Myanmar Day 5 - Bagan & Popa - 23 May 2012

We woke up around 7am and tried to finish eating breakfast by 8am.  The restaurant owner where we had our dinner the day before had arranged a horse carriage to pick us up at our hotel at 8am. It was just 5000 Kyats / USD 6 for a one hour ride! We were pretty excited about it as it was a truly interesting way of sightseeing all the noteworthy pagodas and relics in Bagan. However, my aunt and cousins did not find it very interesting since horse carriages are one of the common methods of transportation in their hometown - Kyaukse.  So they just decided to rest at the hotel while we explored. The horse carriage guy was very punctual! He actually waited for us at the front of the hotel even before 8am!

That-Byin-Nyu Temple - built in the mid 12th century during the reign of King Alaungsithu - is 61 metres (201 ft) tall. It is the tallest pagoda in Bagan.

For others who prefer the water, you can arrange for a river cruise (approx. US$12) with the horse carriage riders or with any hotel or tour group. A half hour cruise will take you along the Irrawaddy River where you can see riverside villages and locals at work. Our horse carriage dropped us off at Bu Payar - another famous pagoda in Bagan which is also a pick-up / drop-off point of river cruise.

 We got the WHOLE boat to ourselves! Normally, it can accommodate around 12-15 people! 

Bu Payar

Bu Payar

Once we were done with our rive cruise, I called my aunt to pick us up at Bu Payar. Before we left Bagan, we made a stop at the Nyaung Oo Market. Here, favorite local snacks such as tamarind flakes (a must try for a sweet tooth) and pickled tea leaves can be purchased. Prices quoted may be inflated initially so do try to ask your way around for the best possible pricing. On our way to lunch, I requested our driver to stop around the palace area for a while.

Bagan's Tharapar Fortress Gate

Entrance of the Reconstructed Bagan's Palace

 

From this palace entrance, you can see That-Byin-Nyu Temple!!!

Lunch was at this small roadside stall which is known for delicious Myanmar dishes.  At first glance, this little thatch-roofed hut wouldn't look so inviting, especially to those who come from the first world countries. BUT hey, you are travelling so keep an open mind. Plus, I assure you, the food is cheap and delicious!!! I normally cannot eat a lot but I asked for 2 more servings of rice :D 

Mister with the shop owner after a yummy meal

After our tummies were happy, we left Bagan.  My cousin's in-laws were going back to their make-shift office after bringing us around Bagan.  Being such nice sweet people, they gave us presents - Htan Thee (similar to coconut) & Htan Nyat (brown rock sugar).  Htan Pin (the plant) is quite important as you can eat the flesh of the fruit (Htan Thee) or drink the liquid in the fruit (Htan Yay) or process the liquid to get Htan Nyat (brown rock sugar). So versatile!

So many Htan Thee

Htan Pin (the plant which gives us Htan Thee)

Anyway, we set off for Popa Mountain afterwards. On top of this 2400 foot tall volcanic plug (Taung Kalat) sits a Buddhist monastery. For those who seek a vertical challenge, do attempt the 777 step ascent up this hill. Numerous monkeys live within Taung Kalat so it is necessary that you watch your belongings while walking this trail. Usually, people go to Taung Kalat BUT I was scared of monkeys and Mister didn't like monkeys.  So we headed to the Popa Mountain Resort to enjoy the scenery! From this resort, one can get a clear view of the nearby Taung Kalat. For those who prefer a more relaxing time, head to the bar in Popa Mountain Resort. Drinks here are very competitively priced for a 4-star hotel resort (around USD5 for a glass of lime juice) and will definitely refresh you. In addition, the view from the bar is absolutely stunning. Makes for a great time of relaxation and personal reflection time. AND you can walk around the resort. Nobody will chase you away. So yup, that's what we did. I know we were lazy but oh well...

On the way back to Kyaukse where we would spend the night again, we stopped by a small town called Kyauk Pa Taung. Known for their potato chips, they sell for less than US$1 for a bag. These are made all natural without any preservatives and you can be assured of their freshness. A must try if you happen to be around the area.

We were bored in the car.

Bored = Came-whore haha 

Then, we were back in Kyaukse for the night!

If you are considering of going on a similar 2D1N road trip to Bagan and Popa, car rental [including driver, fuel, car], might cost around USD250 to USD350 for 2D1N for an 8-seat mini van.

Adios!
xoxo
Miss N