Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most visitors access it from the northern side, where the highest concentration of
hawkers are. For a quieter approach, enter from the east side.
Ananda Ok Kyaung
BUDDHIST CHAPEL
Just west of Ananda's northern entry, this small
vihara
(sanctuary or chapel) features
some detailed 18th-century murals bursting with bright red and green, showing details of
everyday life from the Bagan period. In the southeast corner, you can see Portuguese fig-
ures engaged in trade. Built in 1137, the temple's name means 'Ananda Brick Monas-
tery'.
Upali Thein
ORDINATION HALL
Just north of the Bagan-Nyaung U Rd, almost midway to Nyaung U, this squat
mid-13th-century ordination hall houses some brightly painted frescoes depicting big
scenes on the walls and ceilings from the late 17th or early 18th century. Sadly many
pieces crumbled in the 1975 earthquake.
The building, named for a well-known monk from the 13th century, is often locked to
protect the art, but you can see in (a bit) from the three gated doorways if the 'keyholder'
isn't around. The roof battlements imitate Myanmar wooden architecture, and a small
centre spire rises from the rooftop.
Htilominlo Pahto
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
This 150ft (45m)-high temple (built in 1218) marks the spot where King Nantaungmya
was chosen (by a leaning umbrella, that timeless decider), among five brothers, to be the
crown prince. It's more impressive from the outside, with its terraced design, which is
similar to Sulamani Pahto. Unfortunately it's Vendor Central.
Have a walk around the 140-sq-ft base to take in the fragments of the original fine
plaster carvings, glazed sandstone decorations and nicely carved reliefs on the doorways.
Inside are four buddhas on the lower and upper floors, though the stairways are closed.
Traces of old murals are also still visible.
Buledi
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Great for its views, this steep-stepped, pyramid-style stupa looks ho-hum from afar, but
the narrow terrace has become something of an alternative sunset spot. It's about 2000ft
