The ancient and impressive temples of Bagan

Bagan, the ancient city with numerous pagodas and temples, was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th century, where over 10,000 brick temples were built. Over the centuries, most of Bagan's temples were destroyed due to natural disasters and time. However, the remaining 2,300 temples continue to attract the attention of visitors from all over the world.

The ancient temples of Bagan offer visitors a unique experience that showcases the country's rich history and centuries-old traditions. Although it is almost impossible to visit all of the city's ancient and fascinating temples during your visit, TripLegend is here to help you on this challenging but rewarding journey. In this article, we present the following temples of Bagan:

• Shwezigon Pagoda
• Shwesandaw Pagoda
• Ananda Phaya Temple
• Dhammayangyi Temple

Shwezigon Pagoda

Shwezigon Pagoda is one of the oldest and most fascinating temples in Bagan. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the city and gives you a unique insight into the centuries-old traditions of Myanmar and the religious devotion of its people. 

Due to the religious significance and rich history of the temple, many Burmese pilgrims come from different parts of Myanmar to visit the temple and celebrate a festival that takes place during the Burmese month of Nadaw. If you visit the temples of Bagan between November and December, you can witness the festivities of the Burmese and have an unforgettable time at this place.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

The Shwesandaw Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta after his conquest of Thaton in the 11th century, has been the perfect place to take advantage of the golden hour for many years, as the temple offers excellent views of the city, especially at sunset.

In order to keep the ancient temple in good condition, climbing the steep stairs to reach the top of the temple has been banned for the time being. Nevertheless, this huge monumental site has much to offer with its impressive golden stupa and unforgettable spiritual Burmese atmosphere.

The temple is a fascinating historical site and a must visit on your temple trip to this enchanting destination.

Ananda Phaya Temple

The Ananda Phaya Temple was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1975. However, with many efforts and restorations, the temple is still in good condition today and remains one of the most fascinating temples in Bagan. The temple, which features an Indian architectural style, was also known as "Westminster Abbey of Burma" titled.

It is famous for its four 9.5 meter high standing Buddha statues, which are decorated with gold leaf. Each of the golden statues of the temple depicts four previous Buddhas; Kassapa, Kakusandha, Konagamana and Gautama who have attained nirvana.

Dhammayangyi Temple

The Dhammayangyi Temple is one of the largest temples in Bagan. This massive and fascinating temple is located about 1600ft east of Shwesandaw. The unfinished temple is a great destination where you can learn more about Burmese culture, the history of Buddhism and the country's centuries-old traditions.

The Buddhist temple, famous for its pyramid shape, is said to have cost about 6 million bricks. Its roof system is a significant evidence that shows us how masterfully the ancient Burmese designed and built this majestic complex.

To immerse yourself in the glittering beauty of Myanmar, you must first respect the country's culture and traditions. As Buddhism strongly influences Myanmar, a conservative dress code is expected in the temples of Bagan. When entering the pagodas and temples of Bagan, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Therefore, we would recommend visitors to wear knee-length shorts or trousers during their visit.

Look at our Myanmar trip and be inspired by a country filled with glittering golden temples and amazing natural scenery. We promise that your trip to Myanmar will be an experience of a lifetime that you will always remember.