Holiday crowds fill Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone

The Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone in NyaungU District, Mandalay Region, has been crowded with domestic travellers and pilgrims during the six-day office and school holidays, according to officials from the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Visitors from across Myanmar have been arriving in large numbers at prominent historic religious sites, including Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Culamani Temple, Manuha Temple, Mahabodhi Temple and other ancient pagodas and monasteries in the Bagan-NyaungU area. Heavy visitor flow has caused traffic congestion and parking difficulties at several major temple compounds.
Although it is not a festival period, the heritage zone continues to attract a steady stream of domestic and international visitors. Travellers cited the region’s densely clustered historic temples, ancient brick structures, archaeological remains and the proximity of landmarks as key attractions.
A visitor from Yangon, Ma Sanda Hlaing, said Bagan remains a destination she wishes to revisit repeatedly due to its unique cultural landscape and spiritual significance. Similarly, U Zeya Aung from Myingyan noted that the continuous presence of pilgrims reflects the enduring value of the Bagan heritage zone.
Starting from 12 February, more than 100,000 visitors per day have entered the ancient cultural zone. Hotels, motels and guesthouses have reported full occupancy. Restaurants, local transport services, horse-cart operators, mini-vehicle rentals, tour guides and regional souvenir shops have experienced brisk business, according to local sources. —Dipa Lin/KZL

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