Location: Bagan
Top Things to do in Bagan
The 10 Best Things to do in Bagan, Mandalay Region
Bagan (Burmese: ပုဂံ; MLCTS: pu.gam, IPA: [bəɡàɴ]; formerly Pagan) is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. During the kingdom's height between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of over 2,200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day.
Restaurants in Bagan
1. Bagan Temples
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,494 reviews
An area of 42 sq km houses thousands of richly decorated pagodas & temples.
Reviewed By Harrison-F-Carter - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Absolutely loved it here - now one of our favourite ever places. Getting up at 5.30am to see the sunrise and balloons sets a wonderful tone to the day and seeing the temples - and hiring e-bikes was just wonderful - they were plenty fast enough and you are just free to go where you please, independently with just a dusty breeze upon you - worth bringing a face mask. Loved it here...
2. Shwezigon Paya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,064 reviews
Reviewed By JoyBoseRoy - Bengaluru, India
This is a huge pagoda complex in Bagan. It includes the main pagoda and also many smaller temples. The atmosphere is very inspiring and devotional, with many devotees circumambulating, chanting, offering incense or meditating around the pagoda. There is a huge variety of architectures of the smaller temples and the main pagoda, which makes it so unique and a must visit. There is a walkway from the main Bagan road (leading to other main temples like Ananda temple), which goes via a number of markets selling Burmese traditional clothes, lacquerware etc. The pagoda can get a little crowded in the evenings. All in all, this beautiful golden pagoda is a must see for all visitors to Bagan.
3. Ananda Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,974 reviews
Reviewed By JoyBoseRoy - Bengaluru, India
This is the most beautiful ad most famous temple in Bagan. The temple complex consists of long walkways from all the four directions. There is a huge standing buddha in each of the four directions, in the main shrine. There are also multiple smaller shrines in the complex, including Buddha figures in different sitting and standing postures. There are multiple paintings as well, on the walls. There are two layers of walls surrounding the main shrine (with 4 standing Buddha figures in 4 directions) and these walls are filled with amazing painted windows and sculptures which are a joy to behold. The exterior of the temple is also majestic, especially in the early morning and evening. There are lots of shops in the corridors and also outside the temple complex, selling all kinds of Burmese handicrafts, clothes, lacquerware, buddha idols etc. Being the main temple in Bagan, this is often crowded, with lots of devotees praying or offering flowers at the Buddha shrines.
4. Shwesandaw Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 981 reviews
Reviewed By travelwithshreya - Phitsanulok, Thailand
The sun already started setting, we rushed to one of the taller pagodas in the area – Shwesandaw Pagoda – an imposing structure visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan, and is very popular among tourists for sunset. Our tickets for the archaeological zone were checked here. Be careful while climbing the steep stairs to the top of the Shwesandaw temple to witness one of the popular sunsets of Bagan.
5. Sulamani Guphaya Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 544 reviews
Reviewed By 209avneetk
It was under restoration when we visited this pagoda. It is one of the famous and popular pagoda in bagan. Must visit.
6. Dhammayangyi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By KodoDrummer - Yekaterinburg, Russia
The temple complex with its labyrinth of passageways was built over the 1167 to 1170 period under orders of King Narathu, but never completed due to the assassination of the king. Impressive brickwork.
7. Gubyauknge Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By kianpin - Singapore, Singapore
Probably one of the best temple in Bagan with nice paint work describing the life of Buddha.. No photo and video allowed inside the temple
8. Thetkyamuni Temple
9. Gubyaukgyi temple Wetkyi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By TravelerTrecker
The temple is really close to Htilominlo. It is smaller than the latter, nevertheless, it is an impressive structure. Different from Htilominlo, it has fantastic, colourful murals especially at the roof. The murals are really old. They are some of the oldest in Bagan. The UNESCO has sponsored and directed their restoration.The colours include blues, yellows, and reds. The murals tell the life of Buddha. You can see his enlightenment and death and transitioned to the nirvana. Not many people visit this temple. It is one of the jewels of Bagan. Pictures are not allowed. The temple is dark. However, there are lamps at every corner. It is also important to take a flashlight with you, other wise it will be difficult to appreciate its beauty. I saw a tour group that visited very fast. The temple in reality deserves a lot of time. It is nice to walk outside. The temple is exquisite!
10. Narathihapatae Hpaya
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Zwillingsseele - Munich, Germany
I came by this temple on my e-bike tour through Bagan. My guide highly recommended this temple and he was absolutely right. Incredible Buddha statues and a mystical atmosphere.
