Traveler Magazine 2018 Spring Traveler | Page 74

72 WA L K I N G AMONG THE OF BAGAN Bathed in the glow of the blushing pink and orange tints of an Asian sunset, Bagan looks like a city you’d find in a fairytale—a hodgepodge town speckled with some 2,000 temples, rolling mountains cloaked in a hazy grey hue, and a history that’s equal parts fascinating and mystical. However, everything about Bagan is real, down to its lacquerware shops and roadside stupas. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, Bagan is now Myanmar’s most famous attraction, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and inherently spiritual ambiance that takes hold of you as soon as you arrive. Although you can certainly discover the city via horse-drawn carriage, coach, or hot-air balloon, the best way to see what makes Bagan so awe-inspiring is by foot. Whether you’re with a guide or wandering on your own, don’t miss these ancient and enlightening sights.