Bagan, Myanmar : The Best Cultural Sites & Temples to Visit

When in Bagan, you will be spoilt for choice on which temple or cultural site to visit. This is because they are available in high numbers and selection some may become confusing. This article will touch on some of the most prominent cultural sites and temples to help you make an informed choice. It will all be good for having your needs fully satisfied.

Old Bagan

This cultural site dates back to the ninth century and has the exterior walls constructed using the Buddhist architecture. That is scenery that any tourist will enjoy effortlessly. It rose to prominence because Bagan was the centre of power but its fortunes changed when the seat of authority shifted.

The overwhelming earthquake that hit Bagan in July 1975 caused untold destructions to this monument with up to half of the key structures falling down. Come 1990, there was a contentious operation by the military that pronounced the destruction but it stood strong to withstand all those challenges.

Dhammayangyi Pahto

This temple is one of the most popular in Bagan and you will not lose anything, but only gain by visiting it. It has extremely spacious hallways that will be a delight walking through.

A notable feature is two images that represent Buddha. There are several other imitations of Buddha done worldwide but these two are more magnificent than any that you have ever seen. They have beautiful smiles which make them appear like real humans.

Mingalazedi

This monument was constructed in the 13th century but remains a top attraction for modern tourists. Its architectural design is astonishing with obelisks replacing the normally used sikhara’s and stupa’s. The only damage to the monument was the destruction of the topmost spire during the 1975 earthquake but it was later reconstructed. Everything else has remained natural and tourists who visit this monument get to see that firsthand.

Shwezigon Pagoda

This is a collection of beautiful temples which attracts many tourists mostly in the morning hours. You will be well captivated by the level of energy that hums out of the temples covering close to 40 miles. On that line, there are additional monasteries and stupas which you can choose to enjoy alongside the temples.

Ananda Phaya

This temple offers a good view when the sun is rising and you will be lucky to be awake at such a time. Tourists and local residents mingle here freely with no discrimination. Apart from distinctive aspects like skin color and language, it would be difficult to tell who is new to the place or who is a local. The rooftop is designed to resemble a corn cob which is amusing to have a look at.

Nat Taung Kyaung

This is a monastery, whose construction in the 18th century, provided for a superb attraction to be enjoyed by subsequent generations. The area is dominated by vegetation cover and trees which explains why it is the oldest wooden monastery in Bagan. Monasteries and temples made of wood are the only ones that survived the region’s archeology with many others disappearing for a variety of reasons.

The rise of these temples and cultural sites in Bagan has been attributed to the support of the Italian government and cooperation from UNESCO. The international body has formally recognized Bagan as a world heritage site and that played a key role in uplifting its status as a tourist destination in Europe. Apart from these, you can get to know about many more sites in Bagan through extended exploration.