Shwedagon Pagoda
ရွှေတိဂုံဘုရား
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and one of the most awe-inspiring religious monuments on earth. Rising 98 meters (321 feet) above Singuttara Hill, the central stupa is encased in 27 metric tonnes of gold plating and its top umbrella (hti) is adorned with 5,448 diamonds, 2,317 rubies, sapphires, and other precious gems — including a 76-carat diamond at the very tip. According to Buddhist tradition, the pagoda is over 2,600 years old and enshrines eight sacred hairs of Gautama Buddha along with relics of three previous Buddhas: Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana, and Kassapa. The earliest archaeological and epigraphic evidence places significant construction in the 14th and 15th centuries under Mon kings, with the central stupa rising to its current 98-meter height under King Hsinbyushin in 1774. The pagoda complex covers approximately 46 acres on Singuttara Hill, accessible by four staircases (north, south, east, west) and elevators. The vast platform terrace surrounding the central stupa is lined with dozens of smaller shrines, pavilions, and prayer halls. The terrace is oriented so that the moon rises directly behind the pagoda on full-moon nights, creating a scene of extraordinary beauty. Each of the four cardinal shrines contains a planetary post for devotees born on each day of the week. The pagoda is also historically significant as the site of major political events: Gandhi visited in 1929, and Aung San Suu Kyi delivered key speeches from its northern staircase. Every year the pagoda draws approximately 5 million visitors from Myanmar and abroad.
✨ Historical Significance
Why Shwedagon Pagoda Matters
Ranked #1 among the world's top 100
The world's oldest continuously-used Buddhist stupa (traditionally dated 588 BCE, archaeological evidence from the 11th century). The most sacred religious site in Myanmar and the spiritual heart of Burmese identity. Contains gold plating weighing 27 metric tonnes. The hti (crown) alone contains 5,448 diamonds. A UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. The pagoda has never been desecrated despite repeated sieges of Yangon over the centuries.
Built
6th century BCE
Location
Myanmar
Annual Visitors
5 million
Coordinates
16.8714°, 96.1499°
📅 Plan Your Visit to Shwedagon Pagoda
Best Season
Cool Season (Nov–Feb)
Recommended months: November to February
Temperature
Average: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 2–4 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$20 USD (check current rates)
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
Getting There
Located in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Yangon's main international airport.
📍 Location of Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon, Myanmar · 16.8714°N, 96.1499°E
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Shwedagon Pagoda
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Burmese. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: November to February. Most visitors need a visa or e-visa.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Shwedagon Pagoda
Everything you need to know before visiting Shwedagon Pagoda.
1Where is Shwedagon Pagoda located?
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Shwedagon Pagoda is located in Yangon, Myanmar. GPS coordinates: 16.8714°N, 96.1499°E. It is ranked #1 in our Top 100 World Pagodas list.
2When was Shwedagon Pagoda built?
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Shwedagon Pagoda was built in 6th century BCE. The world's oldest continuously-used Buddhist stupa (traditionally dated 588 BCE, archaeological evidence from the 11th century). The most sacred religious site in Myanmar and the spiritual heart of Burmese identity. Contains gold plating weighing 27 metric tonnes. The hti (crown) alone contains 5,448 diamonds. A UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. The pagoda has never been desecrated despite repeated sieges of Yangon over the centuries.
3What is the best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda?
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The best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar is during November to February. This is the Cool Season (Nov–Feb) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Shwedagon Pagoda?
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Entry fees for Shwedagon Pagoda are approximately $5–$20 USD (check current rates). Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Shwedagon Pagoda?
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Plan to spend 2–4 hours at Shwedagon Pagoda. As one of the top-ranked sites in the world, there is plenty to see and explore.
6What should I wear when visiting Shwedagon Pagoda?
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Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
7How many people visit Shwedagon Pagoda each year?
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Shwedagon Pagoda receives approximately 5 million visitors per year, making it one of the popular pagodas in Myanmar.
8How do I get to Shwedagon Pagoda?
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Located in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Yangon's main international airport.
9Do I need a visa to visit Myanmar?
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Most visitors need a visa or e-visa. The local currency is Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Myanmar is in the UTC+6:30 timezone.
🗺️ Explore More Sites
📍 More in Yangon
🏳️ More in Myanmar
🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Maha Wizaya Pagoda (pagodas #96)
- •Bagan Temples in Bagan
- •Shwezigon Pagoda in Nyaung-U
- •Ananda Temple in Bagan
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Yangon