The Majestic Shwemawdaw Pagoda: A Spiritual Beacon in Bago
Experience the spiritual heart of Myanmar at Shwemawdaw Pagoda, a towering stupa that symbolizes the rich culture and history of Bago.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda, often referred to as the Golden Pagoda, holds the title of the tallest stupa in Myanmar, reaching an astonishing height of 114 meters. This iconic structure is not just a visual marvel; it is steeped in history and spiritual significance, making it a must-visit for travelers exploring the region. The pagoda’s gleaming golden spire captures the sunlight beautifully, creating a mesmerizing sight that can be seen from miles away. As you approach, the intricate designs and craftsmanship become apparent, showcasing the dedication of those who built and maintained this sacred site. Visitors are welcomed to explore the surrounding grounds adorned with smaller stupas and statues, each telling its own story. The atmosphere is imbued with tranquility, allowing visitors to reflect and appreciate the rich Buddhist traditions that are deeply rooted in the culture of Myanmar. Local monks can often be seen in the area, providing a glimpse into the spiritual practices that continue to thrive here. To enhance your visit, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the stunning views. The pagoda is open daily, providing ample opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in this cultural gem. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or seeking spiritual insight, Shwemawdaw Pagoda offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views and fewer crowds.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to show respect in this sacred space.
- Take time to explore the smaller stupas and statues around the main pagoda.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the pagoda.
- Stay hydrated and bring a hat or umbrella for shade, as it can get quite hot during the day.
A brief summary to Shwemawdaw Pagoda
- 8FPW+QMF, Shwemawdaw, Pagoda Street, Bago, MM
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
- Thursday 7 am-6 pm
- Friday 7 am-6 pm
- Saturday 7 am-6 pm
- Sunday 7 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from any location in the Ayeyarwady Region, head towards Bago City. Use GPS navigation and input the coordinates 17.3369346, 96.4966646 or the address 8FPW+QMF, Shwemawdaw, Pagoda Street, Bago. Upon arriving in Bago, follow the signs to Shwemawdaw Pagoda. There is parking available near the pagoda, but be prepared for a small parking fee, usually around 500 MMK.
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Public Transportation - Bus
To reach Shwemawdaw Pagoda via public transportation, take a bus from any major town in the Ayeyarwady Region to Bago City. Most buses will drop you off at the main bus terminal in Bago. From there, you can either walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take a local taxi or motorcycle taxi to the pagoda. The taxi fare should be around 2000 MMK. Make sure to ask the driver to take you to Shwemawdaw Pagoda, using the address 8FPW+QMF, Pagoda Street.
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Public Transportation - Train
For those traveling by train, take a train to Bago from Yangon or other nearby cities. Once you arrive at Bago Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle taxi to Shwemawdaw Pagoda. The taxi fare is typically around 2000 MMK, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Provide the driver with the address 8FPW+QMF, Pagoda Street for accurate directions.
Attractions Nearby to Shwemawdaw Pagoda
Landmarks nearby to Shwemawdaw Pagoda
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Bago Tourist
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BGO Family KTV
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Ngwe Taung (Family KTV & Bar)
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Four Buddha Image
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Kanbawza Hinthar
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KMA ShwePyi Resort
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Shwe Pha Yone Mae ရွှေဖရုံမယ်စေတီ
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Bago River
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Bago-Sittaung Canal(ပဲခူး-စစ်တောင်း တူးမြောင်း)
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စိမ်းလဲ့တင်
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kyaikhto
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Kyaikpawlaw Pagoda
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Mya Sein Taung No.3/မြစိမ်းတောင်အမှတ် ၃
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Kyaik Ka Le Pagoda
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Mahar Kyein Thitsar Shin Pagoda