Shwedagon Pagoda
ရွှေတိဂုံစေတီတော်
The most sacred pagoda in Myanmar. Its golden main stupa, about 99 meters tall, is covered in gold leaf, and its crowning umbrella is studded with thousands of gems. Walking barefoot around the stupa at dusk is especially moving.
Shwedagon Pagoda rises on Singuttara Hill in Yangon and is said to enshrine eight strands of hair of the Buddha. It is the spiritual heart of Myanmar. The main stupa is covered in real gold leaf, and the crowning hti is set with thousands of diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones. Around it stand dozens of smaller shrines, prayer halls, and the eight planetary-day posts, where worshippers pay respects to the animal associated with the day of their birth. Foreign visitors pay about 10,000 kyat for entry. The pagoda has four entrances, one each to the north, south, east, and west, as well as elevators. Visitors must go barefoot and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Sarongs can be rented on site. Arriving before sunset lets you see both the daylight and the illuminated night scene.
Opening hours
Approx. 04:00–22:00
Nearby sights
- Maha Wizaya Pagoda
- Martyrs' Mausoleum
- People's Park
- Yangon Zoological Gardens
- National Museum of Myanmar
- Bogyoke Aung San Museum
- Ngahtatgyi Buddha
- Kandawgyi Lake & Karaweik Palace