Bagan & its Environs

Bagan

One of the most remarkable archeological sites in Asia, if not the world, the magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years.

Once the center of a glorious kingdom, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see.

Today, apart from the spectacular sunset views and serve river cruises, Bagan is also known as the center of Myanmar lacquer ware industry.

Bagan's high lights includes:

Shwe-zi-gon pagoda; a prototype of later Myanmar stupas.

Gubyaukyi Pagoda; an early period pagoda with painting still preserved inside.

Hti-lo-min-lo Pagoda ; traces of ancient murals are still visible.

Ananda Pagoda; one of the finest, largest and best preserved.

Ananda Ok Kyaung; one of the few surviving brick monastery buildings of the Early Bagan period.

Dhammayangyi pagoda; is a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan.

Payathonzu pagoda; a 13th century complex of three interconnected shrines.

Manuha Paya; said constructed by the captured king Manuha and where in the back there is a reclining Buddha in very cramped quarters, supposedly reflecting the king's displeasure at captivity.

Sunset view; as the day wanes we can watch the beautiful sunset from one of the pagodas selected by our tour guide for best viewing.

Evening boat ride on the Ayeyarwaddy River; take a scenic evening boat ride on the river which ends at Lawkananda Kyaung, a riverside monastery rich in history and where the sunset views are excellent.

Excursion to Mt. Popa; morning drive to Mt. Popa which rose from the ground in a massive earth quake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is renowned as the home of the Nats( Spirit Gods) and for it's panoramic view of the local tropical region.

Magway

It is central Myanmar. It is the capital of Magway Division. Located 530km north of Yangon on Yangon- Pyay-Mandalay Road. On the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy. Accessible by car, 8hours from Yangon.

Places of Interest are:

• Mya Thalon Pagoda.
• Bogyoke Aung San Museum located in Natmauk Township 32km from Magway.
• Taung Twin Gyi Museum, displays ancient Pyu articles, stone weapons, ancient coins and antique, furniture.

Salay

Salay where you can observe Yoke Sone Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden monastery hall bearing the original 120-year-old sculptures, which include nearly three-dimensional carving of 19th century court life, Jatakas and Ramayana Tales.

It is the oldest existing monastery built entirely with teak wood. It has 154 teak posts and decorated with beautiful wood carvings.

Nan Paya- a largest lacquer Buddha image, 6 meter high dated from the 13th century.

Pyay

Five hours drive north of Yangon and located on the Ayeyarwaddy River. Pyay was established as a trade center during the Bagan era.

Sri Ksetra; situated eight km north-east of Pyay and site of the ancient Pyu civilization. This has been the site of extensive archaeological work and artifacts may be seen at a nearby museum.

Akauk Mountain; about a 2 hour drive from Pyay and then a fifteen minute boat ride down river brings us to this unique mountain. On its cliff face are carved hundreds of Buddha image. We can take a short hike to reach the top of this mountain.

Pakkoku

On the western shore of the Ayeyarwaddy not far north of Bagan lies the tobacco trading center of Pakkoku.

Points of interest are the nearby 19th century town with old city walls, and archaeological museum, two of Myanmar's oldest wooden monasteries and colorful local markets.