Old Bagan is really packed with old temples, it is really impressive how all of these temple were built in such a small area in such a small period of time. And what can be considered amazing is the amazing state of these temples. A lot of the temples are in excellent state. It is a result of a strange tug of war between the Buddhist faithful and the tourists. The faithful of course want to make sure that the temples are in great condition, while the tourists like me come here for the purpose of seeing the temples in their “ruined” state.
The Thatbyinnyu Temple is considered the tallest of the temples in Bagan and it shows. It towers over the plains of Bagan and can be easily seen for several kilometers. Like some of the temples in Bagan the Thatbyinnyu Temple is also painted in white giving it a castle like appearance. There is actually a second floor and it would be interesting to go up to the second floor of the tallest temple in bagan to see the rest of the area. Unfortunately, the second level is closed to visitors in the name of conservation.
The Thatbyinnyu Temple has four Buddhas guarding each direction. And this is supposedly the forerunner of similar temples to be built later. The builders made use of spires and stupas in constructing the temple making it taller that it actually is. This technique of building was also notably used in the Angkor temples. The majesty of the Thatbyinnyu Temple is best appreciated by standing some distance away from the temple itself. And since it is the tallest temple in Bagan, that means it needs to be some distance away from it.
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