Sule Pagoda (Sule Paya)
The basics
As one of Yangon’s most important Buddhist sites, Sule Pagoda is an included stop on many city tours, walking tours, and multi-day tours. Since the pagoda’s shrines, architecture, and customs are rich with symbolism, visiting with a guide is a great way to understand the things you see. If you’re visiting Sule Pagoda on your own, use care when crossing the busy traffic circle that surrounds the site, as crossing the road here can be hazardous.
Things to know before you go
- Great for history buffs or visitors interested in Buddhist traditions.
- Visitors must climb a long staircase to access Sule Pagoda.
- If you’re offered a tour upon arrival, be aware that you’ll be expected to pay at the end.
How to get there
Sule Pagoda is located in a traffic circle at the intersection of Sule Pagoda Rd. and Maha Bandula. To reach the site, visit with a tour guide or make your own way; the Bandoola Park Bus Terminus is just a block to the east. If you’re headed to Sule Pagoda by taxi, plan to agree on a fare before departure.
Trip ideas
When to get there
To avoid the busy traffic that fills downtown Yangon through the day, make an early-morning visit to Sule Pagoda; at that time, you’re likely to see monks and other Buddhists visiting the shrines. For photography, however, sunset is perfect. In the early evening, the golden stupas in Sule Pagoda seem to glow in the warm light.
Best Views of Sule Pagoda
Visiting Sule Pagoda is a must, but you get the best views for photography from outside the temple area itself. A good place to start is the park on the northwest corner of the roundabout, across the street from the Yangon City Hall. If you’re looking for a place to linger, there’s a rooftop bar atop Sakura Tower that has gorgeous views of Sule Pagoda, as well as the gold stupa at Shwedagon Pagoda.
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- The Strand Yangon
- Bogyoke Aung San Market
- Yangon Chinatown
- Yangon Circular Train (Circle Line)
- Yangon Central Railway Station
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