Pagodas, pagodas, pagodas! The former 9th century capital of Bagan is home to the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas. The day started with a climb to the top of a pagoda for an amazing view over Bagan's archeological complex with thousands of pagodas built during the 9th through 13th centuries. During the kingdom's peak in the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas still stand today. With my guide I explored many pagodas big and small, highlights were Ananda, Dhammayangyi, Sulamani, and Thatbyinnyu.
A horse drawn carriage took me to my pagoda of my choosing, I opted for a little known pagoda with no people for the perfect sunset views. After a full day of exploring Bagan's history a relaxing sunset atop a peaceful pagoda was a welcome rest to contemplate all of the amazing sights I'd see and history I'd learned.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.