Myanmar (Burma) — Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)
The stunning pagoda in Yangon
March 2015
The Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya) is possibly THE tourist attraction in Yangon (Rangoon). When I visited in March 2015, it was busy and full of tourists.
Entry was free — there was a security check where I and my bag was scanned. But, as soon as I got to the platform of the pagoda, I was stopped by a staff member and directed to a ticket booth. The cost for ‘foreigners’ is 8,000 kyats (US$8; £6). You are also not allowed to wear shoes or socks at the shrine. My second sock-less holy shrine.
Two tips:
- Take a bag for your shoes and socks, as the chance are you won’t leave the site by the same staircase you arrived.
- Visit the pagoda either early morning or early evening; otherwise, you may burn your feet on the insanely hot marble (remember, no shoes and socks).
The north entrance to the pagoda complex was impressive.
And after security, the main staircase led up to the pagoda platform.
The stairway up to the main platform was lined with small shops selling souvenirs and offerings for the shrines.
Looking back down one of the staircases leading up to the pagoda platform.
The Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon, was very impressive. A fantastic place. Incredible.
It was an excellent place for photography, street (should that be shrine?) photography and people watching. Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be things and people to photograph.
The Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon, was impressive with many pagodas and shrines and incredibly hot marble floors that burned my bare feet.
The architecture was stunning, but there were also the people.
Monks looking skyward but looking for what? Around the pagoda, platform were several binocular devices so visitors could see the top of the pagoda.
I liked the umbrellas, but how could they walk on that baking hot marble? I had to stick to areas out of the sun or move rapidly across exposed areas.
And it was not just tourists and monks at the pagoda; locals were worshipping and studying.
And then there was all the cleaning.
There was an army of cleaners on the go.
And offerings being made.
As I wandered around, I was stunned by the beauty of the place.
There was much to see at the Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon (Rangoon).
And experience.
More shots of the Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon.
I couldn’t stop taking photos!
I loved the crazy and chaotic scaffolding at the Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon.
Finally, leaving the Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon.
The Shwedagon Pagoda (Paya), Yangon, was spectacular. An incredible sight and site.
If you visit, don’t just get caught up in the architecture of the place, but also take some time to look at the people and the monks. Fascinating. You will see not just tourists but also worshippers and locals.
Two valuable tips:
- Take a bag for your shoes and socks (which you will have to take off). Don’t leave your shoes and socks at the entrance unless you are sure you will be exiting the complex by the same stairway you entered.
- Visit early morning or early evening if you value the skin on the bottom of your feet, as the marble is incredibly hot on your feet if you visit late afternoon.
