Myanmar / Attractions in and around Bagan

Shwezigon Pagoda

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This is the most important pagoda of Bagan. According to lore several relics of the Buddha are conserved inside it: a tooth and a number of bones. Therefore the Shwezigon pagoda is primarily not an archaeological site, but a temple serving religious purposes ... one of the most important pilgrim destinations in Myanmar. The construction of the Shwezigon pagoda was started in the 11th century during the reign of King Anawratha, but was completed only during the reign of his son, King Kyanzittha. The pagoda counts as the first building in a unique Burmese style, while older pagodas had been built in Mon style. Like many other pilgrim destinations in Myanmar Shwezigon pagoda was subject to several additions over the course of the centuries. But contrary to other pagodas, among them Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, the ancient basic structures were only minimally changed.

Photo: Panorama view of Bagan's temple plain

Ananda Temple

11th century temple featuring numerous, golden Stupas. Well preserved.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

12th century temple with artistic masonry and a large Buddha statue.

Gawdawpalin Temple

Temple from the later period of the Bagan realm. It was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1975, but was restored again.

Mingalazedi Pagoda

This pagoda was built in 1284, three years before the invasion by Kublai Khan's horsemen. The pagoda counts as particularly beautifully proportioned.

Dhammayangyi Temple

An impressive temple in the style of the Ananda temple, but with larger proportions, Contrary to the other aforementioned temples it lies not directly by the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy, but about a kilometer apart.

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