Beautiful Myanmar: Trip to Bagan , Shwezigon Pagoda (Julie Bawk)

First day tour in Bagan. My sister arranged a car and driver to tour us around, before we came to Bagan, so, we were happy to see our driver waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel.

We stayed at Golden house hotel in Nyaung U. The hotel is a bout 5-10 minutes walking distance from Nyaung-U market and there are good restaurants and tea houses nearby. The hotel’s rooms are big and clean. I find the staffs are quite friendly.

After breakfast we headed to famous Shwezigon Pagoda.

According to history, it was built by King Anawrahta, who founded the Bagan Kingdom, however, the construction was completed by his son King Kyanzittha at the end of 11th century. It is believed to contain a tooth of the Buddha and thus held in great veneration by the Buddhists of the whole of Myanmar. There is a lot to see in this complex beside the bright gold stupa.

A stone pillar with inscription dedicated by King Kyanzittha.

There are nine wonders of the Shwezigon Pagoda. One of the wonders is when big drum is being beaten on one side of the pagoda, the sound of the drum cannot be heard on the other side.

I also wandered outside the Pagoda complex and walk to the bank of Arriyawadi River, along the way, I came to this small temple and saw decapitated Buddha Statue.

I felt sad deeply to see destruction like this. I hope all the visitors who come and see, as well as people living around the Pagoda will treasure this historical site and preserve it for future generations…..thx…will continue my story in the next post.

Julie Bawk (Kachin)