Thanboddhay Pagoda is large Buddhist temple complex covering an area of around 150,000 square metres located 11 km by road to the south east of Monywa town. Thanboddhay Pagoda is open to the public from 08:00 to 18:00 every day and admission costs $3 USD for foreign visitors.
About Thanboddhay Pagoda
Thanboddhay Pagoda was constructed between 1939 and 1952 on the site of a 14th Century temple. Nothing remains of the 14th Century temple. The main attraction of this temple is the large stupa, which is square measuring 50 metres on each side. The stupa rises in terraces to a height of 40 metres above ground level and topped by a gold umbrella ornament, known as a hti. The terraces feature over 800 smaller golden stupas. This design is unique amongst stupas in Myanmar. The inside of this large stupa is hollow with entrances open to visitors. The inside of the stupa is elaborately decorated and features over 580,000 statues of the Lord Buddha. Some of the statues are large, but the majority of small statues lining the walls, pillars, and ceiling held securely in place by wire mesh.
Thanboddhay Pagoda near MonywaThe other notable features Thanboddhay Pagoda include two large white elephants guarding the entrance to the temple complex. This is also unusual as the entrance to temples in Myanmar usually feature statues of Chinese style lions. Thanboddhay Pagoda also has a large prayer hall which, like the main stupa, is topped by lots of smaller golden stupa. Inside the prayer hall are colourful stucco paintings of Kings and ministers of state. The fourth particularly notable feature of Thanboddhay Pagoda is the Arlain Nga Sint watchtower. The watch tower features an external spiral staircase. Male visitors are allowed to climb this tower to experience the views. Women are forbidden.
Location of Thanboddhay Pagoda
- Thanboddhay Pagoda is located 123 km by road from Mandalay Railway Station.
Travel to Thanboddhay Pagoda
Thanboddhay Pagoda is located near to Monywa, the closest major train station to which is in Mnadlay. Follow the links below for information about travel to Mandalay:
- Train times from Bagan to Mandalay
- Train and bus times from Inle Lake to Mandalay
- Bus times from Magway to Mandalay
- Train and bus times from Mawlamyine to Mandalay
- Train times from Naypyitaw to Mandalay
- Train times from Yangon to Mandalay