As a tourist, you’ll never run out of temples to see in Southeast Asia. After two years of exploring temples, from Thailand to Cambodia to China and back, nothing stands out in my memories like the crumbling ruins of Bagan. Formerly Pagan, it was founded in 849 and in only a few hundred years became the heart of a huge Buddhist kingdom. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing atop these ruins with coarse scrublands to the left, the Ayeyarwaddy to the right and the mountains standing guard in the distance.
For seven days I woke up at dawn to explore the maze of temples by bicycle. Map in hand and almost no tourists in sight, they were filled with colorful frescos, gilded Buddhas and the smiling, thanaka-covered faces of the Burmese children who ran after me as I scrambled to the top of a zedi.
Head on over to CNNGo for my photoessay on the crumbling temples of Bagan (and where to stay and eat when you’re in town).
-Jodi
I am a former lawyer from Montreal currently eating my way around the world, one country at a time. Marshmallow enthusiast, volcano climber and cave spelunker - and also a geek. Traveling since April 1, 2008. See the 
I am a bit apprehensive about visting Burma considering the political situation there at present – but with photos like this its going to be hard to say no when I depart on my one-way ticket to SE Asia in February.
Thanks for posting this.
Hi Kenan. Glad you enjoyed the post. Burma’s political situation is certainly not simple, but I do think that the people benefit from independent travelers who truly want to learn about its history and its people. For more info, please take a look at my Crash Course Burma (what to know before you go, what to read, etc). Feel free to contact me via the contact form if you have more questions too.
Bagan is the most amazing place build by people I have ever seen. And the best part is that there are hardly any tourists there, so you can get the whole place for yourself :)
And the people in Myanmar are the most friendly people I have every met.
Hi Magda. I agree that Burmese people are incredibly friendly. The interactions with locals – and being invited to eat at their table, or share a game of marbles with the kids – was a good part of what made the country so lovely. Thanks for reading!
Hi Jodi, I came here from your article on cnngo. Its wonderful to see how wonderful the ‘prohibited’ countries can be. The picture of that goat herder reminded me that on ground people’s lives are still the same. Thanks for the post!
Priyank
Very cool adventure Jodi, heading to CNNgo now!
Wow, it sounds like such a magical experience. Easter Island was such an incredible experience because there were no tourists around as well!
Priyank: I think that’s very true, and it also provides a reference point for seeing the sights in a particular place. In measuring your experiences against the lives of the people who live there, you get a different perspective. Of course, it’s important to keep the political situation in mind, but getting to the ground level makes a trip that much more rewarding.
Bacon Lady/Andi – thanks for the comments ladies. It was beautiful.
Jodi,
Just got to Burma four days ago, and am falling in love with this country! I’ve been reading all of your posts from Burma. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
Cheers from Yangon!
Adam
The temples of Bagan is one of my must sees in SE Asia. Hope to visit Burma soon! Thnx for sharing! :)