City break in Bagan. Active leisure ideas for Bagan - attractions, recreation and nightlife

How to entertain yourself in a major pilgrimage center that is primarily famous for its religious sights? Even though most tourists come to Bagan to explore its historical sites, this is far from the only entertainment available here. Take some time to visit local natural attractions. One of the most famous is Mount Popa. It is an old extinct volcano that has been dormant for hundreds of years.

The height of the mountain is over 700 meters and its slopes with fertile soil are covered with dense vegetation. You will have the opportunity to see many rare plants and admire majestic trees. Many birds and rare insects are found in the foothill area. An interesting feature of this place is the abundance of springs numbering more than 200. You will also have a chance to climb to the top of the mountain where one of the oldest Buddhist temples is located. Its adjoining territory offers a stunning view of the city.

Trips to the neighboring villages are also very popular among tourists. Of special interest is the village of Yandabo where you can get acquainted with the interesting traditions and culture of local people. Clay pots and bowls have been produced for many years here, and several historic workshops are still functioning. Guests are always warmly welcome here. For a small fee, you can even take a few pottery lessons and create a beautiful souvenir with your own hands. In this same village, they also produce great drums, which are the main musical instrument for local people. No folklore performance can go without playing these traditional drums. Tourists are offered many interesting entertainments in the village. They can taste traditional homemade food, as well as watch the fascinating process of its preparation. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Equally interesting is the village of Minnanthu where you will also have a chance to meet and communicate with typical villagers. Here you can see old huts with palm thatch roofs. The inhabitants of this village are also known for their rich craft traditions. They produce beautiful textiles so you will have the opportunity to purchase chic products made by hand on old looms. Sandalwood powder, which is the most popular kind of cosmetics among locals, is also produced in this village. During the trip, you will find lots of original souvenirs.

In the vicinity of Bagan, there are several large farms where domestic animals are bred and vegetables are grown. It’d be a great idea to visit Mi Ta Zu Farm where they breed cows and grow vegetables and fruits. You’ll be able to see how local farmers care for their animals - irreplaceable helpers in the household. Most locals do not eat meat, so from a gastronomic point of view, cow breeding is not really profitable. However, when it comes to agricultural interest, cultivating vast fields with the help of cows simplifies the process greatly. You’ll be invited to stroll through the plantations of popular regional vegetables and fruits, many of which may seem pretty exotic to foreigners. Here you can taste ripe fruits right from the branch. The farm itself looks like an amazing green oasis.

Not far from the city, there are several interesting and easy-to-reach nature reserves. What about going on a tour of the wonderful National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens? This one offers a striking variety of flowering plants. This reserve is one of the few in the region where the landscape design is very well-developed and taken very seriously. Here you can see picturesque flower beds, spacious green meadows, and dense thickets of trees all around. Besides, the garden has several waterfowl ponds and is considered one of the most beautiful and comfortable in the country.

Another interesting feature of the region is the abundance of picture-like waterfalls, trips to which are also extremely popular with tourists. In a picturesque mountainous area, you’ll discover the Dee Dote Waterfall, the cascades of which form a large lake with bright blue water. It is allowed to swim in this lake, which means that everyone will have a chance to take some spectacular pictures. The waterfall is hidden among dense thickets of tropical plants so a walk to it promises to turn into an unforgettable adventure.