Sule Pagoda (Sule Paya)

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.