Bupaya Pagoda sits on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and features a distinctive gourd-shaped stupa. Believed to date from the 3rd century, it is one of Bagan's oldest sites. The original structure was completely destroyed in the 1975 earthquake and fell into the river, then rebuilt using modern gilded materials. The location is renowned for spectacular sunset views over the Irrawaddy and serves as a departure point for river cruises. The name 'bu' means gourd in Burmese, explaining the dome's unique shape. It offers a different perspective of Bagan compared to the inland temples