The Irrawaddy River, officially the Ayeyarwady, forms the western edge of Old Bagan’s temple plain and has long served as one of Myanmar’s principal transport and trade routes. Its broad channel helped connect the former Bagan capital with settlements across central Myanmar, while its floodplain supported agriculture. From the riverbank near Bupaya, fishing boats, ferries, sandbars, and distant hills create a layered scene, often framed by gilded stupas and temple silhouettes. Water levels change markedly with the seasons: exposed sandy banks define the drier months, while the monsoon brings a wider, fuller river. Evening light is especially distinctive here, with the sun descending across the water west of Bagan.
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