Bagan is a beautiful ancient city located on the Eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, and Myanmar’s most popular tourist destination. Its rich history as the capital of the first Myanmar Empire means that the city is filled with ancient temples, buildings and artifacts whose origins date back as far as 1,500 years ago. Culture and history buffs will be delighted in the numerous temples, pagodas, monuments, stone scripts, votive tablets, wall paintings, mural paintings and stuccos carvings easily found throughout the city.
Key places of interest include the Shwezigon, Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Thabbyinnyu Pagodas. Take a ride on a hot air balloon for an aerial view of the city. Flights typically take place at sunset or sunrise, giving visitors the best view of Bagan’s famously beautiful golden sunsets. A quick and easy way to see Bagan is by hiring a horse and cart. These are run by the locals, so you’ll often get your very own tour guide as well.