Bagan
Bagan can be called a temple town or ancient city, as well as, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. Either way, it is important to recognize that it was once a capital of ancient Pagan Kingdom which between 9th and 13th centuries unified the regions that would later create modern Myanmar. This temple town currently gravitate attracting most of travelers who visit the country.
Nyaung U a town in the north east of so-called Bagan Archaeological Zone where most of people find accommodation and use it as base of operation while exploring and wandering through this marvelous temple town. Second largest hub is the New Bagan situated in the southern edge of the Zone.
While traveling through calm and delightful Bagan it is clearly visible that earthquakes over the centuries did their job and destroyed a lot. Even though repair and reconstruction of temples is ongoing constantly, the most recent earthquake, in August 2016, left way less than 2500 out of original 10 thousand temples still accessible to visitors.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. There are multiple places in the city where you can find descent food. In most of the local restaurants you will find price and quality ratio alright and food fresh. Stop by and try local food in street markets, look for a cleaner place and enjoy!
We enjoyed local breakfast at our hotel and outside we would recommend just perfect restaurant called “Perfect Tea and Food”. It is not in the main street where all the tourists are eating, here you will sit mostly between locals and it is always full (well, when we were there, it was). Here you will find great food and price quality ratio, we enjoyed couple dinners with local folks.
Markets. In Bagan as in almost every other city in Myanmar you will not easily find a lot of cheap souvenirs to put on your fridge. However, we encourage to walk around and look for hand made goods in local markets. Here they will charge you less the less you look like a tourist and if you know some simple Myanmar phrases, that will melt their hearts away. In shops all over city prices vary around same level, thus, choose a more convenient for you. We did not find a shop which would accept card payment, thus, be prepared and have some cash with you!
Transportation. To get to Bagan you can use car, bus, train or plane as it is one of four most visited sites in whole Myanmar. We traveled to Bagan using hitchhiking from Monywa. The roads are alright and not many under construction. Either way you choose, be aware that infrastructure is underdeveloped, roads are small and sometimes two-line road (one line each direction) is already considered as a highway. Traveling with trains between major cities are alright, however, if you plan to visit more remote areas, be prepared to spend some quality time in the process. So, at this point you must be able to enjoy the trip not only the destination.
Inside the city you will find yourself using local Tuk Tuk’s or e-bikes which are one of the most convenient transportation devices used to get around. However, exploration is doable on foot if you decide to skip on bike. You will just need more time to do it but the sights are rewarding!
Best of luck planning your holidays in Myanmar!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Myanmar?
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