Bagan, Mount Popa, Kalaw, Pindaya
Bagan was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Myanmar. It is located in the dry central plains of the country, located on the western banks of the Ayeyarwady River. The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 40 square kilometres. The majority of its buildings were built in the 11th to 13th centuries, during the time Bagan was the capital of the Burmese dynasty. Bagan then became the sole centre of religious studies, and the university in Bagan attracted students from as far as the Khmer kingdoms. In 1287 the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute. As a remainder approximately 2.500 temples are spread over the plains of Bagan, making an impressive and unique view. (parts taken from "Bagan." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 17 Nov 2005)
