Bagan is easily one of the most magnificent sites in all of southeast Asia. In the 11th century, King Anawrahta began building the capital of his empire on the plains along the Irrawaddy River, and during this period, over 10,000 stupas and temples are believed to have been constructed here. Over two-hundred years later, Bagan fell into decline and disuse. What remains now are the ruins of over two thousand beautiful brick stupas and stone temples scattered across 42 square kilometers. Though the temples and stupas are incredibly beautiful themselves, it is the panoramic views of the unbelievable landscape from the top of any of the tallest temples that really makes Bagan so amazing.
We explored the site by bicycle for two days, riding along dirt trails to visit some of the more obscure temples, and riding in the dust clouds of large tourist buses at the more popular ones. Some of the temples have incredible frescoed interiors while others have intricately carved reliefs decorating their exterior. Some of our favorites included Thatbyinnyu and Dhammayangyi Temples (Bagan’s tallest and biggest overall temples, respectively), and Ananda Temple which was most spectacular at sunset when its golden pagoda seemed to glow. No two temples or pagodas are alike and they are all amazing, which is what makes Bagan such an incredibly special place and one of our favorite destinations of the entire year.
Click on the photo below for our Bagan photo album.
We explored the site by bicycle for two days, riding along dirt trails to visit some of the more obscure temples, and riding in the dust clouds of large tourist buses at the more popular ones. Some of the temples have incredible frescoed interiors while others have intricately carved reliefs decorating their exterior. Some of our favorites included Thatbyinnyu and Dhammayangyi Temples (Bagan’s tallest and biggest overall temples, respectively), and Ananda Temple which was most spectacular at sunset when its golden pagoda seemed to glow. No two temples or pagodas are alike and they are all amazing, which is what makes Bagan such an incredibly special place and one of our favorite destinations of the entire year.
Click on the photo below for our Bagan photo album.
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