It's like a Buddhist Disneyland, a huge complex of temples and Buddha's all with different meanings. Have a read up before you go, but even better is to read up about it when you're in there, it will make more sense. Find some shade to sit in, (also don't go in the middle of the day like I did, its bloody hot and I got very dehydrated).
It is not just one big temple but a huge complex which also happens to contain an enormous golden Pagoda as it's centre peice. The huge size of the area surprised me. You should get a free map with your $8 entry ticket, may as well get your moneys worth and study the hell out of the map.
From the hostel we thought it was a walkable distance, and it kind of is, except it was the middle of the day, so really hot. Went in the first entrance we found, ended up being the 'West Entrance' which lucky us, had escalators. Escalators to enlightenment now, how 21st century.
Take a bag for your shoes, shoes, socks, flipflops etc are not allowed and its a hassle to carry them around. A lovely smiley local woman offered me her plastic bag which was adorable.
The Shwedagon complex is actually quite huge, alot bigger than I expected it to be. It's not just the gigantic main Shwedegon Pagoda your going for but all the little temples and pagodas around it, and even a museum and gallery., and plenty of bells to chime if you're into it.
It's a mix of foreign tourists, locals who have come to take pictures, locals praying and monks.
