compound takes about 30-45 minutes. If you also want to see the surrounding temples of Monywa, allow two to three hours.
Combine with
In Monywa, also visit Thanboddhay Pagoda and Po Win Taung Monastery with its cave temples. Both are a short taxi ride away.
Getting there
The compound is about five kilometers south of Monywa town center and easily reached by taxi or motorbike taxi. Public buses also run nearby.
Insider tip
Stand directly under the statue to truly grasp its monumental size. Pair the visit with a stop at the nearby Thanboddhay Pagoda for a contrast in styles.
Geography
Facts
- The standing statue has a height of 116 meters (381 feet).
- Construction of the Laykyun Sekkya began in 1996 and ended in 2008.
- The statue stands on a pedestal that is 13.5 meters (44 feet) high.
- The interior of the structure contains 31 floors of religious paintings.
- The nearby reclining Buddha measures 90 meters (295 feet) in length.
- The surrounding garden contains exactly 1,000 Bodhi trees.
Explore nearby
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Sights in the town Laykyun Sekkya Buddha (5)
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Laykyun-Sekkya statue?
The statue is about 130 meters tall including the pedestal.
Can you visit the inside of the statue?
Yes, you can climb up using stairs inside.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately, the site is not wheelchair accessible.
When is the site open?
The site is usually open during the day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
What is nearby?
The largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar is located nearby.
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha: where is it located?
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shwe Gū Nī Buddha Image & Cetī, Swimming Duck Pagoda, စေတီ.
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Laykyun Sekkya Buddha: why is it worth visiting?
The Laykyun Sekkya is a monumental standing Buddha statue located near Monywa in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar.
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