BAGAN : Myanmar's greatest wonder, this ancient deserted city alongside the Irrawaddy River is home to over 2000 temples and pagodas covering an area of around 40 square km. This world-heritage site is one Asia’s most important and remarkable archaeological sites, and represents the spiritual heritage of ancient Burma.
(Admission for Archaeological Sight of Bagan: US$10.-)

First Day

Early morning flight to Bagan
After pick up at the airport by our tour guide, full day tour of the Bagan Plain. You will obviously not be able to visit every Pagoda and Temple of this vast area, so you will have to decide which ones you want to visit and inform our tour guide so he can arrange the best itinerary.

Here are some of the most outstanding sights in order of importance:
Ananda Pagoda
One of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples, fully restored after suffering  damage in the 1975 earthquake. Built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. There are 4 large wooden Buddha figures, and 2 of them appear to change their expression the closer you get. (3/4h)

Dhammayangyi
Built in the 12th century by Kalagya Min (the king killed by the Indians), this pagoda resembles a pyramid from the side. Impressive mortar-less brickwork – the king ordered that the bricks fit together so tightly as not to admit even a pin to pass between them. Otherwise (it is said) he cut off the workers’ hands. (1/2h)

Dhamma-ya-zi-ka
A Zedi of complex design, built in 1196 by Narapatisithu, on a pentagon terrace with five temples, each containing a Buddha image. Nice view over Bagan Plain. A highlight: pagoda and temple style with stucco, stone sculptures and carvings. (1h)

Sitana gyi
the only Paya in Sri Lankan style in Bagan, with a square box underneath the umbrella enshrining the holy relics. The lower terrace is surrounded by elephant images, creating the impression of an approaching herd of elephants the nearer you get to the zedi. (1/2h)

Htilo-minlo
A massive complex. Built in 1218 by King Nantaungmya. It features traces of old murals, original fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. (3/4h)

 Kyan-sit-thar Umin
Cave temple built in 11th century, into a cliff face, with frescoes. It served as monastery and features a few small rooms, which were home to monks. (1/2h)

Gu-byauk-gyi
This 13th century temple has amazingly fine, almost print quality, frescos showing scenes of the jatakas (stories of Buddha's life) (1/2h)

Shwe Zi gon Pagoda
Started by Anawratha, but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha (1084-1113). The stupa's graceful bell shape became the prototype for Myanmar's pagodas. Supposedly the Shwezigon was built to enshrine one of the four replicas of the Buddha tooth from Kandy, Sri Lanka, and to mark the northern edge of the city. The other three tooth replicas went to three other stupas marking the east, south and west of the city. (1h)

Thatbyinnyu Pagoda
Built by Alaungsithu in the 12th century, it is one of the highest in Bagan (61m). Its monumental size and vertical design make it a classic example of the Middle Bagan period. (1/2h)

Upali Thein
Named after Upali, a well-known monk. One of the few Ordination Halls still standing, most buildings of this type were made of wood and have long since disappeared. Inside are some brightly painted frescos from the late 17th or early 18th century. (1/2h)

 Gawdawpalin Pagoda
Considered the crowning achievment of the Late Bagan period, this is one of the largest and imposing of the Bagan temples. It was badly damaged in the 1975 earthquake and its reconstruction probably represents the biggest operation undertaken after the earthquake. (1/2h)

Migala-zedi
(Blessing Stupa) was built in 1277 by Narathihapati. It is noted for its fine proportions and for the many beautiful glazed jataka tiles around its terraces. Excellent for a nice afternoon view, as it is one of the most westerly pagodas. (3/4h)

Shwe Sandaw Paya
built by King Anawratha in 1057. The zedi bell rises from 2 octagonal bases, which cap the five square terraces. This was the first monument at Bagan to feature stairways leading up from the bottom. The hti (umbrella), which was toppled by the earthquake, still lies on the far side of the paya compound. (1/2h)

Lacquerware Museum
Visit to the Lacquerware Museum & Institute in Old Bagan, which features the traditional way of producing lacquerware and has a lot of products on display. (1 ½ hrs)

Bagan museum
With a lot of old religious images and other fine works from temples around Bagan. Also contains fragments of painted cloth that were kept in the hollow forearms of large Buddha images, plus gems from the chest and heads of some images. Open hours: 9am to 4:30pm, admission US$ 4, (1 ½ hrs) Overnight in Bagan

Second Day

We recommend you to get up early to catch the sunrise from one of the pagodas close to your hotel. Our tour guides know the best places for sunrise as well as for sunset. They will inform you about the best spots within easy reach of your hotel. The easiest way of getting around in the early morning or evening is by horse and cart.

After breakfast you will have a chance to visit more of the above mentioned sights and may ask our tour guide to show you some places where the local people produce sugar and liquor out of the juice of the Toddy Palm tree.

We are able to arrange flights back to Yangon in the evening of the second day or on the next day.
To continue to any other places within Myanmar you will stay a 2nd night in Bagan
and leave with an early morning flight.

Good Lunch- and Dinner places
- the Sunset Garden Restaurant or Riverside Restaurant,both on the riverbank in New Bagan, two of the nicest, but also busiest, places.

- Hotels like Tiripyitsaya, Bagan Hotel, Bagan Thande Hotel also serve excellent food as well in a nice atmosphere.

- the Nanda Restaurant between Old Bagan and Nyaung-U is a great spot for dinner and has a traditional show most evenings.