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What To Do In Bagan? Best Things To Do In Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is a famous city in Myanmar with thousands of pagodas and temples. Historical sites in Bagan attract countless tourists when visiting Myanmar. Bagan not only contains relics of time. Countless, other vibrant and diverse experiences are waiting to be discovered. Bagan unquestionably is listed in any noteworthy Myanmar itinerary. So what to do in Bagan? You can refer to our list of top best activities that you should not miss in Bagan.

1. Exploring the temples in Bagan
2. Ballooning over Bagan, Myanmar
3. Watching stunning sunrise and sunset in Bagan
4. Exploring Bagan on a bicycle
5. Experiencing Burmese cuisine in Bagan
6. Visiting Lawkananda Paya
7. Visiting markets in Bagan

1. Exploring the temples in Bagan

Myanmar, once known as the Kingdom of Pagan, showcases the remnants of the Pagan Empire's architectural prowess. Over centuries, the empire erected tens of thousands of Buddhist temples, and pagodas across the plains of Bagan, though there are just over 2000 pagodas that exist today in the Bagan Archaeological Zone due to frequent earthquakes in the region. What to do in Bagan? When planning your itinerary, you should not miss exploring Bagan's pagodas. You must pay the purchase of an MMK 25,000 ticket to enter the Bagan Archaeological Zone. This fee contributes to ongoing restoration efforts to preserve this extraordinary archaeological site. And remember to carry this ticket while visiting pagodas.

Among the preferred pagodas in Bagan are iconic structures such as the Ananda Temple, Sulamani Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, the Sein Nyet Sister Temples, and the Shwesandaw Pagoda. The temples in Bagan have distinctive architecture, falling into two primary categories: stupa-style solid temples or hollow ones. Although temples often fit into these categories, each one possesses a unique appearance. It's a pity that from May 2019, climbing most pagodas in Bagan is prohibited. Visitors are urged to show respect, adhere to signage, and refrain from attempting to climb closed pagodas. What can we do in Bagan when visiting temples? There are some temples you can still climb on in Bagan. You can find temples with the help of locals for an additional cost.

Plain of temples in Bagan

Tap to discover more information about:
>>Bagan Travel Guide
>>Where to stay in Bagan?

2. Ballooning over Bagan, Myanmar

What to see in Bagan? If you're not afraid of heights and have the budget for a unique adventure, consider the recommended hot-air balloon tour. Taking a hot air balloon ride is an exciting adventure, and you will have a memorable journey in Myanmar. Witnessing the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the temples is one of the best activities in Bagan, and hot air ballooning is the best vantage point to watch the sunrise. The temples of Bagan are most attractive when viewed from a high vantage point, and there's no better perspective than the one you'll get from a hot air balloon gliding 2,000 feet in the air.

These flights provide a relatively quiet experience along with the warm red glow of the rising sun, creating optimal lighting conditions for viewing Bagan's temples. The hot air balloon rises high, providing uninterrupted views of temples, rolling grasslands, and other hot air balloon locations dotting the sky. The approximately 45-minute to an hour-long flight is ideal for those seeking a broader perspective of the vastness of the Bagan plains. After this adventure, take time to explore the temples up close by bike or on foot for a closer look.

3. Watching stunning sunrise and sunset in Bagan

Watching the sunset from a pagoda is undeniably one of the must-do activities in Bagan. While it may sound like a cliché, the experience is genuinely special and deserving of a spot on everyone's bucket list. Even if you're not an early riser, waking up at around 4:00 or 5:00 am is highly recommended. The sunrise in Bagan is truly one of the most remarkable sights, where you can envision the sun rising over ancient temples, feeling its warmth on your face, accompanied by the soothing sounds of birds welcoming the new day. As if that weren't enough, the sight of numerous hot-air balloons in the distance adds an extra layer of magic. Whether capturing this breathtaking moment or simply reveling in its magnificence, it's an experience worth putting at the top of your Bagan itinerary.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, you can strategically position yourself to create black silhouettes with the stupas or choose a vantage point with the sun behind you, illuminating the pagodas in hues of pink and gold. Ananda and Shwesandaw remain the most popular choices, albeit consistently crowded, as many coach tours guide tourists to these spots for the breathtaking Bagan sunset.

4. Exploring Bagan on a bicycle

What to do in Bagan? Explore Bagan at your own pace: choose from scooters, taxis, or buses. However, the most enjoyable and cost-effective way to travel through the vast Bagan Archaeological Site is by bicycle. Cycling past the temples scattered across the plains in Bagan is a unique experience. Despite the heat, renting a bike will explore quiet streets, sandy paths to villages and small temples, making the trip extremely enjoyable.

The similarity of many temples makes the spontaneous exploration on a bicycle an ideal choice. Yet, the true adventure lies in uncovering the lesser-known series of small temples. These temples, often maintained by Burmese families, graciously welcome visitors to enter and view Buddha statues or paintings within. These families may suggest purchasing one of their sand paintings, and politeness allows for an easy decline if it doesn't align with your interests.

Cycling around the temples of Bagan

5. Experiencing Burmese cuisine in Bagan

Enjoying food is an indispensable part of the trip and so is traveling to Bagan. Bagan's culinary scene has developed significantly thanks to the constant influx of international tourists. In addition to Burmese and Chinese cuisine, establishments now offer Thai, Indian, Tibetan, and even British cuisine.

The local climate and availability of ingredients influence the culinary style, with most dishes featuring seasonal vegetables and mild flavors adjusted to combat the heat. Because Bagan is a popular tourist destination, eating out is not as cheap as one might imagine. So what to do in Bagan? There are still some cheap dining options, especially around Nyaung U, where there are many backpacker hostels.

Cooking class in Bagan

6. Visiting Lawkananda Paya

What to see in Bagan? Lawkananda Pagoda, built during the reign of King Anawrahta in 1059, is historically significant because it houses the Buddha's tooth relic in the heart of Bagan. Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the temple served as a gathering point for ships from regions such as Mon, Rakhine and even as far as Sri Lanka during the period of the Bagan dynasty's influence.

Distinguished by its distinctive elongated cylindrical dome, Lawkananda remains a place of worship. Breathe in fresh air while admiring the vibrant scenery of the riverbank. In ancient times, boats plying the waterways of Arakan often stopped at this unique riverside temple in Bagan, making it one of the few structures of its kind along the river.

The Pagoda sits above the Irawaddy River

7. Visiting markets in Bagan

What to do in Bagan? Explore local markets in Myanmar where traditional shopping activities take place in a unique cultural way. These bustling shopping markets not only showcase a wide variety of products but also offer the opportunity to gain insight into their daily lives and vibrant culture. Breathe in the fragrance of local rice, witness friendly faces adorned with yellow Thanaka (local sunscreen), learn about the origins of this traditional custom and capture these moments with your camera to treasure the experiences.

If you are looking for crafts and souvenirs, you can visit the Lacquerware Workshops in Bagan. Lacquerware is one of Myanmar's most famous crafts. Each piece is carved and crafted by hand using traditional materials and age-old techniques. Yet its timeless beauty and historical significance make it an exciting choice for discerning collectors.

Bagan - home to thousands of temples with breathtaking views - invites you to a land filled with unforgettable experiences. We have compiled a curated list of the best activities in Bagan. What to do in Bagan? Autour Asia stands ready to be your travel companion, facilitating the planning of your Myanmar trip. From planning your itinerary to suit your preferences and budget to seamlessly managing all aspects, including bookings, accommodation and transport, we can help you. Seize the opportunity to traverse the enchanting landscapes of Myanmar by contacting Autour Asia - Vietnam local travel agency.

It is advisable to refer to the following circuits:
>>Myanmar day trips
>>Balloon flights
>>Myanmar trip package
>> Myanmar 10 days