Yangon and the Shwedagon Pagoda: Myanmar's Golden Jewel
We woke up in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) - the former capital and still the economic and cultural center of Myanmar. Though the capital moved to Naypyidaw in 2005, Yangon remains the country's beating heart.
A Different Myanmar Experience
We started by walking around randomly, and we immediately noticed a completely different experience compared to Bagan, Kalaw, Mandalay, and even touristic Inle Lake.
Traffic was heavy but organized. Fast food restaurants nestled within massive supermarkets. Glass skyscrapers rose alongside old crumbling colonial buildings - a fascinating juxtaposition of Myanmar's past and future.
Downtown Yangon
We used the Grab app (yes, it works in Yangon!) to drive to downtown. We went on a shopping spree at the local Bogyoke Aung San Market near the majestic Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Then we crossed the road and ventured into the brand new, gigantic commercial complex - Junction City shopping mall.
The contrast was striking - traditional markets selling Burmese handicrafts just meters away from gleaming modern shopping centers with international brands!
The Magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda
Later that day, we explored the famous Shwedagon Pagoda - Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist site. The religious building is a solid brick stupa covered with gold and encrusted with hundreds of diamonds. We walked clockwise (the traditional Buddhist way) as we marveled at the glistening gold of Yangon's biggest spiritual attraction.
People Watching and Sunset
As the afternoon progressed, locals and tourists flocked to the Buddhist temple. We enjoyed our favorite activity: people watching!
- Women dressed in bright, elegant traditional dresses offered flowers to their divinities
- Men poured water on Buddha statues (a purification ritual)
- Monks meditated peacefully
- Novices (young monks) followed their teachers like Padawans following their Jedi
The sunset was spectacular - exactly as promised! As golden hour arrived, the already golden pagoda seemed to glow with an otherworldly light. If you come to Yangon, don't miss sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda!
Have you visited Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda? What time of day did you go? Did you explore the colonial downtown? Share your Myanmar experiences below!
Visiting Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda
- Shwedagon Pagoda: Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist site, over 2,500 years old. Main stupa covered in gold leaf and topped with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies! Open 4am-10pm daily.
- Entrance fee (2017): 10,000 MMK (~$7 USD) for foreigners. Ticket valid all day - you can leave and re-enter. Myanmar citizens enter free.
- Best visiting time: Late afternoon for sunset (4-6pm). The golden pagoda looks incredible as the sun sets. Avoid midday heat (11am-2pm). Early morning (6-8am) also peaceful.
- Dress code: Shoes and socks OFF inside pagoda grounds (go barefoot). Knees and shoulders covered. Entrance provides covered walkway to protect feet from hot ground.
- Clockwise direction: Always walk clockwise around stupas (traditional Buddhist practice). Four entrance points - northern main entrance has elevator for elderly/disabled.
- Photography: Allowed everywhere except inside certain shrines. Golden hour (sunset) provides stunning photos. The pagoda is photogenic from all angles!
- Getting there: Grab/taxi from downtown 15-20 min, 3,000-5,000 MMK ($2-3). Located on Singuttara Hill. Easy to spot - tallest structure in Yangon at 99m (326ft).
- Bogyoke Aung San Market: Best place for Myanmar souvenirs - lacquerware, longyi (traditional skirts), jade, handicrafts. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Bargaining expected!
- Grab app: Works well in Yangon! Cheaper and more reliable than street taxis. Download before arriving. Cash payment only (credit cards not accepted).
- Downtown Yangon: Colonial architecture worth exploring. Visit Sule Pagoda, Strand Hotel, Holy Trinity Church. Warning: sidewalks poor condition - watch your step!
- Correct spelling: Shwedagon (not Shwegadon or Shwegagon). Locals pronounce it 'Shway-da-GONG.' Means 'Golden Dagon' in Burmese.
- Evening prayers: Around 6-7pm monks chant prayers. Atmospheric and moving experience. Respect worshippers by staying quiet and not blocking prayer areas.
Note:
Yangon exceeded our expectations! The contrast between crumbling colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers, traditional markets and contemporary malls, created a fascinating urban landscape. But the true star was Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset - a spiritual and visual experience we'll never forget!