Things to do in Bagan for culture lovers 

While Yangon tourist attractions offer a look at both the long history and modern life, Bagan is a destination to travel back to the past. For first-timers, your trip to Bagan is incomplete without spending time to see the Bagan`s highlighted attractions below:

Admire Bagan`s temples

Bagan still has over 2,000 temples remaining, down from 10,000-plus in its glory days. Bagan residents built the stupas that litter the temple plain as acts of merit; at the height of the Pagan Kingdom, even the middle classes made their own stupas, though none were to rival the ones commissioned by Bagan kings.
Most of Bagan's temples can be found within the Bagan Archaeological Zone and you can buy the entrance ticket either at the airport or by the ticket counter before you enter Bagan. 
You may not be able to see all the temples but you should not miss the most prominent ones like Mhezadi, Ananda...
Related article: Best things to do in Myanmar. 

Watch Sunset by Shwezigon Paya

Shwezigon Paya is a big stupa and the main religious building in the town near Nyaung U. It is different from other sites in Bagan by its golden shrine. 
The best time to visit this pagoda is dusk when the stupa is lit up, and you can see the beautiful golden monument on top of three terraces. Don't forget to check out the colorful plaques around the base of the stupa. They display stories from the Jataka, which are about the Buddha's past lives.

Visit Thakana Museum

Thanaka is sold everywhere in Myanmar. It is used as a cosmetic to protect the sun and some diseases in our country. The museum will satiate your curiosities surrounding Thanakha. As you step inside, the first thing that captures your attention is a centennial Thanakha plant, exuding its storied history. The interior décor exudes an aura of elegance and refinement. Along one of the walls, a fascinating map illustrates the regions where Thanakha plants flourish, providing an insightful glimpse into their geographical distribution.

Spend time at the Archaeological museum

Those who love to explore the past of Bagan should not miss the Archaeology Museum. 
This is part of a big complex and is the top museum to visit in Bagan if you want a quick glimpse of the fascinating history of this incredible place all at once. Inside, you'll discover a vast collection of artifacts from various locations in Bagan, including Buddha images and stones with beautifully carved writings.
Additionally, there are even modern paintings depicting the different temples. Apart from antiques and artworks, you'll have the chance to explore various textiles and a gallery showcasing ancient hairstyles.

Market hopping at Mani-Sithu

Amongst things to do in Bagan, visiting a market is a must. In the main town of Bagan, there's a market called Mani-Sithu Market, and it's a typical Burmese market you should definitely check out.
It's a nice place to see and buy local goods before a long day of visiting temples. At the market, you'll find shiny fruits, colorful vegetables, beautiful flowers, and a variety of fabrics.
Plus, there's yummy street food like fried snacks to enjoy. You may find a good souvenir as Mani-sithu has so many typical Burmese crafts that you can buy. 

Behold the sunrise on a Balloon

Sunrise in Bagan is unlike any other place in the world. It is full of magical moments when the sun lifts the foggy mask over the temples. 
It offers so many photogenic opportunities, especially for those who want to capture a lifetime shoot. 
For professional photographers, you can make the best shoots in a secluded location with our tour guide on a Bagan Photo Tour too

Bagan travel experiences for families

Though Bagan is stuffed with historical sites, it is not lack fun-packed things for kids and families alike. Apart from museum hopping mentioned above, you can try some of these exciting experiences: 

Learn sand painting arts

Sand painting is a fantastic activity for families or anyone who loves art in Bagan. It's a traditional form of art where artists use sand to create beautiful pictures. First, the artist spreads glue on a piece of cloth and then sprinkles sand on it. After letting it dry in the sun, they paint an image on the "sand canvas."
You'll have the chance to learn these sand painting techniques from a skilled expert while sipping a refreshing drink and enjoying local snacks. And guess what? You can try your hand at it too!
The local artists in Bagan use sand from the Irrawaddy River, and their paintings are incredibly detailed and accurate. It's a delightful experience that lets you be creative and learn about a unique art form!

See Bagan by Electric bike

One of the best ways to have fun with active children is to embark on an Ebike trip. Many parts of Bagan are accessible by bikes more than cars which means you`ll have opportunities to see Bagan more than just ordinary tourist way. 
Bagan is quite flat which means you do not need so much physical effort to enjoy this activity. Kids will love to meet the friendly people of Bagan in this way!

Sunset on a river cruise

For a stylish sunset experience in Bagan, think about renting a private boat and floating along the river.
It's simple to hire a small local boat that can hold around four people. Then, enjoy a relaxing cruise that lasts for one to two hours.
To start your river adventure, make your way to the central jetty in Bagan. There, you'll find several vendors who can take you upriver for a delightful sunset view.
For more travel inspiration, please check Family Holiday to Myanmar with updated info for 2024.

Unique things to do in Bagan

When it comes to the idea of having something exceptional in Bagan, you may not find many proposals but here comes our insightful tips:

Take a Bagan Photo Tour

There are 2 options for this type of experience: amateur and professional. For both options, you`ll be accompanied by a photographer who knows Bagan like his hand. This photographer will introduce you to the less-visited places where you can capture some unique moments or some landscapes that are totally different. The professional Bagan Photo Tour are customized with a special set-up in the morning, with monks, lights and so many other things. 
See more options: Bagan Photography Tours.

Bagan Cooking Class

Bagan cuisine is a beautiful mixture of northern region tastes with a rich influence of Indian and Chinese cuisine. It has its own signature and is worth trying. Registering for a cooking class means you`ll open a door to learning about Burmese cuisine, and how to use local herbs, and ingredient to diversify your foods. 
Bagan cooking classes are available in Nyang U town and some high-end hotels in Bagan. 

Where to go for a day trip in Bagan - update 2024

Possibilities to spend more than 2 days in Bagan means you should go for a day trip in Bagan. The very first site is Mt. Popa where an inactive volcano is located. 
Pakkoku is used to be an attractive place to go but now closed due to the current travel situation in Myanmar. 

Pay a Visit to Mt. Popa

Located on an inactive volcano, Mt Popa is recommended in many of our Bagan Itineraries. 
Mount Popa is an old volcano with a shrine on top, dedicated to 37 spirits known as Nats. The main spirit is Goddess Mother Popa, and this makes the place very special and important for the people of Myanmar. To reach the temple on top of the mountain, you'll need to climb 777 stairs, which takes around 45 minutes. But it's worth it! From the temple, you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, especially during sunrise and sunset. It's truly a magnificent sight!
The monastery atop this picturesque volcano is a popular destination for Burmese pilgrims, particularly during the full moon festival in May/June and November/December.
According to Burmese superstition, visitors should not wear red, green, or black or bring meat, especially pork, in order to stay on the good side of the resident spirits.
View also: Myanmar National Parks. 


 Photo: Mr. Bill Cury

Adventure to Salay town

Many travelers advise you to add Salay to your things to do in Bagan. It's a small town located about 50km away from Bagan and is known for its ancient wooden monasteries. These monasteries built hundreds of years ago, have incredibly detailed carvings on their walls and in the courtyards. They're an important place for Buddhist monks to learn and live.
One of the famous monasteries in Salay is Yoke Son Kyaung, which is about 130 years old. Inside, you'll find carvings that tell stories from the Indian Hindu epic Ramayana, which is unusual for a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar.
There are also writings and poems from a famous local poet called U Pon Nya. You can also explore other ancient temples like Mann Phaya and Maha Myat Muni Rakhine Pagoda.
Don't forget to check out the Salay local market to get a glimpse of local life. And if you enjoy colonial architecture, take a walk around the town to see some beautiful old buildings. If you still have time, head to the pier and take a small boat trip on the Ayeyarwady River to witness a spectacular sunset. It's a perfect way to end your day in Salay!

Treat yourself to a good view from Tantkyi Hill

If you want to escape the crowds in Bagan and enjoy some peaceful river views and temples, you should visit Tantkyi Taung, also known as Tantkyi Hill. It's located on the Ayeyarwaddy River and is about 90km away from Bagan.
Sunset is the best time to be treated to incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. It's a breathtaking sight!
At the top of Tantkyi Hill, there's a beautiful temple called Tantkyi Taung Pagoda. This impressive temple was built in the 11th century and holds a sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The temple's white and golden towers, along with the large stupas and the 32 elephant statues surrounding it, add to its beauty. It's definitely worth checking out!  

Bagan Travel Costs

Here is some basic information about traveling in Bagan. Certainly, for a private or luxury trip, you`ll get what you pay:

Bagan Archaeological Zone fee

To enter Bagan, you are requested to pay a zone fee. This fee is considered to maintain the architects, heritages of Bagan and help to develop local tourism. 
The Bagan Archaeological zone fee is 25.000 MM Kyats which is equivalent to $12 per person. The entrance fee is valid for 3 days. For a longer stay, please rebuy the ticket at the ticket counter or you can ask your hotel/ resort to buy it for you. 

Bagan Travel Information 2024

Here comes some of the most updated information for travel to Bagan - Myanmar:

Where is Bagan?

Bagan, also known as Pagan, is an ancient capital city of the first Burmese empire. It is located on the eastern side of the Irrawaddy River, about 180km downstream (or southwest) of Mandalay. Bagan sits in the central plains of Myanmar.

How to get to Bagan

By air:

The nearest airport of Bagan is Nyaung Oo Airport, which is about 3 kilometers southeast of Nyaung Oo town center.
From Yangon, you can take a flight from Yangon to Bagan using Asian Wings, Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, or Myanmar National Airlines. Ticket prices start from US$110 depending on the seasonal fair.
For Air KBZ and Myanmar National Airlines, you can book your tickets instantly online.
From Mandalay, there are Asian Wings, Golden Myanmar, Myan Yadanarpon, or Myanmar National Airlines.
To reach Nyaung Oo from the airport, you can take a taxi, which will cost around K7,000 and take about 10 minutes.
For Old Bagan or New Bagan, it will take around 20 minutes and cost about K10,000 by taxi. 

By train

Train from Yangon to Bagan
Overnight trains leave from Yangon around 4:00 pm and arrive in Bagan the next day at about 10:00 am. The trains are a bit old, and the ride might be bumpy, but it's all part of the adventure when traveling in a developing country. On the train, there's a restaurant cart that serves food and beer. In winter, it can get chilly, so bringing an extra blanket is a good idea.
Train from Mandalay to Bagan
There are direct trains from Mandalay to Bagan, and there are two departures each day. You can buy tickets right at the railway station, and they cost around US$6 for a one-way trip. The journey takes about seven hours.  

By bus

Buses now arrive at the new bus station, which is about 7 kilometers away from Nyaung-U center. To get there, you can take a shared taxi for about 1,500 to 2,000 kyats.
There are many minibusses and coaches departing daily from Yangon or Mandalay to Bagan. The highway from Yangon is modern, but the bus ride can be less enjoyable because they play very loud Burmese music and TV shows until midnight.
Buses from Yangon to Inle Lake take about 7 hours and depart in the morning.
If you take the buses leaving Yangon at 6 pm or 7 pm, you'll arrive in Bagan at a rather unusual time, between 3 am and 5 am. The regular bus trip costs 15,000 kyats. If you prefer a VIP bus like JJ Express or Bagan Minn Thar Express, they leave Yangon at 8 pm and take about 9 hours, costing 18,500 kyats, which includes snacks and drinks.
Make sure to book your ticket more than 24 hours in advance because they often sell out quickly, especially during Myanmar Festivals. 

How to get around Bagan

The most common methods of transportation in Bagan are horsecart rides, Bikes, Electric bikes, and taxis. The transportation is not expensive since Bagan is not big unless you hire a private car with a driver for sightseeing for a day or two. 
You can rent a bike or an Electric bike for about $5/ day. 

Bagan Travel Questions and Answers

Traveling to Bagan has been changing according to the country's situation. Here are some essential guides that should be helpful for you:

Are there any international flights to Bagan?

Bagan Airport used to welcome international flights from Phuket and some other destinations in Southeast Asia. However, in 2024, Bagan Airport delivers only domestic flights. Accordingly, if you travel by air, you can only access Bagan with flights from Yangon, Mandalay, and Heho.

How many days should I spend in Bagan?

2 days is good to visit Bagan. We also recommend you to spend 3 days if you are passionate about photography, and archaeology, and love seeing the old charm old. 
For family trips, it is ideal to have 3 days so that your kids will have a chance to learn more about local life and culture. 

Is there any private Bagan Tour?

We do organize private Myanmar tours and Bagan Tours. Our travel experts are available to customize all the details to make your trip to Bagan as you wish. 
When you embark on a trip with us, you`ll be in good hands with our tour operators who are available for all your needs. 

Is there Wifi in Bagan?

Bagan offers free wifi for tourists in certain areas. It may not be as fast as in your country but good enough to access your Facebook or social media. Many hotels and restaurants in the area provide free wifi when you use their services too. 

How to get to a Myanmar Beach from Bagan?

Bagan is located in northern Myanmar while all beaches are in the south. In the tourism season from November to April, there are possibly flights from Bagan to Ngapali Beach. 
Please keep in mind that many Myanmar Beaches are closed during the monsoon season. 

Travel further from Bagan - 2024

Visiting the far north of Myanmar from Bagan is getting more complicated. We strongly recommend you contact us to get the latest updates for any travel to Mt. Victoria, Mindat, Pakoku town, or even river cruises. 
Please note that air travel may be affected and it is advisable to travel by car to other sites.