Visitors' Guide
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Festival in Myanmar
Bagan
A historic capital, Bagan, known as city of four million
Pagodas, is the richest archaeological site in Asia.
This enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of
the Ayeyawady river about 193 km south of Mandalay.
The ruins of the city of Bagan cover an area of 42 sq.km
containing over 2000 ediflices. The majority of these
well-preserved temples and pagodas offer a rich
architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th century
Era.
How to get there
It takes about one hour and twenty minutes to fly from
Yangon to Bagan / NyaungOo. There are daily flights to
Bagan during the tour season. By overland, Express
Trains to Mandalay stop at Thazi junction from which one
can take a bus to Bagan. The newly constructed Railway
line of Mandalay-Bagan was unveiled on 19th September,
1996. The express trains are running daily and the
round-trip takes about 8 hours only. There is a regular
bus and steamer service between Mandalay and Bagan.
Visitors are advised to check with Tourist Information
Services for flight / train / bus / steamer schedules.
Places Of Attraction In Bagan Areas
Ananda Temple
The Ananda Temple, completed in 1090, is King
Kyansitha's master-piece and the crowning achievement of
the early style of temple architechture.The plan is that
of a perfect Greek cross. There are 4 huge Buddha images
in standing position and a series of 80 reliefs
depicting the Final Life of Buddha from His Birth to His
Enlightenment which is notable. The Ananda Pagoda
festival, held in January, is a big event drawing
pilgrims even from far away places.
Thatbyinnyu Temple
Over 66 metres high, the temple was built by King
Alaungsithu in the middle of 15th century. It overtops
all other monuments and affords visitors a magnificent
panorama of Bagan plains.
 Dhammayangyi Temple
The Dhammayangyi Temple is the most massive stracture in
Bagan and was built by King Narathu (1167-70) who was
also known as Kalagya Min, “ the King killed by
Indians”. This Temple is located about a kilometer to
the southeast of the city directly Minanthu.
Shwegugyi Temple
Standing on high brick plinth, this temple is built in
1131 by King Alaungsithu (1113-1167AD). The
archpediments, pilasters, plinth and cornice moulding
are decorated with fine stucco carving, evidence of
Myanmar architecture in the early 12th century.
Manuha Temple
Manuha Temple was built by the Mon King of Thaton who
was taken prinsoner along with the entire Mon royal
family and 30,000 Mon inhabitants when King Anawrahta
defeated him in 1057. This Temple was built in AD 1067
located in Myinkaba village.
Gawdawpalin Temple
This 12th Century temple was built by King
Narapati-sithu, is about 60 metres high. From the upper
terrace of the Gawdawpalin Temple, one can leisurely
watch the sunset over the scenic beauty of the Ayeyawady
river with the backdrop of the Tantkyitaung Hill and the
panoramic view of ancient Bagan.The fading light
gradually veils the ruined city of Bagan—a "Bagan
Sunset", and one will never forget one's itinerary in
Mynmar.
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wet Kyi Inn)
A 13th century temple with a spire resembling the
Maha-bodhi temple at Budh Gaya. This temple is known for
its wall paintings depicting scenes from the Jataka.
Htilo Minlo Temple
Built about (1211 A.D) by Nan-daung-mya Min or Htilo
Minlo is one of the largest temple of Bagan. It is a
double-storeyed structure rising 50 metres above the
ground. This temple is noted for its fine plaster
carvings on the arch-pediments, frieze and pilaster.
Shwezigon Pagoda
It was built by King Anawrahta and completed by King
Kyansitha in 1084. the Shwezigon Pagoda is the prototype
for later Myanmar pagodas. There are green glazed
plaques depicting scenes from the Jataka. The pagoda
festival is held from late October to early November.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
The Shwesandaw Pagoda was built by King Anawrahta after
his conquest of Thahton in 1057. A short distance from
the Thatbyinnyu Temple and on the other side of the
road, is a small temple that is a good view point across
the plain of Bagan and it was a great spot view for the
sunset.
Buphaya Pagoda
Standing on the bank of the Ayeyawady river, the Buphaya
Pagoda is a conspicuous landmark for travellers along
the river. This pagoda with a bulbous dome resembling
the "Bu" or gourd fruit is a favourite spot for visitors
to watch the sunset.
Archaeological Museum
The new Archaeo-logical Museum is the most splendid and
significant with its main hall, Bagan literature hall,
social and military paintings hall, architecture hall,
fine arts hall, stupa and temple paintings hall, and
Buddhist arts hall. It is located near the Gawdawpalin
Temple in Bagan-NyaungU Township. It was inaugurated on
Myanmar New Year Day, 17 April 1998. Open from 09:30 to
15:00 hours daily exceptMondays and public holidays.
Bagan’s Surrounding
Mount Popa
Mount Popa, 1500 metres high, is an extinct volcano
located about 67 km south-east of Bagan. Among the
western foothills, the mountain stands a perpendicular
rock formation with almost vertical sides. The whole top
is dotted with pagodas and shrines which are made
accessible by a series of stairways. It is generally
known as the abode of legendary 'Nats' (Spiritual gods)
for which the annual festival is held during Myanmar
month of Nayon (May / June).
Shopping
Master-pieces of lacquer-ware have been the pride of
Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. It is still
the main industry of Bagan today and every body can see
the process of making lacquer-wares from the basic stage
to the finished products ready for sale at the shops.
Lacquer-wares such as ash-trays, bowls, jewellery boxes,
trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.
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