If you’re planning to visit Myanmar, Bagan temples would be one of the highlights of your trip. And there are many reasons for it. This ancient city is a blend of culture, architecture and kind people. The simplicity and the surreality of the experiences it offers will fill your soul.
Bagan is also called a photographer’s paradise, for it offers a lot of photo opportunities of different kinds. Be it, people photography or architecture or landscape. You will not be disappointed.
Bagan Temples and also the amount of them, are at the core of giving this place the surreal feel it has. There are more than 2000 temples which are part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone.
Here are 7 out of the 2000+ pagodas you must visit:
Htilo Minlo

Shwezigon

Shwesandaw

One of the best spots to watch the mesmerizing Bagan sunset. However, recently in 2016, there was an Earthquake which caused damage to the monument, after which climbing the terrace is not allowed. The name Shwesandow mean a golden sacred hair which is how the legend goes. The temple enshrines a Buddha hair relic. It is not allowed to climb anymore. However, I recommend this as a must visit.
Dhammayangyi

Ananda Temple

Sulamani

Thatbyinnyu

By Dan Lundberg [CC BY 2.0 ], via Flickr
Temples for Sunrise views
One of the best times for photography in Bagan is the golden hour. The light of a few minutes before sunrise and almost half an hour after, makes the whole landscape bathe in the golden light. However, It is also important to be on the right spot to capture the best shot. Among 2000+ Bagan temples, there are many which offer a good view. I’ve chosen three among those which all offer different views and are a certainly worth a visit.
Pyathetgyi Pagoda
One of the most popular spots in Bagan to watch the sunrise. It offers a great view on three sides. Also, it being popular makes it even more important to reach early morning, in order to avoid the crowd.
Dhammayazaka (One near it)
This temple glitters in the morning light and the floating hot air balloons around it makes an even more amazing view. For that, you will need to be on the rooftop of another pagoda behind it, from rooftop you will get the above view.
Dhammayangyi (One near it)

Yatharth