The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of my “all-time favorites” in Asia. Not only is it a stunning site to visit but it is a great place to introduce Myanmar and it’s people to our travelers. Every day, thousands of locals and tourists walk, pray and relax in the shadow of the golden dome with it’s many related shrines.

On one of my last visits, I could see the dark clouds slowly moving from the downtown area towards us as we were walking around the pagoda. Knowing the downpour was about 3-5 minutes away, we quickly passed the word around to the group to look for shelter while handing out umbrellas. My worry was not only our group getting soaked but more importantly falling on wet marble. As we stood under one of the shrines roofs and the tropical storm passed over, an army of volunteers showed up with mops and brooms to clean the marble and push the water away…

LITTLE KNOWN FACT:

The Shwedagon is considered to be the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT:

From November to February

Longitude 80 offers a private Myanmar expedition including a private 2 night cruise and a 3 night coastal retreat in one of the country’s most isolated areas. Look up our Dream Journeys section.