Big Bell StupaAncient Bawbawgyi Stupa. Thayekhittaya, Myanmar (Burma). I had a disappointing trip this morning to Thayekhittay. The owner of my hotel, U Tan Jan, charged me K25,000, about US$25, to take me out to the  site, a large area full of ruins. It was challenging to navigate the soft sand roads with his motorbike, but that’s not my main complaint. He took me to only 1 stupa in this complex, Babawgyi Paya, and that was it. I had seen and photographed a map of the area, so I knew there was much more to see.

Peaceful PrayersPerson praying at ancient Bawbawgyi Stupa. Thayekhittaya, Myanmar (Burma). It was apparent to me that we were retracing our route out, and pretty quickly because he didn’t want to pay the K5,000 site fee, which I had given to him (in addition to the above-mentioned charge) to pay to the museum. When I showed him the map with all the other sites on it, he claimed he didn’t know about those and only took me to the best one.

We did 2 more old stupas at another location, and that was it. Tour finished, time to go home. I should always be suspicious when asked to pay up front.