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BAGAN (PAGAN)
Bagan (Useful information
for visitor)
Bagan - (also known as Pagan) is one of the richest archaeological
sites in Asia. Bagan is also famous for its tranquillity and majesty.
What to wear, carry - Casual and light clothing is recommended
but not skimpy dress nor those that may offend reserved nature of
Myanmar. Light sweater or jacket will be useful early in the morning and
late evening especially outside during cold season. Shoes and other
footwear must be removed before entering pagodas, temples, monasteries
and other religious buildings and homes. A pair of Myanmar slippers will
be very useful.
Currency - It is recommended that enough Myanmar Currency (Kyats)
should be carried as there are only very few authorized money changer in
Bagan. Foreign Exchange Currency (FEC) and US dollars are widely
accepted.
Export of antiques - and archaeological objects are prohibited.
Visitors are advised to buy only the allowed items of handicrafts and
art objects from the registered souvenir shops. Insist on to obtain the
certified receipt from the shops. Visitors are requested to show the
receipt upon request by the responsible official concerned. Any illegal
trade of prohibited items will result in heavy penality.
The allowed items
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Modern lacquerwares & tapestries.
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Modern figurines (However, bronze Buddha images,
bonze weights in Hamsa and Lion design, and Pyu artisans brozen
figurines are not allowed).
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Modern wooden carvings and marionettes.
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Clay and terra-cotta art-objects (However, clay
tobacco pipes and terra-cotta votive tablets are not allowed).
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Pictures made of straw, oil color paintings,
water-color painting, modern cloth-paintings mosaic picture on
wooden plaques.
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Bone figurines.
Bagan is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar. One of the richest
archaeological sites in Asia, it is located on the east bank of Ayeyarwaddy
River. The whole space is thickly studded with pagodas of all sizes and
shapes. At one time there were 13,000 temples, pagodas and religious
structures. Today, only over 2000 well-preserve pagodas & temples of the
11th - 13th century. Surrounding all this are wonderful villages, where life
goes on much as it did when the temples were at their peak, and here too,
cottage crafts remain, including the making of the best lacquerware in
Myanmar.
How to Get There ?
It takes about one hour and twenty minutes to fly from Yangon to Bagan.
There are daily flights to Bagan from Yangon, and regular flights from
Mandalay, which take only 20 minutes. There are 4 domestic Airlines, Myanmar
Airways, Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways & Air Bagan.
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By overland, it takes 12 hours from Yangon and 7 hours from Mandalay by
Coach. There is a regular train between Bagan and Mandalay too. There is
also a double-decker steamer service between Mandalay and Bagan and the
cruises
Road to Mandalay
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RV Pandaw 1947
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What to see ?
Ananda Temple --- The Ananda Temple built after the Shwe Zigon in 1090
is the masterpiece of the early style temple architecture. There are four
huge Buddha images in the standing position and eighty relieves depicting
the life of the Buddha from his Birth to his Enlightenment. Ananda Pagoda
Festival is yearly celebrated on Full moon day of Pyartho.
Shwe Zigon Pagoda --- This golden pagoda was the first monument built
in the Myanmar style, the prototype for later pagodas. It was first built by
King Anawrahta and completed by King Kyan Sittha in 1087. 'Nat' (spirit)
images can be found within its precincts. Shwe Zigon Festival is celebrated
on full moon day of Tasungmone.
Thatbyinnyu Temple --- Over 66 meters high, and built by King
Alaungsithu in the middle of the 12th century, this white stucco building
overtops all other monuments as the highest pagoda on the Bagan plain.
Manuhar Pagoda --- The Manuhar Payar was built by King Manuhar from
Thaton. King Manuhar sold a piece of his jewelry for a fabulous sum in Bagan
and built a shine there, probably to portray his life as a POW,
(Prisoner-of-war). You can see the shrine today huge images of the Buddha
inside a low and narrow building, clearly conveying a sense of confinement.
Manuhar Pagoda festival is yearly celebrate on First day over Thidingyut
full-moon day.
Dhamma Yangyi Temple --- Bagan's most massive temple, Dhamma Yangyi
Temple was built by King Narathu in 1167. This temple was not finished but
it displayed the finest brickwork.
Shwegugyi Temple --- Standing on the high brick plinth, this temple
was built by King Alaungsithu in 1131 AD. The arch pediments, pilasters,
plinth and cornice molding are decorated with fine stucco carvings, evident
of Myanmar architecture of the early 12th Century.
Gawdaw Palin Temple --- This 13th century temple is like That Byinnyu,
about 60 metres high with a fine view of the Bagan plains. Festival of
Gawdaw Palin Temple is celebrated on full moon day of Thidingyut.
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyi-In) --- It is a 13th century temple with a
spire resembling the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India. This temple is
known for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the Jatakas (life stories
of the Buddha).
Bupaya Pagoda --- Standing on the brink of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the
Bupaya Pagoda is a conspicuous landmark for travelers along the river. This
pagoda with bulbous dome resembling the "Bu" or gourd is a favorite spot for
visitors to watch the sunset.
Archaeological Museum --- The museum run by Archaeological Department
is situated near the Gawdawpalin Temple. It has a collection of more than
2,000 items including Buddha statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta cups and
pots. Open daily except Monday and public holidays.
Shopping --- Masterpieces of lacquerware have been the pride of Bagan
since the days of the Bagan Empire. It is still the main industry of Bagan
today and you can observe the making process of lacquerware from the
beginning to the finished products ready for sale at the shops. Lacquerware
like bowls, boxes, trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.
Important Fact
There will be a zone fees 10 $ for all foreigners to enter the Bagan
Archaeological Zone.
For more information please visit :
www.dpsmap.com/
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