In the complex about 500yd west of Paya Thonzu, Mann Paya is a modern pagoda housing a 13th-century, 20ft gold buddha made of straw lacquer. As the story goes, the buddha image was originally located near Monywa and was washed downstream during the 1888 monsoon, all the way to Salay. Ask for a peek inside from the latched door at the back.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.54 MILES
With its 170ft-high, gold corn-cob hti (decorated pinnacle) shimmering across the plains, Ananda is one of the finest, largest, best-preserved and most…
23.87 MILES
Visible from all parts of Bagan, this massive, walled, 12th-century temple – about 1600ft east of Shwesandaw – is infamous for its mysterious, bricked-up…
26.57 MILES
At the western end of Nyaung U, this big, beautiful zedi (stupa) is the town’s main religious site, and is most famous for its link with Myanmar's main…
22.91 MILES
Just south of Manuha Paya by dirt road, this shrine is said to have been used as Manuha’s prison, although there is little evidence supporting the legend…
23.75 MILES
Bagan’s most famous sunset-viewing spot, Shwesandaw is a graceful white pyramid-style pagoda with steps leading past five terraces to the circular stupa…
24.15 MILES
Standing 197ft tall, Gawdawpalin is one of the largest and most imposing Bagan temples, although by no means the most inspiring, with its modernised altar…
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24.25 MILES
This temple with five doorways is known as the Crowning Jewel and was constructed around 1181 by Narapatisithu. It is one of Bagan’s most attractive…
24.02 MILES
Housed in a sprawling complex, this government-run museum features many fine pieces from Bagan (reclining buddhas, original images, inscribed stones and…
Nearby Myanmar (Burma) attractions
0.11 MILES
The monastery and meditation centre Sasanayaunggyi Kyaung, 0.3 miles north of Paya Thonzu, is a stop-off point for day trippers. It features a lovely 19th…
0.13 MILES
Designed as a copy of the Crown Prince House in Mandalay, and built in 1882–92, this huge wooden monastery is one of Salay's not-to-be-missed sights…
0.13 MILES
In the pagoda-filled area just east of Youqson Kyaung lies Paya Thonzu, a small trio of brick shrines with sikhara (Indian-style corn-cob-like temple…
5.69 MILES
About 4 miles southwest of town, you'll find the Bagan-era (but renovated over the years) Shinpinsarkyo Paya (Temple 88), which is full of original…
7.14 MILES
Around 1 mile south of Shinpinsarkyo – some taxis won’t drive it, but it’s an easy 20-minute walk – is the so-called Temple 99, an unassuming 13th-century…
20.74 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…
21.17 MILES
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…
21.27 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…