This was one of my first and one of my last experiences in Yangon. I just had to visit twice! Once during daytime, and once in the evening, when candles are lit and the pagoda has its own shine and serenity. Medicine for the soul! Very different from a Tuesday morning, which was very busy even at 06:00-07:00 a.m. The pagoda has four entrances. One just down the street from my hotel. Another one on the opposite side, which is the one my friends and I chose both times. Here parking is good. You can either walk up a stairway covered by a wooden, carved ceiling and lined with shops selling what you might need for your prayers, or do it the easy and less interesting way, by an elevator. All this after removing our shoes and paying for a ticket, which is for foreigners only. At the top the amazement kicks in. The massive pagoda grounds with stupas scattered all over the place, all surrounding the 99 meters tall mother stupa in the middle, lay invitingly before you. On your clockwise walk around the wondrous complex you will see that there are corners for each day of the week, for people to worship at their day (of birth). Traveling around the country and seeing a lot of pagodas, there is no golden pagoda that compares to this beauty! Period!!
Website: shwedagonpagoda.com
What a stunning temple. It is beautiful at night. Thanks for linking up! #wkendtravelinspiration
Incredible! Both at night and day. You might think one time of day would be better than the other, but both times were equally beautiful, in their own way.
wow. that is really beautiful and probably with fewer crowds than you have in Thailand or other places. I can see why you would visit twice to take it all in. #wkendtravelinspiration
It was crowded, even early in the morning. When my friend said we should aim for 6am, I really didn’t think that would be necessary. Tons of people even at that time. You’d think it was in the middle of the day.
Wow! That is an impressive sight. The first photo caught my eye, but I think that the slideshow at the bottom gave me a better idea of how ornate the rest of the temple complex is like. It really is incomparable.
It is so big, and hard to fit into photos, because there’s so much you wanna catch. I am happy with my pics 🙂
So beautiful! I can see why you loved this place. The funny thing is that there is a copy of this pagoda in a city called Tachileik. We visited as a day trip from Thailand. It was a very beautiful place. #wkendtravelinspiration
Really? I didn’t know that. But then again with all the pagodas in Myanmar, some have to be alike 🙂 I hear Shan State is beautiful.
Myanmar is most definitely on my list and would love visit this pagoda, twice if I have to 🙂 #wkndtravelinspiration
Myanmar is stunning! From people to places.
Looks so beautiful, think its a great idea to go visit at different times of the day to see it in different light! #wkendtravelinspiration
I hadn’t thought about that until my friends (locals ones) suggested it. Great at both times!
Beautiful, so immaculately golden it shines even in the photographs. #WkendTravelinspiration
It is gorgeous!!
Absolutely beautiful! I’d love to explore that portion of the world! Feels so exotic and the architecture and customs are so amazing!! #wkendtravelinspiration
I never been to keen on South East Asia. I guess I’ve always associated it with Thailand, which is low on my bucket list, but now I’d definitely like to explore more. First real visit to the region. Only spent two nights in Bangkok before this.
I agree, visit in the day and the evening to see the changing lights and ambience.
Always so nice and quiet though. Ah!
Lovely pictures! Myanmar is really high on our bucket list, I hope we can make it next year
Thanks! You’re gonna love it!
Your photos of the temple are stunning. Myanmar is on my list and I was thinking of cruising the Irrawaddy. I would like to get there before the tourist mentality takes over but I fear I might be too late.
Thank you! It was a stunning place! I did a short trip up the river from Mandalay, an hour or so. Nice! I was thinking about going on the ferry from Mandalay to Bagan, but read places that it was one long ride and not too much to see… No, I think you’re still gonna catch Myanmar in an enjoyable state.
Wauw, the pictures.. Just amazing! 😀
Thanks! Agree 🙂
Hey, I love your blog and was reading about your experience in Myanmar! How long did you stay in the country for? I’m thinking of going there in February 🙂
Thank you so much! You should definitely go! You’re gonna love it! I stayed for 2 1/2 weeks. Had plenty of time. Visited friends as well. Some also add Inle Lake. Do let me know I can help you with anything. You’re gonna be there during high season, so things are gonna be a bit different than for me.