45 Ancient Ruins That Are Even More Stunning Than the Pyramids

29. Bagan – Myanmar’s Endless Sea of Temples

Stretching across a sunbaked plain along the Irrawaddy River, the ancient city of Bagan in central Myanmar is home to over 2,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries—many of which date back to the golden age of the Pagan Kingdom between the 11th and 13th centuries. At its height, the city featured more than 10,000 religious structures, making it one of the densest archaeological sites in the world. Each temple varies in design and scale, with notable standouts like Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, and Dhammayangyi Temple showcasing stunning frescoes, stucco carvings, and intricate stonework. Whether you explore the ruins on foot, by e-bike, or in a hot air balloon at sunrise, Bagan offers an experience that is both deeply spiritual and visually unforgettable. Despite earthquakes and centuries of erosion, the site remains remarkably intact, radiating a timeless energy that continues to enchant pilgrims, historians, and adventurers from across the globe.