Bagan

Bagan, a land of pagodas and sunrise dreams. Cycle between the ancient stupas, each telling tales of a bygone era. As dusk approaches, sit by the Irrawaddy River and enjoy the peace of this archeological wonder.

Chapters

Bagan Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Temples of Bagan
• Hot air balloon rides
• Ananda Temple
• Shwezigon Pagoda
• Nyaung U Market

Lowlights:

• Hot and dry climate
• Limited infrastructure
• Tourist-targeted scams


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Bagan Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Nyaung U Market, where you can try traditional Burmese dishes such as Mohinga and Shan noodles.
  • Next, head to Ananda Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple with four standing Buddhas.
  • After Ananda, explore the lesser-known Pahtothamya Temple, which features intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes.

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch at Black Bamboo, a cozy restaurant that serves Burmese and Thai cuisine.
  • After lunch, take a short walk to Bulethi Pagoda, a hidden gem with stunning views of the surrounding temples.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Nanpaya Temple, a unique Hindu-inspired temple that features intricate carvings and sculptures.
  • Next, head to Myinkaba Village to explore the traditional handicraft workshops and see local artisans at work.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Sanon, a socially responsible restaurant that serves Burmese and fusion cuisine.
  • After dinner, grab a drink at the trendy Ostello Bello Bagan Rooftop Bar and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding temples.
  • End your day with a visit to the bustling Night Market, where you can try local street food and shop for souvenirs.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Nanda Restaurant, known for its traditional Burmese cuisine.
  • Visit the famous Shwezigon Pagoda, a stunning golden pagoda that is one of the main attractions in Bagan.
  • Explore the beautiful Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece that showcases the rich history of Bagan.

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch at Weather Spoon’s Bagan, a popular restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Sulamani Temple, a lesser-known temple with intricate carvings and breathtaking views.

Afternoon

  • Take a relaxing horse cart ride through the countryside, passing by local villages and scenic landscapes.
  • Visit the Lawkananda Pagoda, a riverside pagoda that offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Evening

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Be Kind to Animals The Moon, a vegan-friendly cafe with a peaceful garden ambiance.
  • Explore the hidden gem of Dhammayazika Pagoda, a lesser-known pagoda with stunning architecture and panoramic views of Bagan.
  • Visit the local market to experience the vibrant colors, sights, and sounds of daily life in Bagan.

Midday

  • Savor a delicious lunch at Shwe Ou Food House, a popular restaurant serving authentic Burmese dishes.
  • Discover the off-the-beaten-path Nanpaya Temple, an ancient temple with intricate stone carvings and an interesting history.

Afternoon

  • Embark on a boat tour along the Irrawaddy River, taking in the scenic beauty and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a unique temple that resembles the famous Mahabodhi Temple in India.

Evening

  • Enjoy a mouthwatering dinner at Unique Myanmar Restaurant, known for its delicious traditional Burmese cuisine.
  • Relax and unwind at Be Kind to Animals The Moon rooftop bar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Bagan while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
  • Experience a traditional Burmese puppet show at Nanda Restaurant, where talented performers bring the ancient art form to life.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start the day with a traditional Myanmar breakfast of Mohinga at Nyaung-U Market.
  • Explore the ancient temples at Old Bagan and marvel at the intricate carvings and designs.
  • Visit the tallest temple in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu Temple, for stunning panoramic views of the city.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious Shan-style lunch at Black Bamboo restaurant.
  • Take a relaxing horse carriage ride through the countryside to Tayok Pye Pagoda for a peaceful afternoon.

Afternoon

Evening

Day 2

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Weather Spoon’s Bagan, a cozy cafe with outdoor seating.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking temples and pagodas of Bagan (optional, but highly recommended).
  • Explore the stunning Ananda Temple, known for its perfectly symmetrical design.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Take a short drive to the unique Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a stunning monastery perched on top.
  • Explore the hidden Phwa Saw Village, known for its traditional handicrafts and friendly locals.

Evening

Day 3

Morning

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Star Beam restaurant, known for its Western-style dishes.
  • Take a scenic bike ride to the Lawka Nandar Pagoda, known for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit the unique Dhammayangyi Temple, known for its mysterious and eerie interior.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Take a short drive to the charming Myinkaba Village, known for its traditional pottery and lacquerware.
  • Visit the unique Nan Paya Temple, known for its mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences.

Evening

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious Breakfast at Nanda Restaurant, known for its authentic local cuisine.
  • Next, head to Shwezigon Pagoda, a golden Buddhist temple with stunning architecture.
  • Complete your morning with a visit to That Byin Nyu Temple, the tallest temple in Bagan.

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch at Green Elephant Restaurant, known for its vegetarian dishes.
  • Afterwards, take a scenic boat ride along the Irrawaddy River.

Afternoon

  • Explore the hidden gem of Lawkananda Pagoda, a tranquil temple with a beautiful riverside view.
  • Next, visit the Manuha Temple, a unique temple with intricate carvings and a fascinating history.

Evening

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at Weather Spoon’s Bagan, a popular local cafe.
  • Next, visit the stunning Ananda Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and fascinating history.
  • Complete your morning with a visit to Dhammayangyi Temple, one of the largest temples in Bagan.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Star Beam Restaurant, known for its fusion cuisine and stunning view of the temples.
  • Afterwards, take a leisurely bike ride to explore the surrounding temples and villages.

Afternoon

  • Visit the lesser-known temple of Gubyaukgyi Temple, known for its intricate murals and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Next, explore the beautiful Myingaba Village, known for its traditional lacquerware workshops.

Evening

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Moe Pyae Sone Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and coffee.
  • Next, visit the unique Htilominlo Temple, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
  • Complete your morning with a visit to Gawdawpalin Temple, one of the most impressive temples in Bagan.

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch at Black Bamboo Restaurant, which offers a fusion of Burmese and Western cuisine.
  • Afterwards, take a horse cart ride to explore the temples and the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming Seinnyet Nyima Pagoda, known for its beautiful frescoes and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Next, visit the Nanpaya Temple, a unique temple with a mix of Hindu and Buddhist architecture.

Evening

  • Experience a lively dinner at La Pizza, a popular Italian restaurant in Bagan.
  • Enjoy drinks at BBB (Bagan Beer Bar), a local bar with a wide selection of beers.
  • End your evening with a visit to the Shwe Leik Too Temple, a peaceful temple with a beautiful night view.

Day 4

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Be Kind to Animals The Moon, which offers a fusion of Burmese and Western cuisine.
  • Afterwards, take a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking aerial view of the temples and the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon

  • Explore the hidden gem of Shwe Gu Gyi Temple, a tranquil temple with a beautiful view of the sunset.
  • Next, visit the Tharabar Gate, a historical site with a fascinating history.

Evening

Day 5

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty lunch at Be Kind to Animals The Moon, which offers a fusion of Burmese and Western cuisine.
  • Afterwards, take a leisurely walk to explore the temples and the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Experience a romantic dinner at The Terrace of Bagan, which offers a fusion of Burmese and Western cuisine and a stunning view of the temples.
  • Enjoy drinks at Queen’s Café and Bar, a cozy bar with a chill atmosphere.
  • End your evening with a visit to the Shwesandaw Pagoda, a popular temple with a beautiful night view.

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious Myanmar-style breakfast at Nanda Food House.
  • Visit the iconic Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the most significant religious buildings in Myanmar.
  • Explore the beautiful Ananda Temple, a masterpiece of Mon architecture.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Burmese lunch at Min Thu, a local restaurant with a great selection of dishes.
  • Visit the Thatbyinnyu Temple, the highest temple in Bagan and a fine example of Burmese architecture.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Tayok Pye Paya, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a leisurely horse cart ride around the temples and pagodas of Bagan.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at Myanmar Treasure Restaurant, which offers traditional Burmese dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Unwind with a drink at The Moon, a popular bar with a great selection of cocktails.
  • Explore the night market and try some local snacks and street food.

Day 2

Morning

  • Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Sanon Restaurant, a social enterprise that trains disadvantaged youths in hospitality and culinary arts.
  • Visit the Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest temple in Bagan and a great example of brickwork and engineering.
  • Explore the Gubyaukgyi Temple, famous for its beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings.

Midday

  • Have a delicious lunch at Bamboo Tree, a cozy restaurant with a lovely garden setting.
  • Visit the Pahtothamya Temple, a unique temple that combines Burmese and Indian architectural styles.

Afternoon

  • Discover the quirky Lawkananda Pagoda, a temple on the banks of the Irrawaddy River with a beautiful view of the sunset.
  • Take a boat ride on the Irrawaddy River and watch the sunset over the temples and pagodas of Bagan.

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Burmese dinner at Green Elephant, a popular restaurant known for its delicious curries and soups.
  • Sip on some cocktails and enjoy the lively atmosphere at The Beach, a beach-themed bar with great music and drinks.
  • Visit the Night Bazaar and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Be Kind to Animals The Moon, a vegan restaurant with a lovely garden setting.
  • Visit the Manuha Temple, a unique temple with three seated Buddha statues, which are believed to represent King Manuha’s unhappiness with his captivity.
  • Explore the beautiful Thatbyinnyu Phaya, a temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Midday

  • Have lunch at Weather Spoon’s Bagan, a restaurant with a great selection of Burmese and international dishes.
  • Visit the Nanpaya Temple, a temple with intricate carvings and a unique history.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Shwegugyi Temple, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a bike ride around the temples and pagodas of Bagan.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at Sanon Training Restaurant, a social enterprise that trains disadvantaged youths in hospitality and culinary arts.
  • Unwind with a drink at The Garden Bistro, a lovely bar with a great selection of wines and beers.
  • Watch a traditional puppet show at Nanda Restaurant, which offers a unique cultural experience.

Day 4

Morning

  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast at La Pizza, a restaurant with a great selection of pizzas and pastries.
  • Visit the Sulamani Temple, a temple with stunning murals and carvings.
  • Explore the Shwesandaw Pagoda, a temple with a great view of the sunrise and sunset.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Khaymingha Pagoda, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the temples and pagodas of Bagan.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at Black Bamboo, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Burmese and Thai dishes.
  • Sip on some cocktails and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at BBB Bar, a cozy bar with a great selection of drinks.
  • Visit the Nyaung U Market and shop for souvenirs and local products.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Starbeam Bakery, a bakery with a great selection of pastries and bread.
  • Visit the Thambula Temple, a temple with stunning murals and carvings.
  • Explore the beautiful Shwegu Gyi Temple, a temple with a great view of the sunrise and sunset.

Midday

  • Have a delicious lunch at Myanmar Food, a local restaurant with a great selection of Burmese dishes.
  • Visit the Khayan Myaung Temple, a unique temple with a history dating back to the 11th century.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Pyathadar Temple, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a tour of a local lacquerware workshop and learn about this traditional craft.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at Myanmar Restaurant, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Burmese dishes and live music.
  • Sip on some cocktails and enjoy the stunning view at Bagan Viewing Tower, a tower with a panoramic view of the temples and pagodas of Bagan.
  • Watch a traditional dance performance at Myanmar Traditional Dance House, which offers a unique cultural experience.

Day 6

Morning

  • Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Cafe Mandalay, a restaurant with a great selection of Burmese and international dishes.
  • Visit the Htilominlo Temple, a temple with beautiful frescoes and carvings.
  • Explore the Lawkahteikpan Temple, a temple with a unique history and architecture.

Midday

  • Have a Burmese lunch at Golden Myanmar, a local restaurant with a great selection of dishes.
  • Visit the Gawdawpalin Temple, a temple with a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Pyathatgyi Pagoda, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a tour of a local farm and learn about the agriculture and produce of the region.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant with a great selection of Burmese and international dishes.
  • Sip on some cocktails and enjoy the stunning view at Sunset Garden, a cozy bar with a great selection of drinks.
  • Watch a traditional music performance at Bagan House Restaurant, which offers a unique cultural experience.

Day 7

Morning

Midday

  • Have lunch at Black Bamboo Too, a restaurant with a great selection of Burmese and international dishes.
  • Visit the Leimyethna Temple, a temple with beautiful frescoes and carvings.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Myauk Guni Temple, a lesser-known temple with stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Take a tour of a local winery and taste some of the best wines of Myanmar.

Evening

  • Experience the local culture and cuisine at Golden Myanmar Restaurant, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Burmese dishes and live music.
  • Sip on some cocktails and enjoy the lively atmosphere at The Regency Pub, a cozy bar with a great selection of drinks.
  • Watch a traditional puppet show at Nanda Restaurant, which offers a unique cultural experience.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Bagan!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Bagan!