Bagan was submitted to become a UNESCO heritage site[1] but many speculate of politics as partly the reason for the exclusion. UNESCO does not designate Bagan as a World Heritage Site. The main reason given is that the military junta (SPDC) has haphazardly restored ancient stupas, temples and buildings, ignoring original architectural styles and using modern materials which bear little or no resemblance to the original designs. The junta has also established a golf course, a paved highway, and built a 200-foot (61-m) watchtower in the southeastern suburb of Minnanthu.
History of Bagan
Map of Bagan tourist area
BAGAN ARCHEOLOGICAL ZONE (Old Bagan)
To truly enjoy what this area has to offer you need to spend a minimum of three days in Old Bagan. Historically Bagan is one of the wonders of this world and definitely on a par with Cambodia's Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Although I myself did find it more interesting than Angkor Wat in that many of the old temples have beautiful frescos, most more than 800 years old and some 1000 years or more. They are of course worn and faded with age but never the less one can see how beautiful they were in their hey day.
An example of some of the frescoes
Husband and our guide with fresco in the background
We only spent three days in the Old Bagan due to time constraints; for us it wasn't quite long enough to enjoy the attractions that this area offers. We visited in September, the weather was hot but not unbearable, we experienced a couple of storms which is natural for this time of year as it was the rainy season but they didn't prevent us from enjoying the sights.Can't wait to go back and see what I haven't seen.
If tranquility and peace are on your agenda then this is it, cycling is popular with the tourists, the terrain is very flat and one can easily slip into a peaceful daze whilst cycling around the numerous old ruins, or taking in the sights on horse and buggy. Many of the roads are dirt but well maintained.
(Thande Hotel Bagan) situated on the Irrawaddy River
Our hotel set amongst large lush mature Tamarind trees and a variety of flowering shrubs was clean and very comfortable with nice little verandas to sit and enjoy that glass of wine. Just a short distance from the hotel was a great vegetarian restaurant (good for me, the vegetarian in the family). We spent a couple of very relaxing hours in this open style restaurant chatting to the very friendly owner while the rain pelted down outside, so relaxing.
Horse and buggy waiting patiently
We couldn't resit the beautiful lacquer ware that is manufactured in this area and bought two largish pieces which we carried around in our hand luggage for the rest of our trip, which I am pleased to report arrived at our final destination (home) without the slightest damage. There is a wide range of lacquer ware - tea sets, bowls, jewelery boxes, plates, cups, boxes of all shapes and sizes and many more.
Lacquer ware
The Bagan Archeological Museum is situated only a couple of hundred meters from our hotel; we were however, informed by a few of the locals in hushed voices that most of the relics on show are only copies of those found in the area, which seems a pity for such a beautiful building to house only copies of the many ancient artifacts. I did get an impression that the locals don't take kindly to their treasures exhibited elsewhere, if in fact that is the case.
Some more pictures of beautiful Bagan
Mother and daughter dancing on top of temple
My husband with Irrawady in background
We were hoping to see one of the magic sunsets Bagan is famous for but unfortunately too cloudy, maybe next time.
Next stop Inle Lake................................
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