The Golden Glory: Yangon and Bagan

Humans have achieved tremendous architectural marvels in pursuit of divine. Yangon and Bagan are vivid examples of these architectural excellence. The pagodas in Yangon and Bagan are timeless presentation of Myanmar's glorious past, the on going belief and golden future that may await.

For past few decades Myanmar was in news for Ang Sun Su Kyi struggle, with her, of many. But things have changed in last few years. The government has opened up and it is taking steps in right direction. But it is still early days for tourists and we took this as an opportunity to explore the land of thousand temples.

A three hour flight from Singapore, Yangon was our first stop of the 2 places. The second being Bagan. We actually started our plan with 3 guys and slowly other friends showed interest and we became 7!! But it was still kind of off season, (Peak Season:- Mid Nov - Mid March), in Myanmar, Hence the temples were all for ourselves in Bagan.


We arrived at Yangon airport in evening at 6:30 PM and we were out of airport in 30-40 mins. One can change US dollars to Kyats (Myanmar currency) at airport, they offer good exchange rates. With our bags we headed towards Shwedagon Pagoda, a 45 minute ride from airport.

As we were approaching the Pagoda, we could see the central stupa. It is one those first look, like one of Eiffel tower, or of Taj Mahal,  thats remains in the memory for entire life. At the entrance, we paid the fee. The entrance fee for tourist is 8 USD or 8500 kyats. We had almost 2 hours to explore and each one of those moments were one to savor.

  

View of Pagoda in the night

The Shwedagon pagoda closes by 10 PM, but the light on padoga is on wholevnight. As the 99 meter stupa dominates the skyline, it is a good opportunity for photographers to stroll around the street to take photos. Take the east gate exit for exit towards a crowded street and Kandawgyi lake. Even the Kandawgyi lake closes by 10 PM but one can stroll on the periphery.

We came back again to Shwedagon pagoda for the day view after our Bagan trip.

 

Padoga During the Day

The Kandawgyi lake is another beautiful place and the Karawaikh Hall is the center of attraction. A day stroll is a good photo opportunity.

View of Kandawgyi lake in Yangon

The Karawaikh Hall

A burmese girl posing for the foto

To travel to Bagan, We took a personal taxi. However, buses are available in evening and it takes 10 hours. Also bus would be the cheapest option to travel. With our Taxi we reached hotel by 3 am.

Before visiting  Bagan I had seen a photo of literally hundred temples with mountains and greenery in background. I couldn't figure out the place where this image was taken. After visiting a few temples I realized! Its very easy to find as they are every where..  The insanely expensive (320 USD!!!) "Balloons over Bagan" were not in operation. They operate only in dry season i.e. from (Mid Nov - March).

I'll list the temples we visited, over two days in Bagan. Perhaps, these shouldn't be missed and i am sure there would be many more that should be visited!

1. Shwezigon Padoga: This temple was one of the first one to be built in Bagan by king Anawratha . It is beginning of legacy that has lasted centuries. It is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha.

2. Shwe Leik Too: Not very far from Shwezigon Pagoda. The upper floors of this temple is accessible and this is one the places where one can see the hundreds of temples. literally.

3. Ananda temple: This temple looks like a fusion of Burmese and Indian architecture. It has four really tall Buddha statue facing the four directions.

Ananda temple

4. Shwe Gu Gyi: One of the places to get a good view of pagodas all around.

5. Buledi: A less crowded place for senset photos. Though, clouds had the final say for our sunset.

6. Bupaya: This temple is on the bank of Irrawaddi river.

7. Dhamma Yan Gyi: As Beautiful it was from distance, as it is from inside. It is largest of all temple in Bagan.

 8. Mt Popa: It is possible to go to Mt Popa on the way to Yangon. But in my opinion it is better to spend more time Bagan only. It has more significance for religious values. For visitors like us, Bagan has much more to offer.

In brief, if i have to say about the primer trip, then it goes like this. The American food (so to say even western food) hasn't invaded Myanmar, bill boards are hard to come by, Locals are a delightful company. Life is slow and laid back. Monks and temples are all around. And you can't escape a book shop or street book vendors without seeing Ang Sun Su Kyi books with herself on cover. She is well respected by everyone. The future looks better than the past certainly.