YANGON – Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog

The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in the world and it is certainly the main attraction of Yangon,Myanmar. No visit to Myanmar is complete without a visit to this gold leaf-covered, centuries-old Pagoda, which is said to enshrine strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics.

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar is decorated with almost 10,000 treasures. Over half a ton of gold can be found under Shwedagon’s umbrella. It’s also set with over 5500 diamonds. Its main spire boasts 2300 rubies, sapphires, and other gems, and 4000 golden bells (Source: MMTimes).

When visiting, modest attire should be observed. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Upon entering, I was asked to borrow a Longyi—a traditional, sarong-style wrap around. A deposit of 3,000 Kyat (or around 150 Pesos) is required; which is also fully refundable. Footwear and socks are not allowed within the temple premises. Best to bring your own string bag to carry your shoes.

Best time to visit Shwegadon is early in the morning. Temperatures can climb to almost 40’C by noon, making the flooring hot on bare feet. Most of the paths and corridor flooring is made of marble slabs. There are also patches that are made of rare green marble, which is worth noticing.

The Pagoda is open seven days a week,4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last admission is 9:45 p.m.
Entrance fee is 10,000 Burmese kyat (around 400 Pesos)
There are 4 entrances to the Pagoda (North,South,East,West). Elevators and wheelchairs are available at the North and South entrance.
There are drinking water dispensers at certain stations within the temple grounds. Water is safe to drink, but it’s best to bring your own mineral water.

Getting there is easier by taxi;though many north bound public buses from Sule pass by the area. When staying near Sule, it is best to ask the tourist assistance kiosk for proper bus route.

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Other Places to See Around Yangon in a Day

Random snapshots of Yangon city center, with the Sule Golden Pagoda as the main landmark. The white building on the left side is the city hall. Most of the public transportations terminate here, including airport buses.

Yangon is generally Buddhist, but there are also catholic communities within the city.

Shan Noodles. Yangon’s specialty. mildly spiced. slightly sweet. with a hint of fish sauce.

Where I stayed in Yangon:

Wizaya Hostel, located just at the back of the city hall near Sule Pagoda. I actually didn’t stay there overnight, as I only had less than 24 hours in Yangon. Arriving at 6AM from Bagan by bus, I only needed a place to freshen up and safely leave my bags while I go around the city. Hostel costs around 5000 kyat (250 Pesos). Place is ok for “Check-in Anytime”. I didn’t have to wait for 12 nn to settle. Location is very convenient to public transportation. Almost all routes terminate at Sule Pagoda/city hall, including the red airport buses.

Things to Know Before Flying to Myanmar

Bagan Itinerary

Mandalay City Photoblog

I spent P 35,000.00 for 6 days in Myanmar, including taxes and plane tickets. I am sharing with this blog my costing and day to day itinerary for future reference. Hope this helps.

I did the tri-city Mandalay-Bagan-Yangon route with modest choice of backpacker’s accommodation, comfortable transportation and an appetite that is always full. Real talk, pwede pa babaan ang budget na ito. Medyo mahal kasi yung ticket na nakuha ko pauwi, like i booked late. Also, I went during Thingyan Festival. My choice of public transportation were limited.

For preparations and planning tips, read more on —>>>https://iamjosemanuel.com/2019/07/21/backpacking-myanmarpractical-tips-for-first-timers/

Day to day itinerary (Detailed costing is given at the end):

Day 1 – Travel time. Manila – Bangkok – Mandalay via low cost airline. Arrived late afternoon

Arrival Area – Mandalay Airport. Blue bus leaves every other hour to downtown, which is 40 minutes away.

Where I stayed in Mandalay — Ostello Bello Hostel Mandalay. Located just two blocks from the Royal Palace. Hostel has good reviews at Agoda. Ostello Bello is actually an international brand which also operates in Italy. Hostel has an elevator.

Ostello bello Roofdeck

Chill area at the roofdeck (6th floor). Hostel has an elevator

My first meal at a street side eatery.

my first meal. garlic fried pigeon

Street view along my hostel

Day 2 – Explore Mandalay City Center.

Kuthodaw Pagoda – A Unesco World Heritage site known for its intricate architecture and hundreds of brilliant white pagodas.

Kuthodaw Pagoda is known for the brilliant white pagodas

Shwenandaw Monastery – Interior and exterior is made entirely of hand-carved teakwood.

I was not able to visit Mandalay hill as the roads were closed for the Thingyan Festival.

Day 3 – Travel time. Mandalay – Bagan. 5 Hours by Tourist Bus (including hotel drop off). Arrived after lunch. Visited Shwezigon Pagoda – a 25 minutes walk from my Hotel. Explored Nyaung U district on foot. Checked out the market and the Lacquerware factory,which Bagan is popular of.

Sun kissed Shwezigon Pagoda

Construction is believed to have started in the 6th century. … By the 16th century, the Shwedagon Pagoda was already an important Buddhist monument for pilgrimage in Burma

Lacquerware finished product

Where I stayed in Bagan —> Royal Bagan Hotel, located in Nyaung U, the commercial district of Bagan. I’m giving high reviews to this hotel/hostel, for their buffet breakfast (like real food, rice, local dish, noodles fruits and pastries). They also have a swimming pool. I paid P 415.00 Pesos only per night (Dorm Type-Shared room).

Day 4 – Whole day tour around the archeological site of Old Bagan. Hired a motorbike with driver because I don’t know how to drive. hehe. The rent agency is just outside of Royal Bagan Hotel. Prepare for a very dusty ride.

I will upload a separate blog for the must sees in Bagan. Wait lang, mga teh!

STRICT DRESS CODE. Bagan has more than 2000 Pagodas. It is quite expected that visitors will do multiple temple hopping in a day. Myanmar is strict with dress code and “no shoes” policy before entering. Modest outfit is a must. You’ll be asked to rent a sarong if you are wearing shorts. It is also best to wear slip ons or prepare a pouch for your footwear, which you shall be taking off several times; including socks. The concrete foot path gets scorchingly hot. Sometimes, you have to step on bare ground with sharp pebbles. Bringing of wet wipes and alcohol is highly suggested. Climbing to the top of the pagoda is strictly prohibited.

Day 5 – AM – Mount Popa Shared Tour c/o a travel agency outside the hotel.

Mount Popa is the most important site in Burma for Nat pilgrimage. The Nats are spirits who have been worshipped all over Burma for many centuries. They were probably worshipped before the arrival of Buddhism. Since then Buddhism and Nat worshipping have gradually merged over the centuries.

Met fellow Filipino travelers on this tour.

PM – Bagan Nan Myint Tower. Enjoy the sunset. Not much people visit the nearby cluster of lesser pagodas. Bigger chance to take good snap shots without the crowd.

sunset view from the 13th floor

Bagan beef curry from the restaurant of the tower on the 9th floor. This is one of the best meals I had in Myanmar. kinda pricey, but the view is awesome.

This tower had been a subject of discussions, as some historians say this is a nuisance to the old world feels of Bagan

I already brought with me my Bag as I went straight to the bus station after dinner. Took the 7/8PM Min Thar Bus to Yangon. Overnight bus ride was pleasing, with international standard seat sizes and is reclinable. Comes with a blanket, pillow, bottled water and a vanity kit. Intercity overnight train is a cheaper option bit will take 18 hours or more. It was also unavailable during my visit because of Thinyan Festival.

The Bus terminal at Bagan. Around 200 Pesos tuktuk from the tower

Day 6 – Arrive in Yangon at 6 AM. From the bus terminal, i hopped on Bus 31 to Yangon city centre, which is around an hour away. Bus stops at the city hall in front of Sule Pagoda, which is considered the center of Yangon.

Where I stayed in Yangon —> Wizaya Backpackers, located just at the back of City Hall. Walk in lang. and they do not have a fixed check in/check out time, which was good, since I arrived 7 AM. I actually paid a bed just so I could leave my things and take a bath. I did not sleep there na as I am already flying back to Manila that night. It would have been nice though to have more time to see Yangon. I see a lot of quaint restaurants near the hostel. I might go back to Yangon mainly for the food.

I had the whole day to see Sule Pagoda, Shwedagon Pagoda and the local Market. There are several markets at Bogyoke where prices of Jade and other semi precious stones and accessories are cheaper compared to Bagan.