Bagan Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Bagan, located in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, is a city steeped in history and filled with architectural wonders. Known for its incredible collection of ancient temples and pagodas, Bagan is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

The highlight of Bagan is undoubtedly its vast archaeological zone, home to over 2,000 well-preserved temples and pagodas. As you explore this vast plain, you'll be transported back in time to the height of the Pagan Empire, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries. The sight of these majestic structures, many of which are adorned with intricate carvings and murals, is truly awe-inspiring.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Bagan is the Ananda Temple. Built in the 12th century, this temple is considered a masterpiece of Mon architecture and is renowned for its golden spires and beautiful Buddha statues. Another must-see is the Shwezigon Pagoda, a gilded stupa that enshrines relics of the Buddha. Its shimmering golden exterior is a sight to behold, especially during sunrise or sunset.

For a unique perspective of Bagan, take a hot air balloon ride over the ancient city. As you soar above the plains, you'll witness the sheer magnitude of the archaeological zone and be treated to breathtaking views of the temples and pagodas dotting the landscape. It's an experience not to be missed.

In addition to its historical attractions, Bagan also offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the bustling Nyaung U Market, where you can witness the vibrant daily life of the locals and sample delicious local delicacies. Don't forget to try the traditional Burmese tea, a fragrant and refreshing beverage that is a staple in the country.

As the sun sets over Bagan, head to one of the elevated temples or pagodas to witness a mesmerizing panoramic view of the ancient city bathed in the warm hues of the golden hour. The sight of the temples silhouetted against the sky is a photographer's dream and a moment of pure magic.

Local name: ပုဂံ Founded: IX centuryUnesco: from 2019Area: 70.07 mi²Elevation: 243 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 21°10'5"N, 94°51'50"E

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MandalayMyanmar (Burma)

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Bagan Top Attractions

Bagan Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bagan offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ananda Temple, Shwegugyi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Lemyethna Temple. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Grand 12th-century Buddhist temple
Ananda Temple
The Ananda Temple, often hailed as the "Westminster Abbey of Burma," stands majestically in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar. This architectural masterpiece is not only a significant spiritual site but also a testament to the Bagan Dynasty's golden age.
Temple • Beach and pool clubs • Outdoor activities
Shwegugyi Temple
The Shwegugyi Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. The temple is recognized as Monument #1589 in the Bagan Archeological Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Sacred and religious sites
Sulamani Temple
The Sulamani Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the village of Minnanthu in Burma. The temple is one of the most-frequently visited in Bagan. It was built in 1183 by King Narapatisithu, and is similar to the Thatbyinnyu Temple in design.

Temple • Buddhist architecture
Lemyethna Temple
Lemyethna Temple, also known as Lemyethna Pagoda or the Temple of the Four Faces, is 13th-century Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. Built in 1222 by the Pagan Empire, the temple remains in regular use.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Historical place
Shwesandaw Pagoda
The Shwesandaw Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in Bagan, Myanmar. It is the tallest pagoda in Bagan, and contains a series of five terraces, topped with a cylindrical stupa, which has a bejewelled umbrella.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Alodawpyi Pagoda
The Alo-daw Pyi Pagoda, also known as the Alodawpyi Pagoda or Alodawpyay Pagoda, is a Buddhist temple in Bagan, Bago Region, Myanmar. Built in the early 12th century, the temple is notable for its old structure and a number of fresco paintings.
City gate
Tharabha Gate
The Tharabha Gate is the only surviving gate of Bagan. The gate is located to the east of the old city. Although the Burmese chronicles assert that the city of Bagan was fortified in 849 CE, radiocarbon dating of evidence dates the foundation of the main walls to c. 1020 CE.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Historical place
Gubyaukgyi Temple
The Gubyaukgyi temple, located just south of Bagan, Myanmar, in Myinkaba Village, is a Buddhist temple built in 1113 AD by Prince Yazakumar, shortly after the death of his father, King Kyansittha of the Pagan Dynasty.
Red-brick Buddhist temple built in 1211
Htilominlo Temple
Htilominlo Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, in Burma/Myanmar, built during the reign of King Htilominlo, 1211–1231. The temple is three stories tall, with a height of 46 metres, and built with red brick. It is also known for its elaborate plaster moldings.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Sacred and religious sites
Dhammayazika Pagoda
The Dhammayazika Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in the village of Pwasaw in Myanmar. It was built in 1196 during the reign of King Narapatisithu. The pagoda is circular in design, and is made of brick. Its three terraces contain terra cotta tiles illustrating scenes from the Jataka.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Sacred and religious sites
Manuha Temple
Manuha Temple is a Buddhist temple built in Myinkaba, by captive Mon King Manuha in 1067, according to King Manuha's inscriptions. It is a rectangular building of two storeys. The building contains three images of seated Buddhas and an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Manuha Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bagan.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Sacred and religious sites
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Myanmar. It was built during the reign of King Htilominlo, and is modelled after the Mahabodhi Temple of Bihar, India.
Buddhist architecture • Pagoda • Sacred and religious sites
Mingalazedi Pagoda
Mingalazedi Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located in Bagan, Burma. Construction started in 1274 during the reign of King Narathihapate. The pagoda is one of few temples in Bagan with a full set of glazed terra cotta tiles depicting the Jataka.
Buddhist architecture • Pagoda • Sacred and religious sites
Lawkananda Pagoda
Lawkananda Pagoda is a Buddhist zedi located in Bagan, Burma. It was erected on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, and built during the reign of King Anawrahta. It contains a replica of a Buddha tooth relic.
Ornate, 12th-century Buddhist temple
Gawdawpalin Temple
The Gawdawpalin Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Myanmar. Construction of the pagoda began in 1203 during the reign of Sithu I and completed on 26 March 1227 during the reign of Htilominlo.
Buddhist architecture • Temple
Upali Ordination Hall
Upāli Ordination Hall is a Buddhist ordination hall located midway between Bagan and Nyaung U in Myanmar. The ordination hall is known for its well-preserved Konbaung Dynasty interior frescoes.
Imposing Buddhist temple, 60 m. tall
Thatbyinnyu Temple
The Thatbyinnyu Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. The temple is recognized as a monument in the Bagan Archeological Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buddhist architecture • Pagoda
Bupaya
Bupaya Pagoda is a notable pagoda located in Bagan, in Myanmar, at a bend on the right bank of the Ayeyarwady River. The small pagoda, which has a bulbous shaped dome, is widely believed to have been built by the third King of Pagan, Pyusawhti who ruled from 168 to 243 AD.
Temple
Nanpaya
Nanpaya Temple is a Hindu temple located in Myinkaba in Burma. The temple is adjacent to the Manuha Temple and was built by captive Thaton Kingdom King Makuta. It was built using mud mortar, stone, and brick, and was used as the residence of Manuha.

Day trips

Bagan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bagan, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Taung Kalat (Mount Popa), Abeyadana Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda.

28 milesSE
Temple
Taung Kalat, Mount Popa
Perched atop a volcanic plug, the Taung Kalat Monastery in Myanmar is a sight to behold. This Buddhist monastery, located near Mount Popa, stands at an elevation of 737 meters above sea level. The journey to Taung Kalat is a spiritual pilgrimage, involving a climb of...
1.4 miS
Temple
Abeyadana Temple
Abeyadana temple is a 12th century Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. The temple complex has a large central temple, which has a rectangular plan.
2.5 miNE
Temple
Shwezigon Pagoda
The Shwezigon Pagoda or Shwezigon Paya is a Buddhist stupa located in Nyaung-U, Myanmar. A prototype of Burmese stupas, it consists of a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by smaller temples and shrines.
2.6 miE
Temple
Payathonzu Temple
The Payathonzu Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the village of Minnanthu in Burma. It is unique in the sense that the temple consists of three temples conjoined through narrow passages. The structure dates from the latter part of the 13th century.
16 milesNE
Bridge
Pakokku Bridge
Pakokku Bridge is a rail and road bridge across the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar's Pakokku town. The main bridge is 3.4 km long with the motorway measuring 4 km and the railroad measuring 6.17 km.

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Best Time To Visit Bagan

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bagan weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

December is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, March, April and October.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Coconut rice
Coconut rice is a dish prepared by soaking white rice in coconut milk or cooking it with coconut flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bagan?

The top attractions to visit in Bagan are:

What is the best time to visit Bagan?

December is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, March, April and October. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Bagan Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Bagan Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bagan plan & book

Bagan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Bagan

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Coconut rice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bagan?

What is the best time to visit Bagan?