Shwedagon Pagoda

Buddhist tradition holds that the Shwedagon Pagoda is over 2,600 years old, making it the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, though archaeological evidence dates the current structure to between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. The stupa has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times, particularly after major earthquakes.

The main stupa is covered in genuine gold plates, with the very top adorned with thousands of diamonds and other precious stones. The gold on the structure has been accumulated over centuries through donations from Burmese citizens and royalty alike.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from early morning until late evening, and foreign visitors pay an entrance fee of around 10,000 Myanmar kyat. All visitors must remove their shoes and socks before entering the platform, and modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected.

The Shwedagon Pagoda stands on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, with its golden stupa rising nearly 100 meters above the surrounding area. It dominates the Yangon skyline and is visible from many parts of the city, especially at night when it is illuminated.