Bagan and its surrounding

Bagan

One of the worlds historical as well as archeological sites is major Tourist attraction in Myanmar. Originally there were 10,000 temples at Bagan, largely constructed of brick between the 11th and 13th centuries. After seven long centuries only 2217 of these remain standing. Ten great Bagan monuments are most attractive ones for Tourist. There're Ananda Temple, built by King Kyan Sittha was completed in 1091. Thatbyinnyu Temple the tallest building in Bagan at 62 meters was built in the 12th century. Thandawgya Image a huge seated Budda figure at six meter tall, was build in 1284. Gawdawpalin Temple it was built in Burmar style to resemble the Thatbyinnyu Temple. Shwegugyi Temple, king Alaungsithu built it in 1131 unlike most Buddhist monument. Damayangyi Temple is well over a kilometer to the southwest of the city walls. Shwesandaw Pagoda was built by king Anawrata in 1057. The long flat building within the walls of it enclosure contains the Shinbinthalyaung reclining Buddha. The last Burmar style Temple built in Bagan is Tilominlo Temple. It was constructed in 1211. The last of the great stupa is Mingalazedi Pagoda. It was built in 1284 and it represents the pinnacle of Burma Pagoda architecture. Other interesting places in Bagan are Shwezigon Stupa in Nyaung Oo and Nyaung Oo Market, lacquer ware works and shops in Myinkabar village as well as New Bagan.

Mt.Poppa

Oasis of the dry zone Known as the " Oasis of dry zone ", Poppa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary "Nat" spirits of Myanmar. The mountain itself is considered to be sacred - a sort of Mt.Olympus, an abode of the Gods. Set amid lovely hill and forest scenery. Poppa - a great extinct volcano last active 250,000 years ago, is a forest-clad landmark rising to 1,520 meters from the flat, surrounding Myingan Plains. It is a place of special importance in both the country's history and culture. The natural springs; flowers and wooded hillsides greatly contrast to the arid lands surrounding it.

The vegetation around the mountain is said to be the remains of a large forest that was mostly fossilized after a volcanic explosion. Mt.Poppa is famous for its wealth of medicinal plants and rare orchids: home for over 90 different species of birds. Bird watching, horse riding can be arranged in the remote and attractive parts of the mountain park. The natural waters of Poppa Mountain provide all the water supply needed for numerous purposes in the area and miles around. The area has now been established as the Poppa Mountain Park by the Ministry of Forestry and is being developed actively for the promotion of ecotourism. Some of the many interesting places to see include Poppa Mountain Crater, View Point, Poppa village, Sima water falls, Poppa Mountain Park, Medicinal herbal plantation garden, Sandalwood Plantation, the Nat shrine.....etc. water falls, Poppa Mountain Park, Medicinal herbal plantation garden, Sandalwood Plantation, the Nat shrine...........etc.

Sale (Sa-lay)

It is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formerly the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquer wares, wooden relieves and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.

Pakokku

A peaceful excursion by boat along the Ayeyarwaddy River from Bagan, Pakokku and its surroundings offer Travellers a unique glimpse into the typical village life in the area. The nearby 19th century town of Pakhangyi has one of the oldest wooden monasteries in Upper Myanmar with 254 teak pillars. Locals produce tobacco, jiggery palm sugar candy and the famous checkered blankets and woven fabric typical of this region.