DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Sule Pagoda

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
—°11
Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

Sule Pagoda stands at the absolute center of Yangon, serving as the city's primary geographical and spiritual landmark. According to local legend, the pagoda is over 2,500 years old and enshrines a sacred hair relic of the Buddha, predating the more famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The current structure is notable for its unique octagonal shape, which persists from the base all the way to the bell-shaped spire, a rare feature in traditional Mon-style architecture. During the British colonial era, the pagoda was integrated into the city's grid system, acting as the central roundabout from which all main avenues radiate. Sule has also played a pivotal role in modern political history, serving as a focal point for the 1988 pro-democracy protests and the 2007 Saffron Revolution. The pagoda is surrounded by small shops, palmists, and shrines dedicated to the eight days of the Burmese zodiac. Its strategic location makes it a symbol of the intersection between ancient religious tradition and the bustling urban life of contemporary Myanmar.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252830333128282727282725
Rain mm811624127225280247164118207

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Sule Pagoda is open to visitors and can be viewed from outside and inside. The courtyard and prayer halls are accessible, but appropriate attire is required and shoes must be removed. The pagoda is an active religious center, so behave respectfully.
🕒
Typical hours
The pagoda is typically open daily from early morning until evening, with breaks during prayer times. Exact opening hours vary by season, so a visit in the late morning is recommended. Fridays may have restrictions due to Friday prayers.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and most public areas, but not in the prayer halls. Please do not use flash and avoid selfies during prayer times. Photograph the golden stupa from outside for the best light in the late afternoon.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the pagoda usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour. If you explore the surrounding streets and stalls, allow an extra hour. The interior is small, but the exterior architecture provides many details.
➕
Combine with
Combine the pagoda with a walk to the nearby Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenirs. The Botataung Pagoda is also a short taxi ride away and has another insight into Yangon's religious architecture.
🧭
Getting there
The Sule Pagoda is located in the heart of Yangon at the Sule Pagoda roundabout and is easily reached by taxi or bus. The nearest bus stop is a few minutes' walk away. If staying downtown, you can comfortably walk.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the pagoda in the late afternoon when the light makes the golden stupa shine particularly beautifully. Make sure to wear long pants and covered shoulders as this is the dress code. A sarong can be borrowed at the entrance if needed.

Geography

Coordinates
16.77440, 96.15880

Facts

  • The pagoda stands 44 meters (144 feet) tall and is covered in gold leaf.
  • It serves as the 'Mile Zero' for all road distances in Myanmar.
  • The name 'Sule' is derived from the Sularata Nat (spirit) who lived on the hill.
  • British urban planner Alexander Fraser used it as the center of Yangon in 1852.
  • The base contains shrines for each of the eight days of the Burmese week.
  • Sule Pagoda was a central meeting point for both the 1988 and 2007 protests.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Maha Bandula ParkMaha Bandula Park<1 km · NExplore →
People's Square and ParkPeople's Square and Park2 km · SExplore →
Taukkyan War CemeteryTaukkyan War Cemetery4 km · SWExplore →
Hlawga National ParkHlawga National Park6 km · SWExplore →
Thilawa Special Economic ZoneThilawa Special Economic Zone12 km · NExplore →
Bago YomaBago Yoma21 km · WExplore →
Naypyidaw Water Fountain ParkNaypyidaw Water Fountain Park35 km · WExplore →
NaypyidawNaypyidaw36 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sule Pagoda (11)

Lanmadaw Than Zay Plaza📍 landmark

This building functions as a central apartment plaza complex.

Cloud 31🏛 museum

This venue operates as an art gallery exhibition space.

34th arts Studio🎭 culture

This establishment serves as an arts centre studio.

Meeting Point Free Yangon Walks📍 landmark

This location acts as an attraction and meeting point for guided walks.

Holy Trinity Cathedral⛪ religious

This recognized Christian cathedral dates back to 1894.

Guanyin Gumiao Temple⛪ religious

This widely recognized temple is dedicated to Guanyin.

Longshan Temple⛪ religious

This notable place of worship is known as the historic Longshan Temple.

Bogyoke Aung San Market🎭 culture

This widely recognized marketplace is a major architectural shopping destination.

Sakura Tower🌿 nature

This notable tall building serves as a tower offering panoramic viewpoints.

Headquarter📍 landmark

This site serves as a headquarter facility for the Muslim community.

သံဈေး🎭 culture

This location operates as a bustling iron marketplace.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sule Pagoda located?
It is located in the heart of Yangon, in the middle of a busy roundabout.
How old is the pagoda?
It is said to be over 2,000 years old, although the structure has been renewed many times.
Is there an entrance fee for the pagoda?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for foreign tourists.
Can I reach it by taxi?
Yes, it is a central landmark in Yangon and every taxi driver knows it.
Is it noisy near the pagoda?
Yes, the traffic is very heavy, but once you enter the pagoda grounds, it becomes quieter.
Sule Pagoda: where is it located?
Sule Pagoda is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Sule Pagoda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lanmadaw Than Zay Plaza, Cloud 31, 34th arts Studio.
Sule Pagoda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sule Pagoda: why is it worth visiting?
Sule Pagoda stands at the absolute center of Yangon, serving as the city's primary geographical and spiritual landmark.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Myanmar (Burma) →

Nearby cities

Yangon — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon
The largest city in Myanmar and its former economic and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Karaweik Palace — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Karaweik Palace
A distinctive concrete structure in the shape of two mythological birds on Kandawgyi Lake, serving as a venue.

Nature

Inya Lake — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Inya Lake
The largest artificial lake in Yangon, a popular recreation area surrounded by parks and villas.

More places

Maha Bandula Park — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Maha Bandula Park
A public park in central Yangon, surrounded by colonial buildings and named after a famous Burmese general.
Independence Monument — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Independence Monument
A tall, white obelisk in Yangon commemorating Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948.
Yangon Zoological Gardens — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon Zoological Gardens
The oldest and second-largest zoo in Myanmar, home to a variety of Asian and African animal species.
Bogyoke Park — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Bogyoke Park
A tranquil urban park in Yangon, located near the waterfront and the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market.
Bogyoke Aung San Museum — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
The former residence of General Aung San, the founder of modern Myanmar, which now serves as a historical museum.
Kandawgyi Lake — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Kandawgyi Lake
A large artificial lake in Yangon, created as a water reservoir during the British colonial era and now a recreational area.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
A temple in Yangon known for its huge and intricately decorated reclining Buddha statue.
Yangon Inner Port — Sule Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon Inner Port
The country's historic and main river port on the Yangon River, handling a large portion of Myanmar's maritime trade despite draft limita…