Understand

Discover Bagan, an extraordinary destination located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Home to the largest and most concentrated collection of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world, Bagan is a true archaeological wonder. With structures dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, each building carries deep spiritual meaning within its intricate design and construction. Comparing Bagan to the famous Angkor sites in Southeast Asia, imagine Angkor as a grand Chinese banquet, where tantalizing dishes are hidden beneath lush forests, revealing themselves one by one. In contrast, Bagan is like a Spanish Tapas experience, with the temples and attractions presented in small bite-sized servings, with the next marvel always in sight. When it comes to differentiating temple structures, think of Angkor as artichokes and corncobs, while Bagan represents gourds and durians or pineapples. For example, the Shwezigon Pagoda resembles a gourd, while the Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, and Mahabodhi Temples feature spires reminiscent of durians. The temples in Bagan are topped with inverted ice cream cones, adding to their romantic allure. The temples of Bagan have gracefully aged over time, exposing the bricks beneath the eroded stucco coating. The wind that sweeps through the barren, desert-like mountain ranges to the west creates swirling micro twisters, carrying loose dust particles and contributing to the temples' rustic and golden brown-like patina under the sunlight. Erosion poses a significant threat to this enchanting area. While the wind chips away at the buildings' plastering, the mighty Ayeyarwady River also poses a risk as its strong current gradually washes away sections of Old Bagan. What remains is a triangle-shaped enclave, once protected by a perimeter wall. Apart from the iconic spire-fringed skyline and tumbledown stupas adorned with glittering golden sikaras, other memorable sights in Bagan include stone lions flanking temple entrances, intricate woodcarvings adorning monastery roofs, tall palmyras and bougainvilleas adding life to the arid landscape, playful squirrels scampering across temple walls, horse-drawn carriages transporting awe-struck tourists, and the occasional sight of bullock carts making their way through the dust-filled trails. However, it's important to note that there may be some litter, stray dogs, and betel chew spitting by locals, along with overgrown weeds adding to the authentic charm of the abandoned ruins, amidst the ever-present dust.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Mohinga is a popular Burmese soup that consists of fish broth, rice noodles, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. It often includes ingredients like fish sauce, banana tree stems, and lime juice, giving it a unique flavor profile. The soup is typically served hot and is a favorite among locals for breakfast.

Khow Suey is a hearty Burmese curry dish made with chicken, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, beans, and a rich, creamy coconut-based gravy. The blend of spices used in the curry, including turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, gives it a bold, complex flavor. Khow Suey is usually served with rice or roti, making it a satisfying meal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Samusa is a popular Burmese snack consisting of a savory filling wrapped in a crispy pastry shell. The fillings typically include seasoned mashed potatoes, peas, lentils, onions, or other vegetables, although some variants may also contain meat. The samusas are deep-fried until golden brown, creating a delicious, crunchy exterior that contrasts with the warm, flavorful contents inside. They are commonly sold as street food or as a appetizer at gatherings.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing