Shwesandaw Pagoda, Seeing Sunrise and Sunset

Sunset is always mesmerising for me. It goes with sunrise, as well. Whenever I see sunset and sunrise, it feels dreamlike. It gives me huge hope and new beginning.

There are numerous places in the world to catch a magnificent sunrise and sunset. Actually, anyplace is a great one to see these things but one of the places that I’ve admired seeing the appearance and disappearance of the sun was at Bagan


With several pagodas and stupas positioned all over the plains of Bagan, sunrise and sunset have become magnificent happenings in the ancient city. Who wouldn’t be amazed to see these sun timings with several marvellous structures giving more spectacles to it?

There are various pagodas in Bagan that are said to be a nice vantage point to witness sunrise or sunset. The pagodas of Sulamani, Pya Tha Da, Ananda, Bulethi and so many others are amongst those. However, the most popular spot is the Shwesandaw Pagoda.


The Shwesandaw Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda that contains a series of five terraces, topped with a cylindrical stupa. King Anawrahta built the pagoda in 1057.


Because the pagoda of Shwesandaw is the most popular one to see the glorious sunrise and sunset, it gets bit teeming. To obtain a nice spot, it is recommended that one have to get to the pagoda an hour before these sun timings.

Shwesandaw Pagoda is situated off-road the Anawrahta Road in Nyang-U. One can get to this famous pagoda through horse cart, bicycle or any other transport that may be provided by an agency or travel group. Since I was just alone when I had visited the place, I rented a bicycle for about MMK 1,500 through the help of my hotel – and they gave me a lady bike. Lol! It took me half an hour to bike from my hotel to reach the popular spot.
Visiting some of the temples in Bagan comes with an Archeological Fee, which costs MMK 15,000 per person that is good for three days. The fee has to be paid by all foreign tourists before entering Bagan. Actually, you can avoid this thing but I believe it’s unjust to share it how in here as the fees go to preservation of the archeological zone. The fees will help to make Bagan clean and well maintained. ☺


It was said that there are inspectors set in some of the temples and pagodas to check the ticket before one can enter the vicinity, but I had only encountered once and that was in Shwesandaw Pagoda.

With a bicycle and a simple map with me, I was able to locate Shwesandaw Pagoda easily. I was too early when I had arrived in the famous pagoda, both periods when I had visited the place for sunrise and sunset. There were only few people when the time that I had arrived but as the time gone by, more and more tourists had been appearing. It was really a popular spot.

Sunrise from Shwesandaw Pagoda

Sunset from Shwesandaw Pagoda


Between sunrise and sunset, what I had appreciated better is the sunset. I found it more stunning and extra dramatic.


Nevertheless, Shwesandaw Pagoda is absolutely a nice spot to capture both sunrise and sunset in Bagan. It has this fantastic view of temples, the mountains and the river giving more drama to the sight of daybreak and sundown.

1 Response

  1. jack james says:

    I agree with you that the Sunset and sunrise give a huge hope and new beginning. It always fascinates me as well as you. Your shared images are soul taking. These days I am enjoying the breathtaking views of sunset on hawaii famous places.

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