Bagan Attractions

What to See in Bagan

Shwezigon Pagoda

Started in the 11th century, the pagoda is one of the first buildings in a unique Burmese style, while older pagodas were built in Mon style. It is said that the pagoda was built to enshrine the tooth, collar-bone and headband relics of the Buddha, and so has become a revered place of pilgrimage. Two great kings, noted for their patronage of the religion, are associated with the Shwezigon: Anawrahta (1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113).

Ananda Temple

Built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central square has sides of 53 metres, and rises in terraces to a height of 51 metres. Having suffered considerable damage in the earthquake of 1975, the temple, one of the finest, largest and best preserved, was reconstructed in 1979.

Thatbyinnyut Temple

Built by Alaungsithu in the mid-12th century, this 61 metre tall temple is the highest in Bagan. The stone supports which once held the temple's huge bronze bell are now located in a monastery compound southwest of the Thatbyinnyut. To the north east stands a small "tally pagoda", built using one brick for every 10,000 used in the main temple.

Gawdawpalin Temple

Built during the reign of Narapatisithu (1174-1211), this is one of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan temples - cube shaped with Buddha images on the four sides of the ground floor. The top terrace affords excellent views of sunset over the Ayeyarwady. The Gawdawpalin was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1975, and reconstruction was started in 1979.

Shwegugyi Temple

Built by Alaungsithu in 1311, this temple is an early example of a transition in architectural styles, which resulted in airy, lighter buildings. The temple is also notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone slabs in the inner walls.

Pitakat Taik

King Anawrahta built this library in 1058 to house the 30 elephant loads of Buddhist scriptures with which he returned from the sacking of Thaton. It was repaired in 1738. The architecture of the square building is notable for the perforated stone windows, and the plaster carvings on the roof.

Sulamani Temple

Built in 1181 by Narapatisithu, this is a fine example of a later, more sophisticated, temple style, with better interior illumination. The interior was once painted with fine frescoes, only traces of which now remain.
Nathlaung Kyaung – Built in 931 by king Taungthugyi, about a century before the southern school of Buddhism came to Bagan, this is the only remaining Hindu temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. A central brick pillar supports the dome and crumbled sikhara, which originally had figures of Vishnu on each of the four sides.

Pahtothamaya Temple

The interior of this single storey structure is dimly lit with the small, perforated stone windows that typify this early type of Mon-influenced temple. It was probably built during the reign of Kyanzittha (1084-1113).

Bupaya Pagoda

Thought to be the oldest in Bagan, dating from the 3rd century, this riverbank pagoda was completely destroyed when it collapsed into the river in the 1975 earthquake, and has been totally rebuilt.

Mahabodhi Pagoda

Built during the reign of Nantaungmya (1211-1234), it is modelled after Indian style temples, and is unique in Myanmar. The pyramid shaped spire is covered in niches, each enclosing a seated Buddha figure.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

King Anawrahta built this graceful circular pagoda in 1057 following his conquest of Thaton. The five terraces once held terra-cotta plaques showing scenes from the Jataka.

Lawkahteikpan Temple

This small temple has frescoes and inscriptions in both Myanmar and Mon scripts.

Shinbinthalyaung

This long brick structure houses an impressive 11th century, 18 metre reclining Buddha and is situated beside the Shwesandaw.

Dhammayangyi Temple

Built by King Narathu (1160- 65) and similar to the Ananda, this later temple is generally considered to possess the finest brickwork of Bagan.

Mingalazedi Pagoda

Built three years before the invasion of Kublai Khan's horsemen, in 1284, this pagoda is considered the most beautifully proportioned of all Bagan's monuments.

Inle Lake

A relaxing lake resort with villages, and floating gardens located at an altitude of 1328 metres in southern Shan State. It is best known for high quality Shan silk, and for its fishermen, who row their boats standing upright, using one leg to power the oar. The surrounding region includes the picturesque hill stations of Kalaw, Pindaya and Taunggyi and offers opportunities for walking and rock-climbing.

Kyaikhtiyo - The Golden Rock

The Kyaikhtiyo Cedi or the Golden Rock as it is popularly known, is situated in Kyaikhto Township of the Mon State, on a line of hills that run parallel to the Sittaung Moketama rail and motor road. The peak on which the Cedi is located is over 3600 feet in height and the original trek route from the base camp (Kinmun Sakan) is a little over seven miles.

Ngapali Beach

Stretching for over 3 km. This resort offers clam blue water, swaying palm trees and an expensive stretch of silvery white sand. With a wide range of accommodation from simple guest houses to luxury accommodation, the resort is easily accessible by air from Yangon, Bagan and Heho.

Bagan Tours (Bagan Classic Tour - 3 Days

Visit Ananda Pahto, Gubyaukgyi Temple at Myinkaba, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Shwezigon Pagoda, Dhamayangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Nandamannya Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple.