Pitaka Taik
Discover Pitaka Taik, an ancient 'library of Buddhist scriptures' from 1058, showcasing unique 'Gu' style architecture with perforated stone windows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To see the architecture
Pitaka Taik
Best Time
To see the architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Pitaka Taik, an ancient 'library of Buddhist scriptures' from 1058, showcasing unique 'Gu' style architecture with perforated stone windows.
"Essential to bring a flashlight to explore this unique, uncrowded historical gem."
🔦 Bring a flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark interiors. Don't miss details due to lack of light!
🚶♂️ Off the beaten path
Enjoy having this historical site mostly to yourself. A peaceful exploration awaits.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 8 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Buddhist Scripture Library
Main chamber
Discover the 'library of Buddhist scriptures,' built in 1058 to house sacred texts seized from Thaton. A truly unique historical site.
Perforated Stone Windows
Exterior walls
Admire the intricate 'Gu' style architecture, featuring distinctive perforated stone windows that allowed minimal light inside.
Chinthe Guardians
Window decorations
Look for the mythical 'chinthe' images adorning the windows, adding a touch of ancient mystique to the library's design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bring Your Own Light Source
Embrace the Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Awesome view of Bagan.
Wheres the best spot to catch the sunset an get lots of temples in photo
🔦 Bring a flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark interiors. Don't miss details due to lack of light!
🚶♂️ Off the beaten path
Enjoy having this historical site mostly to yourself. A peaceful exploration awaits.
A Morning in Bagan
How easy is getting around Bagan, forms of transportation? Do i have to rent a car. Is there Uber, grab , taxis? I would like to visit.
Mandalay and Bagan Tour
Hi, any suggestions on how to go to Bagan from Mandalay (vise versa) via bus or train? Are there any bike taxi apps we can use to roam around the place? Thank you so much in advance!
🥤 Grab a drink nearby
A small street-side market is available next door for refreshments after your visit.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly exploration
An excellent place to share with the family and explore history together.
Sources/Info for Travel to Myanmar?
Hi, so as the titles says, I could use some direction. Ideally, I'd like to enter Myanmar from India's Moreh border, get to Mandalay and, specifically, Old Bagan (it's been a dream of mine to see this incredible sight for many, many years), and then leave through a land border…
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark interiors. Don't miss details due to lack of light!
🚶♂️ Off the beaten path
Enjoy having this historical site mostly to yourself. A peaceful exploration awaits.
🥤 Grab a drink nearby
A small street-side market is available next door for refreshments after your visit.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly exploration
An excellent place to share with the family and explore history together.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pitaka Taik to be a historically significant and peaceful site, often having it to themselves. While its lack of maintenance is noted, the unique 'Gu' style architecture and the story behind the 'library of Buddhist scriptures' make it a worthwhile exploration, especially with a flashlight. The nearby market offers a convenient spot for refreshments.
"Make sure you have a flashlight if you’re going to explore this complex. Once you’re through the main door, it’s almost completely void of light. Pretty much off the tourist track so you’ll have this place to yourself. There’s a small street side market next door to grab a drink afterwards"
David Maddison
"Great place to visit"
Michael Roa
"Pitakat Taik finds its meaning in the "library of Buddhist scriptures." The library was created after a conquest of Thaton, when Anawratha seized 30 elephants loaded with Buddhist scriptures. He then built a library in 1058 to house these documents. He used a style known as "Gu," an early Bagan cave style. The material was sensitive to light, so the building had limited windows decorated with chinthe images on each side. There are three windows on each side. There are three doors, all on one side (the front). The architecture of this library is remarkable due to its square shape, perforated stone windows, and plaster carvings on the roof.
It is certainly not very well maintained."
Valter Maccari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pitaka Taik is located near Old Bagan. You can typically reach it by hiring a local taxi or an e-bike. Ask your accommodation for the best local transport options.
Yes, the site is accessible by car, though the immediate surroundings might be less developed. Ensure your driver knows the specific location.
Depending on your starting point in the Bagan archaeological zone, walking might be possible but could be a significant distance. E-bikes are a popular and convenient option for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pitaka Taik is often considered part of the broader Bagan archaeological zone. If you've purchased an entry pass for Bagan, it should cover access to Pitaka Taik. Confirm current regulations upon arrival.
As it's an ancient site, specific opening hours might not be strictly enforced. However, it's best visited during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and for safety reasons due to the lack of lighting inside.
Typically, an archaeological zone pass for Bagan is required. This pass grants access to most temples and pagodas, including Pitaka Taik.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way is to bring a flashlight! Explore the main chamber and admire the unique 'Gu' style architecture, including the perforated stone windows and plaster carvings.
Reviews suggest that Pitaka Taik is not very well maintained, so manage your expectations regarding upkeep. However, its historical significance remains.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the dark interiors. A flashlight will greatly assist in capturing good photos.
Pitaka Taik means 'library of Buddhist scriptures.' It was built in 1058 by King Anawratha to house sacred texts brought from Thaton after a conquest.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly within Pitaka Taik, a small street-side market is located next door where you can grab a drink. For more substantial meals, you'll need to head back towards the main tourist areas of Bagan.
Yes, you can bring your own water and snacks. It's advisable to carry water, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the architectural details: the perforated stone windows, the plaster carvings on the roof, and the chinthe images. The dark interior also offers unique photographic opportunities if you have a good light source.
Yes, it can be challenging due to the lack of light. A flashlight is crucial for illuminating subjects and achieving clear shots.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial. Don't forget a reliable flashlight or portable light source.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit