5 Must-Visit Pagodas in Yangon

Travel safety note: Since the 2021 military coup, parts of Myanmar have seen ongoing armed conflict, and the March 2025 earthquake centred near Mandalay and Sagaing damaged many temples and historic sites. Before you go, check your government's latest travel advisory and confirm with a local guide which places are currently open and safe to reach.

Myanmar is best known as the land of Pagodas. It is impossible not to see any pagodas while traveling through Myanmar. Myanmar is the place to really get the sense of the richness of Burmese’s religion and feel the importance to its culture. One of the best places to visit pagodas in Myanmar is Yangon. Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and one of the best places to visit in Myanmar. Filled with an astonishing number of Pagodas, Museums, Natural Gardens, and other local attractions.  Myproguide has gathered 5 must-visit Pagodas in Yangon below for you.

Find out Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Myanmar

1. Immerse Yourself In History at Shwedagon Pagoda (Shwedagon Zedi Daw)

See Also: Five Must-See Places in Mandalay

Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist Pagoda in Myanmar. Because it is believed to contain four relics of former Buddhas. Shwedagon, golden pagoda, the sign of Myanmar and the golden pagoda are located on the Singuttara Hill.

According to legend, Shwedagon was built more than 2,600 years ago, while historians date the original stupa to somewhere between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. Its golden spire rises 99 meters, and it is one of the most historic monuments in Myanmar.

Related The 2 Most Famous Hills in Mandalay

Something you need to know is that most Myanmar people believe in Theravada Buddhism, and many follow the culture of Hindu Astrology. On the pagoda platform, you can see people doing meritorious deeds like offering candles and pouring water to Buddha images. On the stairways, you can see Myanmar handicraft shops and some souvenir shops. You will find surprising Myanmar handicraft and art here. If you are in Myanmar, you must not miss the opportunity to visit and to listen to the history of Shwedagon. Feeding the fish and pigeons is one of the commendable things to do in Myanmar, and you can find these activities near Shwedagon as well.

2. Get Amazed by The Giant Buddha at Chauk-htat-gyi Buddha Temple

The Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple in Yangon is one of the must-see places in Yangon. The Buddha image is 66 meters long, and it is one of the largest in Burma. At Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple, you can see and study both, Myanmar architecture design and the religion of Myanmar people.

You will surely feel the peacefulness in your mind. Here at Chauk-Htat-Gyi temple, you will be able to listen to the explanation about Myanmar’s people architectural design and religion. Prepare to immerse yourself in the environment to the spiritual connection of Myanmar’s people religion.

3. See Myanmar’s Carving Techniques at Kyauk-taw-Gyi Buddha Temple

The Kyauk-Taw-Gyi Buddha Temple in Yangon is next on our not to miss places in Yangon. The Buddha Temple is located on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, not far from Yangon International Airport. The temple houses a buddha that is 37 feet tall and 24 feet wide and weighing over 600 tons. The image was carved out of a single piece of white marble found near Mandalay. At the temple, you can see and study Myanmar stone-carved designs and religion.

There is nothing like a temple to bring you peace of mind. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kyauk-Taw-Gyi Buddha Temple on your trip to Myanmar. White elephants have been kept in a pavilion on Mindhamma Hill nearby; ask your guide whether they are still there before you go.

4. Catch the Sunset at Botahtaung Pagoda

Botahtaung Pagoda is also one of the famous places to visit in Yangon. It is located on the bank of the Yangon river. According to legend, Botahtaung Pagoda was built around the same time as Shwedagon Pagoda. Botahtaung Pagoda is filled with history and immersed with Myanmar’s culture.

You can really see Myanmar’s religious literature on the pagoda platform. You will most probably encounter some spirit worshipper near Botahtaung pagoda. If you have the chance to visit Botahtaung Pagoda, don’t forget to go for an evening stroll on the Yangon river. Sunsets there almost feel like you’re living in a painting.

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5. Go for an Urban Stroll at Sule Pagoda

Last but, not least on our list, we recommend the Sule Pagoda. The Sule Pagoda is located in downtown Yangon. It stands 46 meters high, and it is surrounded by small shops. Sule Pagoda is one of the famous historical pagodas: according to legend, it is more than 2,600 years old and was built even before the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is also surrounded by many historical buildings, the Independence Monument and many tourists attractions.

Cover photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons