The main Buddhist monastery in town, colloquially referred to as Payagyi (Big Pagoda), is an expansive glittering, Disneyland-like compound centred on Shwe Taung Za Paya, an immense gilded stupa.

A sculpture of Dharani, the earth goddess, standing in the corner of one of the compound's main thein (ordination hall), is a much-venerated object of worship among the people of Dawei, who rub her breasts, thighs and shoulders for good luck.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Division Development Committee

0.39 MILES

This pale-green, colonial-era building could almost be a church. It's not open to the public, but you can take photos from the garden in front of it.

3. Si Pin Tharyar Zei

0.5 MILES

Dawei's main market has the usual selection of produce, clothes and household goods.

4. Shwethalyaung Daw Mu

3.49 MILES

Completed in 1931 and measuring 240ft long and 69ft high, Shwethalyaung Daw Mu is the largest reclining buddha in the country.

5. Shinmokhti Paya

5.15 MILES

Shinmokhti Paya dates back to 1438 and is one of four shrines in the country housing a Sinhalese buddha image supposedly incorporating pieces of the…

6. Maungmagan

8 MILES

Dawei's most accessible beach, Maungmagan is a wide, sandy strip spanning approximately 7 miles along a pretty bay. On weekdays, and outside holiday…

7. Teyzit

13.94 MILES

Teyzit is really two sweeps of white sand, separated by a headland. The western side of the beach curves seductively and is one of the prettiest beaches…

8. Nabule

18.98 MILES

One of the nicest beaches in the area and often deserted, Nabule is a long expanse of sand fringed by swaying palm trees and with a small golden pagoda at…