I am constantly being asked which places have impacted me the most in the world. Myanmar always comes to mind when giving that answer, especially Bagan. A place of incredible energy and full of captivating smiles. I have never seen anything like it. This 40 square kilometer plain holds a true archaeological treasure of more than 4,000 temples. Impressive!
I chose Myanmar to celebrate a special date and could not have chosen better. On these occasions the lodging counts a lot. I wanted a rustic hotel, set in the cultural context of ancient Burma, from where I could see some temples. I found it! I stayed in a wonderful wooden bungalow in the Aureum Palace Bagan, facing a lake, with three beautiful temples within sight.
Minha dica: acorde cedinho para ver os balões rasgando o céu enquanto as cores do dia mudam no horizonte. Um espetáculo e tanto quando presenciado do próprio bangalô. Depois tome um belo café da manhã num salão aberto, de frente para a piscina, lindo. Então saia para visitar alguns dos milhares de templos espalhados pelos povoados de Old Bagan, New Bagan e Nyaung U. Bagan tem que ser explorada sem pressa. Alugue uma scooter elétrica e use um mapa de papel para se localizar já que GPS não funciona. Mas, se precisar ajuda saiba que as pessoas são muito gentis. Um povo receptivo e solidário. Para entrar nos templos cubra pernas e braços, tire os sapatos e não dê as costas para as imagens de Buda.
My tip: wake up early to see the balloons tearing the sky as the colors of the day change on the horizon. It’s quite a spectacle when you see the bungalow itself. Then have a nice breakfast in a beautiful open pool-facing lounge. Then go out to visit a few of the thousands of temples scattered throughout the towns of Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung U. Bagan has to be explored without haste. Rent an electric scooter and use a paper map to locate yourself as GPS does not work. But if you need help, know that people are very kind. The people are very receptive and supportive. To enter the temples, cover your legs and arms, take off your shoes and don’t turn your back to the images of Buddha.
From the side of the hotel there is an observation tower that is worth climbing to watch the sun rise on another day. You can almost touch the balloons that pass by there daily.
The hotel is five minutes from the airport. Very practical, close to everything and in a very quiet area. Life is simple, everyone wears beautiful clothes called longyis that are the traditional Myanmar wallets, kindness is the hallmark of all hotel staff.
To get to Bagan I flew from Yangon, Myanmar’s gateway to Air KBZ also Mann Airline, Goleden and Yangon Airline flights.
Bagan is a place of latent spirituality, cradle of a people full of stories and legends to tell. I highly recommend Bagan Aureum Palace for an unforgettable experience.
XoXo and see you next week.
