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Botahtaung Pagoda

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historical-site
—°11
Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))

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The Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon is a significant religious site located on the banks of the Yangon River, with a legendary history spanning over 2500 years. Its name, Botahtaung, means a thousand military leaders, commemorating the one thousand officers who traditionally escorted the first hair relics of Buddha from India. Unlike many other Burmese stupas, the interior of Botahtaung is hollow and walkable, allowing devotees to view the sacred relics directly from the inside. During World War II, in 1943, the original structure was nearly completely destroyed by Allied bombing, an event that led to the rediscovery of numerous ancient artifacts and treasures. Rebuilding efforts began shortly after Myanmar's independence in 1948, closely following the original design while incorporating modern materials like reinforced concrete. The interior corridors are lined with mirrored mosaics and gold leaf, creating a distinct spiritual ambiance. The pagoda remains an essential center for worship and a repository for the archaeological findings discovered during its reconstruction.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252830333128282727282725
Rain mm811624127225280247164118207

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon is a historic stupa that is hollow inside and walkable. Visitors can walk through the interior and see relics.
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Typical hours
The pagoda is typically open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. On holidays, access may vary, so it's advisable to check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the pagoda, but flash should be avoided to preserve the atmosphere. The golden relics offer great subjects.
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Time needed
A visit to the pagoda takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Take time to enjoy the details of the murals and the peaceful atmosphere.
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Combine with
Combine the pagoda with a visit to the nearby Botataung Pagoda (if different) and the Yangon riverfront. Shwedagon Pagoda is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The pagoda is located on the Yangon riverfront and is easily reachable by taxi or bus. The nearest bus stop is „Botataung”, a five-minute walk away.
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Insider tip
Visit the pagoda early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool river breeze. Remove your shoes before entering, as is customary.

Geography

Coordinates
16.76810, 96.17170

Facts

  • The pagoda was almost entirely destroyed by bombing raids in 1943.
  • Reconstruction of the current structure began on January 4, 1948.
  • The interior features a walkable labyrinth of gilded corridors for devotees.
  • The name refers to the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the relics.
  • Excavations after 1943 revealed a terracotta casket containing ancient relics.
  • The stupa reaches a height of approximately 40 meters above the riverbank.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yangon Inner PortYangon Inner Port<1 km · SExplore →
Shwedagon PagodaShwedagon Pagoda2 km · SExplore →
Taukkyan War CemeteryTaukkyan War Cemetery5 km · SWExplore →
Hlawga National ParkHlawga National Park8 km · SWExplore →
Thilawa Special Economic ZoneThilawa Special Economic Zone10 km · NExplore →
Bago YomaBago Yoma21 km · WExplore →
BagoBago35 km · NExplore →
Naypyidaw Water Fountain ParkNaypyidaw Water Fountain Park36 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Botahtaung Pagoda (11)

Botahtaung Pagoda⛪ religious

This notable place of worship is a recognized Buddhist pagoda.

♿

Thanlyin Bridge📍 landmark

This notable bridge structure dates from the year 1993.

Maha Bandula Bridge📍 landmark

This recognized bridge structure was completed in 2011.

Ruins of old Portuguese church🏺 historical

This archaeological site contains the historic ruins of an old Portuguese church.

Martyr's Monument🏺 historical

This site features a commemorative martyr's monument.

Shwe Hpone Pwint Pagoda⛪ religious

This place of worship is characterized by the traditional Shwe Hpone Pwint pagoda structure.

သာသနာ့ဗိမာန်⛪ religious

This establishment operates as a traditional Sasana place of worship.

Pazundaung Market🎭 culture

A bustling marketplace near Botahtaung where local vendors sell fresh produce and daily goods from open-air stalls.

Thanlyin Myoma Market🎭 culture

This large commercial marketplace features numerous local traders operating bustling trading stalls.

Urban86🎭 culture

A modern marketplace in the Botahtaung area featuring contemporary retail outlets and local businesses.

wash tower📍 landmark

A distinctive utility tower standing in the Botahtaung vicinity, serving as a functional architectural attraction.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Botahtaung Pagoda?
It is hollow inside and can be walked through, which is very unusual in Myanmar.
Where does the pagoda stand?
It stands right by the riverbank in the center of Yangon.
Are there valuable artifacts there?
Yes, inside are relics exhibited that are said to originate from Buddha.
How long does the visit take?
A visit usually takes about 45 minutes.
Can I combine the visit well with other places?
Yes, it is close to other attractions at the Yangon port.
Botahtaung Pagoda: where is it located?
Botahtaung Pagoda is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Botahtaung Pagoda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Botahtaung Pagoda, Thanlyin Bridge, Maha Bandula Bridge.
Botahtaung Pagoda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Botahtaung Pagoda: why is it worth visiting?
The Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon is a significant religious site located on the banks of the Yangon River, with a legendary history spanning over 2500 years.
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Nearby cities

Yangon — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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The largest city in Myanmar and its former economic and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Karaweik Palace — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Karaweik Palace
A distinctive concrete structure in the shape of two mythological birds on Kandawgyi Lake, serving as a venue.

Nature

Inya Lake — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Inya Lake
The largest artificial lake in Yangon, a popular recreation area surrounded by parks and villas.

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Yangon Inner Port — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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Kandawgyi Park — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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Kandawgyi Lake — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Kandawgyi Lake
A large artificial lake in Yangon, created as a water reservoir during the British colonial era and now a recreational area.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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Independence Monument — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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A tall, white obelisk in Yangon commemorating Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948.
Maha Bandula Park — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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A public park in central Yangon, surrounded by colonial buildings and named after a famous Burmese general.
Sule Pagoda — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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Yangon Zoological Gardens — Botahtaung Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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