The temples of Bagan One of the wonders of Myanmar

 

The Temples of Bagan

The thousands of temples that are spread across the plains of Bagan (sometimes spelt Pagan) are the most impressive testament to the religious devotion of Myanmar’s people – and rulers – over the centuries. They combine to form one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia and provide views quite unlike anywhere else on earth. For practical information on restaurants, ATMs, accommodation and trasport, visit our towns of Bagan page.

One of the beauties of spending time in what is now officially called the Bagan Archaeological Zone (which also comprises four main settlements) is that, once you have paid your K25,000 entry fee, you have the freedom to explore this vast and fascinating area at your own leisure – the entry ticket is valid for three days. Bagan is in general more touristy and possibly less of the ‘real Myanmar’ than other parts of the country, but despite obvious sales ploys such as the multitudes of children selling hand-drawn postcards, you will rarely suffer the hard sell – and the locals remain warm and friendly.

A brief history of Bagan

Bagan was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan from the 9th to the 13th centuries. This kingdom was the first to unify the area that is now Myanmar, establishing the Burmese culture and ethnicity, as well as Theravada Buddhism, in the region. Over this period of rule, as the city and kingdom grew in influence and stature, over 10,000 temples were built on the plains surrounding the capital next to the Irrawaddy River.

After Mongol invasions eventually led to the fall of the Kingdom of Pagan, the city was reduced to a small settlement, never to recover its former glories. The area did, however, remain a destination for Buddhist pilgrimage. A few hundred temples were added between the 13th and 20th centuries, but the extensive earthquake damage over the years means that only 3,800 monuments of various size remain, in varying states of repair.

Indeed, over the last 500 years many of the existing temples have been renovated – a process that, continuing to this day, has yielded mixed results. It is said to be due to the government’s insensitive ‘updates’ in the 1990s (including a golf course and modern watch tower) that Bagan has not attained UNESCO World Heritage site status, although it is once again being considered. But the area is large enough, and there remains so much of what is original still to see, that none of this stops the temples of Bagan being a unique wonder to behold.

Exploring the temples

Every one of the 2,200 plus temples, stupas and pagodas has its own unique story to tell, and the interiors of many can be freely explored. Note that as of November 2017, the climbing of temples as been prohibited; you can find a list of purpose-built viewing platforms further down this page under 'Individual temples and viewing'. The most spectacular time to see the temples is when the sun dramatically rises and falls over the plain at dawn or dusk.

The large earthquake that hit Bagan in 2016 caused significant damage to some of the temples, but ironically much of it was to more modern additions to ancient structures. The view of many is that the quake may actually encourage more sensitive development in Bagan, and the majority of temples are free to be explored. 

There are several ways to explore the plain:

• Hire a bicycle. This is the cheapest way to get around, and also allows you the most freedom to do as you choose; the plain is too large to explore by foot, but getting around by bike allows you to get to most of the temples. Almost all hotels and guesthouses have them for hire, as do various restaurants and shops on the popular ‘Restaurant Row’ in Nyaung U. Prices are usually around K2000 per day.
  
  You can hire an electric bike for around K8000 per day – though on the flat plains of Bagan, the advantages over a bicycle are minimal. Tourists are not allowed to use motorbikes in Bagan.
  
  You can pick up a free tourist map showing you the main points of interest; although you are unlikely to get seriously lost, it is worth planning your trip in advance to make the most of your time. Bear in mind that it can get hot and dusty when cycling, particularly in the hot season, so you should take water with you. There are plenty of restaurants around the place to pick up refreshments.
• Go on a horse and cart guided tour. This is many people’s favourite, and certainly the most romantic way to see the temples. Most drivers speak at least some English (it is worth checking before you agree the price), and will of course know good routes around the temples and some hidden gems. However, horses have to follow more well-trodden tracks than bicycles, so there are areas they cannot reach. Prices range from K15,000 to K25,000 for a day, depending on the season and where you hire the horse and cart from (New Bagan tends to be more expensive). Carts can be shared between two or, at most, three people.
• Take an air conditioned taxi, if you want to avoid the heat and dust completely. This is naturally the most comfortable way to get around, and most drivers speak English. Cars will usually cost between $20 and $50 per day, depending on the season and how far you travel.
• The most exotic and spectacular way to see the temples is to head to the sky for a hot air balloon trip. These cost US$305 per person, and offer a unique view of the plain and temples. Balloon tours can be booked here; you should always book well in advance, particularly at popular times of year such as Christmas and New year (the Bagan ballooning season runs from October to April).