Around Bagan
Mount Popa
Mt. Popa is about 50km away from the Bagan. It takes about 45 minutes drive from Nyaung Oo Airport, in Bagan. It is an extinct volcano that is estimated to have erupted for the last time during 442BC. However, Mt.Popa’s attraction today lays not so much in its geological aspect, but more so in its religious and mystical interest which are still prevalent. Popa is popularly recognized as an abode of many “Nats” (Deities). Opposite to Mt. Popa is a wonderful Mountain Resort complete with amenities in cool surroundings including a swimming pool. One can also view Popa Mountain across Popa Resort. It is and ideal place for nature lovers who like to hear birds singing and watch lovely butterflies flying from tree to tree during the day. Nights in Mt. Popa Resort are very enchanting with dancing fireflies floating in the air. Horses are also available for riding around the mountain.
Sale (Sa-Lay)
Salay is a colourful old religious centre in Central Myanmar, and is about one and a half hour drive south of Bagan. In between visiting the numerous ancient monasteries, adorned with beautiful woodcarvings, you can enjoy the beauty of this compact city of colonial buildings, monasteries and pagodas. It is worthwhile to visit the famous monastery “Yoke-Sone-Kyaung”, which is a cultural heritage site in Salay, and situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is famous with its spectacular woodcarvings, and is also the native town of the famous writer Salay U Pone Nya during the time of the Myanmar Kings. Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung was built in A.D. 1882. There are very beautiful artistic works of woodcarvings around it and also ancient Buddha images, utensils of Yadanabon 19th century period. There is a museum of the Myanmar famous writer U Pone Nya in Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagan