Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Overview

Chaukhtatgyi Temple houses one of Myanmar's most impressive reclining Buddha images — a 66-metre-long figure sheltered under a massive metal roof. The sheer scale of the statue, with its serene expression and intricately decorated soles showing the 108 auspicious marks of the Buddha, makes this one of Yangon's most photographed sites.

Highlights

• 66-Metre Reclining Buddha: One of the largest in Southeast Asia, with ornate glass-mosaic robes and painted facial features.
• 108 Auspicious Marks: The soles of the Buddha's feet are divided into 108 segments depicting symbols from Buddhist cosmology.
• Open-Air Setting: Unlike most religious buildings, the statue is housed in an open-sided hall — excellent for photography in natural light.

History

The original reclining Buddha was built in 1907 but deteriorated significantly over the decades. In 1966, a new image was constructed on the same site, later renovated in 1999 with the current ornate decorations. The adjacent monastery remains an active centre for Buddhist meditation instruction.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit early morning when monks chant and the light through the open sides is golden.
• Tip 2: Combine with Nga Htat Gyi across the road for a double visit.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.