Located in downtown Yangon besides the Yangon river, this Pagoda was originally named Kyaik-de-att, a Mon language name. Bo means "leader" and tahtaung is "a thousand". The name Botahtaung derives from the thousand military leaders who escorted the relic of Buddha all the way from India to Myanmar.

The time of the construction of this Pagoda coincides with that of Shwedagon and the Sule Pagoda, some 2500 years back. The devastation caused by World War II had its effect on the pagoda which thereby had to undergo a reconstruction work. The pagoda is open every day from 6am to 8pm.


Pagoda Structure & Compound
The pagoda is hollow from inside which makes it possible for you to walk inside. Within, the pagoda gives an impression of mirrored maze. The relics that were unearthed during the reconstruction work are all enshrined in the visible glass showcase on the walls. Along with the relics, there are silver, bronze and alabaster images of Buddha in a pagoda- shaped casket. The pillars inside are decorated with colourful Myanmar mosaics.

Above this impressive interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to a height of 40 metres from a circular base. The umbrella at the top of the spire is one of its own kind as it does not adheres to the conventional design.

Also to be seen within the pagoda compound are the statue of Sakkra (or) Thagyar Min, the statue of Saraswati (or) Thuya Thathi Meldaw. The latter of the two is considered the guardian of the Three Pitakats.

The entrance to the Pagoda, in addition to being guarded by statues of Lions, also has a dragon acting as a protector.


Festival
The festival of the contest is celebrated every year in the dry season. The festival is marked by an overnight performance of a cultural theatrical group which keeps the audience entertained throughout. Yangon
Yangon, with an area of 576 sq km, is located at the confluence of Yangon and Bago River. Founded as Dagon in 500s, it became Yangon when King Alaungpaya captured it in 1753 and the capital city when the British came in 1852. The British called it Rangoon, a name by which it is still recognised by many in the world. Yangon ceased to function as the capital city when Naypyidaw of Mandalay Division was officially named as the new capital on 26 March 2006.

Cultural and religious sites in Yangon are many, specially those related to Buddhism. Also, despite being a cosmopolitan city, Yangon retains much of its colonial charm. So, what you will get to see in Yangon will be a mix of a new developing Asian city and old colonial architecture.

Apart from sightseeing, you can also entertain yourself in Yangon by various means including shopping for which the best place is the Bogyoke Market.


Other Attractions

• Shwedagon Pagoda : Located in the Dagon Township, Shwedagon Pagoda is a great cone-shaped Buddhist monument made of solid brick and completely covered with gold. It preserves the hair relic of Gautam Buddha which is believed to have been given personally by Him to two merchant brothers of Myanmar in India. Apart from the relics of Gautam Buddha, the pagoda also enshrines the relics of three other Buddha of the earth. The pagoda rises to a height of 326 feet on a hill with a base perimetre of 1,420 feet. The top of the pagoda is adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other gems. The peak of the spire is crowned with a 70 carat diamond.
  
  
• Sule Pagoda : An ocatgonal pagoda dating back to the time when the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed, the Sule Pagoda enshrines a hair of Gautama Buddha. It is situated right in the heart of the Yangon city and rises to a height of 48 metres.
  
• Maha Wizaya Pagoda : A pagoda constructed quiet recently, in 1980, the Maha Wizaya Pagoda follows the design and pattern of the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The pagoda preserves the relic of Buddha which was donated by the king of Nepal on his visit to Myanmar.
  
  
• Kaba Aye Pagoda : A Pagoda meant to spread the message of peace and harmony throughout the world, the Kaba Aya Pagoda was constructed at the orders of former prime minister U Nu to commemorate the 2500 years of Buddha's enlightenment. A sacred cave, by the name of Maha Pasana Cave was built to hold the Sixth Buddhist Council (in respect of the event) nearby and is one of the greatest manmade caves in the world.
  
  
• Mae La Mu Pagoda : At a distance of around 13 km from the city centre, the Mae La Mu Pagoda was supposedly constructed by Mae La Mu who latter became the queen of Myanmar by marrying the king. She was the mother of King Okkalapa who originally founded the Shwedagon Pagoda. The pagoda makes for an interesting visit because of the number of Buddha images within.
  
  
• Nga Htat Kyi Pagoda : The pagoda is quiet well known for its five tiered sitting image of Lord Buddha. The image is quiet unique in the sense that it has armours all around it. The pagoda is open for visitors from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening.
  
  
• Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda : Close to the Nga Htat Kyi Pagoda, the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is known for its 6 storey reclining image of Lord Buddha. The image was originally constructed in 1907, however it was completely destroyed during the 2nd world war and was rebuilt in 1966. The pagoda is open for visitors between 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
  
  
• Koe Htat Kyi Pagoda : The Pagoda, situated on the Bargayar Road in the Sanchaung Township of Yangon is famous for Nine Storey sitting Buddha Image. This image was erected in August 1905 and measures 72 feet from head to foot. The entrance of the prayer hall is watched over by a snake and a frog