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Framed on two sides by the great Ayeyarwady, the site covers an area of approximately 25 miles.  The main concentration of monuments is around the old city site on the bend of the river.  Yet in the outer areas of Minnanthu and Thiripyitsaya are rich concentrations of lesser known but superbly crafted works.  At Bagan, no two monuments are the same.  All are highly original in design and conception.  The structural techniques, similar to the gothic forms of Western cathedral architecture, were in advance of contemporary engineering in Europe.  Technologically daring in concept and exquisite in execution, the temples of Bagan are of overpowering beauty.  To gain a true impression of the site, some form of transportation is essential.  Traditionally travelers have used the local horse carts and many of their drivers have an excellent knowledge of the monuments and their history.  Locally hired bicycles are also available and roads have now been constructed connecting the main centers of population.  The villages of New Bagan and Myinkabar are centers of traditional lacquer manufacture, which is both robust and attractive and makes the best possible souvenir of Myanmar.  In the local town of Nyaung U, to the west of the site, there is a large local market which is a lively and colorful place to study local life and customs.  A short drive into the countryside near Bagan, Mount Popa makes a fascinating day trip.  Home to Myanmar's "Nats" (spirits), it is an intriguing place.  Bagan Museum:  An interesting small museum stands close to the Ananda Temple.  It contains a large number of images and other fine works found in temples around Bagan.  The ruins of the Tharaba (Sarabha) Gateway lie on the eastern side of the old 9th century perimeter wall.  The ruins of the main gate on the east wall, are all that remain of the old 9th century city.  The gate is guarded by brother and sister nats, the male on the left, the female on the right.  Traces of old stucco can still be seen on the gateway.  Ananda Temple:  One of the finest, largest and best preserved of the Bagan temples, the Ananda suffered considerable damage in the earthquake and in 1979 reconstruction took place.  Built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha.  The central square has sides of 53m (175 ft) and rises in terraces to a height of 51m (168 ft) above the ground.  In the centre of the cube, four standing Buddhas, 9.5m (31 ft) high, represent the four Buddhas who have attained Nirvana.  Only those facing north and south are original, the east and west facing images are replacements for the figures destroyed by fires.  The base and the terraces are decorated with a great number of glazed tiles showing scenes from the Jataka.  In the western sanctum, there are life size statues of the temple's founder and his Primate, while in the west porch there are two footprints of the Lord Buddha, on pedestals.  Mid December to mid January the temple attracts thousands for its annual pagoda festival.  Shwezigon Pagoda:  Its golden mass giving it an air of weight and stability, the Shwezigon derives its name from Jeyyabhumi, "Ground of Victory".  Two great kings, noted for their patronage of the Religion, are associated with the Shwezigon: Anawratha (1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113).  Tradition has it that the holy tooth, collar-bone and frontlet relics of the Buddha are enshrined in the Shwezigon, the tooth presented by the King of Ceylon, the frontlet obtained from Thayekhittaya near modern Prome.  The chronicles relate that Anawratha placed the frontlet relic on a jeweled white elephant and, making a solemn vow, said, "Let the white elephant kneel in the place where the holy relic is fain to rest!" And it was there, at the place where the white elephant knelt, that Anawratha built the Shwezigon, although he was to finish only the three terraces before he died.  The chronicles go on to relate that on the accession of Kyansittha, the royal teacher Shin Arahan urged him to complete the Shwezigon.  Kyansittha then marshaled all his people and quarried rock from Mount Tuywin in the east to build the pagoda.  Marvelously, the pagoda was finished in seven months and seven days, and the chronicles record with some pride, "Shwezigon is famous in the world of men and the world of spirits as far as the world of Brahmas."  Shwegugyi Temple:  Built by Alaungsithu in 1311, this temple is an early example of a transition in architectural styles which resulted in airy, lighter buildings.  The temple is also notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone slabs in the inner wall which tell its history, including the fact that its construction took seven months. Thatbyinnyu Temple:  The highest temple in Bagan, the "omniscient" temple rises to 61m (200 ft) and was built by Alaungsithu around the mid-12th century.  Repairs to earthquake damage were being completed in 1979.  Slightly south-west of the Thatbyinnyu in a monastery compound there is stone supports which once held the temple's huge bronze bell.  North-east of the temple stands a small "tally pagoda" which was built of one brick for every 10,000 bricks used in the main temple. Pitakat Taik:  Following the sack of Thaton, King Anawratha carted off 30 elephant loads of Buddhist scriptures and built this library to house them in 1058.  It was repaired in 1738.  The architecture of the square building is notable for the perforated stone windows and the plaster carvings on the roof in imitation of Myanmar wood carvings.  The Thandawgya Image:  This 6m (19 ft) high stone image of the Buddha was built in 1284.  Bupaya Pagoda:  Right on the bank of the Ayeyarwady, this pagoda has been claimed to be the oldest in Bagan, dating from the 3rd century AD.  It was completely destroyed when it tumbled into the river in the 1975 earthquake, but has been totally rebuilt.  Mahabodhi Pagoda:  Modeled after Indian style temples, this pagoda is unique in Myanmar.  It was built during the reign of Nantaungmya (1211-1234).  The pyramidal spire, covered in niches each enclosing a seated Buddha figure, rises from a square block.  Shwesandaw Pagoda:  Following his conquest of Thaton, this very graceful circular pagoda was built by Anawratha in 1057.  The five terraces once had terra-cotta plaques showing scenes from the Jataka.  The pagoda bell rises from two octagonal bases which top the five square terraces.  Close to the Shwesandaw stands the Lawkahteikpan Temple - small but interesting for its excellent frescoes and inscriptions in both Myanmar and Mon.  Shinbinthalyaung:  Situated right beside the Shwesandaw, this long, brick built, shed-like structure houses an 11th century, 18m (60 ft) long reclining Buddha.  The Mingalazedi, or Blessing Stupa, was built in 1277 and was the last pagoda built in the golden era before decline set in.  It is a fine example of the skills of the craftsmen of Bagan.  Noted for its exquisite proportions, and countless glazed Jataka tiles around the three square terraces.  It provides breath taking views of all the monuments to the east.  One of the more unusual designs is the Shwesandaw Paya:   a cylindrical Stupa a-top five very steep terraces.  In an out building on the same site is an enormous 20m reclining Buddha.  Alike with Mingalazedi, the size of Shwesandaw lends itself ideally for stunning views.  Dhammayangyi Temple:  Similar in plan to the Ananda, this later temple is much more massive looking.  It was built by King Narathu (1160-65).  The interior of the temple is blocked by brickwork.  The Dhammayangyi is the finest brickwork of Bagan.  Mount Popa's impressive view point is located about 31 miles south east of Bagan and known as the "Oasis of dry zone".  Accessible by a series of stairways, the famous festival of the "nats" or spirits is held here during the month May/June.  Popa is Sanskrit for flower - a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary "Nat" spirits of Myanmar.  The mountain itself is considered to be sacred - a sort of Mt.  Olympus, an abode for the gods.  Formed by a powerful earthquake in 442 BC the great peak rose from out of the barren Myingyan plains.  Today set amid lovely hill and forest scenery.  Popa is a forest clad landmark rising to 1,520m from the flat, surrounding plains.  It is a place of special importance in both the country’s history and culture.  In days long past, Alchemists and Occultist made their home on the slopes, and others were convinced mythical beings dwelled in the its woods.  The Mahagiri Nat shrine about halfway up the mountain was visited for seven centuries by all Burmese kings (prior to the reign of Anawratha) who came for Nat advice on their reign.  The natural spring’s flowers and wooded hillside greatly contrast to the arid lands surrounding it.  The vegetation around the mountain is the remains of a large forest that was fossilized after a volcanic eruption.  Mt.  Popa is famous for its wealth of medical plants, rare orchids and home for over 90 species of bird.  The natural streams and springs of Popa provide all the water required for numerous purpose’s for miles around.  The Myanmar Ministry of Forestry have declared the mountain a National Park and is actively promoting eco-tourism.  Some of the interesting places to see include Popa Mountain Crater, Popa village, the Sima waterfalls, the Nat shrine and, needless to say an incredible view.  During the months May and June the annual festival of the spirits is held here, drawing ever increasing numbers each year.  Set in the heart of the mountain is the Popa Mountain Resort.  Tastefully designed and lavishly furnished, each of the resorts buildings are meticulously and skillfully crafted from teak wood to harmonize with the natural beauty.  The resort even boasts a 9 hole golf course and swimming pool  not to mention a wide selection of international cuisine.  Sulamani Temple:  Like the Htilominlo and the Gawdawpalin this is a prime example of later, more sophisticated temple style, with better internal lighting.  It stands beyond the Dhammayangyi Temple and was built in 1181 by Narapatisithu.  The interior was once painted with fine frescoes but only traces can be seen today.  Nathlaung Kyaung:  Slightly to the east of the Thatbyinnyu this is the only Hindu temple remaining in Bagan.  It was built in 931 by King Taungthugyi, this was about a century before the southern school of Buddhism came to Bagan following the conquest of Thaton.  The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and around the outside wall are figures of the "ten Avatars", Gautama Buddha was said to be the ninth.  The central brick pillar supports the dome and crumbled sikhara and once had figures of Vishnu on each of the four sides.  The temple may have been built by Indian settlers in Bagan - possibly the skilled workers brought to construct other temples.  Gawdawpalin Temple:  One of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan temples, the Gawdawpalin was built during the reign of Narapatisithu (1174-1211) but was very badly damaged by the earthquake in 1975.  The reconstruction was started in early 1979.  In plan it is somewhat similar to the Thatbyinnyu - cube shaped with Buddha images on the four sides of the ground floor.  The top of the Stupa, before it fell, reached 55m (180 ft) high.  The top terrace is still an excellent place to catch the sun setting over the Ayeyarwady.  Pahtothamaya Temple:  In this same temple crowded central area the Pahtothamaya was probably built during the reign of Kyansittha (1084-1113).  The interior of this single storey building is dimly lit, typical of this early type of Mon-influenced temple with its small, perforated stone windows.