Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bagan & Central Myanmar
Why Go?
This heartland of the Bamar people has been the location of three former Burmese capitals
- Bagan, Pyay and Taungoo - as well as the latest surreal one, Nay Pyi Taw. Of this quar-
tet, it's Bagan with its wondrous vista of pagodas and stupas, many dating back to the 12th
century, that's the star attraction. The tallest and most majestic of Bagan's temples, built of
brick, decorated inside with beautiful frescos and topped with gilded
hti
pinnacles, mix
Hindu and buddhist images with locally brewed
nat
(spirits) in nooks and crannies.
Most visitors fly directly to Bagan, but central Myanmar also provides scenic rewards
for adventurous travellers. It may be known as the 'dry zone', but the region is far from a
desert. Beside highways and rickety train tracks amble ox carts through rice fields and
rolling plains, all rimmed by the Shan Mountains to the east and the snaking Ayeyarwady
(Irrawaddy) River to the west, creating scenes that hark back centuries.
When to Go
Nov-Feb
'Winter', when most visitors come and temperatures are 'cool' at around 86°F
(30°C).
Mar-May
The hot season, when temperatures reach 100°F (40°C) and higher.
