[2025 Nyaung-U Attraction] Travel Guide for Ananda Temple (Updated Mar)

Exploring the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar, we visit the largest existing temple, Ananda Pagoda. Built in 1105 AD, this white temple is named after Ananda, one of the ten principal disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is a rare white temple, earning it the title of 'the most beautiful pagoda in all of Bagan.' Ananda Temple is grand in scale, with whitewashed walls that emit a faint pink glow under sunlight, making it exceptionally elegant and beautiful. The architectural style blends Indian and Mon styles, with a magnificent gilded spire as its hallmark. Inside the temple, there are four large Buddha statues facing different directions: Kassapa Buddha, Konagamana Buddha, Kakusandha Buddha, and Shakyamuni Buddha. The atmosphere is solemn and majestic, attracting many worshippers, making it the most popular temple in Bagan. Just like the temples in Taiwan, the area around Ananda Temple is bustling with vendors. There are various markets and some snacks available. After paying respects, you might as well take a stroll and hunt for treasures.

Myanmar, the official name of the Southeast Asian nation commonly known as Burma is a must-visit destination for travelers who like beaches and Buddha. This beautiful country is dotted with thousands of Buddhist temples. Besides, it has serene white beaches along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar is gradually opening to the foreign tourism, so travelers who wish to experience a more traditional Burma can visit this place. If you are planning a Myanmar tour and wondering which attractions you must visit, then read on to know about the popular tourist attractions in this country. Shwedagon Pagoda The Shwedagon or Greater Dragon Pagoda is known to be the most sacred site related to Buddhism in Myanmar as it contains a strand of Buddha’s hair and other religious relics. This 2,500-year-old pagoda is sited on Singuttara Hill in Yangon. Over the centuries, this pagoda has grown from 8 meters to 99 meters. It is believed that Shwedagon pagoda is believed to be built by the Mon during the Bagan period between the 6th and 10th century AD. This pagoda is covered in gold leaf; this stupa is covered in 4, 531 diamonds. The visitors of pagoda are expected to follow a dress code (preferably trousers with T-shirts with elbow-length sleeves) and enter the temple barefooted. Ananda Temple Ananda Temple is an amazing Buddhist temple that was built in 1105 AD during the supremacy of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty. It is one among the four surviving temples of Bagan. The layout of the temple is in a cruciform offering several terraces of a small pagoda with the top enveloped through an umbrella. This Buddhist temple has four standing Buddhas and each one is facing the different directions. Built in a fusion of Mon and Indian style of architecture, the inspiring temple is also named as the “Westminster Abbey of Burma”.#myanmar ##myanmartravel

The Ananda Temple is a popular landmark which you should visit if you are in Bagan. To move around this place and the area I recommend hiring a driver. You will be grateful especially for the air conditioning. The recommended sightseeing time is half an hour or maximum one hour. It is a big place, colourful and with a beautiful architecture. It is more comfortable to visit this place in the morning or late afternoon as the weather is quite hot. Remember to remove your shoes to walk inside the building. Remember to remove your shoes. It is strictly prohibited to step on this place with any kind of shoes. #createwithtrip #myanmar #holidays #exploring #createwithtrip

Really enjoyed the grounds and interior. One of the most complete and beautiful temples with buddha statues and murals that have been saved. Recent UNESCO status will help save and protect such temples. Plan a visit her to be the highlight of bagan. #GiveThanks

There are many Bagan pagodas, which are called the city of Vantaa. There are more than 40,000 Buddhist pagodas in history. The tower of Ananda Temple is especially prominent! Ananda Temple is known as the most beautiful building in Bagan. The entire temple is square and covers an area of nearly 100 acres. The center of the yard is Ananda Tower. The tower is an Indian-style square big Buddha cave. There is one door in the southeast and northwest. There is a Buddha about 10 meters high in the door. stands above the tower with a tower more than 70 meters high, very tall and magnificent. The tower is light yellow, with thousands of statues of Buddha and Buddha statues on the outer wall. Around the main tower are many small towers, statues and various animal and monster sculptures. The thousands of Buddha statues of different sizes on the outer wall of the Ananda Temple stupa, under the sun, solemnly bow their heads, overlooking the people under their feet. Every morning, the locals and many pilgrims who traveled far and wide to worship and dedicate flowers, which are very distinctive. This stupa is a medium-sized building in the Bagan Dynasty. Its architectural craftsmanship greatly exceeds the previous stupa, and it is built with the unique style of Myanmar...

The most beautiful building in Bagan~ Ananda Temple Ananda Temple is known as the most beautiful building in Bagan. It is indeed well-deserved. The peers of the same company said that it is quite a bit of a trip to Europe. The entire temple is square and covers an area of nearly 100 acres. The center of the yard is the Ananda Tower, which is an Indian-style square big Buddha cave. It stands above the tower with a tower more than 70 meters high. It is very tall and magnificent. There is a door in the southeast and northwest. There is a statue of Buddha who is about ten meters high. The handprints are different and the treasures are solemn.

## ## 7 am to 12 noon is the annual ceremony of worship, and there are crowds of people, and there are even hosts to win the prize. I thought that the Buddhist festival was a poem filled with peace. However, the live music rumblings made a whole day, and the off-campus temple fair and the traditional Burmese rattan game were quite lively.

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Experience the charm of the Land of Ten Thousand Pagodas 🛕 full of ancient temples, peaceful atmospheres, and spectacular balloon views in the morning 🎈 🛫 How to get to Bagan 1️⃣ Fly: • From Bangkok ➡ Yangon (RGN) ✈️ It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes • Take a domestic flight from Yangon ➡ Bagan (Nyaung U Airport - NYU) It takes about 1 hour 🚀 2️⃣ By land: • From Yangon, take a VIP bus 🚌 It takes about 9 hours (departure at night Wake up early in Bagan) • Or choose the ancient train 🚂, chill but takes longer (about 17 hours) 🌟 Day 1: Ancient pagodas & romantic sunset 🛬 Morning: • Arrive at Nyaung U Airport or bus station • Rent an electric bike (E-bike) 🚲 or hire a tuk-tuk 🛺 to travel in Bagan • Stop at Nyaung U Market 🛍️ to see the local way of life 🛕 Line: • Visit Ananda Temple, the most beautiful temple in Bagan • Stop by Shwezigon Pagoda, a golden pagoda The symbol of the city • Take beautiful photos at Htilominlo Temple, a classic red brick pagoda 🍽️ Lunch: • Eat local Burmese food at The Moon (Vegetarian Restaurant) 🥗 Delicious and nice atmosphere 🌅 Dinner: • Ride an E-bike to the Shwesandaw Pagoda viewpoint ⛰️ Wait to see the most beautiful sunset in Bagan • Or try taking a boat 🚤 down the Ayeyarwady River to watch the sunset 🍲 Dinner: • Try Burmese food at Weather Spoon’s 🍛 or local restaurants in Nyaung U 🏨 Stay overnight in Bagan: • Recommend small boutique accommodations Or a chic guesthouse in Old Bagan or Nyaung U 🏡 🌄 Day 2: Balloon Flight & Secret Pagoda 🎈 Early morning (If you want the ultimate experience!): • Take a hot air balloon ride to see the view of Bagan from above 🌤️ (Recommended to book in advance, the price is quite high but worth it!) • Or if you don't take a balloon ride, you can go to the Bu Paya Pagoda or Law Ka Ou Shaung Pagoda viewpoints to see balloons floating in the sky 🍳 Afternoon: • Have a simple breakfast at Bagan Zay Cafe ☕ • Visit secret temples that are not very touristy, such as Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest brick temple in Bagan 🍽️ Lunch: • Have a light local meal before getting ready to travel back 🛫 Afternoon: • Travel back to Nyaung U Airport to fly back to Yangon Or continue to the next destination ✈️ 💡 Tips for Bagan trip: ✅ Dress code: Dress appropriately when entering the temple. Wear a Burmese sarong or tube skirt to add a local feel. 🧣 ✅ Bring a mask: Because some areas may be dusty. 🌬️ ✅ Recommended souvenirs: Burmese handicrafts 🧵 Sand paintings and jade jewelry ✨ 2 days and 1 night in Bagan is enough to capture beautiful memories of the land of thousands of pagodas and the most beautiful sunset in the world. 🌅🏯🌏 #Travel plan giveaway #Visit ancient sites

#getgoing2025 Ananda Temple Ananda Temple, located in Bagan, is one of the most important and impressive temples in Myanmar. Built in the 11th century, this golden temple is known for its architectural elegance and its magnificent collection of Buddha statues. The temple is famous for its large central Buddha figure, surrounded by four smaller statues. Visitors can admire the intricately detailed frescoes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds. The Ananda Temple is a spiritual and historical highlight of Bagan. #AnandaTemple #Bagan #BuddhistTemples #MyanmarHistory

Ananda Temple is one of the most famous temples of Bagan constructed in 1105 AD during the reign of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty. One of the surviving temples of Bagan, this temple has a marvellous layout. It is designed in the form of a cruciform where the terraces lead to a small pagoda at the top. The top is covered with an umbrella called ‘hti’ which is a typical feature of almost all pagodas in Myanmar. Ananda Temple houses 4 standing Buddhas, each facing one cardinal direction. The temple is impressive and should not be missed. Apart from the 4 Buddha statues, Ananda Temple contains innumerable plaques made from glazed terra-cotta tiles. Each plaque represents one story of the Jataka. The temple also houses innumerable stone sculptures both outside and inside the temple. In fact, the inner side of the temple has around 1500 statues. You can also see innumerable wall paintings inside the temple prayer halls, all holding immense historic value. There is a field museum in the temple where you can get a glimpse of ancient artefacts and learn about the history of Bagan #getgoing2025

Built in the 12th century, the Ananda Temple is not far from the Shwezigon Pagoda. These two temples are probably the most popular among the 3,000 pagodas and temples in Bagan. The architecture and sculptures of the Ananda Temple are more exquisite than those of the Shwezigon Pagoda, which makes me believe that it is the premier Buddhist temple in Bagan. Let's compare the two temples: The Shwezigon Pagoda places an early Indian-style stupa, like the Sanchi Stupa from the 3rd century BC during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, on a multi-tiered platform and covers it with gold leaf. This most traditional type of stupa, which does not contain Buddha statues, is a relic stupa. The platform symbolizes Mount Meru. The Borobudur in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from the 8th and 9th centuries, also places stupas on a high platform, but there are many small stupas with seated Buddha statues inside. Of course, the pagodas commonly seen in China are another form. I believe the prototype of the Ananda Temple is the later cave temple, which is also found in many early domestic caves, such as Dunhuang, Yungang, and Xiangtangshan. Caves are carved into the mountain walls, with a central stupa pillar in the middle, allowing for circumambulation or meditation in the carved niches. This style also comes from India, as seen in the famous Ajanta Caves. The core design of the Ananda Temple is this central stupa pillar style, which is already a more complex upgraded version. The pillar part has tall Buddha statues in all four directions, and niches are opened on the surrounding corridors to place Buddha statues (but without any murals), and exquisite sculptures are placed on the exterior, which is particularly rare in Myanmar. On the other hand, the stupa and cave temple styles do not exclude each other; the roof of the Ananda Temple is decorated with many stupa-like structures with spires. Of course, the Ananda Temple is not carved out of a mountain. On the vast plains of Bagan, mountains are rare and far away. I'm not saying it's a cave temple, but that it adopts the style of a cave temple. After the Song Dynasty, Chinese people rarely carved cave temples, mainly focusing on building temples. The national treasure cave temple in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla in Korea (8th century), is more interesting. It is built on the mountainside, but because the granite is too hard, they built a cave temple with stones and placed a large seated Buddha inside. This shows the extent of imitation of Indian cave temples (through China). Returning to the Ananda Temple, besides the architectural prototype, its doors and exterior sculptures are all in Indian style. Perhaps the entire temple was built in imitation of Indian temples (but by the 12th century, Buddhism had already declined in India), and it is even possible that Indian craftsmen were involved in the construction—however, this is speculation, as I do not have written materials about the temple at hand. But one thing is certain: after the Ananda Temple was damaged by an earthquake in 1975, the restoration work was done by an Indian archaeological team, as evidenced by an exhibition room in the temple. The temple's name, Ananda, is that of one of Buddha's ten great disciples, Ananda, who is known as the foremost in hearing, and is commonly seen in Chinese temples; the word means 'joy' in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. Ananda was Buddha's cousin and the attendant who took care of Buddha's daily needs for the last twenty-five years of his life. Therefore, he heard many of Buddha's teachings and, with his extraordinary memory, recited scriptures that became an important basis during the first Buddhist council after Buddha's nirvana. It is not surprising that important temples are named Ananda, because Buddhists, especially Burmese Buddhists, highly revere the scriptures. In the National Museum of Myanmar and the Cultural Museum of Mandalay Palace, I saw particularly many artifacts related to scriptures, such as treasure scrolls made of various materials, treasure boxes for storing scrolls, and palanquins for carrying scrolls, and so on. In the courtyard of the Ananda Temple, there is also a Bodhi tree, under which there is a circle of statues, which I guess are the Indian zodiac.

In the heart of Myanmar, Bagan stands as a testament to a bygone era, where thousands of temples and pagodas create an enchanting skyline against the backdrop of the setting sun. As you traverse the dusty paths that wind through the ancient city, you'll find yourself immersed in a tapestry of history, spirituality, and architectural marvels. Begin your exploration at sunrise, atop one of the many temples, where the first rays of light reveal the silhouette of the stupas against the dawn sky. The air is filled with the scent of incense as monks begin their rituals, setting a serene atmosphere that permeates the entire landscape. Each temple tells a story, from the grandeur of Ananda Temple to the hidden gems like Dhammayangyi Temple. Don't miss climbing to the upper terraces, where panoramic views of the archaeological site unfold, showcasing the vastness of Bagan's cultural richness. For a unique experience, consider a hot air balloon ride at dawn, where the temples below come to life in the soft hues of the morning light. Navigate the sandy trails by e-bike during the day, allowing you to discover hidden corners and lesser-known structures. Bagan is not merely an ancient city; it's a living testament to Myanmar's rich cultural heritage, where the past and present coalesce in a mesmerizing dance beneath the golden glow of the setting sun. #BaganSunsetMagic #TempleTales #MyanmarMarvels #AncientWonders

As the first rays of the morning sun creep across this Unesco World Heritage Site, hundreds of red-brick temples magically turn a burning gold! 🧡 Old Bagan is home to over 2,000 temples and pagodas, many of which are well-preserved and still in use today. Some of the most popular temples to visit include Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, and Dhammayangyi Temple. 📸 @travelimagez

Ananda Pagoda is located in Bagan, Myanmar. It is a Buddhist temple built in 1105 and is a place crowded with many tourists because of its outstanding religious value. Unlike other places, the white pagodas stand out, so it was convenient to be able to see them at a glance from afar. It was really nice to be able to tour the outside and inside of the pagoda in a quiet atmosphere. Be sure to stop by when you visit Bagan! 📍 Nyaung-U, Myanmar #Southeast Asia travel #Myanmar #Bagan #Hot place

Although quite crowded, this pagode is worthwhile, for its images, corridors and magnificent stupa and courtyards. If you have spare time, do not forget to have a quick look in the monastry. What a beautiful temple as big as a palace. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

The white Ananda Temple is beautiful with a magical power. Ananda Temple is located on the east side of the ancient city wall of the old Bagan. The name of the temple comes from the Buddhas savvy disciple who heard the first Ananda. It is the first big temple in Bagan and the most elegant and beautiful Buddhist building to this day. So in the three days in Bagan, I will always pass through here at a certain moment, staying in the deep corridor. The proportion of the building itself is perfect, and the white exterior makes her very different from other temples in Bagan. The temple is enshrined with four large Buddha statues carved in teak. Each of the four positions in the temple has a standing Buddha, 9.5 meters high. The two north and south are left over from the original, while the two things are damaged by the fire and then rebuilt in the 18th century. The Buddha statue in the south is the most special. She will show different expressions when she looks far and near. When you look at the Buddha statue from afar, the Big Buddha laughs very kindly and embarrassedly, but when you walk to the foot of the Big Buddha and look up again, the Fa has become solemn and very sorrowful. We are also very good at the coexistence of sadness and joy. Walking around the temple's periphery, the tiles shimmered with golden light, and the beautiful temple spires made me forget the pain of barefoot on the hot tiles.

Ananda Temple is the most beautiful and famous temple in Bagan. It is elegant and beautiful in white and has traces of years. Riding a small sheep in Bagan every day, this golden-top temple is the most dazzling. The Burmese pilgrims who arrived not far away will take a fresh bouquet and worship. I prefer this way of worship. There is no fog of flying smoke, only sincerity and flowers that bloom brightly. Myanmar Buddhism is different from our Buddhism, and the smoke-free environment makes worship more comfortable. Moreover, the shape of each temple is not. In addition to being produced, walking between the stupas, I am also amazed at the local temple architecture art. The top of Ananda Temple is golden yellow, and the top below is white, combining the two colors. Ananda Temple is large in size and has large Buddhas on all sides. The passages are relatively dark, but these holes are good shooting points. Ananda Temple is one of the most popular temples for local tourists. The entrance ticket needs to be checked, which is stamped in the pass to Bagan. There are a lot of small vendors on the outside, so it is difficult to shoot a whole in the distance.

Ananda Temple is located on the east side of the ancient wall of Old Bagan. The name of the temple comes from the Buddhas singer and disciples to hear the first Ananda. It is the first big temple in Bagan, and it is also the most elegant and beautiful Buddhist building to this day. It is the middle building of the Bagan Dynasty. The Meng-style architecture also has a North Indian style, reflecting the early evolution of the early temples of Bagan. process. The four positions in the temple have a standing Buddha, 9.5 meters high, and are recognized as the most solemn and beautiful Buddha statue in Bagan. The two north and south are left over from the original, while the two things are damaged by the fire and then rebuilt in the 18th century. The big Buddha in the south is the most stunned. When you look at the Buddha statue from afar, the big Buddha laughs very kindly and embarrassedly, but when you walk to the foot of the big Buddha and look up again, the law becomes solemn and very sorrowful. Tickets: Tickets are included in the Bagan Pass, with a fare of 20. When you enter Bagan City, you can purchase open time: 7

Known as "the fingertips, all of them are stupas", Bagan is really not a name. In the old Bagan, just like being in the kingdom of the stupa, all modern civilizations are incompatible with it. Ananda Pahto is the first temple we visited. It is hidden in a market. If it is not the driver, we will not find it. There are many vendors selling books, postcards and oil paintings outside the temple, but this prevents us from visiting. It has four 9-meter-high Buddha statues on the four sides facing from the center, all made of solid teak. The Buddha statue in the south is quite popular, because the tour guide said that if you stand next to the donation box in front of the original statue, the Buddha's face will look like a sad expression; if you stand a little farther, the Buddha looks more like a happy look. . therefore. We also deliberately confirmed the commentary of the tour guide.

In the early morning, Bagan is shrouded in a quiet atmosphere. Only a few early guests came to Ananda Tower to enjoy the beautiful Bagan Sunrise. Unfortunately, the thick black clouds cover the sun. The Bagan without sunrise has a dazzling color, but the thousands of stupas hidden in the jungle, showing their own beauty in different forms, are still unforgettable.

The Ananda Temple was built in 1091 by Kyansittha. It belongs to the early tower temple complex and is the most beautiful Buddhist temple in Bagan. It is also known as the first Buddhist pagoda in Bagan. The craft has greatly surpassed the previous stupa and was built with the unique style of Myanmar. The entire monastery is square, symbolizing balance and harmony. There are four long corridors around the temple. Each corridor leads to the middle courtyard. The yard is large, covering an area of nearly 100 acres, and is filled with bright flowers everywhere. The center of the yard is Ananda Tower. The tower is an Indian-style square big Buddha cave. There is one door in the southeast and northwest. There is a Buddha about 10 meters high in the door. Above the tower stands a tower more than 70 meters high, very tall and magnificent. Each corner of the tower has a statue of a beast with two bodies. In the corridor wall of the stupa, thousands of golden Buddha statues are inlaid in the dense sunlight. Under the sunlight shining through the skylight above, the head is solemnly lowered, overlooking the people under the feet.