Bagan, Myanmar – Ancient Temples of the Pagan Kingdom
A curated journey through Bagan's most iconic temples, pagodas, and landmarks — one of the world's greatest archaeological sites with over 2,000 surviving religious monuments spread across a 104 km² plain.
Trip Stops
- 1
The golden prototype for every Burmese stupa ever built, founded by King Anawrahta in 1059 and believed to enshrine a tooth relic of the Buddha. Legend says a white elephant chose this very spot — and simply refused to move.
📍 Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 2
The last great temple of the Bagan period (1211), built where a white umbrella miraculously tilted toward Prince Htilominlo, selecting him as king. Its name means 'wish to be king at this place.'
📍 Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 3
The 'Westminster Abbey of Burma,' built in 1105 with four 9.5-metre gilded Buddhas facing the cardinal directions. Legend says King Kyansittha had the architects executed after completion so nothing like it could ever be built again.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 4
Bagan's tallest temple at 61 metres — 'Thatbyinnyu' means 'omniscience' in Burmese. Built in 1144, it was one of the first two-storey temples in Bagan and set the architectural template for all major temples that followed.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 5
The only surviving gate of Bagan's original 9th-century city wall, once one of 12 entrances. Two Nat spirit shrines flank the arch — locals still leave daily offerings of fruit and flowers here, a tradition over 1,000 years old.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 6
Three floors of Pagan Dynasty artefacts, including the Myazedi Stone Inscription — Burma's Rosetta Stone, inscribed in four languages in 1113 AD. Open Tue–Sun, 9am–4:30pm; $5 entry for foreigners.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 7
Bagan's best sunset viewpoint — climb five steep terraces for a 360° panorama of 2,000+ temples at golden hour, with hot air balloons drifting overhead at dawn. Built in 1057 and nicknamed the 'Ganesha Pagoda' for its original Hindu deity carvings.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 8
Bagan's largest and most mysterious temple, built by the murderous King Narathu (1167–1170) to atone for killing his father and brother. He allegedly cut off workers' hands for imperfect brickwork — and his ghost is said to be trapped inside its inexplicably sealed corridors.
📍 Old Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 9
The 'Crowned Jewel' of Bagan, built in 1183 and famous for its preserved 13th-century frescoes and intricate stucco ornamentation. It directly inspired the design of the Htilominlo Temple and is a favourite subject for photographers.
📍 Minnanthu, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- 10
Myanmar's most sacred Nat (spirit) worship site, where the Popa Taungkalat monastery clings to a volcanic plug reached by 777 steps. An hour's drive from Bagan, it offers sweeping plains views — but watch out for the resident thieving monkeys.
📍 Kyaukpadaung, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
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