Bagan < Myanmar Damsel Travels & Tours

Bagan

The temples, stupas and pagodas of Bagan are the most impressive relics of the first period of Myanmar, one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. The inventory of Bagan pagodas as documented by the Archeological Department listed the standing pagodas as 2217. In spite of inclement weather of a thousand year, which had destroyed the precious works of art, whatever survived to this day can still thrill the beholders. Notable among the ancient glory are Shwezigone, Ananda, Thabyinnyu and Dhammayangyi. Bagan is just 193 km south of Mandalay in Upper Myanmar. It is on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, Bagan covers an area more than 42 square kilometers, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Bagan is famous for its unique lacquer ware.

Mt. Popa

Some 50 km southeast of Bagan. Mt.Popa 1500 meters above sea, Mt Popa is said to be an extinct volcano last active 250,000 year ago. It is considered the abode of Myanmar’s most powerful nats and, as such, is the most important nat worship center in the country. Mt. Popa hosts two major Natpwe (spirit festival), one in the May/June and other in November / December. The Mount Popa area has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect place for eco-tourism.

Salay

It is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formerly the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquer wares, wooden r eliefs and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in the large red lacquered cabinet.

Pakokku

Pakokku is a tobacco trading town of the area in addition to its famous checked blankets made from cotton, and thanakha (the outer bark of the Lenora acidissima tree used as a combination skin conditioner, sunscreen and cosmetic for Myanmar women). Travelers can get there after crossing the Ayerwaddy River from Nyaung U (Bagan ), either by river or more commonly by private car from Mandalay. Even though the town itself has little to offer, a further 20 km northwest of Pakokku reach you to the remains of PAKHANGYI which is a 19th century town with old city walls, an archaeological museum and one of the oldest surviving wooden monasteries in upper Myanmar.