Bagan as one of the richest archeological sites in Asia located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River. The capital of First Myanmar Empire where spectacular plain of Bagan dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins.

Temples and Pagodas

More than over 13,000 of temples, pagodas and other religious structures lie through the ancient city built during the height of the kingdom between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Why Bagan is Special?

Bagan is also the first place to have transformed into a religious and cultural centre, by Shin Arahan who brought Theravada Buddhism to this land. Bagan is full of ancient architectural designs, mural paintings, precious frescoes and stone inscriptions to see for yourself, and also it is the centre for the manufacturing of lacquer ware products in Myanmar. It is marked as a cultural heritage of the Myanmar People, and also a landmark full of ancient pagodas and monuments which can be rarely encountered today. Bagan is one of the major historical landmarks of Asia and represents the outstanding achievement of Theravada Buddhism.

Sightseeing Places

The four wonders of Bagan, there is a rhyme traditionally sung by the people of Bagan.

Massiveness that is Dhammayangyi

Dhammayangyi Temple is noted for its massiveness. It is a cave pagoda built by King Narathu in A.D. 1170 and completed within 3 years. The name "Dhammayangyi" as interpreted by scholars means "The Light of Buddha's teaching."

Loftiness that is Thatbyinnyu

"Thatbyinnyu" means "omniscience" which the Lord Buddha attained on becoming enlightened.

Grace that is Ananda

It is said that every Myanmar should visit Bagan and without visiting Ananda Temple, you cannot say that you have visited Bagan.

Almighty that is Shwezigon

Shwezigon is a magnificent monument in Bagan. Shwezigon consists of Buddha Images, with their left hands exhibit exposition mudra while the right hands are held palm outward, fingers straight up, portraying the gesture of abhaya or 'no fear'. Therefore, it is known as Bagan's almighty pagoda.

Other must see places in Bagan are:

• Myazedi at Myinkaba
• Dhammayazika at Pwasaw
• Bupaya at Old Bagan
• Shwesandaw at Old Bagan
• Hgnet pyit taung at Nyaung U & Wetkyi-in
• Lawkananda at Thiripyitsaya & Bagan Myothit
• Museum

Surrounding Bagan

Mt. Popa

Popa, the extinct volcano is about 50 kilometers from Bagan. Popa region is situated in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division, in the central part of the country. It is an old volcano forming the northern offshoot of the Bago Yoma mountain range, occupying the lower central region. Mount Popa is also known as the legendary home of the 37 spirits. The mountain is 4900 feet high above the sea-level. Popa is like an oasis in the dry plain and it is now preserved with Greening Project according to the schedules.

Salay

Salay is a colorful old religious center in Central Myanmar it is about 1 ½ hours south of Bagan. In between visiting the numerous ancient monasteries, adorned with beautiful woodcarving, you can enjoy the beauty of this compact city of colonial buildings, monasteries and pagodas.

Visit the famous monastery "Yoke-Sone-Kyaung'' which is a cultural heritage site in Salay, which in situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is famous with its spectacular woodcarvings and also it is the native town of the famous writer Salay U Pone Nya during the time of the Myanmar Kings.