Shwezigon PagodaAbout Shwezigon Pagoda
The Shwezigon Pagoda is a gilded Buddhist stupa located on the eastern side of the Bagan archaeological zone in central Myanmar. It was begun in the late 11th century and is an important early model for Burmese pagoda design.
The complex features a large central bell-shaped stupa surrounded by smaller shrines and galleries, and it is a major pilgrimage and tourist site within Bagan. Pilgrims and visitors come to view the gilded dome, the surrounding reliefs, and the many devotional images within the complex.
Construction was initiated under King Anawrahta in the late 11th century and completed under King Kyansittha later that century; the site has been restored and maintained in subsequent centuries. It was built to enshrine Buddhist relics and has remained an active religious site.
The pagoda sits within the Nyaung-U/Bagan area in central Myanmar, on the plain that contains hundreds of other temples and stupas. It is accessed from nearby Nyaung-U and Old Bagan settlements that serve as the main visitor bases.
- Best time to visit: Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the stupa’s gilding and the surrounding temple silhouettes are most photogenic; early morning also avoids the largest crowds.
- Context within Bagan: Located on the eastern edge of the Bagan temple zone, it is often visited as part of a circuit that includes several nearby temples and shrines.
Nearby Attractions to Shwezigon Pagoda
Best Time to Visit Shwezigon Pagoda
Best from November to February when temperatures are cooler and skies are clear; sunrise and late-afternoon light are ideal for photography.
Weather & Climate near Shwezigon Pagoda
Shwezigon Pagoda's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 38°C. Moderate rainfall (697 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 14° - 29° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 0.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |
| February | Ideal | 16° - 32° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 34% | 0.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 36° | 28° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 0.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 25° - 38° | 32° | 14 mm | some cloud | 43% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| May | Good | 26° - 36° | 33° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.0h |
| June | Good | 25° - 33° | 32° | 111 mm | overcast | 66% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.3h |
| July | Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 64 mm | overcast | 71% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 115 mm | overcast | 71% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 31° | 145 mm | overcast | 70% | 0.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 30° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 0.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Ideal | 20° - 30° | 25° | 40 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| December | Ideal | 16° - 28° | 22° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 47% | 0.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.7h |
How to Get to Shwezigon Pagoda
Shwezigon is in Nyaung-U, Bagan. Nyaung-U Airport (Bagan Airport) has flights from Yangon and Mandalay; from Nyaung-U town it’s a short tuk-tuk ride or bicycle trip to the pagoda. Many visitors stay in Nyaung-U or Old Bagan and travel by e-bike, horse cart or taxi.
Tips for Visiting Shwezigon Pagoda
- Visit at sunrise to see the pagoda gilding catch first light, then return late afternoon for the softer glow - Shwezigon's small courtyards empty in midday heat.
- Respect the perimeter of the main stupa: pilgrims prostrate and walk clockwise; photography is fine outside prayer moments but avoid intrusive flash during ceremonies.
- Combine Shwezigon with other nearby temples in Nyaung-U: Ananda and Thatbyinnyu are a short tuk-tuk ride away.