Bagan beckons

At the peak of the ancient kingdom that ruled over Bagan, Myanmar; its plains housed over 10,000 pagodas. Today, only 2217 pagodas survive. And while it might not have attained UNESCO Heritage status yet, the plains and pagodas in Bagan are still worth a visit. There is no other place like it.

Visitors to the area are advised to buy the permit required to visit the historical buildings and carry it with them at all times. And because most of the buildings are places of worships, there is a strict dress code to adhere to and visitors have to remove their footwear before entering them.

Despite all of this, a visit to Bagan is an important stopover for those keen to experience the spiritual heart of Myanmar.

Text and Photos by Desiree Pakiam