Bagan, Bagan
Myanmar, Bagan

Bagan is perhaps Myanmar's best known historical and archeological site. Built between the 9th to the 13th centuries and today over 2200 temples remain. At the peak of the Bagan kingdom's power the Bagan kings ruled much of lower "Burma", spreading into Kachin state and to Mergui in the very south of the archipelago, covering much of the territory of what is modern-day Myanmar. The Bagan kingdom collapsed around 1287 after repeated Mongol invasions led by Kublai Khan. Unlike Angkor Wat, which is a huge religious structure, the Bagan temples are a series of smaller complexes spread out across the dry plains and forests. This area of Myanmar sees relatively little rainfall and so escapes the tropical humidity of other areas.

At least a full day is needed here to see the main temple sites and get a feel for ancient Burma through the magnificent array of different temples and different architectural styles that evolved over the 5 centuries of the Bagan kings.