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Much like Siem Reap in Cambodia, the small town of Bagan
close to the archaeological site is distined to develop develop
rapidly as tourism increases. In fact, the town is already
well supplied with numerous small hotels and guest houses,
and a few top class hotels. Package tour itineraries usually
feature only a one-night stay, but this vast site can be explored
intricately for more than a week. A map is essential and transport
available includes hired bicycles and horse-drawn carts. Hot
air balloon trips are planned over the site. The local village
boasts a museum, market, temple, several lacquerware workshops
and a golf course.
Bagan is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar.
One of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. At its height,
in the early 11th century, Bagan was the world centre of Theravada
Buddhism, with more than 13,000 pagodas covering the plains
bordered by two sides of the Ayeyarwady River. But the city
fell to the invasion of Kublai Kahn's hordes in 1287 and was
abandoned, leaving only 3000 pagodas remaining in the midst
of the Mongol destruction. Covering an area of more than 40
sq. km, this is one of the world's richest archaeological
sights, with no two of the red baked brick monuments the same.
Below is a list of the most beautiful and unusual
Shwezigon Pagoda
Started in the 11th century, the pagoda is
one of the first buildings in a unique Burmese style, while
older pagodas were built in Mon style. It is said that the
pagoda was built to enshrine the tooth, collar-bone and headband
relics of the Buddha, and so has become a revered place of
pilgrimage. Two great kings, noted for their patronage of
the religion, are associated with the Shwezigon: Anawrahta
(1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113).
Ananda Temple
Built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, the temple is
said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central
square has sides of 53 metres, and rises in terraces to a
height of 51 metres. Having suffered considerable damage in
the earthquake of 1975, the temple, one of the finest, largest
and best preserved, was reconstructed in 1979.
Thatbyinnyut Temple
Built by Alaungsithu in the mid-12th century,
this 61 metre tall temple is the highest in Bagan. The stone
supports which once held the temple's huge bronze bell are
now located in a monastery compound southwest of the Thatbyinnyut.
To the north east stands a small "tally pagoda",
built using one brick for every 10,000 used in the main temple.
Gawdawpalin Temple
Built during the reign of Narapatisithu (1174-1211),
this is one of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan
temples - cube shaped with Buddha images on the four sides
of the ground floor. The top terrace affords excellent views
of sunset over the Ayeyarwady. The Gawdawpalin was badly damaged
by the earthquake in 1975, and reconstruction was started
in 1979.
Shwegugyi Temple
Built by Alaungsithu in 1311, this temple
is an early example of a transition in architectural styles,
which resulted in airy, lighter buildings. The temple is also
notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone slabs
in the inner walls.
Pitakat Taik
King Anawrahta built this library in 1058
to house the 30 elephant loads of Buddhist scriptures with
which he returned from the sacking of Thaton. It was repaired
in 1738. The architecture of the square building is notable
for the perforated stone windows, and the plaster carvings
on the roof.
Sulamani Temple
Built in 1181 by Narapatisithu, this is a
fine example of a later, more sophisticated, temple style,
with better interior illumination. The interior was once painted
with fine frescoes, only traces of which now remain.
Nathlaung Kyaung – Built in 931 by king Taungthugyi, about
a century before the southern school of Buddhism came to Bagan,
this is the only remaining Hindu temple, dedicated to the
Hindu god Vishnu. A central brick pillar supports the dome
and crumbled sikhara, which originally had figures of Vishnu
on each of the four sides.
Pahtothamaya Temple
The interior of this single storey structure
is dimly lit with the small, perforated stone windows that
typify this early type of Mon-influenced temple. It was probably
built during the reign of Kyanzittha (1084-1113).
Bupaya Pagoda
Thought to be the oldest in Bagan, dating
from the 3rd century, this riverbank pagoda was completely
destroyed when it collapsed into the river in the 1975 earthquake,
and has been totally rebuilt.
Mahabodhi Pagoda
Built during the reign of Nantaungmya (1211-1234),
it is modelled after Indian style temples, and is unique in
Myanmar. The pyramid shaped spire is covered in niches, each
enclosing a seated Buddha figure.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
King Anawrahta built this graceful circular
pagoda in 1057 following his conquest of Thaton. The five
terraces once held terra-cotta plaques showing scenes from
the Jataka.
Lawkahteikpan Temple
This small temple has frescoes and inscriptions
in both Myanmar and Mon scripts.
Shinbinthalyaung
This long brick structure houses an impressive
11th century, 18 metre reclining Buddha and is situated beside
the Shwesandaw.
Dhammayangyi Temple
Built by King Narathu (1160- 65) and similar
to the Ananda, this later temple is generally considered to
possess the finest brickwork of Bagan.
Mingalazedi Pagoda
Built three years before the invasion of
Kublai Khan's horsemen, in 1284, this pagoda is considered
the most beautifully proportioned of all Bagan's monuments.
Inle Lake
A relaxing lake resort with villages, and
floating gardens located at an altitude of 1328 metres in
southern Shan State. It is best known for high quality Shan
silk, and for its fishermen, who row their boats standing
upright, using one leg to power the oar. The surrounding region
includes the picturesque hill stations of Kalaw, Pindaya and
Taunggyi and offers opportunities for walking and rock-climbing.
Kyaikhtiyo - The Golden Rock
The Kyaikhtiyo Cedi or the Golden Rock as
it is popularly known, is situated in Kyaikhto Township of
the Mon State, on a line of hills that run parallel to the
Sittaung Moketama rail and motor road. The peak on which the
Cedi is located is over 3600 feet in height and the original
trek route from the base camp (Kinmun Sakan) is a little over
seven miles.
Ngapali Beach
Stretching for over 3 km. This resort offers
clam blue water, swaying palm trees and an expensive stretch
of silvery white sand. With a wide range of accommodation
from simple guest houses to luxury accommodation, the resort
is easily accessible by air from Yangon, Bagan and Heho.
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