MYANMAR- Where To Eat In Bagan (Part 1)- The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant and Visiting Temples

 After years of hibernation from the outside world, Myanmar decided to finally open its doors to tourism. Still relatively untouched by outsiders, now is the time to travel in Myanmar (Burma).
   An ancient city located in Mandalay region, Bagan is Myanmar's hidden gem. It is such an astoundingly beautiful place of worship with thousands of ancient temples, pagodas and stupas spread across its plain. You must allow yourself a few days here and get lost in its ruins to truly experience how incredibly enchanting this place is.

 Travelling is a never ending journey of discovery and if you're a curious traveller like me, you'll absolutely love everything you'll learn about Bagan. From eating authentic meals at local places to meeting local people at the markets, these experiences will give you an insight into Myanmar's culture and its people.

A great place to take advantage of the view over the surrounding temples.

 Shwe-Leik-Too

Bupaya Pagoda located on the banks of the Irrawaddy river.

In August 2016, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar and severely damaging nearly 200 ancient temples and pagodas at the old city of Bagan.
It just saddens me to see how cities could have been destroyed by a single earthquake.

The photo above shows Htilominlo Pahto after the earthquake. It was built in 1183 and is one of the greater temples and most-frequently visited in Bagan. This large majestic structure stands 46 meters high and famous for its ornate stucco decoration. 

Ancient and so beautiful.

Burmese vendor.

Faded beautiful murals and frescoes of Buddha inside the temple walls.

The umbrellas that gave Htilominlo Pahto its name.

"hti" (ထီး) translates to umbrella meaning protection.

Vendors set up shops outside the temple.
 

A Karen Long Neck woman demonstrates her weaving skill at Htilominlo Pahto.

   A woman of the Karen ethnic minority, also called the Long Neck tribe. 

   You can't leave Bagan without trying this original vegetarian restaurant, The Moon.
I've read so many good reviews about The Moon Restaurant which is conveniently located right next to Ananda Pahto. This is one of Bagan's best but just make sure that you go to the original restaurant and not the one across the road with quite a similar name and colour sign board. I've posted a photo of their entrance for reference.  

The dishes were so deliciously cooked and if you're not a fan of vegetarian dishes, this meal might change your mind. The curries looked quite simple but behold every bite was heavenly. Service was fast and friendly too. When you visit Bagan you MUST try this place.

Garlic Naan

Papaya Lassi and Lime Ginger Honey

Tea Leaf Salad

Bagan Tamarind Leaf

Pumpkin Curry with Ginger

Myanmar Aubergine Curry

Truckload of thanaka barks.

Ananda Pagoda is one of the most beautiful temples in Bagan but was badly damaged during the earthquake that shook the town last year. It was undergoing extensive repairs when we were there. This pagoda is known for its four 9½ meter tall standing Buddha images and these teak wooden gilded Buddha images represent the four Buddhas that have reached nirvana, namely Kassapa Buddha (South), Kakusandha Buddha (North), Konagamana Buddha (East) and Gautama Buddha (West).

What to wear in Bagan? Something that can be easily removed and worn back as no shoes and socks are allowed inside all temples and pagodas.
These traditional Mandalay velvet slippers are called Hnyat-phanat and are very similar to flip-flops. You can find plenty in Bagan.