Location: Bagan
Top Things to do in Bagan
Top 10 Free 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Dhammayazika Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By O491CUjasons - Melbourne, Australia
This was one of my favourite Pagodas in my few days of temple seeing in Bagan. Located closer to new Bagan is was a stunning temple to see very different from many other temples with its design and detail, amazing beauty to it from all sides. Along most other temples this one had a lovely small garden area at the back you can walk around. Very peaceful place also very popular with the locals for there daily prays.
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. Htilominlo Pahto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
Reviewed By GeneralShamu - New York City, United States
Probably my favorite temple out of all the ones I visited while in Bagan. Definitely include this one on your list of temples to see while here. Probably need a good 45 minutes for this one.
6. 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.
7. Gubyaukgyi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This stunning temple is remarkably well-preserved and very beautiful, considering it's from the 12th century. The frescoes on the wall are gorgeous and are worth visiting just for themselves, although the temple itself is also lovely. The dim interior helps provide an aura of calmness and sacredness. This temple is clearly very well-maintained with a sense of awe and love that testifies to the spirituality of the place.
8. 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.
9. Shwe-gyu-gyi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By TravelerTrecker
This is a beautiful temple located in Old Bagan. It used to be a place where you could climb to the upper levels to have nice views of this site. This is not possible any longer. Since 2018, it is not allowed to climb most temples in Bagan. Nevertheless, the temple is just beautiful. To access the temple, you have to climb a platform through a nice, old set of stairs. There are trees surrounding the temple and is actually qite peaceful! We arrived by 200 pm and there were very few independent tourists. What I recommend is to pay attention to the stucco work, the shape of the pagoda, the surroundings - it is walking distance from Thatbingyu, the shrines and the lovely Buddha, the dress, and the doors and windows. The doors are unique. The doors and windows make of this temple, a very airy space. The shade is good. This an early-Barmar-style temple. It was built in 1131 and it only took 7 months to be built. We had a driver who took us to Thatbingyu and we walked from this neighbour temple for about 5 minutes to Shwegugyi. You can arrive her by walking while exploring Old Bagan, by horse cart, e-bike, private driver. It is very easy to find.
