Scattered across the central plains, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, the temples of Bagan are Burma’s most appealing and most enchanting sight. It is estimated that there were once 13,000 monuments here, a legacy of the 11th and 12th century kingdoms that ruled through a golden age of spirituality and architecture. The different designs and shapes of the temples and pagodas have spiritual meaning, and they remain sacred today – many are still used for Buddhist worship, no matter their state of repair. With Burma becoming a more and more popular destination, so are the temples becoming more and more popular. There are over 2,000 of them, so knowing which ones to visit can be a bit difficult and whilst some are particularly well-known,
there are some that still make it incredibly easy to escape the tourists if you want too.
Here, in no particular order, are our top 5 temples to visit:
1. Ananda
Built in the year 1091, Ananda is Bagan’s best known temple. Whilst it might be one of the busier places to visit, it is also one of the most beautiful so it shouldn’t be missed. Distinguishable due to its golden spire (sikhara), the gleam of which is visible across the plain, Ananda is important due to the four magnificent Buddha images that reside within, each pointing in a cardinal direction to represent Buddhas who have reached nirvana. This temple is in constant use and is therefore in good repair.
2. Shwesandaw
Best known as a sunrise or sunset viewing spot, come here out of these hours and you’ll have this delightful pagoda to yourself. Believed to have been built in the year 1057 this pagoda, along with 4 others, is believed to give Bagan spiritual protection. This circular structure has five levels of terraces, each giving a better and better view over the plains – which is why it is so popular for sunrise/sunset.
3. Htilominlo
Built in 1218, this temple towers to 45 metres and is named for its builder, King Htilominlo. Over time, much of the structure’s stucco has dropped off, exposing the beautiful red brick below – where it remains you’ll find intricate carvings of mythological creatures. Look out for the terracotta plaques that show scenes of the previous lives of Buddha, whilst within you’ll find some beautiful frescoes, some more faded than others.
4. Sulamani
Dating from 1183, this large, multi-storey, pyramid-esque monument is particularly well-known for its murals and frescoes. Depicting Buddhas, elephants, lotus flowers, these old paintings have retained some of their once vibrant colours, particularly red – some of these images are original, whilst some of them are more recent. You’ll also find that the ornamental work on the structures exterior is some of the best in Bagan.
5. Pyathadar
One of the last big temples constructed by the ruling kingdoms of Bagan, and one of the largest built full stop, Pyathadar is a huge brick structure from the early 13th century. Featuring large vaulted rooms and broad corridors, this temple is good to see a bit later on in your explorations, so you can see the progression in style and skill of the architecture. Head up to the large terrace on its roof for views over the plains.
No matter how many temples you decide to actually visit, the process of travelling between them gives you the opportunity to see even more. In this respect, the way you get around the complex is something worth thinking about. For those looking for a slow and more authentic method of transport, perhaps a horse and cart is the best option for you. If you’d like to be more active, there are bicycles (or if you want a little bit less active, electric bikes), or if you’ve more the air-conditioned comfort type, there are taxis and private cars. For the ultimate experience, try a sunrise hot air balloon ride and see it all from above.
If you’re interest in exploring Burma and including the temples of Bagan on that itinerary, give our tailormade experts a call – they’ll be able to help you experience this breathtaking country in a style that suits you. Find more information about Burma here.