Bagan Overview
The ancient city of Bagan was founded in AD 849 by the Myanmar, or Burmans, as the capital of their empire. It is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world - 5000 temples, stupas (Buddhist dome-shaped monuments believed to contain relics of the Buddha himself) and pagodas lie scattered across an area of 42 sq km (16.2 sq miles) on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, testifying to the power and status of Bagan in bygone times. The most significant pagoda is the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed in 1057 by King Anawrahta, the founder of the Myanmar dynasty, as a place of prayer and meditation. The informative Archaeological Museum displays murals, plaster carvings and other artifacts from the empire. Many visitors take a river excursion to take in large stretches of the site, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Contact Addresses
Myanmar Travel and Tours, c/o Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, 77-91 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (01) 283 997 or 252 859
Transportation
Air: Yangon International Airport, then Nyaung Oo Airport (located 11km (7 miles) from Bagan and next to the archaeological site). Rail: Train: Bagan Station. Road: Bus: Nyaung Oo Bus Station is located 6.5km (4 miles) from Bagan; there are regular buses to/from Yangon and Mandalay. Car: There are road connections to Bagan.
Tourist Information
Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board
5 Signal Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (01) 243 639-43. Fax: (01) 245 001.
E-mail: info@myanmartourismboard.com
Website: www.myanmar-tourism.com
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
19a Charles Street, London W1J 5DX, UK
Tel: (020) 7499 8841 or (0906) 550 8924 (recorded visa and tourism information; calls cost £1 per minute). Fax: (020) 7629 4169.
Location
Myanmar
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