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6 Reasons to Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon in 2024

Planning a visit to Yangon in Myanmar?

One of the top tourist attractions is the stunningly beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda. The jewel in the crown of Yangon!

We would highly recommend visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda. After visiting we have put together this guide to assist you in making the most of your visit.

We hope you enjoy our 6 reasons to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon – there are plenty more reasons as you will find out! Enjoy!

(Editor Update 2024)

A visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar is a must-see for every tourist that plans to visit Myanmar.  Set aside the afternoon and ensure that you don’t leave before sunset as the evening becomes cooler and the sun’s rays shimmer on the Pagoda as it sets. It is a magical time of the day to visit.

You can include a visit to the Pagoda in a full day city tour that includes:

  • Learn about the Colonial style buildings, explore the bustling city center, enjoy shopping at Bogyoke Market and taste a meal at a local teashop
  • See the famous Botataung Pagoda, explore the harbor area and learn about the countries culture at the National Museum
  • Take a photo at Kandawgyi Park and be amazed by the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, the famous reclining Buddha
  • Visit Shwedagon, the most admired Pagoda in Myanmar

 

Travelling Around Myanmar

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Travelling to Mandalay? Our guide on what you can do in Mandalay can be read here.

Where is Burma? (now known as Myanmar)

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Map showing Myanmar (Burma)

 

Myanmar is located in South East Asia.  It borders China to the North, Thailand and Laos to the East and India and Bangladesh to the West.

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Map of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Pro-Tip

There are four approaches to the Shwedagon Pagoda – South, West, North and East.  It is highly recommended to remember which entry you came through as this is where you are required to take your shoes off to store them in the cupboards provided, and, of course, you will need your shoes when you depart.  There are carpets and mats around the terraces for you to walk on as the tiles can become extremely hot during the day.

Shwedagon Pagoda Facts

  • it is the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar
  • it is the oldest in the world approx 2,600 years
  • official name Shwedagon Zedi Daw
  • also known as the Golden Pagoda and Great Dragon Pagoda
  • contains the relics of 4 previous Buddhas
  • built on the highest hill in Yangon – Singutta Hill which stands at 51m high – council regulations stipulate that no building in Yangon can be built taller than 127m above sea level which allows the Pagoda to be a prominent site in the city
  • it stands at 112m tall

    1.  Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

    Shwedagon Pagoda at Sunset
    Shwedagon Pagoda at Sunset

     

    The story began over 2,500 years ago when two brothers Tapussa and Bhallika, merchants from Myanmar visited Prince Siddhartha in India and gave him a gift of honey cakes.  In return, the Buddha gave them 8 hairs from his head for the brothers to enshrine them in their native town which is now Yangon.  When the brothers arrived in Yangon they gave the Buddha’s hairs to the King who erected the pagoda and enshrined the hairs together with the relics of three previous Buddhas.  The Pagoda stands 100 metres tall.

     

    2.  Visit the Museum at the Shwedagon Pagoda

    The Museum at Shwedagon Pagoda
    The Museum

     

    The Museum is a three-storey building in the northwest sector of the grounds.  The top floor is dedicated to religious items donated over the years.

    3.  King Tharyarwady’s Bell at the Shwedagon Pagoda

    King Tharyarwady's Bell at Shwedagon Pagoda
    King Tharyarwady’s Bell

    The bell was cast and donated in 1841AD during the reign of King Tharyarwady and given the title of Maha Tithaddha Gandha.  It weighs 42,000 kilos with a height of 2.6 metres and a diameter of 3.34 metres.

    4.  Reclining Buddha at the Shwedagon Pagoda

    Reclining Buddha at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Reclining Buddha

     

    The Reclining Buddha indicates the end of life and the approach of nirvana.

    5.  Watch the washing of the Buddha at the Shwedagon Pagoda

    Washing the Buddha Statues at the Tuesday Corner at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Washing the Buddha Statues at the Tuesday Corner

    We visited the complex on a Tuesday and we witnessed the bathing of the Buddha. Around the stupa, you will come across corners of the days of the week.  It is considered good luck and good karma if you wash the Buddha at the corner of your day of birth.

    6.  Enjoy wandering around the grounds of the Shwedagon Pagoda

    Buddha Image Inside one of the many Pagodas at the Shwedagon Pagoda
    Buddha Image Inside one of the many Pagodas
    Pagodas at sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Pagodas at sunset
    Stupa within the grounds at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Stupa within the grounds
    Inside the many pagodas that surround Shewedagon Pagoda
    Inside the many pagodas that surround Shwedagon Pagoda
    Gathering for prayer time at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Gathering for prayer time
    Buddha Image in Pagoda at Shwedagon Pagoda
    Buddha Image in Pagodas, there are many scattered around the grounds

    Essential Information For Visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda 

    Entrance Fees

    The entrance fee for foreigners is Kyat 11,000 or US$8, (2024  and there are many guides in the area who will tell you more of the pagoda’s history. For more information, go to the official website.

    How To Get There

    The easiest way to get to the Shwedagon Pagoda from downtown is by taxi (K2500), although buses (K200) also serve the area, allow 45 minutes for the trip.

    Myanmar currency is the Burmese Kyat.

    What to wear to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

    The Dress code to be observed by visitors when visiting Shwedagon Pagoda, visitors should dress appropriately and modestly and follow the dress code – wear trousers at least knee-length shorts or skirt; t-shirts with elbow-length sleeves are also expected and you are expected to be barefooted when entering Shwedagon Pagoda. If you are unsure as to the correct dress code, just err on the side of conservative dress and no one will be offended.

    Is there a lift for disabled people?

    There is a lift on the North, South and East gates.

    What are the opening hours of the Shwedagon Pagoda?

    From the website of the Shwedagon Pagoda:

  • Opening Hours: 04:00 – 22:00 hrs, except on the following days that Shwedagon Pagoda is open 24 hours:
    1.Waxing Day of Tabaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Tabaung (around March) and
    2.Waxing Day of Wakhaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Wakhaung (around June which is the beginning of the Buddhist Lent)
    Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily. Last admission is at 21:45 hrs.

How many diamonds are in the Pagoda?

There are 7,000 diamonds and many other precious gems.

Myanmar Points of Interest

We spent a month in Myanmar, it was not long enough.  Our recommendations for when you visit Myanmar are:

Visit Temples of Bagan by Horse and Cart

Bagan Hot Air Balloon Ride

A Day in Mandalay, Myanmar

What To Do in Yangon

 

 

Hotels in Yangon

For accommodation, we would recommend staying centrally in Myanmar’s capital Yangon as many of the sites are within walking distance.

Where We Stayed in Myanmar

Yangon, Myanmar

Budget Accommodation at the Ocean Pearl.

18 rooms spread over 2 floors provide a warm and pleasant home away from home. Modern comforts such as internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), air conditioning, desk, mini bar can be found in selected rooms.

When you read the reviews they are mixed.  Our time at the Ocean Pearl was perfect for us – location, breakfast included, comfortable room, very willing to help book transfers and ongoing bus tickets. We would stay there again.

Address: No.215, Botahtaung Pagoda Road, Pazundaung Township, Downtown Yangon,

Ocean Pearl Yangon
Budget accommodation at the Ocean Pearl Yangon

 

Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

For Mid Range Accommodation in Yangon: Hotel Shwe Yee

Address: No 8, West Shwe Gone Taing Street 2, Yangon, Myanmar

Guest review: “This hotel is within walking distance for the Shwedagon Pagoda, it is very clean has a nice pool, friendly staff and a nice breakfast buffet.”

Hotel Shwe Yee Yangon

 

For Luxury Accommodation in Yangon: Pan Pacific Hotel

Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon
Pan Pacific Luxury Accommodation in Yangon

Address: Corner of Shwedagon Pagoda Road and Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon

With city views of Yangon, the Pan Pacific Yangon boasts luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, an outdoor infinity pool as well a spa and fitness centre. Shwedagon Pagoda is a 6-minute drive from the hotel.

Guest review: “Fantastic service. Great food. Clean rooms and fabulous facilities.”

 

For more accommodation options in Yangon:



Booking.com

Myanmar Weather

The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February when it is wintertime.

The hottest time of the year when temperatures reach over 40 degrees is between March and June.

July through to October is the wet season, although prices are lower it can be difficult to travel around the country.

Myanmar Travel – Flight Deals

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our ‘go-to’ for researching and booking flights throughout South East Asia.

 

 


 

Travel Insurance

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

 

Visas for Myanmar

Do you need a visa for Myanmar?

Pinterest

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  • Pinterest Shwedagon Pagoda YangonPinterest Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon

    Conclusion:

  • In conclusion, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Myanmar. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance make it a unique and awe-inspiring sight to behold. Whether you are a devout Buddhist seeking enlightenment or simply an admirer of beauty and culture, the Shwedagon Pagoda offers a truly unforgettable experience. From its golden stupa that glimmers in the sunlight to its tranquil atmosphere that invites reflection and introspection, this sacred site will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. So be sure to add the Shwedagon Pagoda to your travel itinerary and immerse yourself in the wonders of this mesmerizing landmark.
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Thanks for stopping by and welcome to To Travel Too – Australia’s top Baby Boomer lifestyle and travel blog, with an international worldwide audience in mind, run by the married couple, freelance writers and full-time travellers Jane and Duncan Dempster-Smith. Come with us as we explore the world. Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'.

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