Bagan
On your trip to Myanmar, make sure to schedule in some Bagan sightseeing. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, the ancient city of Bagan is an archaeological wonder. The site grew rapidly under the rule of King Anawrahta, who began the large-scale construction of Buddhist temples on the plains of Bagan in the 11th century. The Burmese kings that succeeded him continued in his footsteps, following the Buddhist belief that building a temple would earn one merit.
Almost a thousand years later, Bagan is still home to a dense concentration of over two thousand surviving Buddhist temples. The ancient Bagan pagodas are some of the most memorable sights you’ll see in Myanmar. These brick-red structures dot the natural landscape for as far as the eye can see. You can explore the interiors of many of the pagodas and view the well-preserved Buddhist frescoes, statues, and carvings inside.
While you can tour the Bagan pagodas via a jostling horse-drawn cart, the best way to see interesting places in Bagan is by hot air balloon, which offers dynamic, panoramic views of the wide plains. A Bagan balloon ride from the relative comfort of a wicker basket is a truly unforgettable experience. Most rides take place in the early morning as the cooler temperatures allow the balloons to fly closer to the temples, and the view as the sun rises over the landscape below is something right out of a postcard. From the air, you’ll be able to marvel at the sheer scale of this archaeological site, which is one of the richest expressions of Burmese religious devotion.
After your Bagan balloon excursion in the sky, why not keep to the theme with a visit to the Bagan hot air balloon festival in the nearby town of Taunggyi? A rowdy celebration, the annual Fire Balloon Festival lasts for several days in November, coinciding with the full moon of the month of Tazaungmon. This period signals an end to the rainy season on the traditional Burmese calendar. The Bagan hot air balloon festival has a carnival-like atmosphere with music, food stalls, and even Ferris wheels – though instead of electricity, they are powered by human operators who use their bodies to swing the wheels into motion. At night, people set off fireworks attached to hot air balloons in grand pyrotechnic displays. Colourful handmade paper balloons shaped like animals are also strung with candles and released into the night sky as offerings and to ward off evil spirits.
From the archaeological remnants of a bygone time to vibrant cultural celebrations, Bagan sightseeing offers a surprising contrast of ancient and modern. You won’t want to miss the many interesting places in Bagan on your next trip to Myanmar.
