Tipped to be among Myanmar’s top cultural attractions, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a must-visit highlight for all. Here’s what you need to know about touring this iconic religious hotspot.
Dress Appropriately
When visiting any temple in the region or Vietnam, tourists must be dressed respectfully and conservatively when visiting Shwedagon Pagoda. Covering your shoulders, arms and knees is a must while wearing shorts and transparent fabrics are highly inappropriate. Don’t forget to remove your shoes, sunglasses, and hat/cap when entering the temple, and carry a shawl if you feel you need to cover up.
What to Expect
The Shwedagon Pagoda is a sacred space for the Burmese so expect a lot of Buddhist pilgrims regardless of the timing of your tour. While it is a tourist highlight for travelers, it is a spiritual epicenter for locals and one must keep that in mind. Made up of several structures the Shwedagon Pagoda is more than the golden stupa features in postcards and promotional materials. The large number of Buddha statues and the extensive grounds are truly staggering in scale.
Read Up on the History of the Temple
Those who wish to make the most of their visit would benefit from reading up on the 2600-year-old pagoda prior to the visit. Constructed by Taphussa and Bhallika who met his holiness, the Lord Buddha, the sacred hair follicles of the religious leader is known to be enshrined within the pagoda.
Opening Hours and Getting There
Travelers based at Pan Pacific Yangon or any other 5-star hotel in Yangon, Myanmar can visit the temple between 4 am and 10 pm from Monday to Sunday.
