Bagan was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Myanmar. It is located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, 140 km southwest of Mandalay. Bagan is one of the spectacular temple sites of Asia, to be compared with Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Borobodur in Indonesia. Unlike Angkor, which is covered by jungle and forest, Bagan is a vast, empty plain, nestled in the curve of the Irrawaddy River, where you can see thousands of stupas and temple ruins as far as the eye can see.
Getting there One of the most pleasant ways to reach Bagan is by boat. There are several Deluxe overnight cruises operating between Bagan and Mandalay. If you prefer flying to Bagan, please note that the airport is located at the nearby town of Nyaung Oo and there are mainly domestic flights operating at the moment. The city is in easy driving distance to Meikhtila. Not really recommend is an overland trip from / to Mandalay as it takes very long and during the rainy season even longer. To reach Bagan by train is also not recommended, as trains are often late or not running at all.
Temples & Attractions The construction of Shwezigon Pagoda was started by King Anawrahta to enshrine some relicts of Buddha. It was finished by his successor, King Kyansittha between 1086 and1090. Originally the Shwezigon Pagoda marked the northern end of the city of Bagan. The stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar.
Gubyaukhyi Temple in Myinkaba was built in 1113 by Kyanzittha's son Rajakumar. This temple is famous for its well-preserved stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls. The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan.
One of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of Bagan’s temples is the Ananda Pahto. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period.
The Gubyaukgyi Temple at Wetkyi-Inn was built in the early 13th century and repaired in 1468. The great colorful painting showing the previous life of Buddha and the distinguished architecture make this temple an interesting site for a visit. This temple is mainly interesting for the fine frescoes depicting scenes from the jatakas (Buddhist rebirth stories).
The Manuha Temple was built in 1059 by King Manuha, the King of Thaton, who was brought captive to Bagan by King Anawrahta. It enshrines the unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining Buddha image. It is said that this temple was built by Manuha to express his displeasure about his captivity in Bagan.
In 1057, King Anawrahta built the Shwesandaw Pagoda following his conquest of Thaton. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa. This Pagoda is ideal to watch Bagan's magnificent sunsets.
Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple is only two kilometers from Bagan and is known for producing the finest lacquerware in Myanmar. Stop by one of the workshops and learn about the painstaking process of laquerware making and decoration.
For more information, further options and prices regarding any other attractions in and around Bagan, Contact Guidepost Tours
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AUREUM PALACE HOTEL & RESORT ***** Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort is set amid 27 acres of tropical landscaped gardens, close to the Bagan Viewing Tower. The resort is only 5min drive to Old Bagan and the Nyaung U Market. It offers the ultimate in luxury for a superlative vacation experience. Museum quality antiques and artifacts adorn each villa, complementing the majestic ambiance of the resort.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: Acknowledged by many to be the best resort hotel in Myanmar, this sprawling property features 72 villas and 42 upscale deluxe rooms, all of which are equipped with top-of-the-line amenities and equipment. · Dining and Entertainment: The 650m² Xanadu Restaurant restaurant features menu of continental and Asian fare, fine Italian cuisine including fresh home-made pasta and dishes. The 540m² traditional theme Shan Restaurant offers classic Myanmar and Thai cuisine as well as many other dishes from various parts of the country. Experience the very special Mandalay rum sour cocktail, a selection of exotic tropical drinks and carefully chosen wines at Hero’s Club before or after dinner. The Lounge it’s the place in the afternoon for freshly baked pastries, home-made sherbets and a choice of the finest teas and coffees. By the pool guests can enjoy drinks and snacks available throughout the day. · Sport and Leisure: The hotel is complete with an extensive spa facility, fully equipped fitness centre, sauna, nightclub and a huge swimming pool which affords a stunning view of Bagan’s pagoda landscape. · Conferences and banquets: Features business centre with broadband connection and banquet facilities for up to 200 people. ------
MYANMAR TREASURE RESORT **** Myanmar Treasure Resort is situated inside the Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone, 10min drive from Old Bagan, within easy reach of all tourist sites in the locality. Surrounded by swaying palms and landscaped gardens, the hotel complex is a graceful blend of traditional magnificence and contemporary elegance.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: Features 92 superior rooms (35m²) with pool or garden view and 2 suites, elegantly furnished with teak wood and local materials. · Dining and Entertainment: Enjoy the variety of local food while having dinner at the Treasure Restaurant. Temple Dinner around the historical area can be also arranged. Guests can enjoy a drink at the pool bar accompanied by live music band. · Sport and Leisure: Massage, Spa, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Beauty and Body Treatments, Bicycle Rental. Horse Cart Rental. · Others: Business Centre, Souvenir Shop, Laundry Service.
------Guidepost Tours Australia - PH: 1300 733323 www.guideposttours.com.au