Thambula Temple
Discover Thambula Temple, a 12th-century gem in Bagan, famed for its unique stucco art and rare Chinese-influenced murals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Thambula Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Thambula Temple, a 12th-century gem in Bagan, famed for its unique stucco art and rare Chinese-influenced murals.
"Neat mural paintings are still there but now doors and windows are covered by iron nets. "
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring a good phone camera to capture murals through narrow slits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Mural Paintings
Interior walls
Discover delicate 12th-century murals, influenced by Chinese tales, still visible through protective netting.
Unique Exterior Stucco
Exterior walls
Admire the wonderfully preserved and slightly different cement arts, showcasing elegant stucco decorations.
Square Structure
Main temple building
A small, tall, square-shaped temple that stands distinctively from other major pagodas in Bagan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Capturing the Temple's Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring a good phone camera to capture murals through narrow slits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex.
The most magical place that I have ever visited - Bagan, Myanmar.
Hot air balloon ride over the temple field in Bagan, Myanmar
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bagan can get hot, especially during midday. Carry water.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Accommodation like Triple H Bagan is affordable.
Two weeks in Myanmar...any suggestions?
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring a good phone camera to capture murals through narrow slits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bagan can get hot, especially during midday. Carry water.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Accommodation like Triple H Bagan is affordable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Thambula Temple for its unique 12th-century mural paintings and distinctive exterior stucco work, offering a glimpse into Bagan's rich history. While interior access is limited due to protective measures, the temple's well-preserved structure and artistic details make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the ancient city.
"Mid size caved pagoda of 12th century works by daughter of King Kyaswar. Very neat mural paintings are still there but now doors and windows are covered by iron nets to prevent birds and lights destrying colours. But good phone camera can take the good shots through narrow slits like my pictures. Outside cement arts are wounderful and slightly different from other big pagodas. Must place to visit."
uchit Soe
"Thambula Temple or Thonlu La (သမ္ဗူလ ဘုရား) is a small tall square structure temple, standing isolated from other major pagodas in Bagan
The temple was built in 1255 and was mainly influenced by Chinese. You can see from the traces of Chinese tale painting murals on the interior walls. The temple was well-preserved with beautiful structure that will worth your visit!"
saydoppa
"Thambula Temple, also known as Thambula Pahto Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Myanmar, known for its beautiful structure and delicate stucco details. It's situated in the Min Nan Thu village area of Old Bagan. The temple is square in plan and set on a plinth, with elegant and delicate stucco decorations. It is a popular destination for tourists exploring Bagan's ancient temples."
U Kyaw Swar Win
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thambula Temple is located in the Min Nan Thu village area of Old Bagan. You can reach it by hiring a local taxi, e-bike, or horse cart from your accommodation in Bagan. Many travelers opt for e-bikes for flexibility.
It's situated a bit isolated from the main cluster of larger pagodas, but still easily accessible within the Bagan archaeological zone.
E-bikes are a popular and convenient choice for exploring Bagan's temples, offering freedom and affordability. Taxis and horse carts are also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Thambula Temple is located within the Bagan Archaeological Zone, which requires an entrance fee. You'll need to purchase a pass to explore the area.
Access inside Thambula Temple is limited. The entrances have been partially bricked up and the top half is covered with mesh, making it difficult to enter fully.
Temples in Bagan are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. It's best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and murals.
No, there is no separate fee for Thambula Temple itself. Your Bagan Archaeological Zone pass covers entry to all temples within the zone.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the exterior stucco details and try to capture the interior murals through the narrow slits in the netting. The unique square structure also makes for interesting shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the murals through the protective netting, but direct access inside is restricted.
A good phone camera with decent zoom capabilities is sufficient to capture the details through the netting.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Thambula Temple was built in 1255 by Queen Thambula, daughter of King Kyaswar.
It's a tall, square structure with elegant and delicate stucco decorations, influenced by Chinese art and featuring Chinese tale painting murals.
It's a well-preserved 12th-century temple offering insights into the artistic and architectural styles of the Bagan period, with a notable Chinese influence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that Bagan can be hot, so plan your visit for cooler parts of the day. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is advisable. For younger children, the novelty of exploring the temple grounds and seeing the ancient structures might be enough to keep them entertained for a short visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Affordable accommodation options are readily available, such as Triple H Bagan, which offers budget-friendly stays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Thambula Temple's Artistry
Internally, the temple houses intricate mural paintings that reflect a significant Chinese influence, depicting tales and scenes from Chinese folklore. While these murals are remarkably well-preserved, access to view them up close is now restricted. The entrances have been partially bricked up and covered with mesh to protect them from birds and light damage, which can fade the colors over time. However, with a good camera, visitors can still capture glimpses of this ancient artistry through the narrow openings.
Despite the limited interior access, the temple's overall structure and the visible artistic elements make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the history and art of Bagan. Its square, tall design also sets it apart from the more common stupa shapes found throughout the plains.
Practicalities for Visiting Thambula Temple
For photography, a smartphone with a good zoom function is recommended to capture the details of the murals through the mesh. The exterior stucco work is also a highlight, so ensure your camera is ready to capture these unique decorative elements. Remember that Bagan can be quite hot, so carrying water and wearing comfortable shoes for walking around the temple grounds is essential.
Budget travelers will find Bagan to be quite accommodating. For instance, accommodations like Triple H Bagan offer affordable stays, allowing visitors to allocate more of their budget towards experiences and exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit