Amazing Bagan

Bagan is the top destination in Myanmar! Therefore, I have already been there many times with friends and family.

It is a unique place you should not miss when travelling in Myanmar. There are thousands of pagodas dating from 11th to 13th centuries. My favorite thing in Bagan is getting lost and ending to be alone in the temples. Even it is touristic, it is so vast that you don't come across a lot of tourists, excepted on the famous sunrise and sunset temples.

Here are my tips for a perfect time in Bagan !

How to visit Bagan?

If you are not especially a fan of old temples, two days should be enough to explore the area.
The better way to go around Bagan is to rent an e-bike, an electric scooter very easy to drive. It is a lot of fun to drive around the temples. It is also possible to rent bikes. For example, old Bagan is not so big and it is possible to bike around. But I always got discouraged by the heat.... Bagan can be very hot especially from March to May.
I also advice to choose an hotel with swimming-pool. It can be very hot during the day and you will probably be happy to have a break at the swimming pool from 12 to 3pm.

Day 1 : Old Bagan and the most famous temples 

There are 3 areas in Bagan: Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung Oo. In Old Bagan, there are the biggest and more famous temples. I usually start by visiting those ones.

Here is a selection of my favorite:

Gawdawpalin temple



Thatbyinyu temple

Bu Paya temple 

And smaller ones all around....

Ananda temple :

 At the entrance of Old Bagan, there is maybe the most famous and visited temple : Ananda.

Between Old Bagan and Nyaung Oo

One of my favorite is this white temple, from where there is a very nice view.









Sunset

Of course, a perfect day in Bagan ends with a sunset.
Depending on when I went, some temples where closed. The most famous and highest is Shwe San Daw Pagoda. It very crowded but I think it worth it to go for one sunset or sunrise.

In November 2017, Shwe San Daw was closed so we watched this gorgeous sunset from Bulethi Pagoda. The spot is really good because you have a view over all the big temples but it was crowded too...

After the sun disappeared, I recommend to stay few more minutes. The most beautiful moment is when the sky get darker and some of the pagodas are illuminated.

Day 2 : get lost in the temples

The best way to discover Bagan is defenetly to get lost in the temples and just stop wherever you like. I went four times and each time discovered hidden gem.

Maha Zedi pagoda from where you have a very good view

Dhammayazika pagoda : this golden temple is one of my favorite because it is surrounded by a lot of vegetation and is very animated.







When you can, try to climb at the top of temples and take time to admire the endless view.
For example, the view from Tha Mu Hti and Pyathetgyi is awesome!







Sulami temple 

Sulami temple is one of the temple I visited with the better maintained paintings.

Bagan is not just about temples. There are also lively villages to explore. 

I really like Leya village and its teak Nat Taung monastery.  

I also like to go to Minnathu village where they sell local handicraft like lacquer and cigarettes. People are clearly waiting for the tourists but it is nice to see how they make those handicraft products. 

And don't forget to take some time to relax on a temple: 

Last time I went to Bagan, we decided to watch our second sunset from a more quiet temple: Thitsarwadi padoga. We were very few people and it was magical. 

Sunrise

Of course, a trip to Bagan is not complete without a sunrise. The sunrise may be less spectacular than sunset because it is slower but it is such an amazing and spiritual moment. If you have the chance, you will be able to see the balloons rising : an unforgettable moment!
In November 2017, I enjoyed the sunset from Taung Guni Pagoda. It was not too crowded and there is a good view over the temples and balloons. (Heard that Myauk Guni is also a good stop but it was closed when I visited).

We also had the chance to assist to a beautiful couple's wedding photo shooting! 

Where to eat ?

I love the vegetarian restaurant : The Moon in Old Bagan.
The food is fresh. We had awesome avocado salad, fresh juices, burgers and egg and asparagus.



My favorite place to hangout in is Bagan Zay.
Food is tasty and fresh. They give a modern touch to traditional Myanmar dishes. Try the fish or the pork! The cocktails are awesome!
Great atmosphere and great music : it is the perfect place after a long day or for lunch break.



Sharky's restaurant opened a branch in Bagan. The food is really good but little bit expensive. It is the occasion to try locally made cheese! Ice-cream is amazing (especially the caramel one).

In New Bagan,  there is a very good pizzeria : la Pizza.

Where to stay? 

I loved Bagan Umbra and Arthawka. Both have comfortable rooms, big swimming pools and very good buffet breakfast.