Bagan, Myanmar - Travel Guide

Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar, famous for its thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas. The archaeological zone offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the plains dotted with these historic structures, providing a truly unique and spiritual experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$30/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

Old BaganNyaung-UNew BaganMandalayInle Lake

🇲🇲 Country Information: Myanmar

CapitalNay Pyi Taw

CurrencyBurmese kyat (K)

Language Burmese , English (limited), various ethnic languages

Phone Code+95

Electricity230V (Type C, D, F, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas, especially for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff (around 5
10% or a few thousand Kyats)
Small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants

Money & Payments

ATMs are increasingly available in major cities, but cash is still king, especially in rural areas
Credit card acceptance is limited, mostly to high
end hotels and restaurants in major cities
Bringing US dollars (crisp, new bills) is highly recommended for exchange
While less common now, there was historically a black market for cash, but it's generally not recommended to use it anymore

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
Remove shoes and socks when entering temples, pagodas, and private homes
Do not touch anyone on the head
Use your right hand for eating and passing objects as the left hand is considered unclean
Avoid public displays of affection
It is considered rude to point with your feet or to step over someone's legs

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Laws against same-sex sexual activity exist and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even small amounts of drugs

Special Laws

Photography near military installations or government buildings is forbidden
It is illegal to insult or mock Buddhism or its symbols
Tourists are often required to stay in licensed accommodation

Common Phrases

HelloMingalaba (min-ga-la-bah) မင်္ဂလာပါ

GoodbyeThwa ba mal (thwa-bah-mal) သွားပါမယ်

Thank youKyay zu tin ba de (chay-zoo-tin-ba-deh) ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Mar
May
Monsoon Season: Jun
Oct (floods are possible)

Getting There

Fly to Nyaung
U Airport (Bagan) from Yangon or Mandalay (approx
1h, $50
100)
Overnight bus from Yangon (9
10h, $15
25)
Boat from Mandalay (10
12h, $20
30)

Getting Around

E
bikes and bicycles are popular for exploring the temples
Horse carts available for hire
Taxis can be arranged for longer distances
No prominent ride
sharing apps like Grab in Bagan

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) recommended
Hepatitis A/B recommended
Typhoid recommended
Malaria risk present in rural areas (consult doctor for prophylaxis)
Probiotics recommended due to local food and water
No significant altitude concerns

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited; local SIM cards (MPT, Ooredoo, Telenor) are a better option
Airalo and Nomad may offer limited Myanmar eSIMs, but coverage and reliability can vary

Local Cuisine

Mohinga must_try

Considered the national dish of Myanmar, this savory fish soup is a must-try in Bagan. It is typically served with rice noodles and richly flavored wi

Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) regional_speciality

This unique and popular Burmese dish consists of fermented tea leaves mixed with various ingredients such as nuts, beans, seeds, and often tomatoes an

Burmese Curry must_try

Burmese curries are typically milder than Indian or Thai versions, focusing on a rich mix of spices and herbs. Meals are served with rice and a variet

Shan Noodles regional_speciality

Originating from the Shan State, these rice noodles are a popular comfort food in Bagan. They are served in a savory tomato-based sauce, often with ch

Coconut Chicken Noodles (Kaukswe) regional_speciality

An authentic Burmese dish featuring rice noodles in a creamy, rich coconut juice and chicken broth. This is a flavorful and satisfying dish that stand

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Balloons Over Bagan Hot Air Balloon Ride tour_or_activity

Book 1.5–6 months in advance

This activity is extremely popular, operates only during the dry season (roughly October to April), and sells out completely months in advance, especially for premium dates.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation (Guesthouses/Hotels) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

The best-rated accommodations, especially those in prime locations for sunrise views or during high season, fill up quickly.

Fun Facts

1. During its peak between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist religious structures were built across the Bagan plains, illustrating an immense, concentrated spiritual devotion in a relatively small area.
2. Bagan was once known as 'Pagan,' and served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Pagan Empire for over 250 years (1044 to 1287 AD).
3. Even after the kingdom's decline, people continued to visit Bagan, though they focused their worship on a few prominent temples like Ananda and Shwezigon, leaving thousands of others to slowly fall into disrepair over centuries.
4. Despite centuries of neglect and damage from earthquakes—including one in 1975 that severely impacted structures like the Bupaya—more than 2,200 ancient temples and pagodas remain standing today across the vast archaeological zone.

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