| Role | capital of the Danu Self-Administered Zone, Shan State |
|---|---|
| Famous for | limestone Pindaya Caves with thousands of Buddha images |
| Walk | the caves are about a 45-minute walk from town |
| Market | hosts an itinerant market every fifth day |
| Also | PlanBee Beekeeping Center, selling local honey, near Pone Taloke Lake |
The town of Pindaya is mainly famous for its system of limestone caves named Pindaya Caves which house over 8,000 gold-covered Buddha statues in different sizes and made of different materials such as teak, marble, and alabaster. The Buddhist pilgrimage site as well as tourist attraction belongs to a limestone ridge of Myelat region, southern part of Shan State. On the ridge, there are three caves lying from north to south; however, only one of them is open to tourists. This southernmost Pindaya cave consists of more than eight thousands Buddha statues, representing Buddhist iconography from different periods of time.
According to legends, once there were seven celestial princesses bathing in the cave. They later on were trapped in the cave by a trap created by a giant spider. Fortunately, Prince Kummabhaya of Yawnghwe (Nyaung Shwe at the present time) came to the rescue as he killed the spider and destroyed the web, and that is why the cave is called ‘Pindaya’. Nowadays, statues of the prince and the spider can be found at the stairs leading to the caves’ entrance.
At the path to Pindaya’s southernmost cave – the only cave of the structure that can be entered and explored, there is a pagoda of 15 meters high named Shwe U Min, meaning ‘Golden Cave’. According to the pagoda’s modern form and style, it can be seen that Shwe U Min Paya is of new origin, although local legends say that it is built in the 12th century. In addition, thanks to pilgrims’ help, a steel covered stairway with various sculptures from different religious communities was added to the entrance of this cave. Later on, an elevator also came into place.
Inside the southernmost cave, there are more than 8,000 Buddha statues. The majority of statues are built in between 18th and 19th centuries, and others are brought to the cave by a wide variety of donors from ordinary people to governmental institutes. As a result, the statues as well as reredos and ornamental thrones around are in a rich diversity of styles. The most notable among them are about seventy Bhisakkaguru statues whose features are so unique that they are nowhere else to be found in Burma – they hold a seed in the flipped right palm.
Similar to other vicinities of Shan State, activities of five day markets are available at Pindaya. Joining in market days, you can easily find different minority groups living in Shan State gather to sell the products representing their areas.
The cave town
English Wikipedia describes Pindaya as the capital of the Danu Self-Administered Zone in Shan State, mainly famous for its limestone caves where thousands of Buddha images have been consecrated over the centuries. The caves are a mild 45-minute walk from the town. The town also hosts an itinerant market every fifth day, and visitors can buy local honey at the PlanBee Beekeeping Center with a view of Pone Taloke Lake. We have not verified the older text on entry fees, umbrella workshops or tours. Conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so check your government’s current travel advice and confirm access with your operator before booking.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Pindaya. Last checked November 2026.
Pindaya: FAQ
What is Pindaya known for?
The limestone Pindaya Caves with thousands of Buddha images.
How far are the caves from town?
About a 45-minute walk.
How often is the market?
Every fifth day.
Where is Pindaya?
In Shan State, as capital of the Danu Self-Administered Zone.
How many days do you need?
One night.