As the sun rises over the plains of Bagan, the spires of temples and stupas glitter in the morning mist as a hot air balloon drifts silently overhead. There are few places which have the power to evoke such a profound sense of awe as the ancient city of Bagan, in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region. Covering an area of more than 40 square miles, Bagan used to be the capital of a mighty kingdom that went on to form the nucleus of the modern nation of Myanmar, in South East Asia.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, Bagan was once home to more than 10,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas, as well as 3000 monasteries, at the height of its influence between the 11th and 13th Centuries. Today, only about 2000 temples and pagodas are still standing, with around 400 to 500 remaining in a well-preserved condition.
Bagan’s unusual blend of beautifully preserved temples alongside others that are slowly crumbling back into the tropical landscape can leave visitors with a poignant sense of nostalgia. But unlike many of the world’s great archaeological sites, Bagan is a living monument, with pilgrims, monks, and local devotees still praying and practising the rites of Buddhism in some of the temples and monasteries. And it’s this unusual interplay between a lost past and a living present that makes Bagan one of Asia’s most intriguing destinations.
Situated along the banks of the Irrawaddy River, the vast array of Buddhist temples and shrines offer visitors panoramic vistas like nowhere else in Asia.
And it’s certainly a paradise for photographers, and a must-see sacred site for anyone interested in the fascinating culture of South East Asia. A truly unique destination for history buffs and culture vultures of all stripes, Bagan provides a rare glimpse into a historical period that is completely unknown to most world travelers.
How To Get To Bagan, Myanmar?
Getting to Bagan, in Myanmar, is relatively easy for international travelers. First, you’ll need to fly into either Yangon International Airport (RGN) or Mandalay International Airport (MDL) – Myanmar’s two major international travel hubs. These airports receive regular flights from major regional travel hubs including Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, and Kuala Lumpur, with flight times ranging from 2 to 4 hours. If you’re traveling from Europe or North America, then you’ll need to catch a connecting flight to Myanmar from Doha, Delhi, or Bangkok.
Once you arrive in either Yangon International Airport (RGN) or Mandalay International Airport (MDL), you’ll need to catch a connecting domestic flight to Nyaung-U Airport (NYU), the closest airport to the ancient site of Bagan. A local domestic flight usually takes about 90 minutes and will reward you with some spectacular views as you traverse the country. Alternatively, you can opt to catch a bus, which from Yangon can take up to 10 hours, and from Mandalay will take between 4 to 5 hours.
Nyaung-U Airport is located close to the towns of Nyaung-U and New Bagan, both of which are just a stone’s throw from the Old Bagan. And with a good choice of accommodation, restaurants, and local tour operators, Old Bagan or Nyaung-U is an ideal place to base yourself during your explorations of the area.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Bagan, Myanmar?
Myanmar has a tropical climate, and so the year is split between the hot monsoon season and the cool, dry season. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, between November and February. At this time of year the daytime temperatures are pleasant and range from about 20 to 30 Degrees Celsius, while the skies are clear and bright – perfect for sightseeing, hot air ballooning, and exploring the temple complexes.
March to May in Myanmar marks the hottest time of year. In these months the mid-day temperatures can exceed 40 Degrees Celsius, making conditions quite uncomfortable for anyone who’s not used to the extreme heat.
Meanwhile, the monsoon season is from June to October, when you can expect heavy rainfalls, humid conditions, and overcast skies. During the monsoon, many activities, such as hot air ballooning, are cancelled, and the muddy roads can be difficult to pass in more rural areas.
Essentially, the best time to visit Bagan is during the cool, dry season, between November and February. However, the shoulder months of the main tourist season, October to early November, combine good weather conditions with fewer tourists – meaning you can often grab some great deals on flights and accommodation.
What To Do In Bagan, Myanmar
Full Day Private Tour of Bagan
The most convenient way to explore the sprawling Bagan Archaeological Zone is by joining a private tour with an experienced local guide who knows all the ins and outs of the vast complex. To make things even easier, you’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel before heading out to Old Bagan.
As you explore the site, your guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the former capital of this Buddhist kingdom, stopping off at the premier beauty spots along the way. You’ll visit all the major temples, including Ananda Temple, best known for its towering 52 meter golden spire and 4 standing Buddhas, as well as the massive Dhammayangyi Pahto, otherwise known as the ‘pyramid’ of Bagan.
You’ll also see a plethora of iconic pagodas, explore hidden temples, and get off the beaten track during this immersive full day tour. The tour also includes free water, wet towels to cool off during the day, and all entrance fees and surcharges.
And once you’ve visited all the top sites you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in plenty of time for a stroll before dinner. Ideal for couples, small groups, or families with children, this full day tour is the perfect way to uncover the magic of the Bagan.
You can find out more about the tour, and reserve your places, here.
All Aboard for a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan
If you’d like to experience Bagan from a bird’s eye view, then there’s no better way to spend a day than to jump aboard a hot air balloon for a tour through the skies above. As you float high over the temples, at a height of about 2,000 feet, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking scenery and admire the enormous scale of the Bagan Archaeological Zone, where thousands of ancient temples and pagodas stretch away over the horizon.
Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup and ride to the balloon launch site in an air-conditioned vehicle. As the pilot makes the final preparations for launch, you’ll enjoy some light refreshments, including tea or coffee, as you take in the misty morning scenery.
Next, your pilot will quickly go over a safety brief, ensuring that you feel safe during the flight, before you get aboard the balloon’s basket. Finally, as the sun rises over the temple complex, it’s time to lift off, and you’ll soar through the air for a 45 minute to 60 minute flight – just enough time to take in the spectacular scenery, snap some unforgettable photos, and revel in the incredible experience.
After you land, you’ll have breakfast with fruits, pastries, and champagne. You’ll also be presented with a flight certificate, a postcard, and a Balloons Over Bagan hat as a special souvenir of your day. Lastly, you’ll be driven back to your hotel after an enchanting start to another day in Bagan.
You can find out more about the Balloons Over Bagan hot air balloon ride, and reserve your places on an upcoming flight, at the official website, here. To ensure you don’t miss out, make sure to book your flight at least 3 days in advance – although if you can’t, then contact Balloons Over Bagan as soon as you can.
Private Full Day Guided Tour of Mountain Popa and Salay, with Lunch
Discover the rich cultural history of central Myanmar on this full day tour, departing from Bagan. You’ll travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle as your guide takes you to the Ayeyarwaddy River region to visit the town of Salay, around 120 km from Bagan. Upon arrival, your first stop will be at the Yoke Sone Kyaung Monastery, an intricately carved teak wood monastery that is famed for its connections to the U Pone Nya, one of the giants of Burmese literary traditions. You’ll also visit the local pagodas built in the 1300s, and other local heritage sites that reflect Myanmar’s royal past.
And then, after you’ve enjoyed a traditional lunch and had a chance to refresh, you’ll head onwards to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano that rises up out of the plains. After climbing the 777 steps to Popa Taungkalat, a stunning Buddhist monastery at the summit of the volcano, you’ll be able to savour the spectacular views and have a look around the monastery, dedicated to regional spirit deities.
Lastly, after more refreshments, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in the early evening. An exceptional full day tour of some of the region’s top highlights, and a great opportunity to get a taste of the area’s beautiful scenery – ideal for families, small groups, and couples, as well as solo travelers.
You can book your place on this full day tour of Salay and Mount Popa, and find out more, here.
Eat Out at the Shwe Ou Food Garden – Local Cuisine at its Very Best
Burmese cuisine offers a unique combination of spicy, sour, and savory recipes that represent a mouth-watering confluence of Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavours. And fortunately for visitors, as a result of the constant stream of international guests in the area, the culinary scene in Bagan has grown to national recognition.
One of the top local restaurants is the Shwe Ou Food Garden, just in front of New Bagan market. The restaurant and bar serves a great mix of international and traditional cuisine – and with Burmese, Thai and international classics on the menu, it’s the ideal place to sample the dishes of the region. The menu includes vegetarian dishes, salads, soups, fresh pancakes, fruit, hamburgers, sandwiches, and much more, as well as the ever popular fresh river prawns in a curry sauce. There’s also homemade ice cream and fresh roasted coffee to complete your experience.
To get to the Shwe Ou Food Garden simply jump in a taxi – all the local drivers know exactly where it is! Alternatively, if you’re staying in New Bagan, you can easily walk from your hotel.
You can find out more about the restaurant, and book your tables for lunch or dinner, here.
Stay at the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort
Situated amongst 27 acres of tropical gardens, this palatial hotel boasts unbelievable views of the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Surrounded by ancient temples, the hotel has one foot in the past and the other firmly planted in the future.
The resort has excellent on-site amenities, including a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the temples plains of Bagan, a spa and fitness center, on-site restaurants, bars, and stages for cultural performances and events. The hotel also provides guests with free WiFi throughout, free parking, complimentary airport transfers, and an attentive service that ensures you enjoy every minute of your time in Bagan.
The hotel has a good selection of rooms, each with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a private balcony, flat screen TV, refrigerator, minibar, and room service. There’s also spacious private villas and cottages available for guests, furnished with luxury fittings, local artwork and antiques.
An exquisite retreat for your time in Bagan, the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort welcomes families with children, as well as groups, couples and single bookings.
You can find out more and explore the hotel’s amenities, and reserve your room, here.
