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- Ananda Temple — The one everyone pictures: well-preserved 11th-century architecture, four standing Buddhas, and a real pulse of worshippers and monks that feels alive rather than staged; great for morning light and people-watching.
- Dhammayangyi Temple — The biggest and most brooding brick temple in Bagan; even if you can’t access every interior chamber, its perfect brickwork and the legend of its rushed construction make it worth standing in front of and imagining the scale.
- Shwezigon Pagoda — A prototype for Burmese stupas and an active pilgrimage spot; the gilded dome, morning chanting, and surrounding market stalls give a genuine slice of local religious life.
- Sulamani Temple — Smaller than Ananda but more intimate: elegant stucco work, faded frescoes, and a quieter roofline for a
- Ananda Temple — The one everyone pictures: well-preserved 11th-century architecture, four standing Buddhas, and a real pulse of worshippers and monks that feels alive rather than staged; great for morning light and people-watching.
- Dhammayangyi Temple — The biggest and most brooding brick temple in Bagan; even if you can’t access every interior chamber, its perfect brickwork and the legend of its rushed construction make it worth standing in front of and imagining the scale.
- Shwezigon Pagoda — A prototype for Burmese stupas and an active pilgrimage spot; the gilded dome, morning chanting, and surrounding market stalls give a genuine slice of local religious life.
- Sulamani Temple — Smaller than Ananda but more intimate: elegant stucco work, faded frescoes, and a quieter roofline for a less-crowded view across the plain at sunset or after the tours leave.
- Thatbyinnyu Temple — The tallest temple on the plain; the height and layered terraces give one of the best senses of how Bagan’s skyline was built — majestic from afar and impressive up close (check current stair access).
- Htilominlo Temple — Known for finely carved plaster and old murals, this tall brick temple sits on a busy lane but rewards close inspection of details many tourists rush past.
- Gawdawpalin Temple — Two-story, slightly squat and powerful; it’s an atmospheric place to watch the late-afternoon light turn the bricks orange and hear the bells echo across the plain.
- Manuha Temple — Small but emotionally striking: cramped halls, a giant reclining Buddha and a real backstory about a captive Mon king — the scale and story hit different in person.
- Bupaya Pagoda — The iconic bulbous stupa sitting right on the Ayeyarwady riverbank; perfect for a riverside stroll and sunset reflections — very accessible and a classic photo stop.
- Mingalazedi Pagoda — A late-period, tiered brick monument with a distinct silhouette and great vantage points; less crowded than Ananda but full of character and history from Bagan’s final centuries.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Balloons Over Bagan
One Bagan Sightseeing Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Day Cruise Bagan to Mandalay
✓ Free cancellation
Private Bagan Cultural Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Bagan Antique Day Tour in Bagan
Amazing Bagan, full day tour by car and guide
✓ Free cancellation
Bagan Sightseeing Tour by Private Guide and Car
✓ Free cancellation
From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer
✓ Free cancellation
Half Day Bagan
✓ Free cancellation
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.