This equal parts imposing and melancholy structure is the former haw (palace) of the last saopha (sky prince) of Nyaungshwe, Sao Shwe Thaike, who also served as the first president of independent Burma. Today, the mostly empty building holds a few dusty displays and is worth visiting more for the stately brick-and-teak structure than for any information on Shan culture or history.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mingala Market

0.32 MILES

At the entrance to town, this busy market is packed with locals every morning, when traders from the lake bring in fresh fish and produce from the…

2. Yadana Man Aung Paya

0.45 MILES

The oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in Nyaungshwe, this handsome gilded stupa is hidden away inside a square compound south of Mingala Market…

3. Independence Monument

0.63 MILES

The independence monument – a white obelisk – is tucked away at one end of a sports field. Next to it is a gold statue of Sao Shwe Thaike, the last saopha…

4. Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung

1.55 MILES

This is probably the most photographed monastery in Nyaungshwe: the unique oval windows in the ancient teak thein (ordination hall) create a perfect frame…

5. Red Mountain Estate

2.55 MILES

This winery is open daily for tastings (K5000 for four wines). There's an attached restaurant with a menu of mostly Western dishes, as well as good views…

6. Yan Aung Nan Aung Hsu Taung Pye Paya

2.69 MILES

In the village of Nanthe, this Buddhist temple complex features a 26ft-high sitting buddha surrounded by stucco deva (celestial beings) and chinthe (half…

7. Maing Thauk

6.1 MILES

Half of the village of Maing Thauk is set on dry land, while the other half sits on stilts over the water, linked to the shore by a 450yd wooden bridge…

8. Forest Monastery

6.36 MILES

This peaceful forest monastery on the hill behind Maing Thauk village affords good views over Inle Lake.