Thatbyinnyu Temple stands out from other pagodas in Bagan with its intricate and grand "two-tiered temple" architecture.

• Height: The temple itself reaches 61 meters (201 feet), making it the tallest structure in Bagan's ancient ruins at the time and remaining one of its most striking features.

• Main Structure: The main building is a complex rectangular structure consisting of:

• Lower Level: Used as a monastery for monks to reside and perform religious ceremonies, including a corridor surrounding a central core with some surviving wall paintings.

• Upper Level: Houses the main Buddha image and serves as a space for important religious ceremonies.

• Exterior: The exterior is adorned with small pagodas and a sikhara (umbrella) at the top of the building, adding to the temple's elegance and grandeur.

• Materials: Constructed primarily of brick, it boasts a strong and durable construction, demonstrating the advanced construction techniques of the time.

Current Visiting Restrictions

• Earthquake Damage: Wat Thap Phun suffered significant damage in the 1975 earthquakes and again in 2016.

• Restoration: Several major restorations have been undertaken to preserve the structure. However, for the safety of visitors and to preserve the building, visitors are not permitted to climb the upper floors or view the surrounding Bagan landscape as they once did.

• Visiting: Visitors are only permitted to enter the entrance hall and corridors on the lower floors, which still showcase the temple's artistic and architectural beauty.

Religious and Historical Significance

Wat Thap Phun is significant as a symbol of enlightenment and is one of the five great stupas built in Bagan, along with Ananda Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, and others. It reflects the culmination of the Golden Age of Buddhism in Burma.

• From Nyaung-U Airport, it takes approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk.

• Electric bicycles can be rented from New Bagan or Nyaung-U, or local horse-drawn carriages and taxis are available. The journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes from the center of New Bagan.

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the harsh sunlight and capture beautiful light.

• Evenings are ideal for capturing the softly lit temple grounds.

• Dress appropriately, as this is a sacred Buddhist site.

• Bring water and a hat if traveling by electric bicycle during the day.

• Avoid climbing the temple grounds or any tall structures due to safety restrictions.

• If visiting during peak season, arrive early to avoid crowds.

Admission Fees:

• Included in the Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass, the current price is approximately 25,000 kyat, or 12-20 USD, per person (please check the latest price before travelling).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, usually from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.