10 Buddhist Temples to Explore in Yangon Region

The Botataung Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago by the Mon people. The 40-meter high golden pagoda enshrines a sacred hair relic of the Buddha. The pagoda was destroyed during the Second World War by an airforce bombing mission. Rebuilding started in 1948 following the original design.

It houses one of the most revered reclining Buddha images in the country.

The Kabar Aye Pagoda and the adjoining Maha Pasana Guha cave were built in 1952 by U Nu, the prime minister of Burma to host the 6th Buddhist council. The cave is 455 feet long and 370 feet wide. Inside, the assembly hall is 220 feet.

Kyaukkhauk Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located in Thanlyin Township, in southern Yangon Region. It is a popular tourist destination and also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The temple features a 25 feet tall Buddha called the Loka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni, which is carved out of a single piece of white marble.

Malamud Pagoda is popular for the giant statue depicting Buddha’s earlier lives. The pagoda is also known for its The Mae Lamu Pagoda Festival and it is usually held on a full moon in December.

The Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda in Yangon is known for its 46-foot-tall sitting Buddha statue. The Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda was constructed in 1900, next to the Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha.

Shwe Kyin is a monastery in eastern Yangon. The monastery is popular for its old meditation caves, some of which date back to old times.

The most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas of the present era. These relics include the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, and eight strands of hair from the head of Gautama.

The Sule Pagoda is located in the center of downtown Yangon and is part of the city’s economic and public life.