Extensions from Bagan
Amarapura
 It
is one of the ancient capitals and its name means City of
Immortality. It is situated to the south of Mandalay. The main
attraction is the U Bein bridge – the longest teak bridge in the
world, 1.2 km – which is built on lake Taungthaman. Moreover, it is
possible to visit the Pahtodawgyi Paya which guards, besides a
picture of a sitting Buddha, some valuable and well preserved
frescoes. The Bagaya Kyaung monastery, entirely built in wood, is
today a museum.
Bago
 Despite
being for the most just a passage point on the way to Kyaikto, this
city offers many historical and artistic attractions. Some examples:
the Shwethalyaung Buddha, a laying Buddha of great dimensions, the
Shwemawdaw Paya, a pagoda 114 m high, the Kanbawzathadi Palace and
the museum close to it, and the Sake Monastery, where the believers
go in order to pay homage to the snake to which the temple is
devoted.
Chaungtha Beach
 This
beautiful location, together with Ngwehsaung beach, represents a
perfect choice both for those who wish to spend some days of relax
after or during the exploration of Myanmar’s wonders and for those
who prefer a whole holiday at the seaside. Both are easily reached
by car from Yangon and offer very long tropical beaches and a clear,
turquoise, unpolluted sea. There is plenty of hotels of every type
and level and also many different restaurants.
Hpa An
 The
main attraction of this village, far away from classic routes, are
its caves. The Kawgun Cave presents thousands of statues of the
Buddha in stone and bronze covered in gold, as usual. Similar but
smaller is the Yathaypyan Cave. The Saddar Cave is easily crossed in
order to enjoy the view of the lake found at the exit, on the
opposite side of the cave. The Water Lake Monastery, built in the
middle of the lake, is very charming.
Inwa
 Here
you must not miss the Bagaya Kyaung, a monastery completely built in
teak in 1834 and not restored yet, and the Maha Aungmye Bonza, built
in bricks and stucco in a way different from the Burmese tradition.
The Ava Bridge - built by the English during colonialism - was the
only bridge on the Ayeyerwaddy until 1998 and is well worth a visit,
as well as the ancient town walls.
Bilu Island
 In
this island there are some villages where handicraft prevails. Here
you can visit laboratories and buy local handmade articles, while
admiring the wonderful landscape.
Bagan
 This
is an immense archaeological area showing more than 2000 stupas,
pagodas and temples. Visiting those places is worth the visit to
Myanmar, in order to admire the magnificence of this grand
civilisation. Not to miss: either dawn or sunset from the top of the
highest temples and the visit to Anana Pahto to have a look at the
southern Buddha’s enigmatic smile.
Kakku
 It
is a magnificent expanse of stupas of different styles and
historical periods, that represents for the Buddhists a very
important religious centre. The atmosphere you find here is unique.
Kalaw
 This
city in the Shan state is located on the chilly hills surrounding
Inle Lake. This is a paradise for trekking fans, since it is the
starting point of many footpaths going to the forests and to many
villages populated by different ethnic groups.
Kampetlet
 From
here you can reach Mount Victoria. You can find hotels and
restaurants.
Kinmon Camp
 Starting
point for visiting the Golden Rock. You can find here hotels and
restaurants.
Kyaikkamae
 The
main thing worth a stop in this place is Kyaikkama Paya, with its
peculiar metal roofs. Because of its position on the beach, it is
partially flooded during the high tide phase.
Kyaikmaraw
 Surely
worth a visit is Kyaikmaraw Paya, built in mon style and
characterised by some stained glass windows and a sitting Buddha
that, for once, is not sitting cross-legged as usual, but as if he
was on a chair.
Kyaikto
 Named
Golden Rock, it represents one of the most popular places both among
tourists and Burmese believers. The rock in balance on the mount
Kyaikto’s crag is sacred and covered in golden leaves. The tradition
says it is one of Buddha’s hair, placed under the rock, that
preserves that balance.
Inle Lake
 The
Inle Lake is a show in itself and should not be compared to any
other place. It is 20 Km long and 11 wide and it gives hospitality
to the Intha people, who live in lake-dwellings and move easily on
the water thanks to special boats. The style of sailing in this lake
is unique because of the movement performed by the boatman, who
pushes the oar with his leg. This is an ancient technique that seems
to resist to the newer and faster motorboats. Where the water is not
so deep, the Intha have created floating gardens and they cultivate
vegetables and flowers in a place where they would otherwise survive
only by fishing. You can do a tour of the lake by boat and visit
some temples and monasteries, among which the most famous is the Nga
Phe Kyaung with its jumping cats.
Magwe
An element of great interest in this city
situated on the banks of the Ayeyerwaddy river is Mya Tha Lun Paya,
a golden stupa from the top of which you can see the river and all
the surrounding plane.
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