Bagan, Myanmar: Photos, Best Things to Do, Suggested itineraries

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Bagan

Bagan is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.

Misty morning in Bagan, Myanmar.

Balloons, Bagan.

From the 9th to 13th centuries, the Bagan city was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan.

Ox cart walk in front of Bagan temple

Temples of Bagan, Myanmar.

Bagan lies in the middle of the "dry zone" of Burma, the region roughly between Shwebo in the north and Pyay in the south.

Bagan overview

The Bagan ancient city, also known as “the archaeological city,” has served as Myanmar’s capital for the past 230 years. Until now, the site has preserved over 2000 temples and pagodas, many of which can be compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Borobudur temple in Java, Indonesia.

Bagan is divided into three sections: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U. The pagodas, temples, and stupas make up the Old Bagan area. Tourists are only permitted to visit these sites from the outside and are not permitted to go inside.

The area of New Bagan contains many large hotels and restaurants, and it is home to many locals who have relocated from the area of Old Bagan in order to preserve this ancient area.

Best time to visit Bagan

Bagan is hot for most of the year, with the best months to visit being November to February, when the average temperature ranges around 30°C. The hottest months are March to May with temperatures can reach 42°C. The wettest months are June and October.

Things to do in Bagan

1. Discover the unique temples in Bagan by renting a bicycle or E-bike.
2. Fly in a Hot-Air Balloon Over Bagan must experience.
3. Watch the Sun Set Over the Irrawaddy River, Shwesandaw, or Dammayangi Depending on whether you’re staying and visiting in the summer or winter, the sun will set between 5:40 and 6:15 p.m. We recommend arriving at your destination at least an hour early and spending the time exploring the grounds.
4. Catching a sunrise in Old Bagan at the following: Bagan Tower
Utrecht Temple
Sunrise Pagoda
Ta Wet Hpaya Temple
From a hot air balloon
5. Shop for the best lacquerware in workshops.
6. Explore Mingalar Zedi Pagoda.
7. Take a look at Temple Plain.
8. These temples should not be missed: Sulamani Guphaya Temple
Dhamma Yangyi Temple
Ananda Phaya Temple
Shwegu Gyi Temple
Shwesandaw Temple
9. Experience a local market and try Bagan/Burmese traditional foods at famous restaurants such as Weather Spoon’s Bagan Restaurant in Nyaung-U town, Queen Restaurant, Golden Emperor Restaurant, or Yar Pyi Vegetarian.
10. Take part in Bagan’s Biggest Festivals such as the Ananda Pagoda Festival from the 8th to 17th of January, and the Shwezigon Pagoda Festival from the 16th of November to the 8th of December.

How to travel to Bagan Myanmar?

By bus: Most tourists still travel to Bagan Myanmar by bus from major Myanmar destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, or Inle Lake. You can take a high-quality and very clean bus for these routes, such as JJ Express or Elite Express, for about 16,000 Kyats.

By plane: A one-hour flight from Yangon to Bagan’s Nyaung U Airport/NYU costs between $100 and $130, depending on the airline (Air Bagan, Air Mandalay, Air KBZ, Yangon Airways, or Asia Wings).

The main modes of transportation in Bagan are horse wagon, car, and bicycle. However, tourists prefer horse-drawn carriages, which cost about 25,000 Kyats per day. Because the riders are locals, they will provide you with free tour guides.

Tourists love bicycles because they allow them to easily transfer between tourist attractions and even stop at local homes to meet and chat with locals.

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