Buledi Pagoda
A serene hilltop temple in Bagan, offering expansive vistas of ancient structures and a peaceful dawn experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and beautiful
Buledi Pagoda
Best Time
Quiet and beautiful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene hilltop temple in Bagan, offering expansive vistas of ancient structures and a peaceful dawn experience.
"The dusty setting brings them all together in one beautiful panorama."
🌅 No More Pagoda Climbing
Access to climb pagodas for sunset/sunrise is now restricted. Plan accordingly for your viewing spot.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead
Be prepared for a steep climb to reach the temple. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Vistas
Hilltop
Panoramic views of ancient structures and the surrounding landscape, especially beautiful at dawn.
Tranquil Dawn
Temple grounds
Experience a quiet and beautiful atmosphere at sunrise, with few visitors and a peaceful ambiance.
Photographic Panorama
Temple grounds
The dusty setting and scattered brick structures create a unique and beautiful panorama for photographers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Views & Access
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Awesome view of Bagan.
🌅 No More Pagoda Climbing
Access to climb pagodas for sunset/sunrise is now restricted. Plan accordingly for your viewing spot.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead
Be prepared for a steep climb to reach the temple. Comfortable shoes are a must!
This sunrise at Bagan, Myanmar reveals a landscape devoted to belief in something greater. There are some 3,000 thousand structures in the 7 square miles surrounding this ancient city; stupas, temples, and monasteries nearly 1000 years ago. Enjoyed the people, the food, the climate the low cost.
Just got back from Myanmar as a tourist – happy to answer all your questions and share tips!
🖼️ Vendor Presence
Expect vendors selling paintings; they can sometimes detract from the peaceful atmosphere.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique dusty landscape and scattered ruins make it a great spot for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 No More Pagoda Climbing
Access to climb pagodas for sunset/sunrise is now restricted. Plan accordingly for your viewing spot.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead
Be prepared for a steep climb to reach the temple. Comfortable shoes are a must!
🖼️ Vendor Presence
Expect vendors selling paintings; they can sometimes detract from the peaceful atmosphere.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique dusty landscape and scattered ruins make it a great spot for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bulethi Pagoda is praised for its tranquil atmosphere, especially at dawn, and its beautiful panoramic views of ancient structures. Visitors appreciate its less crowded nature and photographic potential. However, the inability to climb pagodas for sunset/sunrise views and the presence of vendors are noted drawbacks.
"If you like to be away from the crowds like some of us do, if you don't mind dry and dusty environments and if you are not looking to climb on top of a pagoda, Bulethi temple is just the place for you. I found this place by chance while driving around aimlessly on some of the back roads of Bagan. My Burmese driver and I were the only ones around. There are several small brick structures and two larger pagodas. The dusty setting brings them all together in one beautiful panorama."
Georges Younes
"The place is amazing really,but from this year you can't go up to see the sunset,so try somewhere else,and there is just a lot of people trying to sell you paintings,they kill the mood a bit."
Marko Ignjatovic
"Hilltop temple reached by a steep climb, offering expansive vistas of ancient structures & sunsets."
U Kyaw Swar Win
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bulethi Pagoda is located off Anawrahta Road, on the way towards Sulamuni and Dhammayangyi temples in Bagan. It's accessible by car or e-bike, often found by exploring the back roads.
While it's on a main route, exploring the back roads can lead you to it. Your driver will likely know the way, or you can use GPS.
Many visitors use e-bikes for flexibility and to explore off-the-beaten-path sites like Bulethi. Taxis or private drivers are also options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Bagan archaeological zone ticket is generally required to visit most temples and pagodas, including Bulethi.
Unfortunately, climbing pagodas for sunset and sunrise views is no longer permitted. The sites are now gated.
While there are no strict opening hours for the grounds, visiting during dawn or early morning is recommended for the best experience and fewer crowds.
The main fee is for the Bagan archaeological zone. There isn't a separate fee for Bulethi itself, but you need the zone pass.
📸 📸 Photography
Dawn and early morning offer beautiful soft light and fewer people, making it ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere and unique landscape.
The dusty environment, scattered brick structures, and the overall panorama create a distinctive and beautiful scene, especially when the light is right.
Generally, photography is allowed around the temple grounds. However, climbing on ancient ruins for photos is discouraged and often restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the views are lovely, the restriction on climbing pagodas means there aren't extensive areas for children to run around freely. The primary draw will be the historical atmosphere and the photographic opportunities. Keep an eye on children to ensure they don't touch or climb on ancient structures. The presence of vendors might also require some management.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on the textures of the ancient ruins and the interplay of light and shadow. The quiet mornings provide ample time for composition without the rush of crowds. Even with vendors present, their colorful wares can sometimes be incorporated into shots to add a pop of color against the historical backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Bagan's Temples
While the ability to climb pagodas for panoramic views has been restricted, Bulethi still provides expansive vistas of the ancient landscape. The journey to Bulethi itself can be part of the adventure, often involving exploring less-traveled paths, which many visitors enjoy for its sense of discovery. The dusty, dry environment contributes to its distinct aesthetic, making it a favorite for photographers seeking atmospheric shots.
It's important to note that while Bulethi offers a beautiful setting, the experience can be slightly impacted by vendors selling souvenirs. However, visiting early in the morning can help minimize interactions and maximize the tranquil experience. The site is a good example of the diverse architectural styles and historical significance found throughout Bagan.
Photography at Bulethi Pagoda
The appeal of Bulethi for photography stems from its less manicured appearance compared to some of the larger, more restored temples. The scattered brickwork and the slightly elevated terrain create a natural panorama that feels authentic and untouched. Photographers can focus on the textures of the ancient bricks, the play of light and shadow, and the vastness of the Bagan plains stretching out around the pagoda.
While climbing pagodas is no longer allowed, the vantage points from the hilltop itself offer excellent opportunities to frame the surrounding ancient structures. Be mindful of the presence of vendors, but their colorful paintings can sometimes add an interesting element to foreground shots if used creatively. Overall, Bulethi provides a canvas for capturing the quiet, historical beauty of Bagan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit