Lying along the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, Bagan is the most flourishing capital of kingdom Bagan from the 11th to 13th century. This is also the best preserved sites of cultural value such as Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries. Travel Indochina
Bagan Myanmar
The capital consists of three towns: Nyuang U, Old Bagan and New Bagan situating at the same area with many temples. Nyuang U is a large town with a train station, rail, port and airport. New Bagan is a new village which was built in 1990 for residents who used to live in Old Bagan but had to leave. Old Bagan is a scenic area with many carefully preserved ancient monuments and temples. Now, if you have not known what to do in bagan Myanmar yet, let refer to our list of following recommendation for your Myanmar tour.
- Explore Old Bagan by bike, horse or on foot
One of the interesting things in Bagan is to explore remote lands. Although it is very difficult to access, there are a lots thing to experience and visit by their own way. If the walking tour allows you to stop anywhere you want, a tour by bike further helps you roamed farther lands or you can ride a horse to experience more enjoyable moments. The temples in Old Bagan are quite close together, therefore, it’s easy to make a tour visiting all. Myanmar travel packages
Riding horse to explore Bagan (source: vemaybaygiare.biz)
On the way, you can stop any temples and remember to put on shoes outside. The ground of temples are made of bricks stretching hundreds of meters that can absorb heat when it is hot. You should visit in the morning or afternoon for more pleasant.
Do not hesitate to ask locals if you have any questions or do not know the road, because many people here can also speak English. Coming here, do not forget to buy paintings or lacquer crafts as gifts or souvenirs.
- Explore temples in Bagan
Any tourists coming to Bagan should once time visit the most sacred temples here which is rock temple of Ananda built in 1105 BC. Despite badly damaged in the earthquake in 1975, it was restored and now become a destination for visitors. The most impressive thing when visiting Ananda is the giant Buddha statues appearing in four sides including Kakusandha (north), Konagamana (east), Kassapa (south) and Gautama (west).
Ananda Rock Temple (source: svietnamtravel.com)
Mahabodhi Temple is also another temple not to be missed with the same name and same architectural temple as Bodhgaya in India. The difference here is the door of Mahabodhi Temple is inlaid gold and locked with steel lock which was uniquely manufactured.
You also should stop at the largest temples of Bagan called Dhammayangyi with a shape of a pyramid, built by King Narathu.
The highest temple of Bagan is Thatbyinyu Phaya which is 61 meters high and was built in the middle of 12th century by King Alaungsithu. Standing on the highest position of the temple, you can overlook the whole Old Bagan.
Thatbyinyu Phaya, the highest temple of Bagan (source: en.wikipedia.org)
Dubbed as “sunset temple”, Shwesandaw is on a perfect position for watching the sunset. Legend has it that the temple was built in 1057 BC by King Anawratha to preserve one in eight hairs of the Buddha Shakyamuni.
In addition, other temples of Bagan you can visit are Shwezigon, Shweguyi, Sulamani, Gubyaukgyi, Gawdawpalin, Bupayastupa, etc.
- Conquer the sacred Popa Mountain and discover villages
Downstream to the south and far 50 km from the center of Bagan, Popa Mountain is a famous pilgrimage of Myanmar lands. The mountain is known for Taung Kalat monastery which is located atop 737 m high volcano that has stopped acting. Tourists have to step 777 stairs to get to the monastery. Mount Popa is 1,520 m high and considered a legendary home of the supreme gods “NAT”.
Conquer the sacred Popa Mountain (source: en.wikipedia.org)
After leaving Mount Popa, you visit the village below the cliff or on the bumpy roads in Bagan. People here are very hospitable. You may also be asked to stay overnight and enjoy a dinner featuring flavor of Myanmar.
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