$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Bagan

Myanmar

Pace: relaxed Historic Scenic Spiritual Serene
Ideal trip length
3 - 5 days
Busiest
Nov-Feb
Bagan
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Bagan

Book direct on our own Bagan hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Burmese and English
Local currency
MMK (MMK)
Local time
(GMT+6)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Nyaung-U
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
appreciated but not mandatory

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 65 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Mohinga Laphet Thoke Shan Noodles Curries

When to visit Bagan

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Nov-Feb
  1. Jan
    90

    Cool, dry, clear skies

  2. Feb
    85

    Warm, dry, pleasant

  3. Mar
    70

    Hot, dry, getting warmer

  4. Apr
    50

    Very hot, dry, dusty

  5. May
    40

    Hot, start of rain

  6. Jun
    30

    Warm, rainy, lush

  7. Jul
    30

    Warm, rainy, wettest

  8. Aug
    35

    Warm, rainy, humid

  9. Sept
    45

    Warm, end of rain

  10. Oct
    60

    Warm, less rain, green

  11. Nov
    80

    Cooler, dry, pleasant

  12. Dec
    90

    Cool, dry, ideal

Things to do in Bagan

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Bagan Plain 3 hrs

Soar above the temple-dotted plains at sunrise for an unforgettable panoramic view.

Outdoors Good for children

Mount Popa Day Trip

Outside Bagan 6 hrs

Visit the sacred monastery perched atop a volcanic plug, home to Nats spirits.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Lacquerware Workshop

Myinkaba 2 hrs

Learn about the traditional craft of Bagan lacquerware and watch artisans at work.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Sunset at Shwesandaw Pagoda

Old Bagan 2 hrs

Climb a designated temple or pagoda for a classic Bagan sunset view over the plains.

Outdoors Good for children

Irrawaddy River Sunset Cruise

Nyaung-U 2 hrs

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Irrawaddy River, watching the sunset over the water.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

3 places

Explore Ancient Temples

Bagan Plain 6 hrs

Wander among thousands of ancient pagodas and temples, discovering unique architecture.

Outdoors Good for children

E-bike Temple Hopping

Bagan Plain 5 hrs

Rent an e-bike to freely explore the vast temple complex at your own pace.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Ananda Temple

Old Bagan 1.5 hrs

Marvel at the architectural beauty and large standing Buddhas of this iconic temple.

Indoors Good for children

Bagan itineraries

View All itineraries
Culture and history

3 Days in Bagan — Culture & History

Unearth the ancient wonders and spiritual heart of Myanmar's temple plain.

This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into the rich history and vibrant culture of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore magnificent ancient temples, witness traditional craftsmanship, and soak in breathtaking sunsets over a landscape dotted with thousands of pagodas. Perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and photographers seeking a profound journey through a bygone era.

3 Days 15 Stops
See the full plan

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Mohinga 95 · Outstanding
Laphet Thoke 87 · Outstanding
Shan Noodles 78 · Very good
Curries 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Hot Air Balloon Ride 95 · Outstanding
Explore Ancient Temples 91 · Outstanding
Sunset At Shwesandaw Pagoda 88 · Outstanding
E-bike Temple Hopping 84 · Very good
Visit Ananda Temple 81 · Very good
Lacquerware Workshop 77 · Very good
Irrawaddy River Sunset Cruise 74 · Good
Mount Popa Day Trip 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 90 · Outstanding
Families 85 · Outstanding
Friends 80 · Very good
Budget 75 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Rent an e-bike to explore temples at your own pace. 95 · Outstanding
Dress modestly when visiting temples; shoulders and knees covered. 83 · Very good
Book hot air balloon rides well in advance, especially for peak season. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Bagan

Straight-line distance from the centre of Bagan.

Getaways from Bagan

Places people from Bagan travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app