Founded in 849 AD it became the capital of the first unified Kingdom and the first multinational Union of Myanmar in 1044 AD. 42 square kilometres of open land, sited on the east bank of the famed Ayeyarwady River, covered by 5,000 mysterious and magnificent stupas and hollow pagodas of a bygone era, make Pagan one of the wonders of the world. Here lies a great monument to one of Myanmar’s brilliant eras. Today it is a rich and premier archaeological site that offers a rich heritage from a twelfth century empire. A panoramic view of this land at sunset will leave you with a lingering sense of awe and wonder.

Shwezigon Pagoda

This golden stupa, the most important pagoda in Pagan, was built in 1057 AD as a centre of prayer and reflection by King Anawrahta, the founder of the first Pagan dynasty. The Shwezigon is the prototype for all later Myanmar stupas.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Ananda Temple

Mon in its architecture, this jewel of a hollow pagoda is not only Pagan’s most famous but also one of the few active hollow pagodas. Built in 1091 AD by King Kyansittha, it contains statues of Buddha and stone sculptures of exquisite workmanship representing various scenes in Buddha’s life.

King Kyansittha's Ananda Temple

This small but well laid out museum is run by the Archaeological Department. On display here are ancient artifacts found within Pagan. Whether mural paintings, plaster carvings or bas-relief, many are of high artistic quality - marvellous relics of Pagan’s glory.

Bagan Museum

Mount Popa

Mount Popa, a 1,500-metre extinct volcano, about 60 kilometres south east of Pagan is home of Myanmar’s "nats"- a collection of 37 supernatural beings. Twice yearly, thousands of people will gather here to attend the nats festival to honour these spirits.

Mt.Popa-home of the nats