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No matter which method of transport you take to get to Bagan, but for exploring the site you will probably need to take a taxi or a horse cart

Bagan (formerly Pagan) was one of the glories of Asia, described by Marco Polo as "one of the finest sights in the world", created in a 230-year-long bout of fervor for Thervada Buddhism, but it fell into steep decline at the end of the thirteenth century around the time of the arrival of the Mongols, and little happened for hundreds of years after

More than 2,000 religious buildings, temples, pagodas, stupas, monasteries and halls, have survived the centuries and earthquakes, scattered over 40 sq km of plain by the Ayeyarwadi (Irrawaddy) river, and they form what has been justly described as one of the architectural wonders of the world. They range from Ananda and Thatbyinnyu, vast tower-temples yet intricate and beautiful, to the massive "evil temple" Dhammayangyi, to an endless array of distinctive, decaying stupas of all sizes.

The central plains – the arid lands between the Ayeyarwady River in the west and the Shan hills to the east – have seen many kingdoms rise and fall, including that of the Pyu who were the earliest inhabitants of Myanmar for whom records exist.Certainly few places in the world can offer a spectacle as breathtaking as Bagan’s vast stupa and temple-strewn plain. In the eleventh century, King Anawrahta of Bagan became the first to unite the lands that now form Myanmar, and today the legacy of his embrace of Theravada Buddhism exerts a stronger influence on tourist imaginations than anywhere else in the country

The thousands of temples that are spread across the plains of Bagan are the most impressive testament to the religious devotion of Myanmar’s people – and rulers – over the centuries. They combine to form one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia and provide views quite unlike anywhere else on earth.The temples and stupas along the way already gave a good impression of the great variety Bagan features. Small ones, bigger ones, some with intricate designs on the inside, others more a ruin than a temple and all so close to each other, connected by little paths cutting the plain

We have explored on a very comfortable little air-conditioned car but now we try a horse-drawn cart for exploring Taung Bi village (near the Tharabar Gate)

Myanmar was one of the richest countries in Asia when it achieved independence from Britain in 1948 but, after decades of poor governance, it is now one of the poorest countries on the planet. Fresh water and electricity are luxury items for many in Myanmar

The poor state of and limited access to infrastructure are major impediments to providing basic health and education services, and for economic development. Almost half the roads are not passable during the monsoon season. Telecommunications and internet access is also very limited.

Telecommunications and internet access is also very limited. About 75 percent of the population lacks access to electricity, and the consumption of electricity is one of the lowest in the world – 20 times less than the world average. Existing power infrastructure can only meet about half of the current demand, resulting in frequent blackouts and rationing of the electricity supply. Access to drinking water is also quite limited in many areas.

The Buddhist monastic school system in Burma assist in providing basic education needs of the country especially for children from needy families and orphans — filling the significant gap in the education system. The primary school children of Burma attend the Buddhist monasteries to acquire literacy and numeracy skills as well as knowledge of the Lord Buddha’s teachings. Thus, the schools provide curriculum education and ethics and moral foundation. Their role as principal education providers may have ceased for many years, but their contribution is still significant in 21st century Burma. Supplementing the government elementary schools, they provide underprivileged children all the basic education needs exactly as it does in government elementary schools by using the same curriculum.

These reddish clay pots can be easily found when walking along the streets in Myanmar. They are water jars free to everyone who is thirsty as they travel in the scorching heat. The owners of the house where the jars are located make sure the jars are clean and filled with water for any passers-by. It is free grift for anyone to relieve their thirst.Burmese people feel happy to prepare the offering

Build on one of old Bagan’s Ayeyarwaddy prime riverside locations, The Aye Yar Riverview Resort started operated as a guesthouse of the Burma Airways Corporation in 1958. The Hotel is now under going a make over to turn it into a resort of international appeal

Text: InternetPictures and presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu Copyright: All the images belong to their authorswww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Saung Zaw Win Maung - Not to intend to hate for ever