A Full Guide to Bagan

‍Ever heard about Bagan?

Bagan, located in central Myanmar, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is home to more than 3,500 Buddhist temples, stupas, and other monuments, which are scattered across a large green plain. Bagan was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to see why. The temples here are truly incredible, and there is nowhere else in the world quite like it. If you are planning a trip to Bagan Archaeological Zone, here is everything you need to know.

Getting There

The best way to get to Bagan is by plane. The city has its own airport, Nyaung-U Airport, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. There are regular flights to Bagan from Yangon and Mandalay, and the flight takes about an hour. You can also take a bus or train from Yangon or Mandalay, but the journey takes much longer.

What to do in Bagan?

Bagan is also a popular tourist destination, and there are many activities that visitors can do in order to fully experience all that the city has to offer. One of the must-do activities in Bagan is to explore the temples and pagodas. Another one of the must-do activities in Bagan is to take a hot air balloon ride. This activity will allow visitors to get a bird's eye view of Bagan, and it is an incredibly unique experience. There are many other activities that visitors can do in Bagan if you want to fully experience everything that the city has to offer. Check them out below…

Best way to wonder around Bagan 

One of the best ways to see the temples is by bicycle, but it can be extremely tiring to ride in the heat. E-bikes offer a great alternative, as they provide power assist when pedaling. This means that you can go further and see more without getting as tired. Additionally, Bagan can be very hot, especially from March to September. riding an e-bike will help you to avoid getting too sweaty and uncomfortable. 

Now, let’s find out how to rent an e-bike…. E-bikes can be rented from many of the same places as bicycles and most hotels and motels offer e-bike services, so they are easy to find. Before renting an e-bike, make sure to check the battery is full and don’t forget to ask for the phone number of the shop for a rescue in case your vehicle has a problem during the trip. 

As Bagan is much cooler from October to February, riding a bicycle may be more enjoyable for those who love athletic activities. Ultimately, whether you choose to ride a bicycle or an e-bike in Bagan depends on your personal preferences and the time of the year. 

Horse cart riding in Bagan is also one of the most unique and authentic ways to explore the ancient city. Horse carts are still used for transportation in many parts and horse carts are a common sight in Bagan. If you're looking for an authentic and immersive experience, horsecart riding is definitely the way to go. Just be sure to negotiate a price with your driver before setting off!

Enjoying Sunset and Sunrise

You might think that “What is so special about the sunrise/sunset in Bagan?”. Here’s why; “The sunset and sunrise in Bagan are magical because you can see the misty Bagan plains and a myriad of red brick stupas whilst the sun is emerging from the morning fog or vanishing into the late afternoon mist. It is an  unforgettable experience.” Our recommended places to enjoy the sunset and sunrise are Shwesandaw Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Pagoda, Thitsawadi Temple and Nan Myint Viewing Tower. 

Hot Air Balloon 

Bagan is quite famous for its hot air balloons.. Every morning, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky, providing an incredible sight for both locals and tourists alike. Bagan is an ideal place to enjoy sunrise and sunset as the city is situated on a plateau in the middle of a valley, meaning that there are no buildings or trees to obstruct the view. The best way to experience Bagan is to take a hot air balloon ride. Not only will you get to see the city from an unforgettable perspective, but you'll also be able to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise over this historic site. Please note that hot air balloons in Bagan only operate in winter. As of the spread of COVID-19, the air balloon services are not operating for the time being. 

Where to Eat?

Some of the best restaurants in Bagan can be found in Nyaung U, Old Bagan, and New Bagan. Here are our recommendations for where to eat……

FIT Street

There is a wide range of restaurants around FIT street that can provide European, Myanmar, Thai and Chinese style cuisines. So you can browse through the street and can easily go to the restaurant that caught your mind. There are also some restaurants in Bagan where you can enjoy a puppet show during your meal. 

Pai Htan Taw ( Paing Palm Juice Shop)

Pai increases its popularity among visitors due to social media. It is located outside of Nyaung Oo township and it offers palm juice, fried quail and fried chicken, salad and other dishes which are best suited to palm juice. It is also a good place to take photos. 

Explore Art and Architecture of Bagan

Bagan is best known for its art and architecture. The city is home to hundreds of temples and pagodas, many of which were built in the 11th and 12th centuries. These monuments are decorated with elaborate carvings and paintings, representing a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and aboriginal influences. Bagan's temples are also notable for their sheer size; some of the largest structures measure over 100 feet tall. In recent years, Bagan has become a popular tourist destination, and its art and architecture continue to impress visitors from all over the world. Here is more about the famous Bagan art tips you can explore….

From the stunning murals and paintings in the temples to the intricate lacquerware are on sale in the shops and there are countless opportunities to appreciate the local handicrafts. The lacquerware is particularly noteworthy, as it is one of the most famous and unique products of Myanmar. 

Hand painting shops have become a popular tourist attraction in Bagan, Myanmar. The shops are located near the famous temples and are often decorated with Pathein umbrellas and Myanmar traditional puppets hanging from the trees. Visitors to the shops can watch the artists at work and purchase their own hand-painted souvenirs and have a hand painting of their favorite design. Hand painting is a beautiful art form that is slowly disappearing in today's world. By supporting these shops, tourists can help to preserve an important part of Myanmar's heritage.

So be sure to take some time to browse the shops and see what Bagan has to offer! 

All in all, if you are looking to explore Myanmar's rich culture and history, Bagan should definitely be on your list and we hope our recommendations might be a great help……

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