Shwesandaw Pagoda

Shwesandaw Pagoda (ရွှေဆံတော်ဘုရား) is the tallest Buddhist pagoda in Bagan that was built in 1057 by King Anawrahta (Bagan’s founder). The pagoda contains a series of five terraces, painted with white from the 3rd terrace to the top and topped with a cylindrical bell-shaped stupa

The view from Shwesandaw Pagoda offers a nice pagoda field landscape. Climb up from the stairway to reach the top terrace and soaking in a panoramic view of Bagan’s ancient city. We went there on the afternoon for sunset and it totally worth it!

Used to be the climb for sunrises, but not now. This place is still beautiful, the symmetry is well worth a visit.
There’s an amazing fritters/pakode place a few clicks away from here under a huge tree, yiu would see locals flocking! Check the pics below to find this hidden spot.

Great view. Easy access so lots of tourists. We came for sunrise and was there one hour before that, so got a good spot. You really need to come early, but it's also very romantic standing in the early morning just before sunrise. Very steep stairs.

We had perfect skies when visiting which made for perfect photos at this pagoda. There are dozens of young girls and children selling wares in this area so be prepared to be approached and followed whilst you’re visiting the site

In Bagan, "What a pagoda!" is a difficult proclamation to issue because of the sheer number of impressive structures. After visiting tens of ancient and beautiful temples, it's difficult to determine why one of them stays in your mind more than others. Shwesandaw stayed in mine, maybe because of the building's setback terraces and beautiful brick work. Then again, it may be the reclining Buddha statue in the Shinbinthalyaung Temple, which is next door to Shwesandaw and which has one of the most serene depictions of a Buddha face anywhere around.

World heritage site, Shwe San Daw Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar.

At present time going up to temple is allowed.Brilliant views from top of the temple.Make sure cautious while going down the stairs, because steps of stair are high.
Next to the temple there is reclining big Buddha temple.( Shinbinthalyaung pagod)

A huge pagoda centrally located in old Bagan. It was famous for sunrise and sunset but now most major pagodas are restricted from climbing hence would suggest to go in the mid day when not many people are around. And there is a garden and other mini stupas nearby. Please do visit this when you are at Bagan but make it a mid day trip.

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Excellent sunrise pictures near this location. Telephoto and tripod are a must for picking out those amazing landscapes. Sunset isnt a great experience during dry season as the roads are dusty and all the tourist buses cart people to sunset vistas. But if you wait for the blue hour when luckily everyone has gone you maybe rewarded with some good photo opportunities. You'll have to look hard for that sunset picture which we found was at least 1km east of Bagan.

Good view but it's so crowded here. There are a lot of other pagodas to visit

The Buddhists pagoda is such a beautiful sight from a far and has a series of five terraces with a cylindrical stupa on top which then has a bejewelled umbrella. They say that Enshrined within the pagoda are sacred hairs of Buddha so this temple is a very spiritual place. It was built by a King in 1057 and when we were there it was having some work done on it. #bagan #LetsGuide #pagoda #Buddha #myanmar

Even if it's one of the most popular sunrise spot and overcrowded, it's definitely one of the best and one is able to find a good position to observe the hot balloons.

Good place for both Sunrise and sunset. Be there early or you'll not get a good spot

Quite nice. Not possible to climb anymore for sunsets.

Breathtaking view! Most people are brought here for a panoramic view of Bagan

Perfect place to see sunrise or sunset, Nice pagoda

A wonderful place for a nice stroll while taking in the majestic architecture. Many photo opportunities and insta-worthy spots for the trigger crazies too.

I particularly like the green patch of carpet grass at the foot of the pagoda. Seems like a good picnic spot if nice weather ensues.

Definitely a worth-to-visit when touring the many temples of Old Bagan. 👍🏻

Can't beat this view. I know it is super touristy but there are sometimes good reasons things are so popular. Get there early to secure a spot up front. Most of the temples are under repair due to earthquakes and this one offers a high view. They need more security to stop people from climbing higher and respect the restoration process.

Very crowded but it's so nice! The views are amazing and it's definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful and respectful and adhere by the rules. It's a sunrise/sunset spot for you, but it's sacred to the people so it'd be good to show some respect.

Driving an e bike around Shwesandaw would make you feel visiting Bagan.