Shwedagon Pagoda

Probably one of the most best experiences I had in Yangon, visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda. Pictures online don't capture how truly majestic and magnificent this structure is. The way it glows in the daytime or at night, will simply capture your attention everytime.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site, a 112 meter tall golden stupa in Yangon. It was constructed 2,600 years ago which is now the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. Houses relics of the past four Buddhas, including eight hairs of the current Buddha, making it a pilgrimage site of global importance. The pagoda complex is adorned with thousands of gold plates, diamonds, rubies, and other significant stones. We were so lucky that it was sunny the day we went since it is rainy season in Yangon and it was raining most of the time while we were there. It was scorching hot that day, we cannot stay for more than an hour to see the huge complex. I was only able to take few photos as we were both melting and the tile floor can get very hot, I was walking like a kangaroo on barefoot. No footwear allowed upon entering. I was in awe with the beauty and history of the pagoda and other temples. Truly thankful to be able to see this complex for once in my life travels. #labonitaviajera #iamkbonita #shwedagonpagoda

Very nice experience to go here in the evening. Last time I went in the daytime so it was another kind of experience. In brief, very nice and beautiful. Very big place so you should spare at least 1 hour to be here.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is without a doubt the most iconic and sacred site in all of Myanmar. Towering majestically over Yangon, this golden stupa is not only a religious monument but a symbol of the nation’s spiritual heart and cultural pride. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is deeply moving. The pagoda glows with a brilliant golden hue, especially breathtaking at sunrise or sunset when the light dances across its gilded surface. Believed to enshrine relics of four Buddhas, including strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair, the site holds immense spiritual significance for Buddhist devotees. The complex itself is vast and filled with richly decorated shrines, prayer halls, and smaller stupas. Every detail—from the ornate carvings to the flickering candlelight —reflects centuries of devotion and artistry. The soft chanting of monks, the scent of incense, and the sight of locals and pilgrims in prayer create an atmosphere of deep peace and reverence. Shwedagon is not just a place to visit—it’s an experience to absorb. Whether you're there for spiritual reasons, cultural exploration, or simply to admire its architectural splendor, the pagoda leaves a lasting impression. It is a must-see landmark that captures the soul of Myanmar. The Shwedagon Pagoda is located on Singuttara Hill in Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Towering over the city, it can be seen from many vantage points, especially near Kandawgyi Lake. To reach the Shwedagon Pagoda, tourists can take taxis or buses from downtown Yangon, such as Line 8 or Line 11. While buses stop nearby, the easiest and most convenient option is by taxi, which typically takes about 15–20 minutes. There are four main entrances: South, West, North, and East. The southern entrance is wheelchair accessible and includes an elevator. International tourists are required to pay an entrance fee of approximately 10,000 Kyat. Opening hours: Daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Things to know before visiting: Visitors must dress appropriately, wear long pants or a skirt that covers the knees and a shirt with sleeves that covers the shoulders. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. Shoes and socks must be removed before entering. Best time to visit: Early morning or evening—to enjoy the cool air and stunning light, especially during sunset when the golden pagoda gleams against the sky. It’s customary to walk clockwise around the pagoda, refrain from loud conversation, and avoid pointing your feet at sacred objects. There is a tourist service center, and inside the museum, you'll find displays of religious antiques and historical exhibitions.

After sunset, we stepped barefoot up Singuttara Hill, the city lights of Yangon fading behind us as the golden glow of Shwedagon rose ahead. Even in the dimming light, it felt like a world apart. A place alive with quiet devotion and flickering candles, as if the whole hill breathed with something ancient. Parts of the complex were under repair, as the recent earthquake left its mark in cracks and bamboo scaffolding. But even through the signs of damage, the stupa stood tall, nearly 100 meters of gold catching the last traces of daylight, still radiant, still sacred. We moved slowly, clockwise, like the others, past smaller pagodas and shrines, some draped in hessian, others lit by oil lamps. There was a hush in the air, not silence, but something deeper like a respect, a resilience. This place, even wounded, still held its power. They say it houses relics of four Buddhas, including eight hairs of Gautama himself. And in that moment, with the night wrapped around us and the scent of incense rising, it wasn’t hard to believe. I paused to hold time for the victims: the ones lost to the quake, and the many more bound under the weight of oppression. A quiet offering. A silent wish. And beneath that golden spire, I let gratitude swell in me for the unseen hands and hearts that helped heal my own, for the goodwill of the universe that still reaches out, even when things break. Spirituality, beauty, and the weight of centuries all met us there, even after the ground had shifted beneath it.

Very beautiful. it's clean, but these days since its the rainy season in Myanmar. I wouldn't recommend going these days because its extremely wet on the floors. Using the northern entrance is definitely better if you don't like stairs. The northern entrance has an elevator also known as lifts. It's near a lot of other beautiful places such as bog yoke aung san market, U That's house, kandawgyi lake and more

𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞🛕 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝🌎 𝐒𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐚 – 𝐌𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐫: 𝐀 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 🛕🌟🇲🇲 I haven’t yet visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, but it feels like a dream wrapped in gold. 💭🪙✨ Located in Yangon, Myanmar, it’s one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. 🌍🙏🕉️ The pagoda is believed to be over 2,500 years old, making it possibly the oldest Buddhist stupa on Earth. 📜⏳🌏 It is said to enshrine eight strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair and relics of previous Buddhas. 🧘‍♂️🕯️💛 Shwedagon is covered in real gold plates and topped with a diamond-studded spire. 🪙💎🏯 The way it glows during sunrise and sunset is pure magic. 🌅🌄✨ यह कोई साधारण इमारत नहीं है, यह एक आस्था की लौ है जो सदियों से जल रही है। 🔥📿🕉️ The atmosphere is serene and deeply spiritual — monks chanting, candles glowing, and the scent of incense in the air. 🧘‍♀️🕯️🌸 People walk clockwise around the stupa in quiet prayer, soaking in its energy. 🌀🙏🌿 The Burmese call it ရွှေတိဂုံဘုရား – Shwedagon Paya – “the golden pagoda.” 🛕💫💬 It’s a place of both power and peace, where past and present meet. 🕊️🕰️💖 I dream of one day standing before it in silence, heart full of awe. 🌙❤️👣 Shwedagon Pagoda is not just a monument — it’s a timeless tribute to faith, beauty, and enlightenment. 🌟🛕🌼

Amazing architecture! Gold and gold temple. Crowded places to visit. Local people n monks come to chant the merit.