Myanmar - Mandalay - Bagan

To most people, Myanmar seems dangerous ⚠️. My initial attraction to this country came from National Geographic's breathtaking images of Bagan's sunrise, ancient pagodas, and hot air balloons 🎈. The true beauty of Bagan lies in its vast plain dotted with thousands of pagodas - each uniquely shaped, varying in height, some ornate while others simple, some crumbling yet still standing tall... Together they create a landscape of melancholic grandeur. Rather than visiting famous pagodas, I became obsessed with climbing unnamed smaller ones 🧗. Every day, I'd either ride a horse cart or electric bike, following adventurous Western travelers who possessed remarkable exploration and climbing skills. Tracing their paths always led to new discoveries 🔍. The real joy of Bagan lies in seeking out climbable pagodas and enjoying panoramic views from their summits... During these explorations, local children near major pagodas would persistently ask if I wanted to see sunrise/sunset spots or hidden murals inside lesser-known pagodas. Their payment? Simply buying their hand-painted artworks or postcards 🖼️... Mandalay left me with unforgettable impressions: the serene white Hsinbyume Pagoda, U Bein Bridge's legendary sunsets, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of monks lining up for alms at Maha Ganayon Monastery. The Mandalay Palace, last royal seat of Myanmar's final dynasty, dazzles in red and gold, with its watchtower offering commanding city views... Myanmar may lack material wealth, but through two journeys here, I've witnessed how poverty, simplicity, tranquility, and breathtaking beauty can coexist in the most way... ✨ #Myanmar #BudgetTravel#TravelGuide