Shwedagon Pagoda Overview

A visit to the 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, where strands of the Buddha’s hair and other sacred relics are preserved, is a must for anybody visiting the Union of Myanmar.

The most revered and impressive Buddhist site for the people of the Union of Myanmar is Shwedagon Pagoda, which is situated in Yangon on the 114-acre Singuttara Hill west of the Royal Lake.

The Shwedagon Pagoda rose from a lowly starting of 8.2 meters to a height of around 110 meters today. The top of the stupa at Shwedagon Pagoda is coated in 4531 diamonds, the largest of which weighs 72 carats, and is covered in hundreds of gold plates.

It is unquestionably one of religion’s miracles. The Shwedagon Pagoda is a collection of the finest works of art, sculpture, and architectural design from Myanmar.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is made up of a large number of brightly colored temples, stupas, and statues that represent a nearly 2,500-year span in architectural history.

Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing piece of architecture and art to better appreciate how important Buddhism is to the lives of the people of Myanmar.

The Shwedagon Pagoda serves as the focal point of both religious and civic activity. Devotees and monks are constantly washing sculptures, presenting flowers, praying, and meditating.

The Board of Trustees of Shwedagon Pagoda is in charge of running the pagoda.

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Shwedagon Pagoda

How to get to Shwedagon Pagoda

The largest city in Myanmar is now more accessible than ever. Although there are planes from nearby nations, Yangon is very conveniently reachable from Bangkok by bus.

The distance between the town center and the airport in Yangon is roughly 30 minutes. Flights to Kuala Lumpur are offered by Malaysia Airlines and low-cost carrier Air Asia.

Local airline Air Bagan offers numerous flights both domestically and internationally, including to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

There are flights to Bangkok from Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Myanmar Airways International, and Thai Airways. Additionally, Myanmar Airways offers flights to nearby nations.

Your best option after arriving at the airport is to take a taxi to the city’s core. You’ll have to pay around 8,000 kyat ($8 USD) for it.

There will be a lot of cabs and trishaws available after you arrive in the city. Most likely, your hotel will set up a taxi for you to go to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The cost of a taxi from the Shwedagon to the city’s core shouldn’t exceed 3000 kyats (around $3 USD).

Next to the pagoda, bus number 204 also has a stop.

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Tourists at Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda: Tourist Information

Opening hours

The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from 4:00 AM to 22:00 PM. At 21:45, entrance is closed.

The pagoda is open 24 hours a day on two occasions each year: the Waxing Day of Tabaung, which falls on the day before the full moon day of the Myanmar lunar month Tabaung in March.

The Waxing Day of Wakhaung, which falls on the day before the full moon day of the Myanmar lunar month Wakhaung.

Opening hours for the visitor center are 8:00 AM to 21:00 PM.

Entrance fees

Each person must pay $8 to enter Shwedagon. A guide will set you back $5 more. Additionally, donation bins can be seen all over the pagoda.

Note: Online ticket purchases are not permitted.

Dress code

The Shwedagon Pagoda is a revered site, so visitors are recommended to dress modestly. You must wear pants, at the very least knee-length shorts or a skirt, and elbow-length sleeved t-shirts are also required.

The Shwedagon must be entered barefoot.

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A picture of Shwedagon Pagoda

Weather and Climate at Shwedagon Pagoda

The Yangon metropolitan region experiences average summertime temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If visitors intend to travel during the summer, they should stay hydrated and dress comfortably.

In Myanmar, the monsoon season is characterized by moderate rainfall and temperatures between the mid-80s and the mid-90s.

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A monk at Shwedagon Pagoda