Many visitors come to Bagan, the most well-known destination in Myanmar with over 2,000 Buddhist monuments dating back the 2nd century. The Bagan plain is one of the most unique place you can find on Earth, considered as the equal (or even superior) to the famous Angkor Wat Complex. We suggest you a list of the best things to do in Bagan.


1. Discover the splendid Bagan temples

Delve into the World Heritage site of Bagan. The thousands of temples that are spread across the plains of Bagan combine to form one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia and provide views quite unlike anywhere else on earth. A viewpoint over the Bagan plains from an elevated temple will give you a panoramic view and a taste of the variety of architectural styles in the area. Admire an extraordinary sunset from the upper terrace of one of temples.

Ananda Temple

Ananda Temple is one of the most exalted of Bagan’s temples. Reach this point early morning to beat the crowd and to enjoy the splendor of the temple in relative tranquility.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Have a look around the Old Bagan with a visit of the renowned Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial.

Dhammayangyi Temple

The gigantic Dhammayangyi Temple is noted for its remarkable brickwork.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu is the tallest temple in Bagan.


2. Fly over Bagan

Some visitors come to Bagan with the sole purpose of flying on the hot air balloon and enjoy the mystical panoramic view of the plain basking under the new light of the day. Taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the town in the early morning is a chance for you to explore the best of Bagan.
(Excursion not available all year, contact us for more details)


3. Observe traditional craftsmen at work

Traveling amid the temples, you will get a taste of rural Bagan life in this ‘living museum’ setting where farmers and families work amongst the monuments.

Observe traditional craftsmen at work in Myinkabar Village, a craft village famous for the lacquerwares. Explore the village on foot, getting a glimpse of local lifestyles of Bagan’s residents. Learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch in amazement as the skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.


4. Shop at the Nyaung U Market

At the vibrant Nyaung U Market, the locals come to trade fresh products and other goods daily. The place provides a lot of photo opportunities and a good chance to create a first approach with the local culture.


5. Cruise on the Irrawaddy River

Your eyes will be satisfied with fabulous scenes of life on the water throughout your Irrawaddy River: fishermen, local ferry boats, riverside villages and Bagan temples. You will have a choice of different itineraries on the Irrawaddy River.

You can cruise the mighty Irrawaddy River to a decidedly unusual ‘cave’ temple near Kyauk Gu U Min. This beautiful temple, with its exquisite stone carvings depicting religious figures and flowers on the door, was built on the side of the cliff, so that you can enter a cave behind the main hall of the temple. Inside the cave are several small niches where you can practice meditation. Legend has it that the cave was built during the 13th century for the locals to hide from the invading Mongols.

Embark on a private boat and set off upstream to visit typical riverside villages, as Sae Lan village for exemple.

For a perfect end to a busy day of sightseeing in Bagan, prefer a sunset cruise on a private wooden river boat. Admire fabulous views of Bagan as the sun sets over the magical Myanmar Buddhist temples.