The Shwedagon Pagoda (also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda, Shwedagon Zedi Daw or Golden Pagoda) was built in the 6th century and is the centerpiece of the Yangon skyline.
Shwedagon is located on top of Singuttara Hill, next to People’s Park and stands 326-feet (99 meters) above the ground. From most of the city’s hotels, you’ll be able to see the central spire, making getting to the pagoda a breeze.
The vibrant gold color of the massive complex comes from real gold plates installed over the bricks that create the bell-shaped pagoda structure (but the locals live in shacks – go figure).
Thousands of rubies and diamonds decorate the pagodas, with the central spire topped with a massive 76-carat diamond (again, another WTF moment when the villagers live in such impoverished conditions).
The Shwedagon complex is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar; It is (literally) an opulent pagoda of untold wealth located in the middle of a shithole city. The entrance fee is MMK 8000 (about USD 8) for foreigners.
Shwedagon Pagoda Uncensored
The pagoda does have a strict dress code, as most Buddhist temples do.
- No shorts
- Shoulders should be covered
Foreigners are given covers and sarongs to meet the dress code. As always, this a place of worship, so please be respectful.
If you don’t know, now you know…
The pagoda is near the city center and is somewhat walkable but the entire area is sketchy as fuck. There is extreme poverty everywhere, and the local people are struggling to survive.
Don’t have high expectations for lavish hotels in Myanmar.
Shwedagon Pagoda through the viewfinder
