Shining Bright: Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda Draws Millions in Early 2025

a full moon beside the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar

A Timeless Icon That Continues to Inspire

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred and iconic landmark, continues to dazzle visitors from around the globe. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the Golden Pagoda welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors, according to U Boe Thin, a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees. Among these, over 28,000 were international tourists, with travelers from China, Thailand, and Vietnam making up the largest groups.

Set atop Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda stands as a shimmering symbol of faith, history, and architectural grandeur. With its towering golden spire and sacred relics enshrined within, the site is both a place of deep spiritual significance and a top attraction for global travelers seeking a connection with Myanmar’s cultural heart.

A Welcoming Beacon from Dawn to Dusk

The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing early risers and evening strollers alike to soak in its serene atmosphere. Visitors are greeted by the gentle sounds of chanting, the scent of incense, and the breathtaking sight of the stupa gleaming under the Myanmar sun or glowing softly in the evening lights.

Whether you arrive during the golden hour at sunrise or under the starry Yangon sky, the experience is unforgettable. Pilgrims and tourists alike often pause to light candles, offer lotus flowers, or simply admire the beauty of the pagoda's gold-plated dome, which is adorned with thousands of diamonds and precious stones.

A Pillar of Myanmar’s Tourism Revival

As Myanmar gradually rebuilds its tourism industry, cultural heritage sites like the Shwedagon Pagoda play a vital role in attracting visitors and supporting local livelihoods. Its enduring popularity demonstrates the timeless appeal of sacred spaces that offer not only history and beauty but also a sense of peace and reflection.

Tourism officials hope that the momentum seen in early 2025 will continue, with more international guests discovering the rich traditions and welcoming hospitality of the country.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors are reminded to dress modestly, remove footwear before entering the main terrace, and be respectful of religious customs. Photography is allowed in most areas, though drone usage and commercial filming require special permissions.

Tourism Information

Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Myanmar – www.tourism.gov.mm

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