New Bagan
Explore thousands of ancient temples scattered across a vast plain, a testament to a bygone kingdom. Witness breathtaking sunrises and immerse yoursel...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
New Bagan
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore thousands of ancient temples scattered across a vast plain, a testament to a bygone kingdom. Witness breathtaking sunrises and immerse yourself in history.
"The sunrise over Bagan's temples is an unforgettable spectacle, a truly magical experience."
Sunrise Balloon Booking
Book your hot air balloon ride months in advance! They sell out fast.
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to navigate the vast temple complex at your own pace. Easy and eco-friendly! :electric_plug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Hot Air Balloons
Over the Bagan plains
Witness thousands of temples emerge from the mist as balloons paint the sky at dawn. Pure magic!
Ananda Temple
Old Bagan
The 'Everlasting' temple, a masterpiece of Mon architecture with stunning Buddha images.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Old Bagan
Historically a popular sunset spot, offering panoramic views of the temple-strewn landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise Balloon Magic
Temple Fatigue is Real
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sunrise Balloon Booking
Book your hot air balloon ride months in advance! They sell out fast.
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to navigate the vast temple complex at your own pace. Easy and eco-friendly! :electric_plug:
Awesome view of Bagan.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting temples – cover shoulders and knees. :pray:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially during temple explorations. It gets hot! :droplet:
What's the fuss in Bagan?
Tips
from all over the internet
Sunrise Balloon Booking
Book your hot air balloon ride months in advance! They sell out fast.
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to navigate the vast temple complex at your own pace. Easy and eco-friendly! :electric_plug:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting temples – cover shoulders and knees. :pray:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially during temple explorations. It gets hot! :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bagan is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking sunrise views, especially from hot air balloons, and the sheer scale of its ancient temples. Visitors are captivated by the historical atmosphere and the unique landscape. However, some find the temples can become repetitive after a while, and the heat can be intense during certain times of the year.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most travelers arrive in Bagan via flight to Nyaung U Airport (NYU), which has connections from Yangon and Mandalay. Buses are also an option but take significantly longer. Taxis from the airport to your accommodation are readily available.
Renting an e-bike is highly recommended for exploring the vast temple complex. They are affordable and allow you to visit temples at your own pace. Horse carts and regular bicycles are also available.
Yes, e-bikes are widely available for rent in New Bagan and Old Bagan. You can also arrange for horse carts or taxis for longer distances.
Public transport within Bagan is limited. The most popular and convenient way to get around is by renting an e-bike or hiring a private car/horse cart.
New Bagan is located a few kilometers south of Old Bagan, where many of the major temples are situated. An e-bike or short taxi ride will get you there easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Bagan archaeological zone ticket is required to enter the main temple areas. You can purchase this at designated entry points. Keep it with you as it may be checked.
The entrance fee for the Bagan archaeological zone is typically around $25 USD per person. Prices can change, so it's good to confirm upon arrival.
Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance gates to the archaeological zone, usually near Old Bagan.
Currently, there are no widely advertised discounts for the Bagan archaeological zone ticket. It's a fixed price for all visitors.
Most temples are open from sunrise to sunset. However, some larger temples may have slightly different hours. It's best to check locally.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic sunrise view involves hot air balloons over the temples. While many pagodas were previously accessible for sunrise views, access is now restricted for safety and preservation. Check with locals for current best viewpoints.
Generally, photography is allowed inside and outside temples. However, always be respectful and ask permission before photographing people, especially monks.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most magical light for photographing the temples. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Bagan for safety and to avoid disturbing the peace. It's best to check with local authorities before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast temple landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is helpful for low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Try local Burmese curries, mohinga (fish noodle soup), and Shan noodles. Many restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes.
New Bagan has a good selection of restaurants catering to tourists, offering both local and international cuisine. Old Bagan has fewer options.
Yes, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Be sure to specify 'vegetarian' when ordering.
Expect to pay around $5-15 USD for a meal at a tourist-oriented restaurant. Local eateries will be cheaper.
While tempting, it's generally advised to stick to busy restaurants where food turnover is high to minimize the risk of stomach issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on visiting a few key, visually impressive temples rather than trying to see too many. The sheer scale of the structures can be awe-inspiring for children. Look for temples with interesting carvings or accessible courtyards where they can move around safely. Many hotels in New Bagan offer family-friendly amenities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eat at local tea shops and smaller restaurants for affordable and authentic meals. Look for guesthouses or budget hotels in New Bagan, which tend to be cheaper than those in Old Bagan. The archaeological zone ticket is a fixed cost, but it's essential for accessing the main sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Temples of Bagan
Key temples to consider include Ananda Temple, renowned for its exquisite architecture and four standing Buddhas, and Shwesandaw Pagoda, historically a popular spot for panoramic sunset views (though climbing is now restricted). Don't overlook smaller, less-visited temples; they often offer a more intimate and peaceful experience. Renting an e-bike is the most popular and efficient way to navigate the sprawling site, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees. The best times for exploration are early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture the magical golden hour light.
The Iconic Hot Air Balloon Experience
Due to its immense popularity, booking your balloon ride well in advance is crucial, especially during the peak tourist season (November to February). Several reputable companies operate these flights, offering varying durations and packages. While it is a significant expense, most travelers agree that the unforgettable views and the sheer magic of floating above the ancient landscape make it a worthwhile splurge.
It's important to note that access to climb many of the temples for sunrise views has been restricted in recent years to preserve the structures. This makes the balloon ride an even more exclusive way to witness the sunrise over Bagan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit