Bupaya Pagoda
✏️Bupaye Temple is one of the oldest pagodas in the Bagan area. It was built in the 3rd century AD. Legend has it that it was built by the third king of the Bagan Dynasty, 🤴Pyusawhti. Its name "Bu" means "gourd" and is named after the golden gourd-shaped top of the tower. The original temple building was destroyed in the 1975 earthquake and was rebuilt in the 1990s based on its original appearance, retaining the traditional Burmese architectural style.
📜Bophaya Temple is located on the bank of the Irrawaddy River in Nyaung U Town, Bagan. It has a unique dome-shaped bell-shaped structure. The river view and the pagoda complement each other at sunset, making it a popular photography spot.
【📍Location】Located in the northeast of the ancient city of Bagan, on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River, close to Nyaung U Town, and close to the riverside pier.
【🕰️Opening hours】6:00-20:00 every day. It is recommended to arrive 1 hour before sunset (about 17:30-18:30) to watch the sunset on the river.
【🎫Ticket】Included in the Bagan Pass (25,000 Myanmar Kyats, about 15 US dollars, valid for 5 days).
【🚗Transportation method】
✔️Pedal bikes🏍️ are the most flexible option, with rental costs of about 5000-8000 MMK/day.
✔️Bicycles🚲 are suitable for short distances, and the rental fee is about 2,000 Myanmar Kyats per day (pay attention to sun protection).
✔️Horse carriage 🐴 is a traditional experience in Bagan, the price is about 20,000 Myanmar Kyats/half day (negotiable).
【⏰Visiting time】
Early morning or evening is the best time to visit, to avoid the scorching sun at noon. At sunset, the golden light shines on the river and the pagoda, creating a beautiful view.
【📷Photography Tips】
☑️It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens for shooting by the river. The silhouette effect is excellent when shooting against the light at sunset.
☑️Photography is prohibited inside the pagoda, but you can take photos outside at will.
【📌Tips】
1⃣You need to take off your shoes and socks to enter the temple, and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and are above your knees (longgi or sarongs can be rented at the door).
2⃣Walk around the pagoda clockwise, do not point your fingers at the Buddha statue, and talk in a low voice.
3⃣You can donate a small amount of Myanmar Kyat (about 500-1000) to the donation box as a sign of respect.
4⃣Prepare drinking water and pay attention to sun protection.
【✍🏻️Nearby attractions】
✔️Ananda Temple: The most exquisite temple in Bagan, about 3 kilometers away from Bupaya Temple and can be reached by electric bike in 10 minutes.
✔️Dhammayangyi Temple: The largest brick pagoda with magnificent architecture, suitable for morning visit.
✔️Shwesandaw Pagoda: A famous sunset viewing point, about 4 kilometers away from Wat Phra That Bupaya.
✔️Nyaung-U Market: On the way back, you can stop by to experience the local market and buy souvenirs such as lacquerware and handmade longji.
【🍱Nearby food recommendations】
1⃣Bupaya Restaurant: A river view restaurant, 5 minutes’ walk away, serving Burmese curry and tea salad, with an average consumption of about US$8 per person.
2⃣Sanon Training Restaurant: A social enterprise restaurant with a river view, it specializes in fusion cuisine and supports local youth employment. Reservations must be made in advance.
3⃣The riverside stalls sell fresh coconuts and sugarcane juice (about 500 Myanmar Kyats/cup) to quench your thirst and relieve the heat.
【📝Itinerary Reference】
🅰Half-day tour route: Arrive at Bu Paya Temple at 4:00 pm → Visit the pagoda and stroll along the river from 4:30 to 5:30 → Watch the sunset from 5:30 to 6:30 → Go to Niangwu Town for dinner at 7:00.
🅱One-day tour route:
Morning: Ananda Temple → Dharmayangyi Temple → Lunch (Niangwu Town)
Afternoon: Shwesandaw Pagoda → Wat Phra That Bupaya (sunset) → dinner (River View Restaurant).