Pagan lies on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River and boasts countless beautiful pagodas and temples. The city reached its peak, during the period between the 11th to the 13th centuries. In that time many magnificent buildings were built in Pagan. In 1287, however, Kublai Khan destroyed the city and it has never been rebuilt. Nowadays you can see the ruins of some 5000 temples, of which the Ananda, Gawdawpalin and Thatbyinnyu are the most interesting.

Accommodation is available in Pagan, but most people prefer to stay in Mandalay, 150 km to the northeast and visit Pagan on a day trip. Pagan is 505 km northwest of Yangon (Rangoon). Interesting boat trips from Pagan to Pyay are available in town. The journey takes two days and you should bring your own supplies of food and water.