The actual situation of the Bagan Pagoda is very different from that of many travel guides. For reasons of cultural relic protection, the local government has implemented enclosed protection for all larger pagodas. As of July 2018, all well-known pagodas and temples that watch sunrise and sunset, including Ruishandu Pagoda and Buldita, are no longer allowed to climb.
In this case, many tourists are looking for unknown pagodas to climb. If you need it, hiring guides who take the initiative to strike up a conversation with you on a motorcycle will save you more effort than looking for directions. The price of the guide is about 3-5K Myanmar Kyat (about 15-30 yuan), and you can bargain.
Summary of viewing pagodas at sunrise and sunset
In two days, the author visited all the pagodas in the old Bagan and New Bagan areas. This guide introduces in detail all the small pagodas that can be climbed in the old Bagan and New Bagan areas. According to the differences in the location and landscape of the pagodas, they are divided into sunrise viewing spots and sunset viewing spots.
【Ranking of sunrise viewing spots】
Rank.1
Stupa name: Damasika Stupa Observation Deck
Stupa location: outside the northwest wall of the Damasca stupa
The characteristics of the pagoda: the east direction is completely unobstructed. There are many small pagodas with different sizes and levels. They are closer to New Bagan and farther to Old Bagan.
Rank.2
Stupa name: Kyauk Myet Maw Stupa
Stupa location: about 200 meters south along the main road in front of Abiyada Nanna Temple, pay attention to the sign on the right
The characteristics of the pagoda: perfect view of the plains in the southeast direction, the steps are very narrow, pay attention to safety when climbing the ruins, and be careful when riding down the mountain road.
Rank.3
Stupa name: Shew Zedi Pahya Stupa
Location: 1km south of Ruishandu Pagoda
The characteristics of the pagoda: the height of the pagoda is average, the view is average, and it is closer to the old Bagan
Rank.4
Stupa name: Taung-Ta-Wet-Gu-Hpaya Stupa
Stupa location: the middle position of the dirt road from Damayangji Temple to Dama Sijia Temple
The characteristics of the pagoda: the highest platform height, the number of pagodas facing east is small, the road condition is average, the pagoda is not easy to find
Rank.5
The name of the pagoda: Buledi Phaya
Stupa location: not far from the south of the main road from Old Bagan to New Bagan
Features of the pagoda: There are fewer tourists, although it is closed, but often unattended, pay attention to safety when climbing the railing
[Ranking of sunset viewing spots]
Rank.1
Stupa name: Damasika Stupa Observation Deck
Stupa location: outside the northwest wall of the Damasca stupa
The characteristics of the pagoda: the west is completely unobstructed. There are many small pagodas with different sizes and levels. They are closer to New Bagan and farther to Old Bagan.
Rank.2
Stupa name: Taung-Ta-Wet-Gu-Hpaya Stupa
Stupa location: the middle position of the dirt road from Damayangji Temple to Dama Sijia Temple
The characteristics of the stupa: the highest platform height, there are many stupas facing west, very close to Damayangji Temple, the location of the stupa is hard to find
Rank.3
Stupa name: Kyauk Myet Maw Stupa
Location of the stupa: Continue along the main road in front of the Abiyada Nanna Temple for about 200 meters south, pay attention to the sign on the right
Features of the pagoda: invincible river view at sunset, small pagoda on the riverside, you need to pay attention to safety when riding along the mountain road
Rank.4
Location Name: Old Bagan Thande Hotel
Hotel location: In the old Bagan old town, 200 meters west of the Chodopolling Stupa
Hotel features: there is a large green area and hotel open-air restaurant by the river, you can enjoy the sunset while having dinner
Rank.5
Pagoda name: Bupaya Pagoda
Stupa location: The Irrawaddy River inside the old city wall
Features of the stupa: ~ the oldest ~ close to the Irrawaddy River ~ sunset river view viewing spot ~
Rank.6
The name of the pagoda: Buledi Phaya
Stupa location: not far from the south of the main road from Old Bagan to New Bagan
Features of the pagoda: less tourists, excellent sunset view, although closed, but often unattended, pay attention to safety when climbing the railing
