MYANMAR- Where To Eat In Bagan (Part 2)- Sanon Training Restaurant & Temple-hopping

An ancient city in central Myanmar located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Bagan is a land of thousand stupas, temples and pagodas. You cannot go to Myanmar without going to Bagan. Our trip to Bagan was one unique travel experience I will never forget. Here's a list of some of the city's biggest, most popular and most beautiful temples that should definitely be included in your itinerary. 

 

Thatbyinnyu Temple was built by King Alaung Sithu in the year 1144. At 61 meters high, this magnificent temple towers above all the other monuments in Bagan. Built in Bamar-style, this temple is different than what you'll see elsewhere in Bagan because of its grey and white colour. It is also a gu-style temple which is a hollow structure used for meditation, worship and other Buddhist rituals. 

 Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest of all the temples in Bagan with bats lurking around its high ceiling. The temple has a gruesome past hence locals believe it is haunted. The structure is undoubtedly impressive and the only temple in Bagan that houses a rare double Buddha sculpture. 

Puppets for sale outside Dhammayangyi Temple.

The Shwezigon Pagoda is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments of Bagan. This thousand year old gold plated pagoda was built by King Anawratha who founded the Bagan Kingdom in 1044.
The pagoda was damaged during the earthquake in 2016 and was covered but just imagine how magnificent this will be in its full grandeur.

 

A beautiful and rare teak monastery in Taungi Village.

Nat Taung Kyaung Temple, another impressive teak temple.

Home to the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world.

Cute little Burmese girl with thanaka on her face and arms selling some vegetable fritters.

 

Maha Bodhi Temple is modelled after the famous Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, India.

It is built in Hindu-style which is rare in Bagan. Its pyramidal tower has many niches containing 

over 450 images of Buddha.

Sanon located in Old Bagan is a training restaurant for marginalized local youth. We had previously supported Khaiphaen in Luang Prabang and loved the meal, so we decided to dine at Sanon Training Restaurant to continue supporting this association of restaurants with a cause while we were there. Slightly more expensive than other restaurants but it's worth funding this Burmese initiative. Although I can't really say it's the best in Bagan but food was delicious, fresh and tasty. Service was also friendly and polite which is typical in Bagan.

Strawberry and Banana Smoothie, Myanmar Beer, Watermelon Juice with Citrus

Burmese Style Crispy Watercress and Onion Pakora

Ginger Salad

Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Burmese Style Green Mango Salad

 

Burmese River Prawn and Catfish Curry with Apple Eggplant and Acacia Leaves

 

Chef Kyaw Kyaw's Beef Curry

Burmese Coconut Semolina Cake

Nutty Banana Fritters with Kaffir Lime Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream

Bagan is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas. A truly beautiful place that I would love to go back again.