Are you looking to explore the history of Bagan through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Bagan including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Bagan. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Bagan ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Bagan, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Bagan for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Bagan
Let's witness the history of Bagan with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Ananda Temple
(328 Votes)
One of the most prominent temples in Bagan, the Ananda Temple and Ananda OK Kyaung is heavily touristed throughout the year. A Buddhist temple built in 1105 AD, the person behind Ananda Temple was King Kyanzittha of Pagoda Dynasty. With a perfect amalgamation of Mon and Indian architecture, the Ananda Temple is said to be a manmade marvel. Also known as the veritable museum of stones, this one ...Read more -
Dahmmayan Gyi Phaya
(230 Votes)
The Dhammayangyi Temple in Bagan, Myanmar is largest of all temples in the Burmese capital and it is totally worth the hype. Built during the reign of King Narathu, this one is the widest temple in Bagan and is also a popular tourist destination. The temple has Buddha statues with the faces made up of gold. Even though you can’t enter the interiors of the temple, but still you can wander ...Read more -
Htilominlo Pahto
(246 Votes)
If you’re a fan of detailed architecture and carvings, then there is a place in Bagan which will treat the art lover in you. The Htilominlo Pahto is a great attraction which is considered to be a hidden gem in Bagan. The stunning statues and out of this world paintings which grace the walls and ceilings, make your visit all worth it! A perfect place to watch sunset and witness the moon ri...Read more -
Buphaya Paya
(201 Votes)
On the banks of Ayeyarwady river, lies a notable Pagoda with the name of Buphaya Paya. Built by the third king of Pagan, the dome of the pagoda is bulbous shaped. While the original pagoda was destroyed completely in the 1975 earthquake, still it was rebuilt again with the use of modern techniques. Hence, this one is an addition to the list of remains of pagodas which are located across Bagan. ...Read more -
Gubyaukgyi Temple
(30 Votes)
The Gubyaukgyi has faced it all. It suffered heavy damage because of the earthquake. The Europeans even took some of the murals to grace their museums. But still, this one is a popular landmark in Bagan and should be visited without any thought. Hire a tourist guide and get all the information, unknown facts and hidden secrets about this temple. Also if you want to know about the life of Buddha...Read more -
If you’re a lover of ancient architecture and want to know what it went to create architectural masterpieces in those good old times, then you should definitely take a short tour to the Tharabar Gate in Old Bagan. The gate is one of the only gates in Bagan which used to surround and protect Bagan during the turbulent times. The gate also offers some great photo op. This one is in close pr...Read more -
Mahabodhi Paya
(216 Votes)
Built by King Htilominlo in the mid-13th Century, the Mahabodhi Paya is one of the numerous temples in Bagan dating back to the ancient era. The temple is modelled after the one which is located in Bihar, India and also shares the same name. It is a calm, quaint place and the scenes around the temple make for a pretty picture. Carry your camera along or else you might lose out on some great pho...Read more -
Nanpaya
(14 Votes)
Another Hindu temple to the south of Bagan, the Nanpaya temple was built by King Makuta of the Thaton Kingdom. The temple is a major landmark in Bagan and contains carvings of Hindu gods and figures of the Mon. If you easily get fascinated by the delicate mastery of artists then a visit to Nanpaya is totally worth it! If you to experience the unique amalgamation of the Hindu and Buddhist cultur...Read more -
A smaller temple when compared to other huge temples in Bagan, Upali Thein still attracts tourists across the world in large numbers every year. Although, it is not allowed to enter the temple, you can enjoy the colourful temples painted way back in 18th century. It’s a perfect place to be at peace as this one is less frequented. Don’t go by the size of this temple as this is one of...Read more -
Nagayon in Amarapura is a great site in Bagan which is quite similar to the Ananda Temple. The paintings which can be found here are no less than modern marvels and tell a lot about Myanmar’s glorious history. The whole atmosphere is magical and very few tourists visit this site. Hence, if you want to spend some quality time introspecting, then this one is a perfect place to be at peace. ...Read more -
Gold and palace, these two words say it all! Burmese landmarks are grand and extravagant and the Bagan Golden Palace is no exception. This one has everything. Great historical significance, well preserved culture, sparkling gold domes and also some calmness. Even though tourists flock here in huge number, still you will not feel it. The silence which the place offers is perfect to pause for a l...Read more -
One word: Magnificent! That’s how one should define the Mya Zedi Temple. Already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, your trip will be incomplete if you don’t visit this great attraction. In addition to the golden dome, the temple also has a stone column with writings inscribed in four different languages. The languages being Pali, Pyu, Mon and Burmese. If you want to indulge in some cand...Read more -
Kyanzittha Umin
(232 Votes)Do you want to explore the less explored? Do you want to know more about the glorious past or the deep dark secrets of the Bagan kings, then there is a place in Bagan which you should definitely visit. Kyanzittha Umin was built in 12th century and is one of the prominent sites which are unaffected by the earthquake. You can visit this place and spend an hour or two while going through the huge ...Read more -
A lesser known place and a bit difficult to locate, the Phwa Saw Brick Monastery is worth your every effort. The monastery is no less than a marvel and is one of the best places to know more about the Burmese culture and Buddhist religion in general. The golden dome will surely please your eyes. Don’t forget to carry your camera as the place is a great setting for some fantastic can...Read more
