BAGAN

Bagan is, one of the most amazing and richest archeological sites in Asia and a major tourist attraction site of Myanmar as well, situated on the eastern bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River and about 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Mandalay and about 500 km north of Yangon. Bagan covers an area of 42 sq. km dotted with over 2000 (nearly 3000) well preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th – 13th century. Bagan was the first imperial capital of ancient Myanmar Empire founded by King Anawyahta (1044-77), who introduced the Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar. Being one of the architectural wonders of the world, Bagan is also a favorite haunt of students of archaeology and lovers of ancient arts and architecture and will give the visitors an excellent chance to study the riches architectural heritages from the11th to 12th centuries and to watch the wide overlooking panoramic view of numerous pagodas and temples. Places of interest to the visitor are Shwezigone Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Gawdawpalin Temple, Damayangyi Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Gubyaukgyi Temple (wetkyiinn), Manuha Temple, … etc.

Horse cart riding and bicycling is also another fascinating way to cover Bagan.

Side Trips: From Bagan you can make the excursions to Sale and Mt. Popa. On the way to Mt. Papa you can make a stop to see how to toddy palms serve man starting from the seedling to the mature stage.

MT. POPA

Mt. Popa is situated in central Myanmar. It is an extinct volcano nearly 1500 meters in height and covered with a recently grown forest. Mt Popa stands as a symbol of victory over the fight against environmental decay which is threatening to mother earth in near future.
The main attraction of this region is the 730 meters high conic rock Popa Taungkalat (table mountain) and also known as the centre of Nats or spirits worship in Myanmar because it is the home of Myanmar’s legendary 37 Nats or Spirits.
The area around Mt. Popa is designated as the Popa National Park covered with recently grown dense sandalwood forests. When reaching the top of the mountain, accompanied by a crowed of monkeys, you will have an overlooking extraordinary panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

SALE

About 15 km south of Bagan is sale, a small town. It is noted for Yoke Sone Monastery. Be sure to visit this Monastery, converted from an old monastery in a museum with the figures curved outsidethe building and antique lacquer wares, wooden beliefs and a large glided Buddha image.