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Yangon (Rangoon) Sights

Shwedagon Paya

3 reviews | Write a review

Good for: history, architectural splendour

Not good for: Fans of Frank Gehry modernism

  • Address
    • Ar Za Nir St Yangon
  • Price
    • $5
  • Hours
    • 5:00-22:00

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Lonely Planet review for Shwedagon Paya

Heart stopping at any time, the Shwedagon Paya glitters bright gold in the heat of the day. Then, as the sun casts its last rays it turns a crimson gold and orange, magic floats in the heat and the mighty diamond surmounting the summit casts a beam of light that reflects sheet white, bloody red and jealous green to the far corners of the temple platform. It can be quiet and contemplative or colourful and raucous, and for the people of Myanmar it is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites, one that all Myanmar Buddhists hope to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Visible from almost anywhere in the city, Shwedagon is located to the north of central Yangon, between People’s Park and Kandawgyi.

The admission fee, which goes to the government, includes a lift ride to the raised platform of the stupa. Of course, like most local visitors, you may walk up one of the long graceful entrances, by far the more exciting method of entry. There’s also a $5 camera fee, not always enforced. The north gate is especially photogenic at night.

 

Traveller reviews for Shwedagon Paya (3)

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    must see in Yangon

    asiatravelbug recommends this,

    Shwedagon pagoda is undeniably a must-visit to any visitor to Myanmar. Not only for the spectacular golden temples but offers a good insight into the people. I've never seen a nation in Asia so devoted to their religion. For such a large place - it's eerily quiet and solemn. People flock to the Shwedagon day and night to pay homage to the Buddha and the Hindu gods. It's an interesting mixture of the two. You really need a guide to explain about the cultural and religious importance of the Schwedagon. A book is simply not enough.

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    A captivating golden city of temples

    SarahMicaele recommends this,

    I was shown Schwedagon by my Myanmar friend who lived nearby the pagoda. She took me at nighttime when the area is lit by dim lights and the pagoda itself is breathtaking. It is one of the most beautiful temples and places I've ever seen - a true showcase of ancient Asia. After taking off our shoes, arriving on the upper floor and paying my $5 admission fee she showed me a telescope to look through. My friend explained that there was a star seen situated right above the topmost point of the paya and sure enough there is! You can also use the telescope to zoom in on the beautiful diamonds and gems at the top of the pagoda. We then worked our way clockwise around the base with the crowd. My friend asked what my day was explaining that around the base were signs for each day of the week. Worshippers would go to "their day" (what day they were born), pray, sometimes hang flowers on the buddha, and wash the Buddha. This was exciting to understand as I was confused why people were all spread out around the Pagoda. Schwedagon was lovely and lively at night with several young people just seeming to"hang out" with friends. The sight had an almost magical feel to it full of warmth and spiritualness. A beautiful place to reflect and feel inspired.

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    The temple that puts the gold in Golden East

    samsouthgate recommends this,

    Allegedly founded during the lifetime of the Buddha, the Shwedagon Paya looms over the streets of Yangon like a gleaming gold exclamation mark. Rising almost 100m above the surrounding rooftops, this magnificent stupa is the most important Buddhist shrine in the country - and a mesmerising window onto the spiritual life of this troubled but captivating nation. Like Mecca for Muslims, Shwedagon is a place that every Burmese Buddhist strives to visit once in their lifetime; in spiritual terms, all distances are measured from here. At any time of day or night, the pagoda compound flows with a continuously moving tide of Buddhist pilgrims; as the sun rolls across the sky, the stupa acts like a giant sundial, casting its shadow over arcades of Buddha statues, ceremonial altars piled high with offerings, spirit shrines, memorial stupas, giant bells and gilded pavilions. Gongs ring, bells chime and school-aged Buddhist monks fill the air with mumbled sutras. The Burmese are known for their love of architectural bling, but the volume of gold and gold leaf on display at Shwedagon simply has to be seen to be believed – the upper levels of the great stupa are plated with solid gold, and the symbolic umbrella atop the zedi is encrusted with more than 5000 diamonds. When people talk about the ‘Golden East’ this is what they mean. For sheer atmosphere and visual pizzazz, few places in Asia come close.

    Good for: history, architectural splendour

    Not good for: Fans of Frank Gehry modernism

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