Uncover the Fascinating History, Culture, and Beauty of this Ancient City in Myanmar
Old Bagan, an ancient city in central Myanmar, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. This country previously called Burma. It’s stunning and has impressive collection of temples and pagodas, picturesque countryside, and vibrant local culture.
It has no shortage of things to do and see–from exploring centuries-old temples with intricate carvings and stunning architecture to taking a hot air balloon ride over the vast expanse of temples and pagodas.
Our list will look at the top things to do and see to add to your itinerary:
- Explore the Ananda Temple: The Ananda Temple is one of Bagan’s most impressive and well-preserved temples. It was built in the 12th century and is renowned for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
- Visit the Shwezigon Pagoda: The Shwezigon Pagoda is one of Bagan’s oldest and most revered temples. It was built in the 11th century and is known for its golden stupa and beautiful architecture.
- Explore the Dhammayangyi Temple: The Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest in Bagan and is known for its massive size and unique brickwork. It was built in the 12th century and is an impressive feat of engineering.
- Visit the Sulamani Temple: The Sulamani Temple is beautiful, with intricate carvings and stunning architecture. It was built in the 12th century and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Bagan.
- Spy the sunset from the Shwesandaw Pagoda: The Shwesandaw Pagoda is a popular spot to watch the sunset in Bagan. It has a staircase leading to the top, where the sun is setting over the temples and pagodas.
- Explore the Old Bagan Archaeological Museum: The Old Bagan Archaeological Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Bagan. It houses a collection of artifacts and displays that date back to the ancient city’s heyday.
- Visit the Htilominlo Temple: The Htilominlo Temple is a beautiful temple with stunning architecture and intricate carvings. It was built in the 13th century and is considered one of the most impressive temples in Bagan.
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: A hot air balloon ride over Bagan is an unforgettable experience. You’ll see the vast expanse of temples and pagodas from a bird’s-eye view, and the sunrise or sunset views are exceptionally breathtaking.
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: A horse-drawn carriage ride is a great way to see the temples and pagodas of Bagan. You’ll be able to ride through the ancient city and see the sights leisurely.
- Visit the Manuha Temple: The Manuha Temple is a unique temple with a fascinating history. It was built in the 11th century by a captive king and is known for its unusual interior design and interesting carvings.
- Spend time at the Thatbyinnyu Temple: The Thatbyinnyu Temple is one of the tallest temples in Bagan and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. It was built in the 12th century and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Bagan.
- Explore the Nyaung U Market: The Nyaung U Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local culture and pick up some unique items.
- See the sunrise from the Buledi Pagoda: The Buledi Pagoda is a lesser-known spot to watch the sunrise in Bagan. It offers stunning views of the surrounding temples and pagodas and is a peaceful and quiet alternative to some of the more popular sunrise viewing spots across Myanmar.
- Take a cooking class: This part of Myanmar is known for its delicious cuisine, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and cooking techniques. You’ll be able to prepare and taste traditional dishes and take home some new recipes to try at home.
- Visit the Lawkananda Pagoda: The Lawkananda Pagoda is located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. It’s also an important religious site and is said to contain a sacred hair relic of the Buddha.
- Adventure to the Minnanthu Village: The Minnanthu Village is a small village near Bagan known for its beautiful scenery and traditional way of life. You can take a bike ride or a walking tour to explore the village and learn about the local culture.
- Float on the Ayeyarwady River: The Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar is a significant waterway in Myanmar. Taking a boat ride is a great way to see the countryside and get a different perspective on the temples and pagodas of Bagan.
- Visit the Dhammayazika Pagoda: The Dhammayazika Pagoda is a unique temple with a distinctive design and beautiful architecture. It’s an excellent spot for anyone interested in the art and architecture of Bagan.
Did you know?
One interesting fact about Old Bagan is that it was once home to over 10,000 temples and pagodas, but only around 2,000 remain today. The kings of Bagan built the temples between the 9th and 13th centuries. At their peak, Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Empire and a thriving center of religion, art, and culture in Southeast Asia.
Today, the Myanmar’s remaining temples and pagodas offer a glimpse into this rich history and draw visitors worldwide to marvel at their beauty and significance.
A little history:
Old Bagan, located in central Myanmar, was once the capital city of the Pagan Kingdom, which ruled over much of what is now Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. During this time, the kings of the Pagan Kingdom constructed thousands of temples, pagodas, and other religious structures in the region, making it a center of Buddhist culture and learning in Southeast Asia.
The city was at the height of its power and prosperity during the 11th and 12th centuries when it was home to an estimated population of up to 200,000 people. However, the city was repeatedly invaded and sacked by Mongol forces in the late 13th century, and the Pagan Kingdom gradually declined in power and influence.
Despite the decline of the Pagan Kingdom, many of the temples and pagodas in Old Bagan continued to be used as places of worship and pilgrimage over the centuries. However, the city was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair over time, and many of the temples were lost to the elements and natural disasters.
*Some people still call Myanmar the country’s former name of Burma.