North Vietnam
Central Vietnam
South Vietnam
Situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, a couple of miles south of Mandalay and north of Yangon, Bagan in central Burma is one of the world’s greatest archeological sites, a sight to rival Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat in significance and spectacle, minus the crowds.
The many 2,000 Buddhists monuments constructed in its vast plains remaining are the reasons why more and more tourists flock to Bagan – an ancient town with the biggest and densest concentration of temples and pagodas in the world in particular and even Myanmar in general.
A verdant 26 square-mile plain, part-covered in stands of palm and tamarind and framed by the hazy silver-grey of distant mountains, Bagan is divided into 3 areas: Nyaung U, in the northeastern corner - the city’s most active town and main transport hub, New Bagan and Old Bagan - about 2.5 miles west, the former site of the village that was about 3.2 kilometer far from New Bagan in the south in 1990.
Once the capital of a powerful ancient kingdom, it is no surprise that temples and pagodas in the ‘Bagan Archaeological Zone’ are the main attractions of the whole area.
Some of the main not-to-miss ones are Shwezigon Paya, which is said to enshrine the frontal and collar bones of Buddha; Htilominlo Pahto - an impressive red-brick Buddhist temple; Ananda Pahto - the most important temple always well-preserved via constant painting and whitewashing; Shwesandaw Paya - the second highest monument in Bagan, where you will be rewarded with the spectacular view of the Bagan plains and temples; Dhammayangyi Pahto - a temple with a dark and dramatic past; Sulamani Pahto, which is also called as Bagan’s crown jewel for its sophisticated brickwork and intricate carvings; Pya-Tha-Da Paya, where the impressive sunset is well worth your tiring climb.
Bagan is not famous for being a food destination but you still can find your favorite food in both Eastern and Western styles. The weather and availability of ingredients make an influence on the style of food–most dishes have seasonal vegetables and light flavors to help cope with the year-round heat.
Cold noodle dish with garlic oil and shredded chicken; tamarind flakes; mohinga, ngapi gyaw and shan tohu are appetizing enough to amuse your palate.
Bagan’s climate is typical for a tropical one. It is divided into 2 seasons — wet (May – September) and dry (running from March to April) with the high temperature most of the time. The winter season (from November to February), when the temperatures are milder, and there will likely be little or no rain, is the highest tourist season in Bagan. The dry season is time to go for hot air balloons and for amazing photo opportunities.
But if you do not want to be stuck in terrible crowds and pay much for all kinds of services - transportation, accommodation and tours, this period is not an ideal time to go. Wet season is the best time for those who are looking for a better rate for a guesthouse.
