Shwesandaw Paya is one of the earlier built pagodas at Bagan in a style that was to be an example for many pagodas to follow. especially its (five) square bases with stairways leading up on all four sides and octagonal top. In 1057 king Anawrahta finished this pagoda as a tribute to conquering Thaton. Shwesandaw is one of the must-see pagodas at Bagan and is escpecially loved for its spacious terraces capable of holding many tourists watching sunsets or. always less crowded. sunrises. As the pictures show, it is also a fine place to visit in broad daylight with the biggest disadvantage bein the tremendously hot stones - lucky there's always a shadowy side. Worth mentioning is also the lower hall holding a fine reclining Buddha image .At the moment of visiting, September 18 2008, access by stairways up was indeed allowed in contrary of the warning that it is not on the website http://www.ancientbagan.com/shwesandaw-pagoda.htm 
