Near Mandalay Hill is the historic, wooden Shwenandaw Monastery.  Built in traditional Myanmar style, how this old wooden building has survived to this day, I can’t fathom.  The intricate and delicate carvings were astonishing, but the old wood just gave the impression that a carelessly lit cigarette would send the whole lot up in flames in 2 seconds flat.

Its the last remaining building, built in the 1880s, of a larger royal palace complex.  Unsuprisingly enough, the old palace was destroyed by fire during World War 2.

The carvings depict dancers, mythical creatures and flowers.  Each and every one of them seemed to be different.  Originally this whole building would have been covered in gold leaf but now only the inside remains a such.  Its also very dimly lit inside and we found it tricky taking photos with our camera.

Also like most Myanmar religious buildings, only men are allowed into the most sacred areas next to the primary Buddha image.