Appreciating the beauty of temples would probably be the first thing on your list when you visit Bagan, as it should be. But there are plenty of other fun things you can do there. Here is a list of 6 things you should do in Bagan.
Revel in the Religious Complex
Bagan’s religious complex
Recommended length of visit: 1 day
Bagan is well known for its countless temples and pagodas spread over the Bagan plain. These temples are architectural masterpieces of Burmese temple design, displaying unique Burmese craftsmanship.
Biking is the best way to explore the religious edifices. By biking, you can arrange your trip without undue haste. Whether visiting temples, shopping for souvenirs, or getting a coconut drink, you’ll be able to take your time and indulge in this mysterious oriental land.
Admire the Architecture of Myanmar’s “Abbeys”
Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple and sunset in Bagan
Recommended length of visit: half a day
Time flew, but it was recorded by the ancient temples in Bagan. Built in 1105 AD, Ananda Temple is called as the "Westminster Abbey of Burma". As one of the grandest temples, it houses four standing Buddhas along with special stone images and wall paintings.
When you visit Dhammayangyi Temple, you’ll be amazed by its size and exquisite interior decorations. Wandering around inside the building, you can see some original artwork and other hidden treasures.
It’s well worth climbing to the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda – even the stairs are steep and tall. The top offers a 360-degree viewing point above all the other temples. If you get to watch a sunrise or sunset from the top, it’ll surely be the memory of a lifetime.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight
A hot air balloon flight
Recommended length of visit: three hours
Do you ever dream of floating through the sky? Do you ever think of watching the sunrise or sunset from a new perspective? How about celebrating your birthday or anniversary, or just having an unforgettable journey in a special way? Take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan!
Traveling wherever the wind takes you, and enjoying a totally different view over Bagan’s splendid sights, you will not forget this flight as long as you live.
Climb Myanmar’s Mount Olympus
Mount Popa
Recommended length of visit: half a day
Mount Popa means the “the mount of flowers”. It is a mountain 1,518 meters tall, southeast of Bagan. Lots of trees, flowers, plants, bushes and monkeys make it stand out among the rest of the mountains in Burma. From the top of Popa, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the whole ancient city.
A Buddhist monastery was built at the summit. It is considered the most important place of worship in Myanmar. At the time of the Water-Sprinkling Festival, thousands of Buddhists go to Mount Popa to worship. Shows are performed there from time to time during the Festival.
Associate with Authentic Village Culture
Minnanthu Village
Recommended length of visit: 1 to 2 hours
If you are tired of visiting temples, Minnanthu Village offers you a good break. It is also a good place for you to experience the charming rural culture of Myanmar.
While strolling around the village, you’ll feel truly welcome, with its friendly inhabitants and neat and clean lanes. Be sure not to miss seeing how cigars are made. The things they display there, such as linen, silver jewelry and wood carvings, are all locally handmade.
Spend Some Quality Time in a Cooking Class
Pennywort Cooking Class
Recommended length of visit: half a day
Taking a cooking class is another alternative way of marking your trip to Bagan.
Mrs May, the chef at the Pennywort Cooking Class, will take you to a local market to purchase fresh ingredients. Then she will teach you some cooking methods, according to your preference. At the end of the day, what you get is not just a feast of delicious food, but also a few local recipes and some knowledge about local life.
Mrs May, by the way, is also a fund-raiser for a children’s charity library. What a wonderful thing to help others by taking her class!
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