Bagan, Myanmar

	History		What to See
	Visa Requirements		Currency Exchange
	Getting There		Tips to the Traveler

Despite the fact that Thailand has a long border with Myanmar, it is nonetheless relatively difficult to get from one country to the other. Due to severe political differences, a history of wars, and an increasing drug smuggling problem, the roads between Thailand and Myanmar are frequently closed to travel, essentially making Myanmar a fly-in and fly-out destination. Thai International Airways, and Myanmar Airways both offer daily flights from Bangkok to Yangon for about US $200.00 roundtrip. Once in Myanmar, there are flights from Yangon to Nyaung U, the closest airport to Bagan, for about US $200.00 round trip. In addition, several travel agencies offer package tours to Bagan, some of which make the trip from Yangon to Bagan by cruise boat up the Ayeyawaddy River. These tours are all well staffed and luxurious, however, they are quite costly.

There is a lot to see in Bagan, with thousands of pagodas, temples and shrines to choose from. The following are some of the more noteworthy attractions in Bagan.

Ananda Temple
This large temple is one of the best preserved of the Bagan sites. Built in 1091 by Kyansittha, this temple was partially reconstructed in 1979 after sustaining extensive damage in a 1975 earthquake. Ananda is home to numerous Buddha statues, as well as beautiful glazed ceramic tiles of scenes from the period.

Shwezigon Pagoda
This site is fabled to be the location of some of the Buddha’s remains, including a tooth and several bones. Construction on this pagoda was started during the reign of Anawratha, and finished after his death by Kyansittha.

Shwezigon is considered by many to be the most significant religious site in Bagan, and was constructed in just seven months and seven days.

Shwegugyi Temple
This temple is very significant as it is exemplary of a change in architectural styles, which resulted in a more open, spacious feel. In addition, Shwegugyi is famous for its beautiful carvings, and stone tablets of its history. Like Shwezigon, Shwegugyi was built in a little over 7 months.

Thatbyinnyut Temple
This temple built by Alaungsithu in the 12^th century has the distinction of being the highest temple in Bagan, rising some 200 feet into the air. Thatbyinnyut was also damaged in the 1975 earthquake, but has since been repaired.

Officially, the exchange rate between US dollars and Burmese kyat is set at 6.25 kit to the dollar. However, this official rate has literally no basis in reality. Upon arrival in Burma you will have to buy at least US $300.00 worth of foreign exchange certificates (FEC) at the official rate, however, travelers can expect to use these about half the time. Currency can also be traded in shops and hotels, which typically yields about 125 kyat to the dollar.

Myanmar is a country that is just recently becoming open to the rest of the world. This being the case, the traveler must expect certain things that may seem a bit alarming. Foreign travelers to Myanmar are kept track of by the government, so don’t be alarmed if you see some one following you around. There are several sites in Myanmar that are considered to be dangerous to travelers, especially along the Thai border. Do not go to these places, as they are impromptu war zones, and serious safety hazards.

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