Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finish up at one of the choice sunset spots: Pyathada Paya (
Click here
) is the ad-
venturous option, east of Myinkaba on goat-herd trails, or play it safe with the eas-
ily accessible (hence crowded) Shwesandaw Paya (
Click here
)
, near Old Bagan.
Two Days
Having followed the one-day plan, now tick off other highlights starting with Dham-
mayangyi Pahto (
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)
, Bagan's largest temple. Take the paths east to the
gorgeous Sulamani Pahto (
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)
and escape the crowds at its neighbouring
'mini-me' version, Thabeik Hmauk (
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)
, which is also a good (and generally
less-crowded) place for sunset viewing.
Another lovely view can be had from the terrace of Dhammayazika Paya (
Click
here
) in the South Plain area east of Myinkaba. While out this way visit Leimyethna
Pahto (
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)
for its well-preserved frescoes and Pyathonzu (
Click here
)
,
which also houses 13th-century murals.
Four Days
On day three many itineraries will see you heading out of the immediate Bagan
hilltop temple. Both places are interesting, but if you'd rather stay closer to Bagan,
schedule visits to Abeyadana Pahto (
Click here
)
and Nagayon (
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)
in
Myinkaba and the frescoes in
Lawkahteikpan Pahto
.
Adventurous half-day boat trips can be made down or across the Ayeyarwady
(Irrawaddy) to more remote temples with the chance to sail back into town at sun-
set.
Glory Days
Bagan's two and a half centuries of temple building (from the 11th century to the 13th
century) coincided with the region's transition from Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist be-
liefs to the Theravada Buddhist beliefs that have since characterised Myanmar. Legend
has it that the main players were the monk Shin Arahan who came (sent by Manuha, the
Mon king of Thaton; more on him later) to convert Bamar King Anawrahta.
To call his quest a success would be a landmark understatement. Inspired by his new
faith, Anawrahta ordered Manuha to give him a number of sacred Buddhist texts and rel-
ics. When Manuha naturally refused, Anawrahta marched his army south and took
everything worth carrying back to Bagan, including 32 sets of the Tripitaka (the classic
Buddhist scriptures), the city's monks and scholars and, for good measure, King Manuha
himself.
