Bupaya Pagoda & Irrawaddy River
ဗူးဘုရား
A gilded, gourd-shaped pagoda on the bank of the Irrawaddy, where you can take a boat out on the river and watch the sun sink behind the hills on the far shore.
Bupaya Pagoda stands on the riverbank on the north side of Old Bagan. Its unique gourd-shaped form is said to date from the early Bagan dynasty, making it one of the oldest pagodas on the plain. The original pagoda collapsed into the river in the 1975 earthquake, and the gilded pagoda seen today is a reconstruction. Steps in front lead directly down to the broad Irrawaddy, and the distant hills on the opposite bank make it a lovely spot to watch the sunset. Boats can be hired at the nearby pier for a sunset cruise of about an hour (private boat prices are negotiable). There are also river cruises from Mandalay running downriver for about 9–10 hours, though schedules depend on season and conditions. The riverbank is windy in the evening, so bring a jacket. During the rainy season water levels rise, and boat departures may be cancelled.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bagan
- Bagan Golden Palace
- Gawdawpalin Temple
- Tharabha Gate
- Shwegugyi Temple
- Mimalaung Kyaung
- Pahtothamya Temple
- Bagan Archaeological Museum