Black Elephant Studio

Top choice in Bagan


For some of the best lacquerware in Bagan, pop by the Black Elephant Studio where you can feast your eyes – and empty your wallet – on some exquisite, but expensive, works of art.

The artworks are actually designed by a British-Ukrainian artist who wanted to rekindle the dying lacquerware market and to produce pieces that were more than mere tourist souvenirs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bagan attractions

1. Nan Paya

0.05 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…

2. Abeyadana Pahto

0.12 MILES

About 1300ft south of Manuha Paya, this 11th-century temple with a Sinhalese-style stupa was supposedly built by Kyanzittha’s Bengali wife Abeyadana, who…

3. Manuha Paya

0.19 MILES

In Myinkaba village stands this active and rather modern-looking pagoda (although it dates from 1059). It is named after Manuha, the Mon king from Thaton…

4. Nagayon

0.26 MILES

Slightly south of Abeyadana and across the road, this elegant and well-preserved temple was built by Kyanzittha. The main buddha image is twice life-size…

5. Somingyi Kyaung

0.3 MILES

Named after the woman who supposedly sponsored its construction, this typical late-Bagan brick monastery (about 650ft southwest of Nagayon) is thought to…

6. Gubyaukgyi

0.52 MILES

Just to the left of the road as you enter Myinkaba, Gubyaukgyi (Great Painted Cave Temple) draws visitors to see the well-preserved, richly coloured…

7. Myazedi

0.62 MILES

Built in the 12th century by Prince Yazakumar as a memorial to his mother, this large and gently tapering gold pagoda is flanked by two large chinthe (…

8. Mingalazedi Paya

0.72 MILES

Close to the riverbank, towards Myinkaba from Old Bagan, Mingalazedi Paya (Blessing Stupa) represents the final flowering of Bagan’s architectural…