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One Bagan Tour : The Reason Why You Should Visit Temples In Bagan

Monday, January 08, 2024 Useful infos Heidi

Located in Central Myanmar, Bagan is a magnificent city to human history with the most extraordinary archaeological wonders globally. This town is located amidst lush greenery in the Ayeyarwady River basin. A journey to Bagan where the air resonates with mystique, is ideal for you. Explore the appeal of historical sites in Bagan in this article and we give you compelling reasons why you should visit temples for one Bagan tour.

I. A Concise History of Bagan
II. Bagan - UNESCO World Heritage Site
III. Temples stretching as far as the eyes
IV. Temples in Bagan not to miss - Places to visit for one Bagan tour
V. Can you climb the temples of Bagan?
VI. How to dress when visiting temples in Bagan?

I. A Concise History of Bagan

Bagan was once known as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It was the first to unify the area that is now Myanmar. During its rule, which lasted more than 250 years, the city flourished with the construction of more than 10,000 temples on the plains bordering the Irrawaddy River. Bagan's influence and significance grew over the period as a result.

Throughout the Kingdom of Pagan's reign, lasting over two centuries, the rulers and local inhabitants constructed over 13,000 religious monuments. Among these were 10,000 temples and 3,000 monasteries and stupas, covering an area of approximately 104 square kilometers. This place attracts many students specializing in fields such as languages, medicine, astrology... Following Mongol invasions that eventually led to the downfall of the Kingdom of Pagan, Bagan experienced a decline, dwindling into a small settlement and never fully regaining its past grandeur. However, this area is still a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. While a few Pagan Burma temples were added between the 13th and 20th centuries, extensive earthquake damage over the years has left only 3,500 monuments.

II. Bagan - UNESCO World Heritage Site

The historic archaeological site of Bagan secured its place on the World Heritage List in 2019. During the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday, the committee inscribed Bagan on the prestigious list. Bagan has more than 3,500 well-preserved stupas, temples, monasteries, and other monuments, as documented by the official inventory of the Department of Archaeology and National Museums.

To be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, sites must be of Outstanding Universal Value, signify cultural significance that transcends national borders, and be of general importance to generations of humanity now and in the future. Presently, Bagan is Myanmar's foremost travel destination, attracting foreign visitors annually. Key attractions include the stunning gilded spire of the temple Ananda, the multi-tiered Shwesansaw pagoda (ideal for witnessing the sunset over the temple-filled plains of Bagan for one tour Bagan),... Bagan's natural beauty makes it one of the world's top destinations.

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III. Temples stretching as far as the eyes

You can perceive a mesmerizing spectacle with an expansive plain blanketed in red earth resembling a colossal quilt. While spoiled by the rough restoration undertaken by the military government in the 1990s - focused on rapidly transforming Bagan into a tourist hotspot rather than adhering to preservation criteria and respecting the original architectural style and materials —several temples still exhibit timeless beauty.

Temples in Bagan have harmonious proportions, decorated with elegant carvings and magnificent frescoes. Pagan Burma temples all bring a sense of deep spirituality and peace. The architectural grandeur is complemented by exquisite carvings, moldings and statues. The temples reveal their most spectacular allure as the sun dramatically ascends and descends over the plain during the enchanting moments of dawn and dusk.

IV. Temples in Bagan not to miss - Places to visit for one Bagan tour

The ancient temples of this landscape here are a testament to the profound historical significance of Bagan. This scene provides photographers with many stunningly beautiful pictures for one Bagan tour.

1. Temple Ananda

The temple Ananda is one of the most famous temples with its distinctive white architecture. The temple has a long yellow dome and exquisite statues and carvings. This is one of the most beautiful Pagan Burma temples. Representing one of the earliest great architectural works in the region, it is very well-preserved. Located near the Tharabar Gate, the sole surviving gate among the original 12 in the ancient Bagan city walls, this temple, also known as Ananda pahto and Ananda phaya, is a single-story structure erected towards the conclusion of the early Bagan period. The architectural style is influenced by Mon and North Indian culture.

Temple Ananda

2. Thatbyinnyu Temple

Among the renowned places to visit in Bagan, the Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed by King Alaung Sithu in A.D 1144, stands as the tallest structure and an indispensable destination to explore in Bagan. Boasting a height of just over 60 meters, the Thatbyinnyu temple ranks among the loftiest monuments in Bagan. Its majestic presence, towering above the surrounding temples and pagodas, graces much of the Bagan plains with its visibility. The pinnacle of the experience was standing atop, witnessing a panoramic vista encompassing all the temples of Bagan.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

3. Dhammayangyi Temple

Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest temple of the Bagan plain with a charming red brick structure with elegant decorations. The meticulous arrangement of bricks is so seamless that no gaps are visible, resembling the early step pyramids of Egypt when viewed from a distance. Inspired by the temple Ananda, the Dhammayangyi has a construction principle featuring an immense square base crowned by six pyramidal receding terraces.

Dhammayangyi Temple

4. Gawdawpalin Temple

Gawdawpalin Temple enveloped in mysterious tales, graces the southwest of Old Bagan, positioned north of the Bagan Archaeology Museum. Among the ancient Bagan temples, Dhammayangyi boasts the largest size, Thatbyinnyu stands as the tallest, and Ananda is celebrated for its unparalleled beauty. With a height of 55 meters, Gawdawpalin is the second-tallest temple in the Bagan Plain. Existing for more than 800 years, Gawdawpalin is a religious wonder with a unique architectural design, attracting many tourists for one Bagan tour.

Gawdawpalin Temple

V. Can you climb the temples of Bagan?

Climbing to the top of temples in Bagan was allowed during your visit, but it is now prohibited. The temples date back to the thirteenth century, but earthquakes have damaged their supporting structures, making them unsafe to climb. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 further increased the risk of cracks and accidents for climbers. Mountain climbing tourists have contributed to erosion and accelerated the deterioration of these historical relics.

In addition to safety concerns, these temples are culturally important in the local community, and tourists may unintentionally show disrespect, such as not taking off their shoes. Locals expressed mixed reactions to these actions. For those seeking elevated views of the temples for one Bagan tour, alternatives include taking a sunrise hot air balloon tour or visiting the Bagan Viewing Tower (Bagan Nan Myint Tower).

VI. How to dress when visiting temples in Bagan?

Bagan is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions in Myanmar. When contemplating your attire for Myanmar (or other Southeast Asian regions), it is crucial to embrace a conservative dressing approach during one Bagan tour.

When exploring temples, you should wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to show respect. The traditional Burmese male attire, known as the longyi, is available for purchase or rental at most temples. For women, carrying a lightweight sarong to drape over the shoulders is recommended.
Opt for flip-flops or sandals, as you'll be required to remove shoes and socks upon entering Bagan's temples.
Maintain a respectful dress code during your visit to Bagan's temples, adhering to the Southeast Asian practice of covering shoulders and knees.
Ensure you have sunscreen and a hat to shield yourself from the sun. Lightweight long sleeves and pants or a skirt are advisable for sun protection. If you plan to stay for the sunset, bring a headlamp and a sweater.

How to dress when visiting temples in Bagan?

Discover the reason why you should visit the temples of Bagan in Myanmar— a list of captivating reasons to include it in your travel itinerary. When planning one Bagan tour, allocate a few days for exploring Bagan, and you're guaranteed an experience that won't disappoint! If you're gearing up for a Myanmar adventure, reach out to AUTOUR ASIA - the premier travel agency in Vietnam. We are committed to enhancing your Myanmar trip with many memorable experiences.

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