Over 20 must-see spots beyond pagodas, MoRAC director reveals

Travellers to the ancient cultural zone of Bagan should visit over 20 pagodas, stupas and fine arts sites in addition to famous pagodas, suggested U Kyaw Myo Win, director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture (Bagan Branch).
Just as big sandstones were used as lintel beams in Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple, it is striking to see the similar use of wooden beams in the place of lintel in the western gate of Bagan’s Nagayon pagoda.
“Putting one brick layer another on the beam is so artistic that it highlights the skill of the architects of the Bagan era in Southeast Asia over 1,000 years ago,” he said.
Moreover, Pagoda No 1026 inside the Lawka Nanda reserve forest, located in a very remote and dense jungle, has a cracked side wall, and he went there himself to survey the urgent need for repair based on the information given by a friend, he added.
“When you arrive in Bagan, other places you should visit and observe include Nat Hlaung Kyaung temple, Shwegugyi, Pahtoethamya, Watkyi Lake Gupyaukgyi, Myinkaba Gupyaukgyi, Phayathonzu, Thanpyinswa, Tayote Pyay Min or King Nara Thiha Patae, Thambula, Meenyeinkon pagoda, Zanthee pagoda group, Wuthtanataw pagoda group, Myaybontha pagoda group, Khayminga pagoda group, Yaohnna pagoda group, Inn Phayagyi, Hsinphyushin pagoda compound, Nagayon pagoda, Apelyadana and Phyatsa Shwegu, Kyaukku and Kyaukmyatmaw,” he suggested.
Visitors to Bagan have rarely been there as they have been busy paying homage to famous pagodas, and these suggested places are suitable not only for pilgrimage but also for observing and enjoying the fantastic ancient fine arts of the Bagan era, he added. — MT/ZN/ED