Lemyethna Temple, Nyaung U Village & Market, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Shwe-gu-gyi Hpaya, Buphaya Pagoda & Sunset Boat Ride – Bagan, Myanmar

Thursday November 6, 2025

Since we didn’t have to be up before 5:00 for the hot air balloon ride we slept in and explored the area beside/behind the pool after breakfast. We were looking forward to floating over the archaeological zone and seeing the expanse that you don’t really get a sense of when driving between the various sites. There were a lot of birds down by the water and the rocks but hard to get good photos.

White-throated Babbler

Little Cormorant

Our first temple was Lemyethna Temple, also known as Lemyethna Pagoda or the Temple of the Four Faces, built in 1222 by the Pagan Empire. It is still used as a place of worship.

a herd of goats next to the van

passing by on the drive

Lemyethna Temple

the one area was off limits to the ladies (with no spaces on the sign)

Taking a break? No, they were posing for money

ceiling

frescos were amazing

public drinking water in clay pots

We then went on a walk around Minnan Thu Village in Nyaung U Township. We stopped at a weaving factory and I bought a set of placemats. (should have bought the napkins too)

We saw the process of making and rolling the Burmese cheroot (cigar). It was a beautiful sunny day and it was nice to walk around the village.

where they were doing the weaving - bamboo next to truck

this was part of the shop

continuing the walk

cleaning the area

drying the tobacco

she is smoking the Burmese cheroot (cigar)

Myint Swe and the lady showing us the tobacco and rolling papers

rolling the cheroot

walking back

primary school

Next, we visited the Nyaung U Local Market. These stops are always fun watching the people and seeing different things they sell.

Thatbyinnyu Temple was built by King Alaung Sithu, the grandson of the king who built the Ananda Temple. It is famous for unique statues.

interesting shot with my reflection in the glass

yikes! The guide didn't recommend this stop but when ya gotta go.....

Shwe-gu-gyi Hpaya built by King Alaungsithu in 1141 A.D. and was completed in 7 months.

hard to get a great photo as it was right into the sun

views of temples in the distance

one of the 4 doorways

more temples in the distance

we went inside this door

Buphaya Pagoda was our next stop and is located on the bank of the Irrawaddy River. It's small and the guide wasn't sure why I wanted to see it but it was pretty and the views of the river were lovely. 

passing by on the way to lunch

Since we enjoyed lunch so much yesterday, the guide asked if we wanted the same place or the other one planned. He said the other place was good but didn't have the view. So, we chose the same place as yesterday and they prepared different food. Myint Swe called ahead to make sure the wedding was finished and they could prepare for us. It was very good, though we were partial to the tempura yesterday. Their friendly cats kept us company.

where the wedding was held

We then had about 2.5 hours for a break and went back to the hotel. We got chocolate ice cream and organized to pack up to fly tomorrow for Inle Lake. 

chocolate ice cream

We concluded our Bagan visit with an Irrawaddy River sunset boat ride. We were driven to the jetty and Myint Swe and the driver loaded our boat with some drinks and snacks. It was peaceful and we took in the views and snacked on potato chips and locally grown peanuts. He had Myanmar beer and Coke for me.

walking on the beach to our boat

Myint Swe & crew at the boat

Myint Swe told us he used to work on the boat trips between here and Yangon

front of the boat

back of the boat

he was steering with his toes

Buphaya Pagoda from the water (we were there earlier today)

they greeted us when we got off the boat - they wanted us to take their photos 

a lady joined the usual guy for the entertainment at dinner 

bamboo woven placemats (4)

We finished packing up to fly to Inle Lake tomorrow morning. We will lose our driver, but Myint Swe is flying with us. (need to be up at 4:30 - UGH!)

I forgot to mention that we had a horrible time finding a magnet for Myanmar. None in Mandalay and with all the vendors, none were selling magnets. We asked Myint Swe if he knew of a place to get any and the very next day there was a woman selling them at the first temple as we were leaving this morning. We wondered if he talked to someone and they dragged them out for us. 

Bagan Day 3 https://photos.app.goo.gl/x9pCarXR7JfDvdMa7