"most beautiful place ive ever been to and the most depressing at the same time."
That's exactly what I hear. I'll try to check it out.
I hear you about the colors, not a strange statement at all.
Although, Burma government is super fucked up. Everything you do and buy here, they get a piece of it. I advise not to come here for that reason. It seems you are a traveller and photographer, so on that reason, check it out. Bagan is Burma's Ankor Wat and totally flat, so renting a bicycle and riding around is the way to do it.
And a 1-2 month trip is the only way to trip in SE Asia.