Holiday in Alt-Bagan

What makes Alt-Bagan special as a destination?

Bagan is one of the most overwhelming archaeological sites on Earth: Over 2,200 temples, pagodas, and monasteries stretch across an area of 40 square kilometers along the Irrawaddy River — remnants of a civilization that built the largest Buddhist city in the world here between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Bagan plain at sunrise is a sight that engraves itself forever: As the morning mist rises over the Irrawaddy and the first rays of sunlight bathe the hundreds of temples in golden light, it becomes clear why Bagan is mentioned in the same breath as Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu. The Ananda Pahto, built around 1105, is the best-preserved and most elegant of the great temples — its golden tower rises 51 meters above the plain, and the four golden Buddha statues inside seem to change their expression depending on the angle of view. The experience in Bagan lies not in individual highlights, but in immersing oneself in the seemingly endless temple landscape: Riding an E-bike, one pedals along sandy paths between pagodas, discovers hidden temples where no other tourist has ever been, and encounters monks meditating in the ruins. The Dhammayangyi, the largest of all Bagan temples, impresses with its massive brick construction, while the Sulamani showcases the craftsmanship of the Bagan era with its fine stucco work and faded frescoes. Since 2019, Bagan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since then, climbing most temples is no longer allowed for protection. Official viewing platforms have been established, and the opportunity to float over the temple plain in a hot air balloon at sunrise is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable travel experiences ever.