Must-Try Experiences When Visiting Bagan

With its abundance of temples, monasteries, and rich cultural heritage, Bagan, the ancient capital of Myanmar, always knows how to captivate travelers.

Must-Try Experiences When Visiting Bagan

Situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, Bagan was the most prosperous capital of the Pagan Kingdom in the 11th-13th centuries. It is a place that preserves the most Buddhist cultural values such as temples, pagodas, and monasteries.

Myanmar's former capital comprises three towns: Nyuang U, Old Bagan, and New Bagan, all within an expansive area with numerous temples. Nyuang U is a bustling town with a railway station, bus station, river port, and airport. New Bagan is a newly built village established in 1990 for residents who were relocated from Old Bagan. Old Bagan is a heritage site with many ancient ruins and meticulously preserved temples.

Exploring Old Bagan by Bicycle, Horseback, or On Foot

Discovering the Remote and Less Crowded Areas in Bagan is an Interesting Aspect. While Access is Challenging, the Experiences and Sights are Abundant. Whether on Foot, Bicycle, or Horseback in Old Bagan, Leisurely Traverse the Dusty Red Paths, Admiring the Vast Array of Temples, Pagodas, and Monasteries Amidst the Expansive Sky.

The Temples in Old Bagan are Quite Close to Each Other, Making It Easy to Explore the Entire Area. While Walking Allows for Stops Anywhere You Want, Cycling Lets You Explore Farther Afield, Covering Large Temple Complexes with Less Effort. Alternatively, Combining with Horse Cart Rides Adds an Extra Layer of Interesting Experience.

Along the Way, You Can Pause at Temples. Remember to Remove Your Shoes, Socks, and Stockings Outside, Entering Barefoot with a Respectful Heart to Pay Homage to the Buddha. Constructed from Fired Bricks, These Temples Stretch for Hundreds of Meters, Absorbing Heat; It's Advisable to Visit in the Morning or Late Afternoon for More Pleasant Temperatures.

Don't Hesitate to Ask Locals if You're Unsure of Directions or Have Questions; Many Here Speak English. Also, Take the Opportunity to Purchase Affordable Handcrafted Paintings and Lacquerware as Souvenirs.

Explore Each Temple in Bagan

Visit Manuha Temple to Learn About Myanmar's Ritualistic Customs. Inside, There's a Large Golden Bell Atop a Cement Pedestal in the Main Hall. Rituals Have Long Been a Cultural Staple and Source of Happiness in the Lives of Bagan's Residents.

Any traveler coming to Bagan must visit the most sacred and significant temple here, the Ananda Temple, built in 1105 BC. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 1975 but was later restored and gilded in 1990 to serve tourists. What impresses visitors at Ananda are the colossal Buddha statues facing four directions: Kakusandha (North), Konagamana (East), Kassapa (South), and Gautama (West).

Mahabodhi Temple is a must-visit destination, named and architecturally similar to the Bodhigaya Mahabodhi Temple in India. The difference here lies in its golden painted doors secured with individually crafted steel locks.

You should also stop by the largest temple in Bagan with a pyramid-like shape called Dhammayangyi, built by King Narathu.

Bagan's tallest temple is Thatbyinyu Phaya, standing at 61 meters tall and built in the mid-12th century by King Alaungsithu. From its highest point, you can overlook the entire area of Old Bagan.

Dubbed the 'temple of the setting sun,' Shwesandaw offers a perfect spot to admire the crimson skies at sunset. Legend has it that the temple, built in 1057 BC by King Anawratha, houses one of Buddha's eight hairs. Within half an hour to an hour, the scenery here changes rapidly, from fiery red to late purple, eventually fading into darkness.

Additionally, Bagan boasts many other temples to explore such as Shwezigon, Shweguyi, Sulamani, Gubyaukgyi, Gawdawpalin, and Bupayastupa.

Conquer the Sacred Mount Popa and Explore the Countryside

Heading south about 50 km from the center of Bagan, Mount Popa is a famous pilgrimage site in Myanmar. The mountain is known for the Taung Kalat monastery atop the 737-meter-high extinct volcano. Visitors must climb 777 steps and navigate through a crowd of monkeys to reach the monastery. Mount Popa, standing at over 1,520 meters, is considered the legendary abode of the supreme 'NAT' deity.

After leaving Mount Popa, take time to visit the villages at the foot of the mountain or along the rugged roads of Bagan. The locals here are very hospitable. You can also request to stay overnight and enjoy a hearty Myanmar-style dinner.

According to Vnexpress.net

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour