In Bagan, locals believed that their wish will come true if you visit these four pagodas namely Tant Kyi Taung, Law Ka Nan Da, Tu yin Taung, and Shwe Zi Gon on the same day, before noon. Of course, you can only make the same one wish at all four spots.
Due to the widespread locations of the four pagodas and the need to take ferry across Ayeyarwaddy river to reach Tant Kyi Taung, we set our alarms for 4am and set off from hotel around 430 am. Our kind hotel F&B team went an extra mile and prepared packed breakfast of fried rice and watermelon juice for us!
Due to the widespread locations of the four pagodas and the need to take ferry across Ayeyarwaddy river to reach Tant Kyi Taung, we set our alarms for 4am and set off from hotel around 430 am. Our kind hotel F&B team went an extra mile and prepared packed breakfast of fried rice and watermelon juice for us!
The route to the top of the mountain to pray at Tant Kyi Taung was so rough and it is recommended you rent car and driver from locals. If your group is big and want to save money, light truck (20,000 Kyats per round trip with capacity up to 15 pax) is the one. However, expect the ride to be quite bumpy. We hired 2 small cars, which accommodated 5 pax each. Rental fees including driver was 18,000 Kyats per round trip for each car.
Sun rise view from Tant Kyi Taung
Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda
We had to cross the Ayeyarwaddy river to visit the second pagoda. You can either wait for the boat to be filled up and pay a cheaper per person fees or rent the whole boat for 20,000 Kyats round trip.
Not only you need to pray for the same wish, you need to donate the exact same offerings at all four sites. So we just bought 4 sets of all offerings from Tant Kyi Taung and carried them with us.
Our boat's propellers got stuck with some algae in the river!!! But my friend wasn't worried at all, and made use of that chance to catch up on lost sleep :D
Second pagoda, Law Ka Nan Da, located on the bank of Ayeyarwaddy river
Third pagoda found perched on top of Tu yin Taung was also accessible by gravel road, thus we rented the locals' truck to visit the mountain top.
It was quite close to noon by the time we arrived at the last top - Shwe Zi Gon.
Nine wonders of Shwe Zi Gon
After we completed our pilgrim's journey with 4 pagodas, our next stop was hotel, to collect our luggage and check out.
It was a wonderful stay!
On our route to lunch, we stopped by at Shwe San Daw pagoda, to enjoy the vast panoramic view of the plains of Bagan.
There is no wonder that this is the place of choice for sunset viewing!
The downside to visiting such a popular pagoda is that you will have to jostled with other visitors for a good spot to view Bagan's legendary sunset!
Friends since primary school!
Be careful of those steep flight of steps
While in Bagan, you must enjoy Burmese buffet lunch!
Don't worry about the price as it will set you back by just 3500 Kyats per pax, that's less than 3 USD.
Don't worry about the price as it will set you back by just 3500 Kyats per pax, that's less than 3 USD.
No time for conversation as everyone was engrossed in the delectable spread before us :D
Our lunch spot
On our way out of Bagan towards Mount Popa, we stopped by the 60-metre tall Nan Myint observatory, located within the compound of Aureum Palace resort. Entrance fees for locals was 2000 Kyats per pax and we could use them to offset against our bill at the restaurant. Observation platform was located on the 13th floor of the tower and it has a commanding panoramic view of ancient Bagan's 2000 strong temples and pagodas.
Nan Myint Tower was our last stop in Bagan before heading towards Mount Popa. Several visitors might be confused between Taung Ka Lat and Mount Popa. Taung Ka Lat is the sheer sided volcanic plug with pagodas and home to numerous mischievous monkeys. Mount Popa is where Popa Mountain Resort is located as well as home to dense forestation for adventurers and hikers.
Popa Mountain Resort
Popa Mountain Resort
That view from our room was just lovely!
View of Taung Ka Lat from our resort
Despite the weather being on a rather chilly side, we were not deterred from enjoying a dip :D
PJs fashion :D
Due to its exclusive location, away from all other amenities, we had dinner at the resort. With light drizzles, our beds were enticing us. However, determined to enjoy each other's company before heading back to Yangon the next day, we stayed up late playing card games and being crazy! Haha can't wait for the next trip with this bunch.
Adios!
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
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