76) Myanmar’s plain of wonders in Bagan

Asia » Burma » Mandalay Region » Bagan
October 21st 2005

Published: January 2nd 2006

To say it straightforward: we absolutely loved the area of Bagan and stayed there for nine days! Whatever other sites in Myanmar you visit, Bagan is undoubtedly the cultural climax that no visitor should miss, no matter how little time they have at their disposal. The numerous religious monuments (over 2,000 still standing) near the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River (better known as Irrawaddy ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 52, Displayed: 21

Painting inside Upali Thein

Inside Upali Thein are beautifully painted frescos from the late 17th century

Minochantha stupa group

Stupas built by a pious king in the hopes of curing his illness

Taungbi village temple

Small inconspicuous temple in the traditional village of Taungbi, with a beautiful wooden porch

Marble Buddha

In a niche close to the entrance of the small temple in Taungbi

Interior of the small Taungbi temple

Golden Buddha surrounded by lovely murals

Wall murals in Taungbi

Dating from the 18th century, recognisable by the murals' vivid colours, especially the green

Painted ceiling in Taungbi

Wonderfully preserved and displaying awesome geometrical patterns and floral motives

Bupaya Pagoda

A small stupa setting on a polygonal platform made up of a series of crenulated semi-circular terraces overlooking the river

Mahabodi Temple

The Mahabohdi temple is modeled after the namesake temple in Bodhgaya, India, a site sacred to all Buddhists

Mahabodi Temple overview

The Mahabodhi is special for its extensive exterior ornamentation; its numerous niches enclose over 450 Buddha images not only on the tower but also on the corner stupas

Gawdawpalin Temple

Bagan’s second tallest and most imposing temple

Mahazedi Pagoda

Lesser-known brick pagoda, with staircases on all sides, a stupa finial and small stupas in the corners of each terrace

Thatbyinnyu Temple

Bagan's tallest temple at almost 61 m height

Cycling from Thatbyinnyu Temple

Constructed during one of the high points of Bagan's political power, it reflects that era’s innovative architectural and artistic creativity

Bagan Panorama

The region clearly stands with Angkor among the most significant archeological sites of Southeast Asia and indeed of the world

Distant view of the Ananda Temple

Although in the picture's background, it still draws everybody's attention

Ananda Temple

The Ananda was the first of Bagan’s great temples and remains one of the finest and most beautiful of Bagan’s architectural complexes

Ananda Temple sikhara

The main and a secondary corncob-style sikhara with their umbrella-like finials

Giant Buddha in the Ananda Temple

One of four 9.5 m teak Buddhas in the four entrance halls of the temple

Corridor of the Ananda Temple

Conveniently lit, the corridors contain arched niches in the wall which house images of the Buddha

Buddha image in the Ananda Temple

Depicting Prince Siddharta's Great Departure, where the hooves of his horse were carried so that he would not wake the palace up

12th January 2006

Peter
non-member comment

Bagan - great photos guys
G'day from New Zealand, Just checking out your latest page and it's bringing back a load of great memories - thanx. It has also reminded me to get off my backside and get my own shots up on line. Keep up the great work. Cheers, Peter (from Bagan and Okinawa guesthouse)

15th July 2006

Nichole
non-member comment

Heavy heart
I must say that as I peruse the beautiful photos of scenery and people, My heart is heavy. I hope that everyone who has enjoyed Burma so much seeks a bit more truth and reality to the situation there and have compassion with yourselves as you realize your travel there has legitimized the BRUTAL MILITARY REGIEME and encourages more forced labor to keep up with the tourism industry. I hope to travel deeper into Burma one day after the regieme has handed over the elected government officials to their seats. As you were travelling obliviously within the country, I was on the periphery, helping with all of the refugees that the military government want dead. Mass genocide is a SERIOUS matter. Ignorance is harmful to all. Help save these beautiful people by educating yourself. Please don't delete this entry - maybe this will reach someone willing to help! Peace to you.

21st December 2007

Vineeta
non-member comment

Beautiful!!
Loved your pictures and text. Myanmar is definitely on my travel destination now.

9th October 2009

kmk
non-member comment

good sences
I can see here the architecture of Myanmar.

13th August 2010

Jon Steiner
non-member comment

Looking forward...
I loved your photos and am looking forward to my visit there in February. You have convinced me to spend most of a week enjoying the area, and perhaps to take my larger camera!

4th January 2012

Matilde Asencio
non-member comment

Your Pagan page
Thanks for sharing your pictures and comments.

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76) Myanmar’s plain of wonders in Bagan

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