Buddhist Sites

Myanmar’s most well-known and impressive sites are Buddhist temples and pagodas. Visit a temple teetering on the edge of a cliff, in a cave, or deep in the jungle. Pilgrimages are a part of Myanmar culture, and visitors often leave their mark with offerings like gold leaf, which ensures that these sites are beautified for generations to come.

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Shitthaung Temple

Said to house 80,000 Buddhas, Shitthuang Temple was built in 1535 by King Min Bar.

Andaw Thein Temple

Andaw Thein Temple first became famous as a reliquary for one of the Buddha's teeth, which historians believe may have originally come from Sri Lanka. The name literally translates to “tooth shrine,” and tours of Mrauk U stop here to appreciate the distinctive pagodas, very much unlike what you’ll see in other parts of Myanmar.

Kakku

If you’re visiting Nyaungshwe or Inle Lake, you’ll be within reach of the mystical site of Kakku. With nearly 2,500 spires assembled into a tightly compacted hillside, the area is visually stunning. You can walk among the narrow passages between the pagodas and get a good look at their sometimes ancient engravings.

Sagaing Hill

You’ll know Sagaing Hill right away — it’s covered in temples and monasteries, and makes for a scenic walk with a tremendous view from the top. You’ll find it outside of Myanmar, over the Yadanabon Bridge and across the Ayeyarwady River. A walkway built on the side of the bridge is a convenient place to stop and admire the hill's hundreds of pagodas.

Mahamuni Buddha Temple

Dazzling gold archways greet visitors to the Mahamuni Temple. Small stalls selling souvenirs line either side of the corridor until one comes to the end of the hall. The corridor continues to the Mahamuni statue, which sits in an elevated perch at the end.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

729 small white stupas surround the Kuthodaw Pagoda. These gold bell topped stupas are neatly placed in symmetrical rows creating a stunning assembly around the main pagoda.

Gubyaukgyi Temple

Prince Yazakumar constructed this temple to honor his father, King Kyansittha, after his death in 1113. The temple is built in a Mon and Indian style.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Legend says that the gravity-defying boulder the pagoda is built upon is held in its precarious position by a strand of the Buddha's hair. It must be a pretty strong strand – the rock has been perfectly in place since the 10th century. Over the years, supplicants have added many sheets of gold leaf to the boulder, allowing worshippers to leave their mark.

Koe-Thaung Temple

Built in 1556 by King Dikkha, the large base of the partially ruined temple alludes to the grandiose size of the original that housed 90,000 Buddhas. The largest temple in Mrauk U, it was hit particularly hard over the centuries by earthquakes and what remains only represents about half the original structure.

Old Bagan

The ancient outer wall of Old Bagan still stands today, marking the entrance to the original heart of the capital city. It encircles the landward side of the city which is located next to the Ayeyarwady River. This area is known for its hot air balloon rides with an incredible view of the sprawling ruins.