The Shwe Ku pagoda is famed for its Tangetawgyi buddha image and the stunningly intricate wood-carved backdrop full of filigree and depictions of spirits and animals. The rest of the complex is a clashing melange of spires, colours and general tackiness. Groups of locals come here in the evening to pray and there are normally plenty of monks in residence.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.71 MILES
With its 170ft-high, gold corn-cob hti (decorated pinnacle) shimmering across the plains, Ananda is one of the finest, largest, best-preserved and most…
18 MILES
Visible from all parts of Bagan, this massive, walled, 12th-century temple – about 1600ft east of Shwesandaw – is infamous for its mysterious, bricked-up…
15.44 MILES
At the western end of Nyaung U, this big, beautiful zedi (stupa) is the town’s main religious site, and is most famous for its link with Myanmar's main…
19.17 MILES
Just south of Manuha Paya by dirt road, this shrine is said to have been used as Manuha’s prison, although there is little evidence supporting the legend…
18.36 MILES
Bagan’s most famous sunset-viewing spot, Shwesandaw is a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda with steps leading past five terraces to the circular stupa…
29.79 MILES
From the nat shrine, start up the many steps under a covered walkway and past the rows of trinket and souvenir shops and shrines to a revered local…
18.39 MILES
Standing 197ft tall, Gawdawpalin is one of the largest and most imposing Bagan temples, although by no means the most inspiring, with its modernised altar…
17.41 MILES
This temple with five doorways is known as the Crowning Jewel and was constructed around 1181 by Narapatisithu. It is one of Bagan’s most attractive…
Nearby Myanmar (Burma) attractions
1.18 MILES
Pakokku's mains Buddhist temple couldn't be any different to the often staid and zestless temple ruins of Bagan. Built by King Alaungsithu some 800 years…
15.22 MILES
Claiming that it’s the ‘Only One Thanakha Gallery in the World’, this sizeable complex has a small gallery devoted to the myriad medicinal and cosmetic…
15.44 MILES
At the western end of Nyaung U, this big, beautiful zedi (stupa) is the town’s main religious site, and is most famous for its link with Myanmar's main…
15.65 MILES
Although officially credited to Kyanzittha, this cave temple may actually date back to Anawrahta. Built into a cliff face 270yd southwest of Shwezigon,…
15.91 MILES
Just west of Nyaung U and about 330ft east of Gubyauknge, this detailed off-the-main-circuit, 13th-century temple has an Indian-style spire, like the…
15.96 MILES
About 17 miles northeast of Pakokku, on the way to Monywa, are the remains of Pakhangyi, a 19th-century wooden monastery. There isn't a lot to see here,…
16 MILES
Off Anawrahta Rd, almost a mile east of Htilominlo, this temple from the early Bagan period has some excellent stucco carvings on the outside walls …