Top Things to Do in the Bagan | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Bagan

Places To Visit In Bagan

Ananda Temple

Ananda Temple is a 12th-century Buddhist pagoda located in old Bagan in Myanmar. This white temple is the most famous among the many pagodas, known for its brilliant architecture, and tall statues of golden Buddhas enshrined in all four directions. Ananda temple was built during the reign of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty. The terraced style of architecture with a central tower adorned with an umbrella hti, has inspired the architecture of many temples in Myanmar. Due to its popularity, the temple is almost always crowded with tourists. The best time to enjoy a quiet visit to Ananda Paya is to head there early in the morning. Read More

The Bagan Archaeological Museum is located in the city of Bagan in Myanmar. It contains extensive collection which gives an insight into the town's history and architecture, from the Pagan dynasty times from the 11th century. It is worth visiting the museum for tourists to know about the history of temples and the kingdoms. The original museum was established in 1902 during the British colonial rule. The present building was constructed after the Burmese independence and is maintained by the archaeological department. There are over 50,000 artefacts spread across three floors which gives a detailed overview of the Buddhist pagodas for which Bagan is famous. Read More

Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop is located in the city of Bagan in Myanmar. Bagan is known for colourful lacquerware, and at this workshop, visitors get a chance to learn how to make the ware using the traditional ways. There is a small exhibit containing the details of lacquerware production and its history in Bagan. This art originated in the city during the 14th century, and the displays walk visitors through this history. The shop also sells souvenirs and handicrafts. Read More

Dhammayangyi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Pagoda located in the old town of Bagan in Myanmar. It is the largest of all the temples in Bagan and is one of the topmost places visited by the tourists. Dhammayangyi was constructed in the early 11th century during the reign of King Narathu, who became the king after murdering his father and his elder brother. It is believed that he built this large pagoda for his atonement of sins. The temple is made in the Burmese style of architecture, and its design was inspired by Ananda temple. It consists of intricately decorated five storeys leading to a solid tower. Read More

Mani-Sithu Market is a local market located close to Bagan city centre in Myanmar. It is one of the best local markets for tourists who come here to witness the Burmese shops and traders, and also because it has plenty of shops selling cheap souvenirs. People sell fruits, vegetables, meat, electronics, clothes and other home appliances. Tourists can check out various bronze and stone statues, precious gems, textiles, lacquerware, and beautiful handicrafts. The best time to visit Mani-Sithu is early in the morning when the market is the busiest. Read More

Mount Popa is an ancient extinct volcano located in Mandalay region in Myanmar. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Burmese who visit the 37 temples dedicated to Mahagiri Nat spirits worshipped by the people. Mount Popa is one of the excellent day trip options for tourists exploring Bagan as it is located 50km from its old town. The most popular among these pagodas lined up around the mountain is Taung Kalat, which is home to Goddess Popa, located at the neck of the hill. It is accessed by climbing about 777 steps leading to the top. The temples consist of Nat statues enshrined within cave-like structures, which are at the foot of Taung Kalat. The main pagoda at the summit was built in the 17th century when Kings practised spirit-worship. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes. Wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders. You need to keep your shoes at the foot of the temple. Beware of large groups of aggressive monkeys on the way to the top, which are infamous for snatching all things from tourists. For best panoramic views, climb to the top of Mount Popa around sunrise or during the sunset. Read More

Nyaung-U is a town located in the district of the same name in Central Myanmar. Located on the eastern banks of Ayeyarwaddy River, and about 4km away from Bagan, Nyaung-U is a part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone, and hence, a popular tourist attraction for some of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples. The Shwezigon Pagoda is the most popular of all the temples in this town. Htilominlo, Gubyaukgyi and Alhoda Pyae are some of the other ancient temples. Nyaung-U has a lot of options for budget accommodations, and many cheap restaurants, making it the top place for tourists on a budget. Read More

Nyaunglaphet is a small hill located in the town of Old Bagan in Myanmar. It is an artificial mound located close to Sulamani Pagoda and is one of the top places for tourists to watch the sunrise and sunset from the hill.

Shwe Ba Taung is a cave home to a Buddhist shrine located in the village of Hpo Win close to Monywa in Myanmar. It consists of a group of 46 caves, situated at the edge of a hill, which can be accessed by hiking to the top. These ancient caves contain hundreds of images of Buddha and remains of paintings on the wall, which are from the 13th century.

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar. Situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill, it is home to the most massive book in the world. The pagoda has 57-meters high Golden stupa and is inspired by temples in Bagan. It is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists to witness the book. The book consists of 729 stone pillars, which includes verses from Tripitaka or the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism inscribed on both sides. Earlier known as Mahalawka Marazein, King Mindon Min built the pagoda in 1868 to inscribe the scriptures. Tourists are required to cover their knees and shoulders and visit the temple barefoot. Read More