That’s why when I started my trip to Myanmar, I had no expectations whatsoever.
I did have one place high on my wish list though, namely the temple valley of Bagan.
It’s only been recent since Myanmar (former Burma) opened its borders to tourists. Until that time the country lived secluded from the outside world for decades.
So, a unique opportunity to visit the country now, before it’s overloaded with tourism.
Buddhism is the most important religion in the country and monks have a high status in Myanmar.
Thanks to Buddhism, the country is now full of pagodas and temples. From the moment you enter the country you go back in time.
It’s very special to travel through a scenery where you see people live in wooden huts and where they plow the land manually with ox and cart.
The only thing you see is nature, interrupted by sandy paths and where goat herders cross the road every now and then, looking for new prairies.
It’s truly one big treasure of wealth to be able to walk through the temple valley of this former empire.
At this moment there are over 2.000 Buddhist temples and pagodas (in relatively great condition) to be admired. I will take you back in time in this travel blog, welcome to Bagan!
That’s why nowhere in the world there are as many Buddhist temples as in Myanmar and Bagan (built over 1.100 years ago) was the capital of the former first Bagan empire.
During a couple centuries, thousands of temples were built and every new king wanted to exceed the old king.
And they did just that, because the result doesn’t lie!!! It is one of the most important archeological discoveries in all of Asia and a must to visit if you get the chance. Bagan is traditionally on the Ayeyarwady river.
This is one of the most important rivers in Myanmar and is even one of the biggest of South-east Asia! What makes Bagan so special is the thousands of ancient temples that are still there.
In every approximately 15 square miles you can find 2.200 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. It is one big valley of art treasures and well over 2.000 temples.