It is clear why Ananda Pahto is top of every traveller’s list. It is the finest, largest and best presented out of the four surviving temples in Bagan. Built in 1105 AD, the Ananda Pahto is highly revered and houses four standing Buddha statues, facing North, South, East and West respectively. Due to its popularity, there are many hawkers who sell their wares outside the main entrance to the north. Get ready to don your haggling hat for a bargain souvenir or, alternatively, approach the temple from the east side for more peaceful access.

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At 100 metres high, Shwedagon Pagoda is the biggest golden tower in the world and can be seen from any point in Yangon. This 2500-year-old temple is Myanmar’s most treasured feat of religious virtuosity.

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Visit Shwesandaw Pagoda for what is arguably the best sunset view over the plains of Bagan. Presenting an amazing vantage point from which to see the masses of temples scattered across the land, be sure to bring your camera for some truly spectacular photographs as you climb the steps from the side of the pagoda past the five terraces. 

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To complete the sun gazing experience, find your way to Lawkaoushaung Temple for views over the Myinkaba Plains. If it’s closed when you arrive, find the key holder who resides in a hut behind the temple. It’s a little extra effort, but your reward will be a spectacular sunrise in a temple devoid of other tourists.

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Located on a limestone ridge in the region of Myelat are the Pindaya Caves, renowned for being an important pilgrimage site. Take a short flight to Heho Airport from Yangon, and enjoy a scenic 1.5 hours drive to the site, which is not too far from Inle Lake. The numbers of pilgrims far outnumber the visiting tourists, so if you’re feeling energetic and want a bit of privacy, take the back entrance and make the climb for some undisturbed, stunning views.

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Sitting atop a large golden boulder, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is another important pilgrimage site in Myanmar. The boulder is uniquely situated, perched on the edge of a cliff in a state of gravity-defying suspension. It is purported that the structure is balanced on a strand of Buddha’s hair; the locals believe that even a mere glimpse upon its wonder is enough to turn anyone to Buddhism.

Getting there: Take a 4.5 hours bus journey from Aung Mindalar Bus Station in Yangon that costs about 8000 Kyats. Enquire with our concierge desk for ticketing and departure times. 

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The 13 feet golden Buddha that resides inside Mahamuni Paya is believed to be over 2000 years old. Over the years, it has been heavily covered in layers of painted gold leaf, so much so that its once familiar shape has morphed. There is an art gallery inside the temple’s courtyard that depicts its interesting history. 

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Residing on top of Mount Popa, 1518 metres above sea level, the Tuang Kalat Temple boasts spectacular views of rolling lush forestry and provides a truly tranquil setting for spiritual revelry.

It is a sacred site for the people of Myanmar, who believe the area was the birthplace of power spirits called Nats, who occasionally manifest themselves in human-form. To reach the summit is no easy task as there are many stairs (and monkeys) to navigate; however there are lots resting points along the way.

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