Christmas in the Legendary City of Bagan
The Christmas season and New Year period are the best times to visit Myanmar with your family as you can enjoy comfortably cool weather throughout the country, along with blue skies and plenty of sunshine. This is especially true in the former royal capitals of Bagan and Mandalay, located in Myanmar’s ‘dry zone’, where the weather is picture-perfect at this time of year.
If you’re planning to spend your festive break in this region, there’s no better way to see these two timeless cities than with a comfortable cruise down the Mekong. Feel the breeze of the river and imagine how it must have been to arrive by boat in Mingun, or at the court of Inwa (Ava), home to successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Cruises can be arranged for a day, up until a week.
Another way to connect these two cities is in a private car with a short, fantastic boat ride along the Irrawaddy River. Explore more of the countryside, including a visit to see the endangered Burmese star tortoise in Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary, and a few lesser-known temples in the region to learn more about the fascinating stories and myths behind them.
In Bagan, leave the busy roads filled with tourists behind and venture into the less-visited areas on an electric bicycle to discover the spectacular grandeur of ancient temple ruins. At the end of the ride, have fun on a large swing strung between two palm trees, while some healthy vegan juices and snacks are served.
In the evening, at a time when very few others are around, enter the extraordinary Ananda Temple, known for its intricate artworks, and witness its stunning beauty in the moonlight. Try some typical snacks usually served during temple festivals, before proceeding to a nearby local restaurant on foot with a torch or a hand-held lamp – the perfect end to your journey through this timeless region; one that will be etched in your memory for years to come.
For bookings and more information on experiences during the festive period, get in touch with us at: [email protected].
