BAGAN

For about three centuries, from the 11^th to the 14^th, Bagan became one of the earliest unified seats of Buddhism in Myanmar. This unification was greatly due, in part, to King Anawratha in 1044AD, who used the Buddhist religion as a way to strengthen the people and also started the royal building trend.

The manpower needed to build these impressive structures was great enough to require the help of architects, artists, craftsmen, and slaves from nearby countries. They created elaborate stone reliefs to cover the stupas, walls as thick as a house to support the heavy temples, and painted intricate murals following the many reincarnations of the Buddha.

Following the tradition started by King Anawaratha, the twelve kings that came after would compete with and try to outdo the last, eventually creating the legacy of religious monuments in the country.

Despite the kind of erosion that would come from centuries of harsh sun, weather, and neglect, many of the structures built by those kings have survived to the present day. The mosaic artwork, gold leaf, and carvings are still decorating some of the buildings, while vines have grown over other crumbling stone facades. Depending on how they’re defined, the number of Bagan temples can range from 2,100 to 4,400 within the main complex of the site. It’s not surprising that Bagan’s attractions have continued to be one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Southeast Asian region.

The lax regulations on the structures mean that visitors can still climb the staircases of these historic buildings and see the surrounding temple-dotted landscape. Watching the sun create breathtaking silhouettes of the vast temples that dot the horizon is one of the most powerful experiences you’ll have in Myanmar.

Once one of the most glorious kingdoms in the country, Burma had trading relations that extended to the ancient empires of India, Ceylon, and Khmer. The Bagan Kingdom’s influence even spread to other kingdoms in the country like Thaton, located in Southern Myanmar. The Thaton’s culture and population were conquered, and eventually absorbed into Bagan’s kingdom.

By the end of the 14^th century, the Kingdom of Bagan abruptly ended, allegedly due to the arrival of the warrior Ghengis Khan and his Mongol army. Despite the culture’s sudden end, Bagan’s monuments still remain and have persevered through the ravages of time and nature. Many today rank these magnificent traces of the kingdom as one of the great wonders of the ancient world.

Even the famous explorer Marco Polo had to mention the beauty of Bagan in The Description of the World, his account of his two and a half decade exploration into the Orient and beyond:

“The towers are built of fine stone, and one has been covered with gold a finger thick, so that the tower appears to be of solid gold. Another is covered with silver in a similar manner and appears to be made of solid silver…They make one of the finest sights in the world, being exquisitely finished, splendid and costly. When illuminated by the sun they are especially brilliant and can be seen from the great distance.”

Ananda Temple

King Kyanzittha built this well-preserved masterpiece in 1091 AD. Famous for its architecture, the temple’s two corridors are decorated with niches and Buddhas. To get inside, there are four entrances that lead to 10m tall Buddhas greeting visitors as they approach the center.

Dhamayazeka Stupa

Considered the largest temple with the finest brickwork, the Dhamayazeka Temple was designed in a pentagonal shape by King Narapathusitthu during his brutal reign in the 12^th century.

With its 3 terraces, this brick stupa allows for some of the best views over Bagan for sunset and sunrise. Each terrace is decorated with glazed tile illustrating scenes from the Buddha’s lives, known as the “Jataka” stories, and his teachings.

Shwesandaw Stupa

Because of its location in the center of Old Bagan, the Shwesandaw Stupa is one of the most popular locations to watch the sunrise or sunset. Even though the crowds may encourage a different choice to watch the sun or view the temple plains, its well-placed location still makes it well worth a visit.

Dhammayangyi Temple

The Dhammayangyi Temple has a darker history than some, considered the “ill faith” temple. It’s said that its creator, King Narathu, would order the worker’s arms chopped off for any unsatisfactory workmanship. His standards were so high that he demanded that a pin should not be able to pass between the bricks.

The sadistic king even had his own father, brother, and wife murdered.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

At 67 meters high, the Thatbyinnyu Temple is considered the tallest of Bagan’s temples. Even though it has five floors, only the ground floor is available for the public to explore, but best appreciated from the outside. King Alaungsi, the third king of Bagan, commissioned the temple in the early 12^th century.

Swezigon Pagoda

Otherwise known as “The Golden Sandbank”, the Swezigon Pagoda has a legend about its inception. According to the story, the King of Bagan’s white elephant was the one that chose the location of the pagoda because it was carrying a tooth relic of the Buddha, donated by the King of Sri Lanka (Ceylon).

The Swezigon Pagoda is gilded shimmering gold from the layers of gold leaf covering the sandstone underneath. Many consider it to be the most beautiful monument in Bagan.

Gubyaukgyi Temple

This temple is best known for the finest and best preserved painted murals in Bagan.

From Yangon, Bagan is best reached by domestic flight. Flights from Yangon airport depart daily and are operated by several domestic airlines including Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ and Golden Myanmar Airlines. The 1 hour 20 minute flight flies directly to Nyaung U Airport, near the namesake town of Nyaung U, just 6km away from the ancient City.

An alternative option is taking an overnight bus. Overnight buses depart from Aung Mingalar Bus Station, located on the northern outskirts of Yangon. Buses depart frequently and most bus companies offer VIP class buses with comfortable and spacious seats arranged in rows of three. Reputable bus companies include Elite Express, JJ Express, and Boss Express. Most buses will depart between 8-9pm and the journey time is approximately ten hours. You will arrive at Bagan bus station at around 5-6am, from where you’ll need only a short transfer to the hotels surrounding the ancient city.

From Mandalay, the options include a domestic flight or overland journey either by private transfer or bus service. Flights from Mandalay airport to Bagan depart daily and are operated by several domestic airlines including Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ and Golden Myanmar Airlines. The flight time is only 30 minutes. Buses depart daily both in the morning and in the afternoon; the journey time is approximately six hours. Reputable bus companies again include Elite Express, JJ Express, and Boss Express.

A unique and memorable choice is to embark on either a day time cruise or overnight cruise downstream on the Irrawaddy River. During the journey you’ll witness authentic rural life along the banks of the mighty river. Fast Tour boats, depart Mandalay in the early morning and the journey time is approximately 9-10 hours, arriving in Bagan around 5pm in the afternoon. Tickets include breakfast and lunch.

For more information on overnight cruises, check out our page on River Cruises in Myanmar.

From Inle Lake, the options again include a domestic flight or overland journey either by private transfer or overnight bus service. The closest airport to Inle Lake is Heho airport, near the namesake town of Heho, 1 hours’ drive (40 km) north of the lake. Flights from Heho airport to Bagan depart several times daily and are operated by numerous domestic airlines including FMI Air, Air KBZ and Golden Myanmar Airlines. The flight time is approximately 40 minutes. Overnight buses depart from the town of Nyaungshwe. VIS buses are available from reputable bus companies including Elite Express, JJ Express, and Boss Express. Buses depart between 7-9pm and the journey time is approximately 9 and a half hours, arriving in Bagan between 4-6am.

There are several ways to explore the temple plains of Bagan. For active travelers, a bike ride around the temples may be the most appealing option. Just take into the consideration the searing midday temperatures and strong sun exposure and prepare yourself appropriately with water, sunscreen and the right clothing. Another two wheel option is an electric bike or e-bike, a bicycle with a integrate electric motor, which makes for an even less strenuous driving experience.

Another memorable and unique option is a traditional bullock or horse cart ride around the temples. Unfortunately, the tradition is starting to disappear due to the growing popularity of bike and e-bike rentals, so consider hiring a driver for a half or full day ride, to support this local form of transportation.

Private car service or taxi can also be arranged, where the driver drops you off at the various sights and you can freely walk around and explore.