The Thanboddhay padoga in Monywa is the only pagoda with this unique shape in the whole country and one of the most intricately decorated temples in the country with an extensive use of vibrant colors housing over 500,000 different Buddha images, row upon row in ascending tiers in niches along the walls.

The pagoda was started on 20th June 1939 and completed on 2nd March 1952. During the second World War thousands of people trying to get away from the war lived on the temple grounds.

If you can go at the beginning of the Myanmar month of Tazaungmone ( usually around November) the pagoda festival is held with musical performances, dancing, lots of food and vendors selling their wares. The villagers from all around come to enjoy the music and dancing. and buy from the various stalls set up by sellers from all over the country.

Myanmar Thanaka, sandalwood and textiles such as cotton blankets and longyi are sold at the various stalls around the area.

The Thanboddhay is just a few kilometers away from the giant Buddhas of the Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung monastery.