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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Old Bagan
sightseeingArchaeological heart with major temples inside ancient walls. Ananda Temple (masterpiece), Thatbyinnyu (tallest), Shwesandaw (sunset spot). Most temples concentrated here. Limited accommodation - mostly upscale. UNESCO protected core zone.
New Bagan
accommodationPurpose-built tourist town south of Old Bagan. Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, tour agencies. Created when locals relocated from archaeological zone. Best base for budget/mid-range travelers. 10 minutes to main temples.
Nyaung U
budgetLocal market town with airport, bus station, vibrant morning market. Shwezigon Pagoda (prototype for Shwedagon). Most authentic local life, cheapest accommodation. Nyaung U Market for souvenirs and snacks. Backpacker hub.
Central Plain Temples
photographyThe vast plain between villages - where magic happens. Thousands of temples scattered among farmland. Best explored by e-bike or horse cart. Sunrise from Shwesandaw or Pyathada (if accessible). Get lost and discover hidden gems.
Irrawaddy Riverfront
sunsetMyanmar's lifeline river at Bagan's doorstep. Sunset boat cruises (10,000-20,000 MMK), slow boats to Mandalay (scenic 10-12 hours). Bu Paya pagoda overlooking water. Watch local life on the river. Cool breezes welcome in hot season.
Mount Popa
day tripDay trip 50km from Bagan - extinct volcano with monastery on volcanic plug. 777 steps to top (barefoot!). Home of nat spirits (animist tradition). Cheeky monkeys steal everything. Views over central Myanmar. Combine with toddy palm village.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Bagan
Most temple climbing is now restricted to protect structures and for safety. A few viewing platforms remain. Check current rules. E-bike exploration is the main way to see temples.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Bagan
Bagan Zone Fee 2025: 25,000 MMK (~$12) for 3 days, valid for all temples. Buy at hotel or checkpoint. Keep ticket - may be checked. Some checkpoints may ask for more - official price is 25,000. Most temples free once inside zone.
E-bikes essential! Rent for 8,000-15,000 MMK/day. No license needed. Slow (25km/h max) but perfect for temple exploring. Charge lasts full day. Careful on sandy paths - many falls. Helmet rarely provided. Alternative: horse carts (negotiable).
Sunrise is THE experience! Best temples: Shwesandaw (crowded but iconic), Pyathada (if open). Hot air balloons (Oct-March, $350-450, book ahead). Start at 5am, sunrise around 6am. Sunset from Irrawaddy boat also magical.
Getting there: Flights from Yangon (1.5h, ~$80-120), Mandalay (30min). Bus from Yangon (10h overnight, $15-25). Slow boat from Mandalay (10-12h, scenic, ~$30). Fast boat also available (6h). Airport 4km from Nyaung U.
Temple etiquette: Always barefoot inside temples (socks OK). Cover shoulders and knees. Don't touch Buddha statues. Don't point feet at Buddha. No climbing restricted temples (fines). Be respectful - these are active worship sites.
Best season: November-February (cool, clear). March-May unbearably hot (40°C+). June-October monsoon - dramatic clouds but some temples inaccessible. Hot air balloons only October-March. Mornings always best for photography.
Cash only! Same as all Myanmar. USD or MMK. No working ATMs most of time. Bring enough from Yangon/Mandalay. Budget: $30-50/day comfortable (accommodation $10-30, meals $3-5, e-bike $5-8, zone fee $12).
Must-see temples: Ananda (most beautiful), Thatbyinnyu (tallest), Dhammayangyi (largest), Shwezigon (golden, in Nyaung U), Sulamani (fine murals), Htilominlo (ornate). Allow 2-3 full days minimum. Can't see everything - don't try!
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
19°
19°84%5 м/с
Today29°19°
29°19°Tomorrow28°18°
28°18°Thu29°18°
29°18°Fri
29°16°
29°16°Sat30°16°
30°16°Sun30°14°
30°14°Mon31°14°
31°14°30°
15°Jan
33°
17°Feb
37°
22°Mar
40°
26°Apr
38°
27°May
35°
26°Jun
34°
26°Jul
33°
26°Aug
33°
25°Sep
33°
24°Oct
32°
20°Nov
29°
16°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.taxi
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Safety
Medium safety level
Follow standard precautions
IMPORTANT 2025: Same Myanmar warnings apply - check government advisories. Bagan is part of 'Tourist Kite' (safer zone). Petty theft rare but lock valuables. E-bikes can be dangerous on sandy paths - accidents happen. Heat extreme March-May. Earthquake damage from 2016 being restored.