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Justin Vidamo CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Dhammayangyi Temple

Temple

Bagan's Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest temple on the archaeological plain, notable for massive brickwork and narrow corridors; tourists come for structural scale, sunsets and the site's place in Bagan's temple network.

Dhammayangyi Temple BaganYangonMandalayInle LakeNgapaliHpa-AnDhammayangyi Temple
In this guide

Dhammayangyi Temple essentials

Address: Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset

About Dhammayangyi Temple

Dhammayangyi Temple is a large 12th century temple in the Bagan Archaeological Zone of central Myanmar. It is the largest single-temple construction in Bagan and is notable for its massive brickwork.

The temple is distinguished by exceptionally large, tightly bonded brick masonry and very thick outer walls; its exterior massing and size are among its principal attractions. Inside, narrow passages and blocked chambers reflect the monument’s incomplete or heavily filled interior, which limits access to inner sanctuaries.

Construction was undertaken by King Narathu during his reign in the mid 12th century; the building was left effectively unfinished and is associated in chronicles with the turbulent politics of that period. Over time the structure has remained substantially as-built and is one of Bagan’s most prominent monuments.

The temple stands within the Bagan plain near the modern settlements of Nyaung U and Old Bagan in Mandalay Region, Myanmar, amid the dense concentration of Pagan-period temples and monuments.

  • Construction date: Built between 1167 and 1170 by King Narathu, it is the largest and most massive brick temple in the Bagan plain.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Dhammayangyi Temple

Dhammayangyi Temple is most comfortable to visit in the cool season (November-February); early morning light also avoids crowds and heat.

Cool season
November-February · 15-30°C
Best weather for temple hopping with lower humidity and comfortable mornings.
Hot season
March-May · 30-40°C
Very hot afternoons; mornings are still usable for temple visits.

Weather & Climate near Dhammayangyi Temple

Climate

Dhammayangyi Temple's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 38°C. Moderate rainfall (711 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 101 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 29° 22° 0 mm clear 41% 0.8 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
February Ideal 16° - 32° 24° 1 mm clear 34% 0.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
March Excellent 20° - 36° 28° 4 mm mostly sunny 36% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 25° - 38° 32° 15 mm some cloud 43% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
May Good 26° - 36° 33° 94 mm partly cloudy 54% 1.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.0h
June Good 25° - 33° 32° 114 mm overcast 66% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.3h
July Good 25° - 32° 32° 66 mm overcast 71% 1.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.2h
August Good 25° - 32° 32° 115 mm overcast 71% 1.4 m/s 2.0 very high 12.7h
September Acceptable 24° - 32° 31° 148 mm overcast 70% 1.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 32° 30° 105 mm partly cloudy 67% 0.6 m/s 1.6 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 20° - 30° 25° 41 mm mostly sunny 55% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
December Ideal 16° - 28° 22° 8 mm mostly sunny 47% 0.7 m/s 1.2 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Dhammayangyi Temple

Dhammayangyi is in the Bagan Archaeological Zone near Nyaung-U. Visitors typically reach Bagan by road or short flights to Nyaung-U airport, and then by bicycle, e-bike, or taxi from Bagan town to the temple complex.

Tips for Visiting Dhammayangyi Temple

  • Dhammayangyi is one of Bagan's largest temples - climb only where permitted and respect taped-off conservation areas.
  • Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light on the massive brickwork and fewer tour groups.