This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated periodically to reflect the most current travel information.

The Ultimate Guide to Bagan, Myanmar: 10 Best Things to Do

Myanmar was the last Southeast Asian country I crossed off my bucket list.

At the time, it was also the only country in the region where I needed to get a visa, which somehow made it feel even more like an adventure.

I visited in 2014, only a few years after Myanmar had begun opening up to international tourism following decades of military rule.

The country still felt wonderfully old-school back then.

They had only recently gotten their first international fast-food restaurant, Wi-Fi was painfully slow, and things generally moved at a much slower pace than I was used to elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

For my short trip around Myanmar, I spent a huge chunk of my time in Bagan, one of the country’s most famous destinations and home to thousands of ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas scattered across a vast archaeological landscape.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Bagan, including the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay, and practical tips for planning your trip.

Bagan at a glance

Geography

Bagan is an ancient archaeological site in central Myanmar, located in the Mandalay Region along a bend of the Ayeyarwady River.

The landscape is mostly flat and dry, with ancient Buddhist temples, stupas, monasteries, farmland, and villages scattered across the plains.

The main areas for visitors are Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U, which together form the base for exploring the archaeological zone.

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage property covers more than 5,000 hectares and includes 3,595 surviving monuments, including temples, stupas, monasteries, and other religious structures.

History

Bagan flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries, when it was the capital of the Bagan Kingdom and an important political, cultural, and religious center.

During this period, thousands of Buddhist temples, stupas, and monasteries were built across the region.

Although the Bagan Kingdom eventually declined, the area continued to be an important Buddhist center, and many of its monuments remain active places of worship today.

Bagan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, recognized for its remarkable collection of Buddhist monuments and its continuing cultural and religious traditions.

Best time to visit Bagan

The best time to visit Bagan is November to February, when the weather is cooler and mostly dry.

Daytime temperatures are generally around 28–32°C (82–90°F), although mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool. This is also the best season for sunrise, sunset, and hot-air-balloon rides.

March to May is the hottest period, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher, making temple-hopping on an e-bike rather unpleasant.

The rainy season runs roughly from May to October, although Bagan lies in Myanmar’s dry zone and receives considerably less rain than many other parts of the country. September is typically the wettest month.

I visited in September and, despite supposedly being in the middle of the rainy season, didn’t see a single drop of rain. Instead, it was ridiculously hot.

For the most comfortable weather, stick to November through February. If you don’t mind the heat and want fewer crowds, the shoulder months can also work.

How to get to Bagan

Bagan is accessible by bus, plane, train, private car, and river cruise, although schedules can be limited and change frequently.

By bus

For budget travelers, the bus is usually the most practical way to get to Bagan. There are long-distance buses from major cities including Yangon and Mandalay, with overnight services available from Yangon.

The journey from Yangon takes around 8–10 hours, while Mandalay is roughly 4–5 hours by road.

When I visited, I took an overnight bus from Yangon to Bagan. It was a great way to save both money and a night of accommodation.

For a more comfortable journey, look for VIP buses with 2+1 seating, where you get two seats on one side of the aisle and a single seat on the other.

As a solo traveler, I always preferred the single seat whenever I could get one.

By train

Trains also connect Bagan with other parts of Myanmar, but they’re considerably slower and less comfortable than buses or flights.

Unless you’re particularly interested in experiencing train travel in Myanmar, I’d opt for one of the other options.

By plane

The nearest airport is Nyaung U Airport (NYU), which serves Bagan. Domestic flights operate from Yangon and, depending on the current schedule, other destinations such as Taunggyi and Naypyidaw.

Flight availability can be quite limited, so check the latest timetable before planning your trip.

By river cruise

If you’re traveling between Mandalay and Bagan, you can also take a cruise along the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River.

It’s much slower than flying or taking a bus, but offers a more leisurely and scenic way to travel between the two destinations.

Bagan entrance fee

Foreign visitors to the Bagan Archaeological Zone currently pay an entrance fee of MMK 25,000 (approximately USD 12).

During my visit, the validity period was 3 days, but this seems to have changed, and current sources give conflicting information, so it’s best to confirm the validity when you purchase your ticket.

Keep the ticket with you while sightseeing, as it may be checked at major temples and archaeological sites. Your hotel might also need to record the ticket number during check-in.

How to get around in Bagan

Bagan is spread across a large archaeological zone, so walking isn’t practical if you want to see more than a handful of temples.

These are the main ways to get around:

E-bike / electric scooter

Renting an e-bike is one of the most popular ways to explore Bagan independently.

They’re easy to rent from hotels and rental shops around Nyaung U and are ideal for getting between the temples.

They’re generally easier to handle than a regular motorbike, but you should still practice before heading out, especially if you’ve never ridden one before.

Be extra careful on Bagan’s sandy, uneven roads. I learned this the hard way after nearly having a little accident myself.

I opted for the smaller type, which felt more like a cross between a bicycle and a scooter, as I found the larger ones harder to maneuver.

Bicycle

Bicycles are another option and are often available for rent from hotels and guesthouses.

They’re fine for exploring nearby areas, but the distances between some of Bagan’s attractions can be considerable, and cycling under the hot sun on dusty roads can get tiring quickly.

Unless you’re particularly enthusiastic about cycling, I’d choose an e-bike instead.

Tuk-tuk

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can hire a tuk-tuk with a driver for the day. Your accommodation can usually arrange one, or you can negotiate directly with drivers around town.

This is a particularly convenient option if you plan to visit temples before sunrise, when navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark can be tricky.

Private car

For a more comfortable option, especially during the hotter months, you can hire a private car with a driver.

It’s more expensive than an e-bike or tuk-tuk, but the air-conditioning is a very welcome luxury when temperatures start climbing.

Guided group tour

If you’d rather not worry about transportation or planning your own temple route, you can also join a guided tour.

This is a good option if you’d like to learn more about Bagan’s history and architecture rather than simply wandering between temples on your own.

Things to do in Bagan

1. Explore Bagan’s ancient temples

Temples are the #1 reason to visit Bagan, and there are thousands of them scattered across the archaeological zone.

Some of the most important temples and pagodas to include in your Bagan itinerary are:

• Ananda Temple – One of Bagan’s best-preserved and most impressive temples, known for its four large standing Buddha images.
• Dhammayangyi Temple – The largest temple in Bagan, with massive brick walls and an intriguing history.
• Shwezigon Pagoda – One of Bagan’s most important religious sites and a major pilgrimage destination.
• Thatbyinnyu Temple – One of the tallest monuments in Bagan, making it particularly impressive from a distance.
• Gawdawpalin Temple – A large, imposing temple close to the Irrawaddy River.
• Htilominlo Temple – Known for its intricate stucco work and glazed terracotta decorations.
• Shwegu Gyi Phaya – A smaller temple with an elevated position and beautiful architectural details.

You don’t need to visit every temple. Pick a handful of the major ones and leave some time to wander around the smaller, quieter ruins.

2. Visit the Bagan Archaeological Museum

The Bagan Archaeological Museum is a good place to visit if you want to understand what you’re looking at before spending hours wandering among the temples.

The museum houses ancient Buddha images, stone inscriptions, sculptures, and other archaeological artifacts from Bagan.

It’s particularly useful if you’re interested in the history and architecture behind the ruins rather than simply photographing them.

3. Watch sunrise or sunset over Bagan

Watching the sun rise or set over Bagan’s temple-studded plains is one of the highlights of any Bagan trip.

The landscape looks particularly magical in the soft morning light, when the silhouettes of the pagodas stretch across the horizon.

If you’re visiting during balloon season, you may also see hot-air balloons drifting above the temples.

One important note: temple climbing is now restricted, so don’t expect to climb the famous pagodas for sunrise or sunset like travelers could in the past.

Instead, use the designated viewing areas and approved viewpoints.

4. Take a hot-air-balloon ride

If you can afford it, a hot-air-balloon ride is probably the most spectacular way to see Bagan.

You’ll float above the ancient temple plains as the sun rises, giving you a completely different perspective of the archaeological zone.

Flights generally last around 30 to 45 minutes and operate mainly during the cooler, drier months, typically from November to February.

It’s expensive, but if a hot-air-balloon ride has always been on your bucket list, Bagan is one of those places where it actually feels worth splurging on.

5. Discover Bagan’s lacquerware traditions

Bagan is famous for its traditional lacquerware, and Myinkaba Village is one of the best places to see how it’s made.

Local workshops demonstrate the painstaking process of producing lacquerware, which can involve numerous layers of lacquer, carving, painting, and gilding.

You can also buy pieces directly from family-run workshops rather than souvenir stalls around the temples.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping by to see one of Myanmar’s traditional crafts up close.

6. Experience Myanmar’s traditional thanaka

Thanaka is a traditional paste made from the bark and wood of the thanaka tree.

You’ll see it painted on people’s faces throughout Myanmar, both as a natural cosmetic and for its cooling and skin-protective properties.

It’s a simple thing, but getting thanaka painted on my face made me feel a little more immersed in everyday Burmese culture.

You can also visit the Shwe Phyi Nann Thanaka Museum in Nyaung U to learn more about the plant and its traditional uses.

7. Visit Mani Sithu Market

If you enjoy wandering around local markets, make some time for Mani Sithu Market in Nyaung U.

It’s a mix of local and tourist-oriented stalls, with fresh produce, meat, vegetables, handicrafts, and everyday goods.

Go in the morning when the market is at its liveliest and you’ll get a glimpse of everyday life beyond Bagan’s temples.

8. Take a sunset cruise on the Ayeyarwady River

You’ve seen Bagan’s temples from land and, if you’re lucky, from the air. Why not see them from the water?

A sunset cruise along the Ayeyarwady River gives you a different perspective of Bagan, with the temple-studded landscape gradually disappearing into the evening light.

It’s also a much more relaxing way to end the day after spending hours baking under the Myanmar sun.

9. Take a day trip to Mount Popa

Located about 50 kilometers southeast of Bagan, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano topped by a Buddhist monastery.

Getting to the summit involves climbing 777 steps, with monkeys along the way and sweeping views from the top. Mount Popa is also an important center of nat, or spirit, worship in Myanmar.

It’s a popular half- or full-day trip from Bagan, although the journey can take considerably longer than the relatively short distance suggests.

10. Visit Salay

If you have more time in Bagan, consider taking a day trip south to Salay, a quiet historic town with Bagan-era pagodas and beautiful old wooden monasteries.

One of its highlights is Yokesone Monastery, a 19th-century wooden monastery famous for its intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Buddha’s past lives.

Salay is a good option if you want a break from temple-hopping in Bagan itself and would rather see a quieter side of Upper Myanmar.

11. Cross the Irrawaddy to Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda

For something a little more off the beaten path, you can cross the Ayeyarwady River from Old Bagan and visit Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda.

The hilltop pagoda offers panoramic views back toward the Bagan archaeological zone.

Getting there takes more effort than the main Bagan attractions, so I’d only add it to your itinerary if you have extra time and want to explore beyond the usual tourist circuit.

How long do you need in Bagan?

How long you should spend in Bagan depends on how much you like temples, because that’s the main (and possibly the only) draw here.

I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Bagan. This gives you enough time to explore the major temples, catch a sunrise and sunset, and still have some downtime between temple-hopping sessions.

If you’re really into history and temples, you can easily spend longer exploring the archaeological zone.

But if, like me, you’re not particularly temple-obsessed, one full day and one night can be enough to get a taste of Bagan without feeling like you’re looking at the same pagoda on repeat.

Definitely don’t try to see everything. With thousands of temples and pagodas scattered across the Bagan Archaeological Zone, you’ll have a much better experience picking a handful of highlights and leaving some room to simply wander.

Where to stay in Bagan

There are three main areas to stay in Bagan: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung U. Each has a slightly different vibe, so where you stay depends on your budget and what you want to be close to.

• Old Bagan is the best option if you want to stay closest to the major temples and archaeological sites. It’s also the most upscale of the three areas, with several higher-end hotels and resorts.

• New Bagan is a more modern, quieter area with plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodation options. It’s generally more affordable than Old Bagan, although you’ll need to travel a little farther to reach the main temple areas.

• Nyaung U is the most convenient choice for budget travelers. It’s close to the airport and bus station and has plenty of guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and rental places. It’s also within easy reach of the archaeological zone.

I stayed in a dormitory in Nyaung U and didn’t regret it.

With plenty of restaurants and shops nearby and easy access to the temples, I found it to be the most convenient base for my trip.

Top-rated hotels in Bagan

Budget

• Ostello Bello (New Bagan)
• A Little Bit of Bagan Hotel (Nyaung U)
• Bagan View Hotel (New Bagan)

Mid-range

• Bagan Thande Hotel (Old Bagan)
• Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort (Old Bagan)
• Arthawka Hotel (New Bagan)

Luxury

• The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate (Old Bagan)
• Heritage Bagan Hotel (Nyaung U)
• Bagan Umbra Hotel (Nyaung U)

FAQs about Bagan

Is Bagan safe for tourists?

Safety conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so there isn’t a simple yes-or-no answer.

Bagan has historically been one of the country’s main tourist destinations, but the wider security situation means you should check current travel advisories before your trip.

It’s also worth checking conditions locally once you’re there, particularly if you plan to travel beyond Bagan.

Is Bagan good for solo travelers?

Yes. Bagan is relatively easy to explore independently, and its popularity with backpackers means solo travelers can usually find other people to meet, especially at hostels in Nyaung-U and New Bagan.

I was traveling independently when I visited, and ended up meeting other travelers at my hostel who became my temple-hopping companions.

Can you visit Bagan without a tour?

Absolutely. Bagan is one of those destinations where independent travel is very doable.

You can arrange your own accommodation and transportation, explore independently, or hire a local driver or guide for specific days.

A guide is particularly useful if you’re interested in understanding the history and symbolism behind the temples rather than simply looking at them.

Is Bagan suitable for families with children?

It can be, although the heat and the amount of walking involved can make sightseeing tiring for younger children.

Families may find it easier to hire a private car rather than spending the entire day on an e-bike or bicycle.

Keep in mind that many temples require visitors to remove their shoes, and some sites have uneven surfaces and steep stairways.

Is Bagan wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility can be challenging.

Many of Bagan’s ancient temples have uneven ground, steps, narrow entrances, and other features that were never designed with modern accessibility standards in mind.

If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, a private car and careful selection of accessible sites can make the trip considerably easier.

How many temples are there in Bagan?

There isn’t a single definitive number of “temples” because the Bagan archaeological landscape includes different types of monuments, including temples, stupas, monasteries, and other structures.

The UNESCO World Heritage property currently contains 3,595 recorded monuments. This is one reason you’ll often see different numbers quoted when reading about Bagan.

Is Bagan better than Angkor Wat?

That’s really a matter of what you’re looking for.

Angkor is more monumental and contains some spectacularly large temple complexes, while Bagan’s appeal comes from the sheer number of smaller monuments scattered across an enormous open landscape.

If you prefer exploring independently and discovering temples as you go, Bagan has a very different atmosphere from Angkor.

Additional tips for visiting Bagan

➤ Bring US dollars to exchange

Burmese kyat isn’t a currency that’s widely available outside Myanmar, so it’s a good idea to bring US dollars with you and exchange them for local currency after you arrive.

Banks and official money changers are generally the safest places to exchange money.

Make sure your USD notes are in pristine condition, as bills with folds, tears, marks, or other damage may be rejected.

Larger denominations, particularly USD 100 bills, have traditionally received better exchange rates.

➤ Dress appropriately when visiting temples

Bagan’s monuments are religious sites, and visitors should dress respectfully.

As a general rule, cover your shoulders and knees, and bring a shawl or sarong if your clothing doesn’t provide enough coverage.

➤ Wear shoes that are easy to remove

You’ll need to take off your shoes and socks before entering many Buddhist temples and pagodas, so flip-flops or sandals are much more convenient than footwear that requires a wrestling match every time you want to go inside.

➤ Remember that Bagan is a living religious site

The temples aren’t just tourist attractions. Local people still visit them to pray and make offerings, so be respectful when others are worshipping.

Avoid walking directly in front of someone who is praying, and keep noise to a minimum inside the temples.

➤ Don’t climb closed monuments

Temple climbing was once a popular part of the Bagan experience, particularly for sunrise and sunset, but access to most monuments has since been restricted for safety and conservation reasons.

Don’t climb over barriers or attempt to enter areas that are closed to visitors. Instead, use designated viewing areas or book a hot-air-balloon ride if you want a panoramic view of the Bagan plains.

➤ Stay hydrated

Bagan can get extremely hot, particularly during the day. Bring plenty of drinking water with you or keep some money handy to buy drinks along the way.

You’ll find vendors selling water and other drinks near the more popular temples.

➤ Protect yourself from the sun

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, especially if you’re exploring Bagan by bicycle or e-bike.

If you’re visiting during the hotter months, try to do most of your sightseeing in the early morning and late afternoon and take a break during the hottest part of the day.

➤ Bring insect repellent

Mosquitoes can be more noticeable around dawn and dusk, so pack some repellent if you’re planning lots of sunrise and sunset excursions.

➤ Carry a flashlight or headlamp

If you’re heading out before sunrise, a small flashlight will come in handy when navigating darker paths.

➤ Be careful on the dirt roads

If you’re riding an e-bike, watch out for loose sand, especially on the smaller roads around the temple plain.

I learned this the hard way when I nearly wiped out on one particularly sandy stretch. Take it slow, especially if you’re not accustomed to riding scooters.

➤ Be prepared for souvenir sellers

You’ll encounter vendors around some of the more popular temples selling paintings, handicrafts, clothing, and other souvenirs. If you’re not interested, be polite but firm.

➤ Watch your belongings

Petty theft and other opportunistic crimes can occur, so don’t leave your phone, camera, or bag unattended and avoid flashing large amounts of cash.

➤ Check the latest travel advice before you go

Myanmar’s political and security situation remains volatile and can change from time to time, with conditions varying significantly between regions.

Check your government’s latest travel advisory before planning your trip, confirm that your travel insurance covers Myanmar, and be prepared for plans to change.

Final thoughts

So, is Bagan worth visiting?

If you’re fascinated by ancient temples, history, archaeology, or just love exploring places that look completely unlike home, then absolutely.

Bagan’s landscape is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

There’s something surreal about riding through dusty roads with ancient pagodas appearing between the trees and stretching all the way to the horizon.

But if you’re not particularly interested in temples, I wouldn’t force it.

Bagan doesn’t have a huge list of alternative attractions, and after spending a day looking at one ancient structure after another, even I started thinking I had seen enough temples for one lifetime.

Even so, I enjoyed riding around with people I’d just met, stopping wherever something caught our attention, and watching the sunset over the Bagan plains.

So while Bagan may not be for everyone, I think it’s worth experiencing at least once. Sometimes you don’t have to be obsessed with a destination’s main attraction to enjoy being there.

Ready for your next adventure? Check out my travel bucket list for more epic destinations, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of inspiration for your own adventures. ✈️🌏