Bagan, located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar (Burma), is an ancient city famous for its archaeological area, where more than 2,200 temples and pagodas remain standing out of the original 10,000 that were built between the 9th and 13th centuries. As the former capital of the Pagan Kingdom, Bagan is the site where ancient Burmese culture first took root. The temples, built by the kings of the Pagan dynasty, showcase a rich architectural history influenced by several religions including Buddhism, which is still practiced actively in Myanmar today. The site spans over 104 square kilometers (40 square miles) and provides breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows and illuminates the stupas and spires. Visitors can explore the area by foot, bicycle, electric bike, or even hot air balloon when the weather allows. Bagan is not only a testament to the religious devotion of the Burmese people but also to their dedication to preservation and tourism, which after years of work, led to Bagan being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
