Lawkananda Paya

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At the height of Bagan’s power, boats from the Mon region, Rakhaing (Arakan) and even Sri Lanka would anchor by this riverside pagoda with its distinctive elongated cylindrical dome. Built in 1059 by Anawrahta, it is still used as a place of worship and is thought to house an important Buddha tooth replica. Lawkananda Paya was one of numerous temples damaged during the 2016 earthquake.

It is about 820ft southeast of the New Bagan crossroads; a sign in Burmese points the way. There are lots of benches for wide-open views of the Ayeyarwady River, but it’s sometimes hard to enjoy hassle-free.

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Nearby attractions

1. Anauk (West) Petleik Paya

0.13 MILES

Just inland to the northeast from Lawkananda Paya lie the excavated remains of this 11th-century paya, and its twin, Ashe Petleik Paya. Found in 1905, the…

2. Ashe (East) Petleik Paya

0.25 MILES

A short stroll northeast of Lawkananda Paya, this 11th-century temple is best known for the many terracotta Jataka lining the interior.

3. Eight-Faces Paya

0.79 MILES

On the main road, this small pagoda makes a handy landmark when navigating New Bagan. It's lit up at night, and best seen from one of the handful of…

4. Sittana Paya

0.84 MILES

About half a mile south of New Bagan, this large, 13th-century, bell-shaped stupa is one of the most impressive structures in the area. Built by…

5. Seinnyet Ama & Seinnyet Nyima Paya

1.11 MILES

The Seinnyet 'Sisters' are a pair of beautiful paya standing hand in hand next to one another. Built in the 11th century by Queen Seinnyet, the, Seinnyet…

7. Somingyi Kyaung

1.42 MILES

Named after the woman who supposedly sponsored its construction, this typical late-Bagan brick monastery (about 650ft southwest of Nagayon) is thought to…

8. Nagayon

1.57 MILES

Slightly south of Abeyadana and across the road, this elegant and well-preserved temple was built by Kyanzittha. The main buddha image is twice life-size…