I'm banging around Bagan for a few days, check it out.

[terry57]

Ok then, after 4 days of exploring Yangon its on the plane and into Bagan. Bagan's claim to fame is that between the 7th and 13th century 10,000 temples, pagodas and monasteries where built on the plains just outside of the city. In 1975 there was a massive earthquake and many where destroyed with approx 2200 surviving today. Bagan's main income is from Tourism but it is also the center of the lacquer-ware industry in Burma. Bagan is 700 klm North from Yangon and a short hop on the plane ,a nice little town as its flat and good for walking around . Anyway its an early start to the day and we are checking in for our flight. The domestic terminal in Yangon ain't like the new International terminal, its a very basic affair with chaotic check in and boarding procedures.

[terry57]

We arrived in Bagan on a twin prop Jet. A bus transported us the short distance to the terminal but the luggage was unloaded and pushed to the Terminal by the ground staff, Boys earning there money. Very laid back airport with only 2 other planes sitting around.

[The Ghost Of The Moog]

Lucky you. Bagan is a remarkable place, and in my opinion finer than Anghkor.

[terry57]

Funny joint this as the passengers just wander into the terminal whilst the staff mill around, hard to pick out who was working there and who was a tourist. Not too worried about security here.

[terry57]

We just wandered into the door on the right whilst the staff walked out.Welcome to Bagan airport, I loved the laid back feel after the strict security of most airports these days.

[terry57]

Once you clear customs its straight outside and confronted by The official bank money changer. So easy to change money and hassle free. What do you notice ?
No Backpackers, mainly older travelers going solo and organized tour groups. I'm still getting over this as I thought Burma would be crawling with Backpackers but definitely not the case. It wont be long though before they crack on.Get here soon.

[terry57]

Wander outside the Airport into the car park and your confronted with an empty car park. You buy a transfer inside and they take you to your hotel. Too easy. Very organized and hassle free Burma was.

[terry57]

If you are one of the monied elite you will be doing the world class balloon flight over the temples at the crack of Dawn. Big business this is, around $350 for the flight. Myself don't do Dawn and I prefer to spend $ 350 on other things.Be a brilliant flight thou.

[terry57]

Next stop was the Thante hotel, I highly recommend this hotel as you have your own large Bungalow in nice gardens. We payed around $60 but prices are skyrocketing in Burma for accommodation simply because tourism is outstripping rooms in the high season. We prebooked all our accommodation on this trip which I have never done before much preferring to free lance.Lucky we did as we heard of some people leaving because of a lack of digs. Every place we stayed in had no vacant rooms for walk ins.

[terry57]

Nice large reception with separate restaurant, bakery and beer garden. Great breakfast by the way with a different variety on most mornings.

[terry57]

Originally Posted by The Ghost Of The Moog

Lucky you. Bagan is a remarkable place, and in my opinion finer than Angkor.

Angkor Wat blew my mind the first time I seen it, To see the temples of Bagan unfold before you in the late afternoon is also a world class sight.

These things must been seen to be believed, Photos and the written word just don't cut it but carry on regardless.

Equally Important is to visit in the cool season as its a massive day out touring the Temples and sights of Bagan. All too hard in the hot season and not appreciated as much.

[aging one]

Was last there over 30 years ago. I am really enjoying your Burma threads. Keep the photos and commentary coming.

[taxexile]

I also was there ages ago, in 1984.

Drove up to mandalay from rangoon in an old jeep, took a couple of days, and then on to bagan.

Bagan was incredible, we rented cycles and rode around there for two or three days, hardly saw another person and clambered all over the temples which were mostly in a state of ruin.

The place was very atmospheric and indiana jonesish. a few farmers herding their cattle and small agricultural plots set amongst the temples and pagodas.

Looking forward to seeing your photos of how it looks now.

[sunsetter]

great stuff tel, keep it coming

burmas on the list.....

[terry57]

I"m looking back on the reception and standing in the large garden area. bloody nice it was, very happy here, its on the edge off town within walking distance of most things.

[terry57]

First thing one see's on walking through the reception is the very nice pool area.

[terry57]

Our Gaff, large Bungalow with all the fruit complete with very large bathroom. Brilliant it was for our 3 days.

[terry57]

It was an early check inn which enabled us to get an early start walking the pavement. No plan, just start walking and see what comes up. My favorite way to travel and explore.Bagan is a small town with a country sort of feel. I really liked it as the locals where in no hurry at all. Once again, not a lot of tourists on the street.Heading into town where ever that was.

[Butterfly]

nice, last time I was in Pagan, there were almost no hotels, and mine was a complete shithole for which I paid 2000 THB a night

[the dogcatcher]

Just a shame about the cost of the hotels.
Looks lovely.

[terry57]

Local restaurant on the right and the main market in the back ground. This was the main street.

[terry57]

Originally Posted by the dogcatcher

Just a shame about the cost of the hotels.
Looks lovely.

Last year that hotel was $40 next high season will more than likely be $80 - $90. Hotels are charging whatever they feel relevant as there ain't enough rooms.

Landlords are getting very rich. Start up a Decent Backpackers and one would become a millionaire in future years.

Burma is on the brink of a tourist explosion. They dont realise whats coming there way.

[terry57]

Bit of water lying around and a rough exterior present but a town full of personality.

[terry57]

Sitting in the restaurant having a nice cup of tea and the bullock cart wanders along.

[terry57]

The bullocks mingle with whatever is going down at the time.