Swe Taw Myat Pagoda

Visit one of Yangon’s recent pagodas that also houses a sacred Buddha tooth relic — the Swe Taw Myat Pagoda.

The Swe Taw Myat Pagoda was constructed to enshrine a sacred Buddha tooth relic, which is believed to be a tooth of the Gautama Buddha who died around 2,500 years ago. The original relic was brought from China in 1994 and enshrined in the pagoda for 45 days along with two ivory copies — one of which can still be found in the pagoda today.

Guests can view the Swe Taw Myat tooth relic, unlike most other relics that are usually hidden deep in the pagoda or stupa. It can be found in a cylinder-shaped glass case topped with a small multi-tiered Pyatthat and encircled by small jade Buddha images. Its surrounding fence is also encircled with Buddha images in various mudras seated on pedestals — all of which can be found on a raised structure topped with an elaborate and multi-tiered ceremonial umbrella at the centre of a large hall with huge gold-painted columns.

Location

The pagoda can be found on a small hill named Dhammapala in Mayangone township, just south of the Yangon airport.

Opening Days and Hours

The pagoda is open daily, from 06:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is free, but there’s a camera fee of MMK 200 (USD 0.15) if you want to take photos.

How to Get There

You can fly into Myanmar via the Yangon International Airport (also called Yangon Mingaladon Airport). You can then take a taxi from the airport to the city centre.
Take a taxi going to the pagoda. Taxis cost an average of MMK 1,500 (USD 1) to MMK 3,000 (USD 2) for trips within the city.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore the pagoda in 1 to 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the pagoda any time of the day.

Food

The nearest restaurants are located around 2 kilometres away from the pagoda, which includes the Seeds Restaurant & Lodge, Shwe Sa Bwe, Cafe del Seoul, and Parami Pizza.

Nearby Attractions

Kalaywa Monastery
Naga Cave Paya

Stay

There are a number of accommodations near the pagoda, including the Rose Palace Hotel, MS Hotel, and Hotel Yangon. Prices range from USD 30 to USD 65 per night.