What are the best things to do in Bagan?
Top picks in Bagan include Bagan Archaeological Zone temples, Shwesandaw Pagoda sunset, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple. See the full list and itinerary on this Bagan travel guide.
Photo: Corto Maltese 1999 · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Bagan
Travel guide for Bagan, Myanmar — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Bagan is a stop in Myanmar, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 4 days. If time is short, prioritise Bagan Archaeological Zone temples, Shwesandaw Pagoda sunset, Ananda Temple instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 25–70 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Bagan
1
Bagan Archaeological Zone temples
2
Shwesandaw Pagoda sunset
3
Ananda Temple
4
Dhammayangyi Temple
5
Hot-air balloon ride (seasonal)
6
Sulamani Temple
7
Irrawaddy river sunset cruise
8
Thatbyinnyu Temple
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bagan
Bagan Archaeological Zone temples
Shwesandaw Pagoda sunset
Ananda Temple
Dhammayangyi Temple
Sulamani Temple
Thatbyinnyu Temple
Dhamma Yangyi Temple
Htilominlo Temple
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Bagan itinerary (4 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Ananda Temple
- Visit Dhamma Yangyi Temple
- Visit Manuhar Pagoda
- Eat at South end of Bagan-Nyaung U, Lanmadaw 3 Rd
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Htilominlo Temple
- Visit Shwe Gugyi Temple
- Visit Shwe Zigon Temple
- Eat at Restaurant Row
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit That Byin Nyu Temple
- Visit Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Visit Bagan Nan Myint Tower
- Eat at Black Bamboo
Budget
Bagan trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–70
per person / day
Luxury
USD 80–135+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Bagan, Myanmar. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Bagan
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Bagan mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–70 · luxury 80–135+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
South end of Bagan-Nyaung U, Lanmadaw 3 Rd
Restaurant Row
Black Bamboo
The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant
The Golden Emperor
Kyah Restaurant
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate
Kaday Aung Hotel
Crown Prince Hotel
Areindmar Hotel
Manisanda Hotel
Shopping
- Ananda Books
- Jasmine Family Lacquerware
- Myinkaba Village Market
- Mani Sithu Market
Museums & culture
- Ananda Temple
- Dhamma Yangyi Temple
- Htilominlo Temple
- Shwe Gugyi Temple
- Shwe Zigon Temple
- That Byin Nyu Temple
In pictures
Bagan gallery
Photos: Corto Maltese 1999, Jakub Hałun, Gerd Eichmann, bartvanpoll — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Bagan travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Bagan?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Bagan?
Plan at least 4 days in Bagan for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Bagan?
Popular stays in Bagan include The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate, Kaday Aung Hotel, Crown Prince Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Bagan cost?
On the ground in Bagan (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–70, and luxury about 80–135+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Bagan, Myanmar. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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