Bagan Holidays
On par with Angkor Wat, Bagan ranks as one of the great wonders of the world with over 4000 awe-inspiring pagodas, spread across the dry central plains of Burma. Situated on the plains of the mighty Irrawaddy River, this ancient city is dotted with thousands of intricate stupas and temples making it one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Asia.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
The temples of Angkor may be more famous, but it’s the collective view of pagoda after pagoda dotted across the landscape that provides such grandeur. Many of the Buddhist monuments were built sometime between the 11th and 13th century, when the kingdom of Burma was at its height.
With over 2,000 temples scattered across the plains, you will only be able to scratch the surface of this vast ancient city, but our expert guides will help you uncover its secrets. If you’re short on time, they can give you an overview of Bagan’s iconic pagodas, visiting the main sites of historical interest including the Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Mingalazedi pagodas. With longer to spend, or for those with a particular interest in history or archaeology, we can arrange a more in- depth tour, discovering the crumbling remains of some of the most ancient and revered temples. Visiting the main monuments of Bagan by car is the easiest way of seeing them, but to really get under the skin of this sacred city, rent a bicycle and cycle across the dusty plains exploring each of these architectural marvels.
The most memorable way to view the Pagodas is by hot air balloon. As you float silently over the vast plains, you are afforded fantastic views of the pagoda strewn landscape below. To make the most of the light, take to the skies at sunrise, watching the temples turn gold as the sun comes up over the distant hills – often a real highlight of a trip to Burma. No two flights are the same, so no guarantee can be given on which direction you will take, but you can be sure you will be afforded memorable and breath-taking views of the landscape below.
Bagan is also one of the best places in Burma to buy local works of art and traditional handicrafts, including lacquerware and hand made cloth. Bring your best bartering skills (the vendors are very friendly, but are becoming harder to bargain with) and you can leave with an authentic souvenir from central Burma’s magical ancient city.
Please read our blog to find out what makes a stay in Bagan one of Our Top Experiences in Asia.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916