From Bagan to Yangon, viewing the land where Buddha once walked from a bird’s-eye perspective

Photos & Text /Peri

From Yangon to Bagan, it was an overnight bus that carried me along at a slow and bumpy pace; from Bagan to Yangon, soaring tens of thousands of feet above the sky, I viewed the land where Buddha once walked from a bird’s-eye view.

Booking transportation between Yangon and Bagan actually had me quite torn. For a solo traveler, an overnight bus is cheap and saves on a night’s accommodation—a perfect balance. But things rarely go as one wishes. Heading to Bagan, I didn’t hesitate to book an overnight bus (and even went on a little bus adventure), but the return bus only departs during the day. Waste half the day traveling? The bright scenery is so rare—how could I let it slip away easily?

Gritting my teeth, I booked a flight from Bagan to Yangon (NYU-GRN), consoling myself that getting an aerial view of Myanmar for just $105 wasn’t too expensive. But alas, while the plane is convenient, it lacks the romance of wandering in a foreign land on an overnight bus—lonely and drifting.

Yangon → Bagan by Bus, 10:00, US$17
2014/5/1 19:00 - 05:00 Bagan Mintha Express
Bagan → Yangon by Air, 01:20, US$105
2014/5/3 16:55 - 18:15 Air KBZ, K7-255

Deeply, with longing, I took one last look at the unexplored stupas in the wilderness. There wasn’t much time left—I had to go. Pedaling my E-bike frantically back to the guesthouse, the owner had already called a car. Arriving dusty at the airport, I jumped out of the vehicle with my backpack and waved goodbye, only then noticing how uniquely dark that jeep was.

Nyaung-U Airport, Nyaung Oo Airport, Bagan Nyaung Oo Airport.
Nyaung U Airport, Bagan Nyaung U Airport… This small domestic airport isn’t very big, but it has many names. Under the clear blue sky, delicate Burmese carvings seemed to whisper the legacy of the Bagan Dynasty. I couldn’t help but pause and capture the fleeting play of light and shadow.

Although it’s a small airport, it doesn’t lack any essential services. Light meals, coffee, currency exchange, courier services, souvenirs, and even a counter for mailing postcards. Hopping onto the shuttle bus plastered with Royal Myanmar Tea ads (which is actually quite tasty), off we go.

Whether by bus, boat, or plane, I always like to sit by the window. The world is so vast—even if I can only see a bit more, I don’t want to miss it.

When booking the ticket, I insisted on a window seat, but pre-assigned seating wasn’t available. At check-in, I reminded them again and again, but the staff said no assigned seats—you choose when you board. So casual. Looks like grabbing a seat is going to be a battle. I dashed to the front as soon as I got on the plane, claimed a spot, and turned around… ah, so worried for nothing. The flight wasn’t even half full—window seats were easy to come by XD

We took off. Goodbye, scorched and burning Bagan. Unlike the endless yellow of the desert, the Irrawaddy River stretches far, carving through mountains yet nourishing the land. I am so in awe of the Burmese people’s reverence and devotion to Buddha. At the mountaintops and by the waters, the towering stupas remain spectacular even when viewed from the air (as shown in the main photo).

Even though it was just an 80-minute flight, they still served a rather thoughtful meal box. Sweet cakes and curry-filled snacks—tasty enough; drinks included choices of coffee and juice. After all, a one-way fare of $105 is an unimaginable figure for the common folk in Myanmar. (Frankly, I think it’s pricey too!)

As the plane gradually approached Yangon, the land began to reveal the outline of the city, accompanied by unrestrained greenery.

After landing, thinking what a rare opportunity it was, I couldn’t help taking more photos. Who knows when I’ll see it again.

Sunrise and sunset—the airport is a station that sees people off and welcomes them.

Airline: Air KBZ
Website, Facebook
Flight: K7-225
Date: 20140503
Departure: 16:55 from Myanmar Nyaung U Airport (NYU)
Arrival: 18:15 at Myanmar Yangon International Airport (RGN)

II Fleeting Moments

A female engineering student who thought she’d study Chinese when she grew up.
Talks too fast, writes too slowly; opens her mouth like a comedian, picks up a pen like a pseudo-literati.
Loves to pack her bags and set out alone for walks, drawing courage from the corners of the world, and encountering the starlight in travelers’ eyes.
Firmly believes that no plan is the best plan—beautiful encounters cannot be calculated.
And then, just keep walking.
Peri