#950 Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

One of the most mystical and impressive sites that I have ever seen in the world are the temples in Bagan in Myanmar. That there are so many temples, each so different and so elaborate, yet all were created purely for spiritual purposes and are still used till this day, this is unmatched anywhere else.

The magic of Bagan also lies in how you visit it. A horse cart or a bicycle, all modern conveniences are left behind, so the place truly feels timeless, as a new temple rises up from the brown earth just as each other one has for centuries and millenia before it

Amazing Facts:

42 square kilometres

On the banks of a curve in the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River

Sunset chasing is a rite of passage

Nyaung U is the modern town

Nearby Mt. Popa is famous for its 'Nat' spirits (the most important Nat worship site in the country)

Bagan was the first empire to unify the states that make up the area of Myanmar

It was at its height between the 11th and 13th Centuries

It consists of over 10,000 temples, monasteries, pagodas, etc of which 2200 remain today

The British colonials called it Pagan

There are different kinds of buildings including stupas (massive solid structures with a relic chamber) and hollow temples, intended as meditation spaces

One temple has a style that looks like a Hindu temple

As a celebration of 50 amazing places, I have to put one of my favorite places!