This deserted ancient city alongside the Irrawaddy River is home to over 2.000 temples and pagodas, covering an area of around 40 square km. Myanmar’s greatest wonder, and by far its largest attraction, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia and represents the spiritual heritage of ancient Burma.
Uniteam Tours & Travel is happy to offer you a truly unique adventure of a breath-taking ride in a hot-air-balloon over the ancient temples and pagodas of Bagan during sunrise! Depending on the weather condition the flight usually lasts around 60 minutes. We strongly recommend an early booking as capacities are limited.
All balloons were produced by Cameron Balloons Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hot-air-balloons. The operation crew consists of qualified pilots and technicians who are all registered in Great Britain.
Sights in Bagan:
Ananda Temple: Ananda is one of the finest, largest and best preserved temples of Bagan, fully restored after suffering damage in the 1975 earthquake. Built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. There are four large wooden Buddha figures. Two of them appear to change their face expressions the closer you get.
Dhammayangyi Temple: This temple was built during the 12th century by Kalagya Min, the king who was killed by the Indians. Dhammayangyi resembles a pyramid from the side with impressive mortar-less brickwork – the king ordered that the bricks need to fit together so tightly as not to admit that even a pin could fit between them. Otherwise – it is said – he cut off the workers hands.
Htilo-Minlo Temple: Htilo-Minlo is a massive complex built in 1218 by King Nantaungmya. It features traces of old murals, original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
Shwezigon Pagoda: The works on this pagoda were started by Anawratha, but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha (1084-1113). The stupa's graceful bell shape became the prototype for Myanmar's pagodas. Supposedly the Shwezigon was built to enshrine one of the four replicas of the Buddha tooth from Kandy, Sri Lanka, and to mark the northern edge of the city.
Upali Thein: Upali Thein is one of the few ordination halls still standing. Most buildings of this type were made of wood and have disappeared since long. It is named after Upali, a well-known monk, and features some brightly painted frescos from the late 17th and early 18th century.
Migalazedi: It is know as the “blessing stupa” and was built in 1277 by Narathihapati. Mingalazedi is noted for its fine proportions and for the many beautiful glazed Jataka tiles around its terraces. It is also an excellent spot for a nice afternoon view, as it is located far on the western side of the pagoda plain.
Thatbyinnyu: This temple was built by Alaungsithu in the 12th century and is with 61 meters the highest building in Bagan. Its monumental size and vertical design make it a classic example of the Middle Bagan period.
Dhammayazika Pagoda: This pagoda was built by Narapatisithu in 1196 and almost looks like the Shwezigon Pagoda, however, it was built on a pentagon terrace with five little temples, each containing a Buddha image. The pagoda offers a nice view over the Bagan Plain.
Gawdawpalin Temple: Considered the crowning achievement of the Late Bagan period, this is one of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan temples. It was badly damaged in the 1975 earthquake and its reconstruction probably represents the biggest operation undertaken after the earthquake.
Gu-Byauk-Gyi: This temple from the 13th century features amazingly fine frescos showing scenes of Buddha`s life.
