Shwedagon Pagoda – A Must Visit in Yangon, Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda would probably be one of the main reasons tourists flock to Yangon. It’s a beautiful historical landmark and also considered as the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. It is said that there are relics from the past Buddhas enshrined within the stupa such as the staff of Kakusandhi, the water filter of Konagamana, and a piece of tunic of Kassapa. It is also said that this is the oldest stupa in the whole world and was built more than 2600 years ago.

One of the most interesting facts about Shwedagon Pagoda is that the top most part of it or the crown is tipped with more than 5000 diamonds and more than 2000 rubies and the very tip is a huge 76 carat diamond. There’s a photo gallery inside the Shwedagon complex where you could see the precious jewels on top of the stupa. It’s amazing how much wealth is sitting on top of the pagoda.

Getting to Shwedagon on foot is quite easy if you’re coming from Sule Paya area. The fastest way of course will always be by taking a cab but if you have enough time to spare I highly suggest that you just walk on your way to Shwedagon and pass by Bogyoke Aung San Market along the way. There are so many interesting sights that you’ll see on your way to Shwedagon Pagoda.

Some basic information for tourists visiting Shwedagon:

1. Ticket cost $8 per person

2. Shwedagon is open from 4AM to 10PM

3. Since Shwedagon is a very sacred place, please observe proper dress codes. Long pants are preferred but knee length shorts or skirts are acceptable. Foot wears are not allowed inside but you can leave your shoes or slippers at the entrance counter.

In case you want to avoid huge crowd or in case you want to be there during festivities, take note of the following festivals that are often celebrated in Shwedagon Pagoda:

– Festival on the Full Moon Day of the Myanmar month ” Tabaung ” ( February- March )
– Myanmar New Year Festival and also called as ” Thin- gyan Festival ” in April.
– The Buddha Day Festival; known as ” Kasone Festival ” in April-May.
– Festival on the beginning day of the Buddhist Lent ; the ” Waso Festival ” in July.
– Festival on the last day of Buddhist Lent , which is known as ” Thadingyut Festival ” in October.
– Festival of weaving a robe for Buddha; called as the ” Tazaungdaing Festival ” in November.

Here are some of the pictures I took in Shwedagon Pagoda complex:

Shwedagon Pagoda is so beautiful isn’t it. They say it’s more beautiful at night. Unfortunately we left right after the sun set and didn’t see Shwedagon Pagoda when it was fully lit.