Bagan Archaeological Zone in Myanmar is one of Asia’s most impressive historical sites covering an area of 104 square kilometres and featuring over 2,200 stupa and temples. Entry to Bagan Archaeological Zone costs 25,000 MMK and is valid for 3 days.
About Bagan Archaeological Zone
Most of the temples and other structures in the Bagan Archaeological Zone were constructed during a period from the 9th to 13th Centuries. Bagan, previously known as Pagan, was the capital city of the Pagan Empire from 1044 to 1287. At that time the Pagan Empire was the dominant regional power making Bagan the most important city in Myanmar during that period. Bagan is located on a dry hot plain with a desert like terrain in stark contrast to the green and heavily vegetated area in which Angkor Wat, South East Asia’s other major temple complex, is located. From 1287 Bagan declined in size and importance and many of what are believed to been over 10,000 temples and other religious structures fell into disrepair with many not surviving through to the the modern day.
Bagan Archaeological ZoneBagan Archaeological Zone covers such a large area visitors need to choose a form of transport to see the main sites. The four main options for travel around the Bagan Archaeological Zone are:
- Bicycle rental: Bicycles are available to rent for the equivalent of $2 USD a day.
- Horse and cart tour: A slow but charming option that costs the equivalent of $10 to $20 USD a day.
- Air-conditioned taxi: With an English speaking guide the cost ranges from the equivalent of $20 to $50 USD a day.
- Hot air balloon trip: A hot air balloon is the best way to appreciate the size of the site. The cost person is around $300 USD per trip.
There are lots and lots of temples to visit in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, some of the highlights include:
- Dhammayazika Pagoda: Constructed in 1196 this temples features a large central golden dome and some very intricate patterned tiles.
- Gawdawpalin Temple: Completed at the beginning of the 13th Century, this temple has a 55 metre tall central spire.
- Ananda Temple: Completed in 1105, this temple has a distinctive cruciform shape.
- Dhammayangyi Temple: This pyramid style structure constructed in the early 12th Century is the widest temple in Bagan Archaeological Zone.
- Thatbyinnyu Temple: Completed around 1150, this temple is the tallest in Bagan Archaeological Zone, with a central spire reaching 61 metres above ground level.
Location of Bagan Archaeological Zone
- Bagan Archaeological Zone is located 2.6 km by road from Bagan Railway Station.
Travel to Bagan Archaeological Zone
Bagan Archaeological Zone is located near to the town of Bagan. Follow the links below for information about travel to Bagan:
- Travel from Inle Lake to Bagan
- Travel from Yangon to Bagan
- Travel from Mandalay to Bagan