Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda is, undoubtedly, the best when it comes to Buddhist structures. Anyone popping over to its whopping 114-acre plot in the thick of Yangon is in for an absolute treat. The Shwedagon isn't just a point of pride for the nation – it's a cultural gem. Visiting this brilliant Buddhist structure is a must-do. Here’s a guide to exploring Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon to your heart’s content.
Intro
Sitting high on Singuttara Hill and offering a great view over the city, Shwedagon Pagoda is located just 11 minutes from Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon. This highly respected place has witnessed Myanmar's eventful history for roughly 2,500 years. Even though it's been through natural disasters and military events and has even been the scene for many historical milestones, Shwedagon still proudly stands. From almost any hotel in Yangon, you can get here within minutes.
A Grand Welcome
At the entrance of the pagoda are four massive structures of lions. These humungous figurines are stationed at the entrance to protect the temple. The southern entrance is the main gateway into the temple, and every other entrance, except for the western entrance, is brimming with vendors selling a variety of things, including flowers, souvenirs, antiques, and incense.
The western gate has an ethereal feel to it, thanks to the marble columns and floors.
You can visit the pagoda from 4 am to 10 pm, and there’s an entrance fee of USD 8 – if you haven’t brought any money with you, don’t worry; the temple grounds has a few ATMs.
Tourists are advised to dress modestly, and before entering the temple, make sure to take off your footwear.
If you’d rather visit the temple with an experienced guide, there are loads of guided tours to choose from.
A Sight of Splendour
For the best first view of Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda in all its beauty, use the northern entrance. From here, the central tower, standing roughly 325 feet tall, is beautifully showcased.
Around this main bell-shaped tower, known as a zedi in Burmese, are 64 smaller ones and four even bigger ones in each main direction. The base of the zedi also has 12 posts symbolising the days of the week and phases of the moon.
It's tricky to even guess, let alone properly calculate, how much gold is in the Shwedagon. The central zedi is covered in tens of thousands of solid gold bars. The ornate umbrella-like top is decorated with thousands of diamonds and precious stones along with golden bells and is thought to be worth a staggering USD 3 billion!
When to Visit
For the most breathtaking golden glow of the Shwedagon Pagoda, try visiting at sunrise or sunset. These are the popular times, so expect a crowd. If you head there in the afternoon, you might find fewer people, but be prepared for the heat, especially if you visit during the dry months.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider visiting the pagoda during Buddhist festivals like Thingyan, Thadingyut, and Tazaungdaing.
A Different Angle
Use the lower footpath that goes around the site if you’re looking for a peaceful walk and a unique view of the Shwedagon. You can get to this path from any of the four entrances, and it's less travelled by tourists. It gives you a moment to truly take in and appreciate the wonder of Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda.
Other Religious Sites to Visit
If you have more time on your hands, here are some more religious sites for you to visit:
Sule Pagoda: With a long history, Sule Pagoda is located at the centre of Yangon.
Shwesandaw Pagoda: Located in Bagan, Shwesandaw Pagoda is a symbol of Buddhist devotion.
Ananda Temple: Architecture aficionados will truly be amazed by the intricate details of this pagoda.
Dhammayangyi Pagoda: This is the largest pagoda in Bagan.
Mahamuni Pagoda: To most locals, this is the most spiritually important pagoda in the country.
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