Shwesandaw Pagoda

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.

Be prepared for a very steep climb, but the views from the top tier are well worth the effort (as long as you are fairly agile and not afraid of heights).

King Anawrahta built Shwesandaw Pagoda after his conquest of Thaton in 1057. This graceful circular pagoda was constructed at the centre of his newly empowered kingdom. The pagoda was also known as Ganesh or Mahapeine after the elephant-headed Hindu god whose images once stood at the corners of the five successive terraces. The five terraces once bore terracotta plaques showing scenes from the jalakas, but traces of these, and of other sculptures, were covered by lather heavy-handed renovations. The pagoda's bell rises from two octagonal bases which top the five square terraces. This was the first monument in Bagan to feature stairways leading from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the pagoda itself. This pagoda supposedly enshrines a Buddha hair relic brought back from Thaton. The hti, which was toppled by the earthquake, can still be seen lying on the far side of the pagoda compound. A new one was fitted soon after tie quake. Before when people were allowed to climb up the terrace of the pagoda, it was a great spot to view the sunset of Bagan. But nowadays, to keep the ancient monuments in good shape, the stairways have been closed down.

Good view but it's so crowded here. There are plenty of other pagodas with less people and equally good view from the top. Not good for sunset since you have all the buses and parking lot in the picture...better for sunrise.

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.

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.

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

It had have a long time fame of permitting for seeing sunset view once but now it can't be due to long term mantainance.Great scene of portrait view it have with wide green lawn and steep stairs of old temple for photography enthusiast.