About
The Shwedagon Pagoda stands on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Myanmar, and is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country. It is also known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw. Its golden surface and the gems set at its summit, which include diamonds and rubies, make it one of the most striking sights in the city.
What to expect
The pagoda is a place of active worship as well as a monument, so a visit is best approached as a respectful one. Visitors walk around the central stupa and the many smaller shrines that surround it, and the gilded structure catches the light throughout the day. Many people come simply to sit quietly and watch the life of the site unfold around them.
- Setting: Singuttara Hill, rising above the city of Yangon
- Type of visit: A spiritual and cultural site, suited to slow exploration
- Address: Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Yangon 11201, Myanmar
- Contact: +95-1-371780
Around the pagoda
The hill gives a broad view over the surrounding city, and the pagoda makes a natural centre for a day in Yangon. Because it is Myanmar's most revered Buddhist site, it also offers a clear introduction to the religious life that shapes everyday culture across the country.