Botahtaung Pagoda
A sacred Buddhist site in Yangon, famous for its hollow interior housing a Buddha relic and its wish-granting spirits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Botahtaung Pagoda
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred Buddhist site in Yangon, famous for its hollow interior housing a Buddha relic and its wish-granting spirits.
"A beauty temple with stunning decoration and also Buddha relic, worth the visit!"
👟 Slip-on Shoes Recommended
You'll need to remove your shoes. Slip-ons make it quick and easy to get back on the road!
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 15,000 MMK for foreign visitors. Many find it worth the experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hollow Interior & Buddha Relic
Inside the main stupa
Explore the unique hollow interior, said to house a sacred hair relic of Gautama Buddha. It's a truly spiritual experience.
BoBoGyi & Mya Nan Nwe Shrine
Pagoda grounds
Witness locals making wishes to the powerful spirits believed to grant wealth and success. Offerings are common here.
Sunset Views
Near Yangon River
Catch a beautiful sunset over the Yangon River from the pagoda grounds. A perfect way to end your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Plan for Offerings & Wishes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Slip-on Shoes Recommended
You'll need to remove your shoes. Slip-ons make it quick and easy to get back on the road!
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 15,000 MMK for foreign visitors. Many find it worth the experience.
🙏 Make a Wish
Locals believe the spirits here grant wishes, especially for wealth. Offerings are customary.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The pagoda offers lovely views, especially during sunset. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Slip-on Shoes Recommended
You'll need to remove your shoes. Slip-ons make it quick and easy to get back on the road!
💰 Foreigner Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 15,000 MMK for foreign visitors. Many find it worth the experience.
🙏 Make a Wish
Locals believe the spirits here grant wishes, especially for wealth. Offerings are customary.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The pagoda offers lovely views, especially during sunset. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Botahtaung Pagoda is a highly revered site, drawing locals and tourists alike with its spiritual significance and unique hollow interior. Visitors are impressed by the sacred Buddha relic and the opportunity to make wishes at the BoBoGyi shrine. While the foreigner entrance fee is noted, many find it a worthwhile cultural and historical experience.
"Botahtaung pagoda is very popular among locals and Thai people. A lot of business people come here to make their wish true at Botahtaung BoBoGyi and Sister Mya Nan Nwe which were believed to make their wish true if the people offered them with some offerings such as Golden Coconut, Banana , flowers, shawls, egg and milk. The spiritual beliefs are very strong here. You can see a lot of people queuing to wait their turn. This pagoda has a lot of good history that you can learn on information board stored next to the entrance. Browse it in the photos and you will see."
Hla Yamin Aye
"One of the place you have to visit, while you visiting Myanmar 🇲🇲 . Beauty Temple with stunning decoration and also Buddha relic. For foreigner you have to pay 15,000 mmk, personally worth it."
Plutodox
"Botahtaung Pagoda is a famous landmark in Yangon, Myanmar.
It's located near the Yangon River and is known for its unique hollow interior, which houses a sacred hair relic of Gautama Buddha.
The pagoda was originally built over 2500 years ago by the Mon people and was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War Il.
It's a beautiful and historic site, perfect for a visit if you're in Yangon. Have you had a chance to visit it yet, or are you planning to go there soon?"
Aung Po Po (Po)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Botahtaung Pagoda is located near the Yangon River in Pazundaung Township. Taxis are readily available in Yangon and are a convenient way to reach the pagoda. You can also consider local buses if you're adventurous, but taxis are generally recommended for ease.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark and easily accessible by road. It's situated in the downtown area, making it a common stop for tourists exploring Yangon.
For visiting multiple pagodas like Botahtaung and Shwedagon, hiring a private car or using ride-sharing apps like Grab (if available) can be efficient. Taxis are also plentiful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Foreign visitors typically pay an entrance fee of 15,000 MMK. This fee is considered worthwhile by many for the unique experience and historical significance.
Botahtaung Pagoda is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any unexpected closures, though it's a consistently visited site.
No, advance booking is not usually required for Botahtaung Pagoda. You can purchase your entrance ticket upon arrival at the designated counter.
Yes, a respectful dress code is required. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the pagoda complex.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the pagoda complex, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers. Some specific areas might have restrictions, so observe signage.
The hollow interior with its intricate decorations is a unique photo opportunity. The exterior architecture and the surrounding grounds, especially during sunset, also offer great shots.
It's best to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially those engaged in prayer or rituals. Respect their privacy and spiritual practice.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Yes, you can find delicious street food in the vicinity of Botahtaung Pagoda, particularly along Botahtaung Pagoda Road. Look for local specialties like pork skewers.
The area is known for its vibrant street food scene. You can expect to find various local snacks and dishes, including grilled meats and other Burmese favorites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the focus is on worship and spiritual reflection. While children can explore, it's important to maintain a respectful demeanor. The street food stalls nearby offer a chance for a more casual and engaging experience for younger visitors, but supervise them closely.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the entrance fee, the main costs would be transportation to and from the pagoda and any optional offerings or street food purchases. Exploring the pagoda itself is free once you've paid the entrance fee. The nearby street food offers affordable and authentic dining options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of worshippers and always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits. The surrounding area near the Yangon River provides scenic backdrops, particularly during the golden hour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Botahtaung
Beyond the Buddha relic, the pagoda is a major center for worshipping the powerful spirits, BoBoGyi and Mya Nan Nwe. These spirits are believed to grant wishes, especially concerning wealth, business, and luck. Many visitors come with offerings like golden coconuts, bananas, flowers, and money, hoping for their fortunes to change. The ritual of placing banknotes in the spirit's hand and taking one back is a unique practice observed here.
The strong spiritual beliefs associated with Botahtaung Pagoda draw a constant stream of devotees. The atmosphere is often charged with devotion, with many people seen queuing patiently to make their prayers and offerings. This blend of Buddhist relics and spirit worship makes Botahtaung a fascinating cultural and religious landmark.
Exploring the Unique Hollow Interior
As you walk through the corridors, you'll find the walls adorned with intricate decorations, murals, and glass mosaics. The path leads you deeper into the pagoda, culminating in the chamber where the sacred Buddha relic is believed to be housed. The dim lighting and the sense of being within a sacred space contribute to the profound atmosphere.
This architectural marvel not only serves as a place of worship but also as a historical narrative. Information boards are often placed near the entrance, detailing the pagoda's rich history, including its original construction over 2,500 years ago and its rebuilding after destruction during World War II.
Botahtaung Pagoda and Local Life
The pagoda is popular among locals, and you'll often see them engaging in prayer, making offerings, and socializing. This makes it a great place to observe daily life and cultural practices. The proximity to the Yangon River also adds to its charm, offering scenic views, especially during sunset.
For travelers, Botahtaung Pagoda offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Yangon and the daily routines of its residents. It's a place where faith, history, and local culture converge, providing a rich and memorable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit