[On-Site Report] New Direct Flight to Yangon Makes Pilgrimage to the Great Golden Pagoda Much Easier

Text and Photos: E Cat

At the end of last year, coinciding with Myanmar National Airlines launching a new direct flight from Hong Kong to Yangon,onMondays, Wednesdays, FridaysandSundays,departing from Hong Kong in the afternoon and arriving inYangonon the same afternoon,the return flight departs fromYangonin the morning and arrives in Hong Kong by noon on the same day. Related reading:[New Route] Heading to

Myanmar — Direct Flights Gradually Launching

I also took the opportunity to visit Myanmar. I remember that on the first day when I arrived at the airport, I immediately asked the local guide

Whether you are Buddhist or not, visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda still requires following certain rules — you must take off your shoes and socks, enter barefoot, and ensure that at least half of your lower legs are covered by clothing to be allowed entry into the temple grounds. Traditionally, it is considered a sign of devotion to slowly walk up the eastern staircase into the pagoda, but on the day of my visit, in order to make it before sunset, I had to take the more convenient southern entrance and use the elevator to quickly reach the pagoda.

On the octagonal plaza, one gilded stupa after another is truly a feast for the eyes.

After exiting the elevator, you still have to walk along a long corridor before reaching the octagonal plaza where the Shwedagon Pagoda stands. This octagonal plaza is quite large, and it takes about half an hour to walk around it clockwise. The central Shwedagon Pagoda is undoubtedly both “grand” and “golden.” The stupa is built with over 7 tons of gold, and just the gold plates on the midsection of the Buddha alone are worth $600 each. Atop the spire sits a massive diamond known as sein bu, weighing 76 carats — truly the epitome of luxury.

The octagonal plaza of the Shwedagon Pagoda symbolizes the eight astrological signs of Myanmar, divided according to the seven days of the week (with Wednesday split into two signs for the morning and afternoon). Devotees who come to the pagoda will look for the Buddha corresponding to their day of birth to offer prayers and pour water over the statue as a gesture of devotion.

Among the many temples on the octagonal plaza, one houses numerous Buddha statues of varying sizes. George explained that approximately 2,600 years ago, two Burmese merchants traveled to India to listen to the Buddha’s teachings and were enlightened. They asked the Buddha for eight strands of his hair to bring back to their country. Later, when the Burmese king learned of this, he ordered the construction of a stupa to enshrine these hairs, and that stupa is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. All the decorations in the Shwedagon Pagoda were donated by people from all walks of life in Myanmar. Even though the country is still developing and not particularly wealthy, the people still offer their best to the Buddha, showing just how deeply faith is rooted in the hearts of the Burmese people.

Related reading:[New Air Routes] ToMyanmar, Direct Flights Are Gradually Launching

Acknowledgements: Wing On Travel, Myanmar National Airlines, Sedona Hotel Yangon, Tourex Asia

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Travel Tip

Shwedagon Pagoda Admission Fee: MMK8000
Address: Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
Myanmar Visa: Holders of BNO and SAR passports require a visa, costing HKD$150
Exchange rate: 1 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) ≈ 167 Myanmar Kyats (MMK)