Maha Wizaya Pagoda at Night is Magically Golden

Maha Wizaya Pagoda at night is magically golden. It looks like a palace you heard about or read about in books about the Far East. I never planned to come here – it was just an accidental discovery.

On my second night in Yangon, I walked from my hotel to Shwedagon Pagoda. I wanted to see the famed pagoda at night, so I ventured walking to best discover the city.

While I was close to Dagon, I passed by Maha Wizaya Pagoda. It was dark at the gate, so I was very hesitant to go inside.

However, its golden stupa on the hill looked so mesmerizing. So, I decided to enter the dark gate, cross the bridge, and walk up the steps.

Luckily, there were no tourists! I had the place all to myself!

I circled the pagoda before I went inside. Everything was covered in gold, from its wall to the topmost tip of the dome. Of course, I don’t mean like it’s real gold, but the color gives me that impression.

Do you see this umbrella-like on top of the dome? Even if I was a bit far down, I could see its incredible craftsmanship!

Related Post: Things to do in Yangon

The shallow dome itself is garnished with wondrous details.

Then as you scan down to its walls and windows, you’d definitely sigh and say, “Wow!”

And oh – the door? Boy! I wish my portal at home looked like this. 🙂

Completed in 1980, Maha Wizaya Pagoda fuses modern and traditional features.

The pagoda was funded by donations collected all over the country. But the hti (umbrella-shaped on dome) was bestowed by a former military leader, Ne Win.

Inside, you will walk through a circular hallway with murals of Buddha in different states of his life.

In the middle of the pagoda, you’ll find a small temple that contains Buddhist relics presented by the King of Nepal.

If you look up, you’ll see that the central dome is bedecked with a mural of various animals, tools, and emblems.

While Maha Wizaya Pagoda is wonderful to visit at any time, I think the best time to go is in the evening. The photos you’ve just seen above should convince you why.

Where to Stay: Cheap Hotel in Old Yangon

I stayed in two places: a hotel and a hostel. Hotel G Yangon has views of the city you’ll love if you book the right room! It’s close to Sule Pagoda, a downtown market, and a train station. Backpacker Bed and Breakfast is your budget-friendly hostel near Sule Pagoda in the old district. Their rooftop is a good place to chill in the afternoon and eat breakfast.