The train to Bagan we certainly the best and most comfortable journey I had in Myanmar, but to be honest that's not saying much! The amount the train bumped up and down on the rails, I was sure we were going to derail at any moment!!!
I met a lovely Dutch couple on the train who told me about a hotel they had booked, with free train station pick up and a swimming pool for only $15!!! Suffice to say I joined them in the pick up! Definitely the best place I've stayed so far on my trip!!
The gutting thing was due to a lack of buses back to Yangon (water bloody festival... I'll elaborate later) I only had a day and a half I'm Bagan.
Bus booked (more to come later on that) I hired a horse and cart to take me around the main temples of Bagan
To add some context, Bagan as a historical area covers over 40 sq km with over 4000 temples and stupas in the boundaries!
I really am struggling to describe the sheer scale and magnificence of Bagan. The only comparison in Angkor, which although has many more impressive sights is far less staggering in scale.
For the next half day before I had to head back to Yangon I relaxed by the pool... A first on the trip!!
Again because the water festival had just finished it turned out that all the buses were full for the next week. The only option I had for getting back to Yangon was to sit on a plastic stool in the solar of the bus... It turned out I wasn't the only one to have taken this option, the bus was rammed full. The 14 hour journey was without doubt, the worst in my life!!!!
Back in Yangon I had a day to explore the now open city and a fantastic place it is. Suddenly full of life with bars and restaurants spilling onto the surrounding streets. Definitely one of my favourite cities I visited Asia.
All in all I found Myanmar amazing experience. I managed to avoid paying all government fees bar the departure tax and met some absolutely amazing people. Anyone considering a visit I would highly recommend it!
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