Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, one of the fascinating archaeological sites in South East Asia, which is about 390 miles (625 km) north of Yangon. It is also one of the most visited places in Myanmar. From the 9th to the 13th. Centuries, the city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute current Myanmar. During the kingdom’s peak between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries were constructed in Bagan alone, of which the remains of over 2,200 temples and pagodas still survive the present day.
Began actually consists of three different towns – Nyaung U, New Bagan, Old Bagan, and a huge spread-out area where all the temples are. Nyaung U is where the Airport and train station are, and the New Bagan is the village where all the people were housed when they were forced to relocate from old Banga in 1990.
Helpful Information
Best Time to Visit
Myanmar has two distinct seasons – dry and wet, but Bagan is hot most of the year, and rainfall is still light here in the wetter season between June and October. The best time to visit Bagan is between November and February when temperatures hit 30ºC (86ºF). Avoid March to May, when temperatures can reach 43ºC (110ºF). Remember, it’s a hot, dry, and dusty region, so be prepared. Bring sunblock and appropriate clothing that covers you and keeps you cool; water would be your best buddy there, and plan your days with a midday break to avoid the hottest times of the day.
How Long Should I Plan for Bagan
Bagan is not an ideal place to rush through; it’s hot and humid, and easy to get exhausted. I would recommend adding a day or two in addition to what you have planned originally. You need to rest properly after a long day of hopping from temple to temple. Also, one of the main attractions in Bagan is to observe the sunset and sunrise, so don’t ruin it by getting too tired.
Getting There
By Air:
Many travelers take a flight from Yangon or Chiang Mai to Mandalay and then 4 hour drive to old Bagan (180 km/110 miles). There is also a short, direct flight from Yangon to Bagan Nyaung U Airport. Flight is the easiest way to travel from Yangon to Bagan. If you have little time and do not want to spend a long time on an overnight bus/ train, you should take a plane. Air Bagan is probably the best airline flying the route, but you can also choose from Myanmar Airways, Air KBZ, and Air Mandalay.
By Train:
The train journey in Myanmar is not as incredible as other countries in Asia, such as Malaysia, Vietnam or Thailand, etc. However, the train is usually slow and noisy, and your bed in the cabin is quite hard to sleep in. The train usually leaves at 4.00 pm from Yangon and arrives at Bagan around 10.00 am (the next day). The tickets are from US$ 35 – 50 depending type of ticket.
By Bus:
The road condition between Yangon and Began is good, so by overnight bus, it usually takes about 9 – 10 hours to cover the 390 miles (625 km). The bus is a cheaper way to travel to Bagan, as long as you can sleep on the noisy bus. The cost should not be more than US$ 25 – 30.
The 7 Best Things To Do In Bagan
Hire a Tour Guide
During our three days trips to Bagan, the first thing we did was hire a tour guide with a private car. The guide was excellent in direction and knowledgeable of all the historical sites in old Bagan. If you have a tight schedule and no time to learn from your trial and error, then I would definitely recommend hiring privet care.
Explore Temple in Old Bagan
The largest collection of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and other ruins of any place in the world, prepare to be blown away by beauty when you visit Bagan. Although it is impossible to see them all, more than 2000 of them condensed into an area of around 26 square miles. Due to the heat, dust, and intense sunshine, visiting them early in the morning and in the late afternoon is recommended.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The famous hot air balloon trips over Bagan don’t come cheap, but that doesn’t stop them from getting booked up well in advance during peak periods.
Visit Temples at Sunrise
When visiting Bagan, watching the sunset from a higher ground around the temples is a must. The sun sets behind the mountains on the horizon, and the stupas in front create beautiful black silhouettes; the entire environment becomes so colorful. This spectacular event is one of the most popular among visitors.
Sunset viewing in Ayerwaddy River
Another popular place to watch the sunset is the Ayeyarwady River. There are boats available for rent, they are cheap but noisy, but it is worth taking the pain to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Day Trip To Beautiful Mount Popa
My tour guide recommended a day trip to the Mt. Popa area. It was one of my best trips ever. Even though I lost a few noticeable pounds climbing stiff stairs to get to the top of the mountain, the experience was quite remarkable. I was lucky to enjoy my trip and get out of the country before the sectarian tensions spread throughout the country following the mob killing.
Explore Local Market
Visiting a local market is the best thing you could do to understand the local culture and the way of daily life.
Getting Around in Bagan
Bicycle Rentals
Even most archaeological sites are within a short distance from each other and doable on foot or a bicycle. Still, the temperature is usually too hot and dry, and the air is dusty, so that I won’t recommend it. When I was exploring the temples in old Bagan, the temperature was 111º F (44º C). Also, many of the pathways and unpaved secondary roads were quite dusty. All this would definitely add up, and extra effort to overcome the hurdles will drain your energy very quickly. Bicycle rental is available for 1000 – 2000 kyat/day (US$ 1 = 1364.50)
Renting e-Bike for Temple Hopping
eBike is similar to a moped but electric-powered. That charges from a basic charger and can last up to 8 hours when fully charged. This is the cheapest and one of the most popular options for getting around in Bagan. Hopping from one pagoda to the other will be much easier. The cost is about 7000 – 10000 kyat (US$ 5 – 10) a day. It is fun to ride, but you must protect yourself from dust.
Renting a Private Car With Experienced Driver
I was staying in Bagan only for three days and two nights, so my best option was to rent a car with a driver. It was the easiest and quickest way to see all in-town attractions and out-of-town trips like Mount Popa. My driver was amiable and knowledgeable. The good thing was that he literally stayed with us for three days starting from airport pickup until our departure. It was cheap, only US$ 40/day, inclusive (driver + gas). The car AC worked and was a lifesaver for me.
Hire a Horse Cart
A horse cart is fun and popular among tourists but definitely an uncomfortable and slow way of seeing the ruins. Over a long day, it could be less appealing. It’s interesting to hire a cart for a short trip just for the experience and photo ops.
Where to stay in Bagan, Myanmar
Amazing Bagan Resort, Nyaung U
Offering an outdoor pool and a spa, Amazing Bagan Resort is located in Bagan. A sun terrace, garden including a seating area. The Green House Restaurant & Bar serves Asian and European Food for breakfast and dinner. The Amazing Bagan Resort is a 10-minute drive from Nyaung U Airport. An additional charge applies to airport transfers; the property offers free parking.
The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate, Old Bagan
Located in the historic city of Bagan, The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate features an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center. In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk, which aids guests in transport and tour arrangements. The Hotel is 15 minutes from Bagan’s Nyaung U Airport. Free private parking is available at a nearby location. American breakfast is served daily in the French Garden or the semi-open Ananada Restaurant.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Bagan, Myanmar? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being in Bagan, Myanmar, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Myanmar.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Your Support would definitely help me make more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Book your Sightseeing Trip
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and do some exciting sightseeing activities to bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click on our below affiliate link to see your options.
