No pagoda climbing in Bagan soon
Local and foreign visitors will be prohibited from climbing onto pagodas within the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Area in the near future, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
“Many travellers are interested in visiting Bagan. Visiting Bagan helps to bring business to its residents. Bagan sunrises and sunsets are not the same as those in other places, being amazingly pretty. It is a breathtaking view. (Climbing up on the structures) gradually spoils the pagodas. It will have to be prohibited in the long run,” the State Counsellor said.
She suggested the construction of alternative locations to view the sunrise and sunset in Bagan.
"Cultural heritage must be preserved. We have to take the interests of the country into account… The preservation of cultural heritage means safeguarding old artifacts,” she added.
At present, the Pyathatgyi and Shwesandaw Pagodas are the most famous points to view the sunrise and sunset. The construction of viewing decks has been announced to offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to those who wish to see the view.
"Bagan is our cultural heritage. It is related to our life. People are still visiting the pagodas. We need to preserve them," the State Counsellor said.