Bagan would have to be one of the most magical places to visit in Myanmar. It might be because of it’s beautiful sunrises that fill the sky with hundreds of hot air balloons. It could also be the many ancient pagodas and impressive temples dating back to the 9th century or the untouched landscapes of Bagan. In our Bagan guide we share with you all our favourite temples, photo locations, best places to eat and much more.
When we first caught a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise photos over Bagan, not only did we fall in love but we also agreed to one day travel there. It was a decision well made and after returning it still holds a special place in our hearts with so many lasting memories. We hope this blog inspires you to one day visit Bagan and to see it’s true beauty.
Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, in the Mandalay Region. During its prime years as the center of the Pagan Kingdom, over 10,000 Buddhist monuments were built on it’s vast plains. Now only around 2,000 of these ancient monuments can be seen today. The remaining monuments are what attracts people from all over the world and is the main reason why people visit Bagan.
Here is our complete travel Bagan guide. We have included everything from how to get to Bagan, where to stay, best things to do, how to travel around and tones of photos to inspire you to visit Bagan.
How to get to Bagan?
There are a number of ways to get to Bagan in Myanmar. The most popular ways are listed below.
Plane
Fly to Yangon or Mandalay first and then take a domestic flight to Bagan. There are No direct international flights to the closest airport in Bagan, Nyaung U Airport. The flight from Yangon is direct and only takes about 1 hour.
If you are short on time then we would suggest flying from the Yangon International Airport into Nyaung U airport in Bagan. From there you can easily grab a cab to your hotel. If your staying in Nyaung U town it’s only 5 minutes from the airport. Old Bagan is 10 minutes away and New Bagan takes about 20 minutes. Flights from Yangon to Bagan depart every day and take just over an hour.
We flew with Myanmar National Airlines for the first time, even though the flight is short they give you complimentary drinks and snacks. Flying over Bagan was incredible and we could see all the pagodas on the ground. The airport is only small compared to Yangon’s airport.
The flight was only $157 AUD pp flying with Myanmar National Airlines. Click here to check flights with Myanmar National Airlines.
Bus
Taking a day or night bus is the most popular way to get to Bagan. They are inexpensive, very reliable and depart from most towns. Common bus routes to Bagan are from Yangon, Mandalay, Nyaung Shwe, Taunggyi, Kalaw and Pyin Oo Lwin. The buses stop every few hours for meal breaks, rest breaks and seats recline back so you can try get a few hours sleep. You are also supplied a complimentary bottle of water and wet wipes.
If you decide to book an overnight bus from Yangon we would recommend upgrading to VIP tickets. VIP buses are probably the most comfortable mode of long-distance transport you’ll find while traveling throughout Myanmar. They are air-conditioned, have reclining seats, USB ports to charge your phone and the ticket includes a pillow, blanket, snack and water bottle.
Train
Catching a train to Bagan is the most scenic option however they are less reliable out of all the transport options. Train classes range from standard with normal wooden seats, to first class with upgraded cushioned seats and sleeper carriages that come with sleeping compartments.
Private Driver
There are many drivers that will take you to Bagan in a Private car usually with air conditioning. These prices will vary however we suggest to negotiate the price and get a quote from a couple of drivers as you can get a good deal. Usually your hotel has some reputable drivers that work with the hotel so if this is the option you decide don’t hesitate to ask the hotel if they can arrange a private driver for you.
Best time to visit Bagan?
Due to its tropical weather Myanmar can be visited all year round and has a dry and a wet season. The ideal time to go is from November to February, as temperatures become a lot more pleasant.
The months to avoid are March to May, where temperatures start to soar and its scorching hot. April is the hottest month of the year with temperatures reaching a scorching 40℃ (104℉). June to October are the wettest months so expect to get drenched.
Where to stay in Bagan?
The best areas to stay in Bagan are Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyuang U. We had read that Nyuang U area is close to were the balloons take off for sunrise, shops and restaurants.
After reading many reviews on Booking.com we chose to stay at Hotel Zein. For 3 nights the total cost was $141 AUD with breakfast included. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Zein.
The staff were extremely friendly, helpful and they are happy to organize tours, recommend places to see and where to eat. The rooms are spacious with WiFi, complementary coffee, tea and laundry is also available on the same day. It was great location close to shops, restaurants and only 10 minutes on an E Bike to Old Bagan.
Read also: “The Ultimate 12 day Myanmar guide”
Best way to travel around Bagan?
What we loved about Bagan is that tourists can only hire Electric Bikes. Not only are they fun to drive, they are also quiet, environmentally friendly and don’t require fuel. We hired an electrical scooter (E Bike) 9,000 kyat for a full day and we loved the freedom it gave us. Hotel Zein provides the E bikes so you don’t have to worry about finding a shop that hires. The only downside is that they are slower than your average scooter and the max speed reached is less than 50 km.
Tuk Tuks are also available if you want to sit back and relax. Hotels can organize guides and tours for you for around Bagan.
Taxi and private cars are the most comfortable way to see Bagan but you are only restricted to certain roads. The plus side is your in air con and away from dust, the downside is that its more expensive than the other options.
The most unique way to see Bagan is from the air. Riding in a Hot Air Balloon for sunrise is a great way to see all of Bagan from a different perspective. There are two companies that operate from October to March – Balloons Over Bagan and Oriental Ballooning. If you have never been in a hot air balloon this is the place to do it.
Tip:
Download Maps.Me and save all your locations so when your out on the road you have all your spots saved and you can use the app offline. What’s so great about this app is that most of temples, pagoda and stupas locations are already saved on the app. There are co-ordinates and reviews on each location.
On our first morning of riding around we met a local man called Shein, who was a painter. He offered to show his favourite spots to watch the sunrise. At first we were a little scepticle however we went with our gut instinct and he turned out to be very genuine and didn’t want any money from us. All he asked was for us to have a look at his paintings. He took us to some amazing locations which saved us from driving around for hours. Afterwards he showed us his paintings and they were beautiful. They range in different styles and colours and they were all of Bagan. I purchased one with the balloons and temples and Max purchased the one with the monks walking down the path. We cant wait to hang them up in our house.
Best things to do – Your guide to exploring Bagan!
Over the next 3 days we woke up at 5 am and riding our EBike around Old Bagan watching the sunrise and finding the best spots. We explored the sandy roads, rode around and explored pagodas, temples and stupas. We loved getting lost down sandy roads on the E bike and discovering hidden gems. You could spend a whole week here exploring and still not see it all. It was hard to see all the 2,000 temples and pagodas so we have listed our favoruite spots and our favoruite photos.
Watch a sunrise over the plains
We have seen many beautiful sunrises in the world but none can compare to the breathtaking sunrises in Bagan. As the sun rises it unveils the hundreds of ancient pagodas on the plains. As you look to the horizon you can see the hot air balloons dance across the pink/orange sky. Bagan was our favourite spot and has been one of our best sunrise experience in the world.
This was sunrise at a location Shein our local guide took us. In Maps.Me the coordinates are 21°10′33.77″N 94°52′45.83″E.
So Lay Gone Group
Our favoruite locations to watch the sunrise was a large area of incredible stupas and pagodas known as So Lay Gone group. A great spot to watch the sunrise and close to where the balloons take off in the mornings. Here you can take photos with the temples and the balloons in the back ground. There are small stupas that are low to the ground that we were able to stand on to get a better view.
Let Put Kan
One of our favourite temples and far from crowds. Let Put Kan is surrounded by an old ruined brick wall and over grown trees. The brick arch way makes for a beautiful natural framed photo. On our way here we had to drive through small sandy paths and often took the wrong turn. Once we found it we were surprised to find it no one there and we enjoyed shooting the place all to ourselves.
Visit inside a temple
It was our guide Shein who actually took us to this spot. He knew the locals who lived next door and they opened the gates to the temple for us. When we stepped inside we were not expecting to see something to magical. The light rays peeked through the holes in the wall creating something magical and we admired the buddha statues. Shein even lit a candle for us to create almost ‘Mummy/ Indian Jones’ mystical photo. We gave the owner a donation for letting us in.
Explore the area near Shwesandaw Pagoda
We timed these shots with the golden light and the Shwesanda temple in the back ground. The photo with the smoke was the locals idea, they told us where to stand , they lit a pile of old leaves on fire and created the smoke. There are many old ruins around the area of Shwesanda temple. If you have a bike you can ride around and scope out many photo locations,
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Shwesandaw pagoda (in the background) contains 5 terraces, topped with a cylindrical stupa. The pagoda was built by King Anawrahta in 1057. It used to be one of the best sunset locations but now the temple has been closed for climbing.
Watch a sunrise from the fields
Its not all about temples and pagodas for sunrise, you can take beautiful photos from the ground. Here we wanted to take a few photos on the ground as the sun was coming up. We were able to capture a few shots with the balloons in the far distance and the golden light hitting the dusty plains.
Watch the sunrise from a roof
The same lady who let us in to the monastery told us to come back the following morning for a secret spot. We left our hotel early in the morning and made our way to her house. She was waiting there with a ladder and told us to climb the roof of her big stupa. We quickly climbed up and as we did about 6 balloons flew slowly past. It was so magical to see them so close.
Dhamma Yan Gyi Temple
Known as Dhammayan, the Buddhist temple is one of the widest in all of Bagan. Dated back to 1170 and built during the reign of King Narathu, It remains uncompleted because the king was assassinated. From a distance you could almost say it resembles the early pyramids of Egypt. There is a sandy hill across from it that makes for a great view pint of photo opportunity.
Watch the sunset near Dhamma Yan Gyi Temple
To the south west of Dhamma Yan Gyi temple there is an old brick building. Here is where we watched the sunset and admired the view over Old Bagan. We were standing up there with about 6 other people.
Visit a secret stupa for sunrise
Our local guide Shein took us to this spot on the first day we met him. We went back the following morning for sunrise and it was just our luck that we had the balloons go past us in the morning. We are not sure if your allowed to climb on top of the stupa because we were shown by a local. Unfortunately most of the big pagodas and temples are closed for climbing.
Lemyethna White Pagoda
Located in the eastern part of Bagan near Minnanthu, the white Memyethna Pagoda boasts an incredible contrast against the other pagodas in the fields. Built in 1222 the interior walls and ceilings feature intricate painted frescoes and a golden Buddha. A very photogenic site to visit and its the only temple built in this style in Bagan. The area has a lot of great photo opportunities and ruins.
Explore the ruins near Lemyethna.
We were shooting sunset with our friends Gigi and Dan when we found another pagoda located only few meters from west of Lemyethna. A Shepard and her herd of cattle walked past us in the field and we had to stop and take a photo.
Afterwards we walked across the field and found this beautiful brick archway. We were able to capture the pink sun in the background as it started to set.
Explore the plains and unnamed temples of Bagan
Whilst out exploring we passed many incredible temples, most we had no idea the names. Tucked away in the bush and off the beaten tracks we stumbled across these two. We loved exploring on the E Bike and finding hidden pagodas.
Watch sunrise from a hot air balloon
If you have never been on a hot air balloon, Bagan is the place to do it. The balloons take off just before sunrise so your up in the sky for sunrise and surrounded by many other hot air balloons. Its a great way to see all of Bagan from a different perspective and to be able to see a bigger picture of the vastness of the plains of Bagan. There are two companies Balloons Over Bagan and Oriental Ballooning that operate during from October to March . The balloon flight goes for about 1 hour flight and costs around $380 USD.
Other temples in Bagan
Among the other temples & pagodas in Bagan are:
- Shwezigon pagoda
- Ananda pagoda
- Gawdawpalin temple
- Sulamani temple
- Thatbyinnyu temple
- Seinnyet sister temples
- Bupaya pagoda
- Mahabodhi temple
- Htilominlo temple
- Mingalazedi pagoda
- Dhammayazika pagoda
- Lawkananda pagoda
- Manuha temple
- Pyathadar temple
- Pahtothamya temple
- Myazedi pagoda
- Shwesandaw pagoda
- Gubyaukgyi temple
Our Bagan guide to the best places to eat!
Bagan has a wide selection of cuisine restaurants and local shops so finding good food is easy. Prices can range from 2,000 to 8,000 per person. Here are the 3 places we ate at.
The Moon, Be kind to animals. Vegetarian restaurant:
The best vegetarian restaurant in Bagan. All their dishes are tasty, guilt-free and great value for money. We ate twice here for dinner and both times we ordered the springs rolls. The curries are incredible and not to be missed. vegan Options available.
La Terrazza
When we felt like something a little different we were so happy to find an Italian restaurant in Bagan. The chef makes delicious pizzas and pastas and she comes out and asks how your meal was. I had cashew Gnocchi and brushetta. There is also a great wine selection and vegan options available.
Moe Pyae San Vegetarian Restaurant
For cheap, local food this small locally run restaurant ticked all the boxes and it was only around the corner from our hotel in Nyaung U. Here was the first restaurant where we had eaten Burmese food and it was a great introduction. I ordered a yummy tofu stir fry and coconut rice. All up for 3 meals and 2 juices it came to 6,000 kyat which is only $6 AUD. Bargain right? Vegan options available.
Thank you for reading our “Bagan guide” We hope you find this blog helpful and that it has inspired you to visit Bagan.
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Looking for more information for your trip to Myanmar? Check out our other free guides about Myanmar that might help you with planning your trip:
- Are you planning on traveling through Myanmar but don’t know where to go? Check out our “The Ultimate 12 day Myanmar guide”
- Want to see the unique 1 legged fisherman on Inle Lake? Read our “Best things to see on Inle lake – Myanmar’s hidden gem”
- There is so much exciting things to do in Mandalay. Read about the ” 9 best things to do in Mandalay”.
- Planning on traveling to Myanmar then check out our “Must know travel tips for Myanmar” before you visit.COMING SOON.
