(#wanderlusttips #sharethelove) “Some of these places, I visited just to know what they were like, and some of them I cannot wait to revisit. When I was asked where I want to revisit the most, my answer was Bagan (Myanmar), no question,” said ThaiDzuy, a Vietnamese travel lover. ThaiDzuy shared with Wanderlust Tips August issue about his memorial experience in this beautiful land.
[rpi]I cannot say I was born to travel, but I often feel compelled to wander. The places that I have visited, from the most luxurious cities in America, to remote villages in Africa, from the most beautiful beaches in the world to the most dangerous roads, all left me with unforgettable memories. Some of these places, I visited just to know what they were like, and some of them I cannot wait to revisit. When I was asked where I want to revisit the most, my answer was Bagan (Myanmar), no question. This ancient city is over a century old, and home to tens of thousands of temples, pagodas, stupas and Buddhist ruins of the ancient Burmese kingdom. Time, historical events, conflicts, wars and people have made these massive heritages fade into oblivion, leaving only about 2,000 structures across this 42,000-kilometer area. More enough to attract travellers though, no?
There are thousands of attractions in this city, but one cannot miss exploring the unique architecture, the ancient Buddha statues and the time-worn Buddhist paintings at Thatbyinnyu – the tallest pagoda, Ananda – the holiest pagoda, the famous temple Shwezigon, or daydream in the silvery sunset on top of the Shwesandaw pagoda. There are countless other pagodas you can only reach by horse carriage, through the winding, peaceful dirt roads under the shades of ancient trees.
But Bagan is so much more than its temples. The Buddhists here are kind, honest, gentle and hospitable and provide travellers with comfort even though the temperature in Bagan can sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. Do not forget to pamper yourself during the pure morning hours by the gentle Ayeyarwady River, or simply lie on the grass and listen to the birds chirping by the river flowing past the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort.
Now, after four years, I still cannot explain why I was so impressed and fell in love with Bagan. Perhaps because it was easy to find empathy and see into your own soul in this quiet, spiritual and tranquil space. Whenever I close my eyes, I can still hear the echo of the rattles in the Bagan twilight.
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet