9 Beautiful Temples in Bagan That You Must See!

From the 9th to the 13th centuries, Bagan was the capital of the kingdom of Pagan, the center of the country now known as Myanmar (Burma).

During this time, its kings built thousands of pagodas, temples and Buddhist monasteries (up to 10,000). Today, about 4,000 of these monuments remain.

Ananda Temple

It’s decorated on the outside with demon heads  (to prevent bad spirits from entering) and green-and-yellow ceramic tiles.

01.

As you walk the path to the entrance, you’ll be amazed by the ornamental work you see on the red brick exterior. The paintings inside are from the 18th century.

Sulamani Temple

02.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

Just outside the city walls, the Shwesandaw Pagoda was built in 1057 and is the tallest pagoda in Bagan. At sunrise, it offers great views of the surrounding temples.

03.

Tayoke Pye Temple

We removed our shoes at the entrance. We then walked around a dimly-lit,  tunnel-like chamber inside the temple. Four large Buddha statues are inset against each of the four inner walls.

04.

Thatbyinnyu Pagoda

Built in 1144, it’s white in color on the outside (unlike many of the other brown and brick-red pagodas) and so it’s uniqueness makes it especially lovely.

05.

Shwegugyi Temple

Meaning “Golden Cave” in Burmese, the Shwegugyi Temple is one of the smaller temples in Bagan.

06.

Photo: Wikimedia, Gerd Eichmann

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