Historic Bagan
This is a very special place. Beginning in the 2nd century AD over 13,000 temples have been built in this 14 square-mile area next to the Irriwaddy River. Some 3 to 4 thousand temples remain today. Because there are few trees, the plain very flat, and unlimited air quality, it is possible to see hundreds of temples at once from any vantage point. The series of panorama photos below will give an idea of the beauty and magic of this place. Click on these photos to enlarge and tour through them.
Northern portion of the above panorama.
East to the Irriwaddy.
Cluster of smaller temples.
East evening view from the Gawdawpalin Temple.
First in a progressive panorama.
Full east view.
Full north-to-south on a crystal clear evening.
The Htinominlo Pahto Temple.
Many of the temples have niches or rooms housing statues of Buddah.
Two reclining Buddahs in this temple.
Sitting Buddah behind the flowers.
The larger temples have full altar areas.
There is an ongoing, and controversial program of restoration of temple ruins. Controversial because the restorations are not architecturally correct.
I'm sure the historic significance doesn't matter to these hard working construction laborers.
The larger temples are fair game for the local craftsmen.
The collection is very eclectic - antiques, crafts, junk and little boy's face art.
The larger temples have a large selection of goods on sale.
This is a collection of intricately painted silk panels. Beautiful.
The clothing selection left something to be desired...
Don't forget! The entrance to Gawdawpalin Temple, a favorite venue for watching the sun set on Bagan.
Barefoot beauties. Well, at least one...
Watching the magic moments of sunset on the temples of bagan.
Goodnight and goodbye, historic Bagan.