Bagan

Bagan is an extensive archaeological plain in central Myanmar containing thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. The site is one of Southeast Asia’s most important concentrations of early Buddhist architecture and art.

The plain is punctuated by a dense spread of monuments, from small stupas to large temples such as Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Shwesandaw, which are primary visitor targets. Sunrise and sunset views from temple terraces and from balloon flights are major attractions, offering extensive panoramas over the low plain.

Many visitors explore the site by bicycle, e-bike or car between temple clusters; conservation and restoration efforts mean access to some monuments can be restricted. Guided walks and visits to individual temples highlight carved reliefs and early masonry techniques.

Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th centuries, during which a vast number of religious monuments were constructed. The city declined after the 13th century; earthquakes and later human activity affected many structures, and restoration work has been ongoing.

The monuments lie on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in central Myanmar, near the town of Nyaung-U and within travel distance of Mandalay to the north.

• Scale of the site: The archaeological zone contains over 2,000 temples, pagodas and stupas spread across a wide plain, so allow time to travel between major clusters.
• Balloon rides: Hot-air balloon flights at sunrise are popular for panoramic photos but are weather-dependent and often booked in advance.

What to See #

• Ananda Temple: A network of major temples accessible to visitors, including Ananda Temple with its standing Buddhas dated to the early 12th century.
• Dhammayangyi Temple: An imposing, nearly square 12th-century shrine noted for its mass and dense brickwork and for restoration work done in the 20th century.
• Shwesandaw Pagoda: A tall brick pagoda that is frequently used as a sunrise and sunset viewpoint over the temple plain.
• Balloon flights and viewpoints: Aerial balloon flights and viewpoint hills that provide panoramic views across the temple plain at sunrise.