Bagan

BAGAN OVERVIEW

If you do a quick search about Myanmar tourism, you may have come across some images of a “forest of temples” and giant balloons - That’s exactly the symbol of Bagan, one of the foremost tourist destinations when you travel to Myanmar. But does Bagan have any other attraction to offer? Let's find out in this travel guide!

Lying on a bend of the Ayeyarwady River in the central flat of Myanmar, Bagan is an ancient city in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This destination features the authentic landscape of gorgeous nature mixed with long-standing architecture by humans. Buddhist art and construction should be a vital attraction on a trip to the capital of the lost Bagan Kingdom, expressed through the serial property of mesmerizing temples, stupas, monasteries and places of pilgrimage, as well as archaeological remains, frescoes and sculptures. The concentration presents stunning testimony to the pinnacle of Bagan civilization from the 11th to the 13th century (CE) when the place was the center of a regional empire. With around 2,200 remaining temples and pagodas, this colossal architectural ensemble portrays the religious fervor of an early Buddhist kingdom.

Apart from the Buddhist features, a visit to Bagan has many more features for you to enjoy: Taking a cruise to enjoy the riparian vegetation, indulging in the fascinating views of unique mountains, or exploring the culinary culture,... Wait no more and join Myanmar Private Tour to have a glance at this beautiful land.

WHAT TO DO AND TO SEE IN BAGAN?

Bagan is easy to get accessed via the Nyaung U airport and well-connected by road with the rest of the country. This advantage in transport enables domestic and international tourists to visit Bagan’s main areas of interest like Old Bagan, New Bagan, Nyaung U Town and the Mount Popa National Park. So what is there to do and to see? You will be surprised by the bulk of things that will make your Bagan trip a fulfilling one.

Explore the  Bagan Archaeological Zone

If you can only choose one thing to do in Bagan, this must be the one! Spend time visiting and learning about the Archaeological Zone in the Old Bagan - a quiet, relaxing area on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. As"one of the World's Greatest Archaeological Sites", you will not be disappointed by the ancient monuments of different periods sprinkling across the area. These remarkable sites spread over a vast plain from the riverbank of the Ayeyarwady River to the Turintaung range. Ananda temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Dhammayangyi temple and Thatbinnyu Pagoda to name a few. 

You can also take time wandering around Old Bagan to visit less-known temples, or unhurriedly enjoy the laid-back atmosphere which is a pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby New Bagan - a more densely populated area. 

Wander around Nyang U town

Nyaung-U is a town located in the district of the same name in Central Myanmar. Located about 4km away from Bagan on the eastern banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Nyaung-U can also be considered a part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone, and hence, a popular tourist attraction for some of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples. The Shwezigon Pagoda is the most popular of all the temples in this town. Htilominlo, Gubyaukgyi and Alhoda Pyae are some of the other religious attractions. Moreover, tourists can join workshops to create poneyay (pea powder paste), refine plum jam, lacquer ware and traditional bullock carts making.

Nyang U Market is also a significant symbol of the city. These open-air markets shock the senses with a kaleidoscope of colors, noises, and smells, giving the casual visitor a glimpse into everyday life in Burma as well as an insight into the ingredients of the delectable food offered in local eateries. Besides, this town has a lot of options for budget accommodations, and many affordable restaurants, all combined to be the top place for a budget trip to Bagan.

Hop on a hot-air ballooning

Bagan is very often listed as one of the most ideal places in the world to enjoy hot-air ballooning. Even though the archaeological site and the surrounding are perfect to visit on foot, a ride on a hot air balloon is a unique way to see the panoramic view of the dense temples. Currently, the balloon service only operates in the early morning and runs between October and March, but it is the icing on the cake and we highly recommend this activity. Watching the whole scenery of Bagan at sunrise might be a one-of-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss. 

Those who can’t make it to take a balloon ride, or simply aren’t keen on that are still able to enjoy the wide expanse from the top terrace of the Bagan viewing tower. You can climb onto this top and arrange to sightsee the archaeological sites during sunrise or sunset, the surreal beauty of Bagan temples will be worth hundreds of photos.

Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop

On your travels to Bagan, you may notice many colorful lacquerwares everywhere. You can learn how to make those wares using traditional methods at the Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop in New Bagan. There is a small exhibit in Bagan containing the details of lacquerware production and its history, and the displays walk visitors through this art’s history from its origins in the 14th century. Before leaving the site, you can pick up some souvenirs and handicrafts in the shops.

Sunset on the river

Nothing beats a breathtaking sunset to cap off a day of temples and local cultural exploration. Nature has blessed Bagan with mesmerizing scenery and the long-standing constructions have glowed up that beauty. Yet the sunset even enhances the majestic sense. Getting on a scenic boat ride along the Ayeyarwady river will be a perfect way to relax after a busy day. The view will be etched in your mind forever, it is an absolute!

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN BAGAN?

Bagan cuisine has received plenty of compliments from tourists as the “true taste” of Asia. The culinary features combine the best of Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine and undoubtedly tend to have more rice dishes and soups. There are several types of soups and broths that are part of the Burmese food culture. Rice is considered a staple of the locals and often served along with a side dish of pork, beef or chicken. However, a sizeable local population is vegetarian so there are several vegetarian dishes as well as options for vegan tourists. 

In Myanmar, there is a unique salad made with tea leaves, Burmese people call it Latphet. Tea leaf salad is perhaps the most famous food in Myanmar, it can be a snack, a plate of appetizers or a dish served with rice.

The Star Bistro and Weather Spoon’s are two big restaurants that have been around for quite some time. They serve authentic Burmese cuisine and even some western dishes on their menus. They serve authentic Burmese cuisine and even some western dishes on their menus, so international tourists will still have other options in case they miss the taste of their own cuisine from back home. If you want a more local way to explore the cuisine, there are many family-run eateries that serve traditional food.

WHEN TO VISIT BAGAN?

The weather in Bagan is split between the dry season and the wet season. The start of the dry season from November to January is cooler and the most pleasant time to visit, so this is the best time to be outdoors and explore the pagodas. Temperatures and humidity begin to rise in February, peaking in April and heralding the start of the wet season. The rains increase with August being the wettest month and continue over the next two months. As a result, it is not the best time to travel or engage in outdoor activities.

THE TOURS FROM BAGAN

If you’re interested in seeing everything in this ancient city, you might want to consider guided tours in and around Bagan. A tour with a local tour guide will utilize your time budget and even widen your knowledge about the local culture and history, taking your trip beyond an entertaining experience.

Balloon Over Bagan

The views of Bagan’s 8,000 temples and pagodas in Bagan can be seen with your own eyes on a Balloon Over Bagan trip. To experience this service, you need to wake up early in the morning and then take a few hours to prepare for an extra-special hot-air balloon flight. And a morning flight means you’ll watch the sunrise and see the area at its most magical, when morning mist shrouds the greenery and the light is still gentle. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.  

Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour

This tour is ideal for tourists who want to visit the remarkable temples and pagodas in the Old Bagan, and learn about the in-depth histories of the sites from local guides. From a glance, some might mistake that all the temples are the same, but the tour will lead them to many varieties of temples, payas, and Buddha statues through interesting stories and activities.

Mount Popa tour

Mount Popa is an ancient extinct volcano located in the Mandalay region in Myanmar. To the Burmese, it is a sacred pilgrimage site of 37 temples dedicated to Mahagiri Nat spirits. To tourists, Mount Popa is one of the excellent day trip options while exploring Bagan as it is located 50km from the ancient town.

Among all those pagodas lined up around the mountain is Taung Kalat, The most popular one and home to Goddess Popa, located at the neck of the hill. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes. You will reach the entrance by climbing about 777 steps leading to the top. At the foot of Taung Kalat, there are Nat statues enshrined within cave-like structures. while the main pagoda at the summit was built in the 17th century when Kings spirit-worship.

An important note for you is that clothes should cover your knees and shoulders. Your shoes also need to be kept at the foot of the temple. Beware of large groups of aggressive monkeys on the way to the top as they can snatch things from tourists at any moment. If you wish for the best panoramic views, climb to the top of Mount Popa around sunrise or sunset.

E-bike Tour

Why not visit the dense concentration of Buddhist art in a really fun way, say, on an e-bike? This kind of tour is getting more popular as an alternative choice for tourists when they visit Bagan. All you need is a map or a knowledgeable local guide and you can visit many magnificent temples and ruins. From famous to lesser-known temples, you will be able to truly absorb the wonders of this ancient land.

Bagan Cycling Tour

Pedaling is an excellent opportunity to discover firsthand the lifestyle, culture and scenery of Bagan and its people. Let take your bicycle and explore the local villages around Bagan, stop to visit local market to see the local trading way, learn more about history of temples and pagodas, live the local life and explore the special sand paiting, etc. 

So that is our general guide for Bagan tourism, a sacred land of Buhhdist to visit and unique traditional handicrafts to see. If you are any interested in other tourist destinations in Myanmar, check out Yangon Tours, Mandalay Tours or Inle Lake Tours. Hope that Myanmar Private Tour somehow assisted you with useful information before you come to the beautiful country of Myanmar. Don’t hesitate to contact us for booking requests or any other questions!