Super Bagan Travel Guide
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Last Updated December 2018
Bagan is easily the most popular attractions in Myanmar / Burma. This can't miss site is a little like Cambodia's Angkor Wat in significance and spectacle, minus the crowds.
See my other Myanmar Travel Tips
A few notes before we get started. Myanmar / Burma is a place that is rapidly changing, so some things (like prices) might be slightly different from what you see here when you go. Use them as a guideline, and not a rule. If you start in Bagan, travel through the rest of Burma may also seem more expensive. If you have been recently, let me know your experiences in the comments below.
I've spent more than 8 months in and around Bagan / Nyaung U area between 2013 and 2018 searching out Bagan's best sunrise and sunsets (and more!), and here is what you need to know to make the most of your time there. Prices are often listed in Myanmar kyat, which is roughly 1550 kyat / $1 USD (give or take).
Be sure to check out my new Kalaw Super Travel Guide if you're heading to beautiful Shan State.
Quick Links to the Bagan Super Travel Guide:
How Long Should I Visit Bagan?
You might have set aside 1-3 days for your Bagan travel, and I'm telling you to take whatever you have planned and add a day or two. Bagan is not a great place to rush through, and you'll just leave feeling exhausted and may not appreciate it in the way you perhaps could. However many days in Bagan you plan, you'll end up wanting more.
Take your time, get your rest, and try to make every sunrise and sunset. These are the times that are the most magical, and you probably came to Myanmar to take in the magic it has to offer. Don't ruin it by rushing around and trying to check off a list!
How to Get Around Bagan
First, get a map!
The first thing you should do when you arrive is get a map. For 1000 kyat (~$1 USD) you'll get a large foldable and detailed map with the main temples of interest labeled, as well as hundreds of others that are nameless but also potentially awesome.
Also importantly, you'll have all of the roads / paths listed on there. This is great for (generally) planning your day, and finding ways to avoid the traffic around the major sites, which is particularly horrible around sunset time.
Traffic can be horrible around sunset, so plan ahead!
This map is much better than the one you have in your guidebook, and at 1000 kyat, it's a steal. You can get it from pretty much any little shop in Nyaung U, Old Bagan, or New Bagan.
The free maps are typically bare on details, and while the Yangood's map looks pretty, it doesn't have much for depth.
Now that you have your trusty map, There are a few ways to make your way around the Bagan area.
Bicycle
1000-2000k/day
An old favorite. If you're going with a bicycle, get one with gears, and be sure you take it for a spin first. Many of them are poorly maintained, and the last thing you'll want is to be pushing it back home at the end of the day. Speaking of, many of the paths and secondary "roads" are quite sandy, so expect to be pushing the bike a reasonable chunk of the time anyways.
E-Bike
5000k-8000k / day or ~1000k-2500k/hr
My personal favorite, these electric bikes are a recent addition (2013) to the Bagan area, and if you ask me, they're awesome. All the freedom of the bicycle, without the pedaling. What more could you want?
It's not all flowers and high-fives though. These cheap, made-in-China bikes are sometimes treated poorly, so it's very important that you give it a quick ride before picking one out. Check to see if the handlebars are tight, the breaks work well, and the accelerator works properly. It's also important to make sure you have the company phone number on the bike or a card in the case of breakdown. Seriously, I've been there.
E-bike is the best option for getting around. No question.
Cheaper vs more expensive? The e-bikes have seen an upgrade from a few years ago, and almost all of the ones around are the newer type. You might pay more if you're in Old Bagan or staying at a resort, but 6000k - 8000k/day is about the going rate these days otherwise.
You can double up on the bikes if you like, but honestly with the cost being so low, and the fun-factor so high, it's best to go solo on all but the biggest e-bikes. Most of these things were not made with two westerners in mind, and how they handle driving two-up shows it. Add this to the fact that you won't have a (real) helmet, and you should play it safer... in relative Myanmar terms of course. Larger bikes that can better manage 2 people run about 8000-10000k/day.
Driving fast saps your power, so if you're running low, ease off the accelerator to preserve your juice so you can make it back. Also, your max speed and power will decrease as the battery power drops. You'll be able to get about a full day out with a full charge I find. Recently, I nearly drove to Chauk and back (~80km) returning with battery to spare thanks to choosing a slower (and slightly less fun) speed.
Important sunrise tip: If you're planning on a sunrise, it's important to know that most of the bike shops won't open until after 8am, a couple of hours too late to witness the magic you came here for. Talk to your bike rental place about keeping the bike overnight at your guesthouse and returning it the next day. If you're planning on keeping the bike for multiple days, I recommend taking the bike back after sunrise sometime, and having them swap the battery for a fresh one so you can keep going, and continue driving an e-bike you're familiar with. My favorite place is "Modern Bike" along the main road in Nyaung U near the turnoff for Shwezigon Pagoda Road. They take good care of their bikes, and were very accommodating when I would come and swap out my battery each day. They also quickly came to the rescue when I had bike troubles.
Horse Carriage
~20000+ / day. More for sunrise.
Ahh horse carriage, what a romantic way to see the temples of Bagan. Or maybe not.
Expect a bumpy, uncomfortable, and dusty ride with a horse carriage. It's not at all a grand experience, in the same way that you're not Victorian-era royalty.
On the plus side, horse carriage is low effort, as your driver will probably just drive you around from place to place, maybe giving you a bit of information here and there.
On the down side, you'll need to hold on tight and you'll be exhausted when you're finished. If you feel like you must give the horse cart a try, I'd recommend getting one just for sunset.
Motorcycles
It's against the law for foreigners to drive or ride on a motorbike in and around Bagan, so don't bother trying to rent one, and don't try to solicit a ride on one. I'm told that the police have hauled in a few locals for giving rides to foreigners or renting them motorcycles, so it's not just yourself that you're putting at risk.
Tuk-Tuk
5000--25000k / day
A new addition to the Bagan plains, these small, three-wheeled tuk-tuks come from India, and can be found around Nyaung U and New Bagan. You can cram a couple of people into the back of one of these, and you won't get much of a view, but super handy to get around town, or maybe a morning jaunt to the temples.
Car
20000--60000k / day
If you'd like A/C during your temple run, then a hired taxi will be the way to go. Expect to pay between 20000k to 60000k for the day, perhaps more with a guide. Some temples are inaccessible because of the sandy "roads" and others you can walk to faster than a car get drive to.
What You Need For a Day of Temple Hopping in Bagan
Flashlight / headlamp for dark temples, or late / early explorations.
Water
Money
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera
Face mask (for keeping the dust out of your lungs while moving about)
Light jacket for the early mornings or late evenings, particularly if you're creating a wind flying down the road on your e-bike (like me!)
Clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. (see "Respect in Bagan" below)
Making the Most of the Bagan Temples
Avoid the crowds by getting out for the early morning. I suggest getting up and on the road before 6am. The majority of the touts don't come out until 8:00 or later, and they're lazy in the morning anyways. The sun isn't as intense, the air is cooler, and the light is great for photos. Add the fog and smoke in the air, and you've got yourself a magical morning just waiting for you. So get out of bed, grab your jacket, and fire up that e-bike! (note: I hope your e-bike doesn't actually start on fire)
Start early, Stay late.
After a morning jaunt, head to someplace cool and quiet for lunch, or grab an afternoon nap (or my favorite, both). The light will be harsh and poor for photos in the mid-day sun, not to mention the intense heat. Besides the odd temple, there aren't a lot of places to hide from the sun in the plains of Bagan. Save your energy for later in the day.
About 3:30pm or so, head back out for a sunset to remember. Plan to be at your temple of choice early, in case you get yourself caught behind a traffic jam of buses and ox carts trying to make the mad rush as well. Seriously, it happens. It'll also give you a chance to check out the light in both directions. Don't forget to look backwards to see how the warm light looks opposite the sunset. Sometimes it's actually more beautiful than watching the bright sun dropping behind the horizon itself.
Most people clear out of the temple area and rush back for dinner right after the sun goes down. This leaves you with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the place for awhile by yourself. If you want to visit the big temples without another tourist around, just head by after 7:00pm. You'll probably be the only one there and you'll have a completely different experience. Check out (haunted) Dhammayangi after dark, but bring a flashlight or headlamp. If you don't have one, someone outside might rent one to you for a small tip.
The Best Bagan Sunrise and Sunset Temples
Note: As of January 2018, climbing the temples has been banned. Most major ones have staff on hand to make sure no one will climb. This is in part to preserving the temples, and for safety reasons. In November 2017, an American tourist was killed after falling from a temple.
Instead, the government has built “viewing mounds” around the Bagan plains. Some, with larger parking lots, can see hundreds of tourists on them at sunset, which some others (Minnanthu) can be found mostly empty.
Here are some of my favorite temples for sunrise and sunset. They are ones that don't see the masses that the main ones can because I prefer solitude over tourists elbowing their way to a better view. In no particular order.
Buledi (394)
Popular with the backpacker crowd as it's relatively close to Nyaung U along Anawrahta Road (easily accessible by bike), and the sandy "road" going in can't handle a bus. Expect to share it with hosts of others, but at least there are a lot of places to sit on either side. The stairs are steep, so be careful and take your time. Good for sunrise or sunset.
After damage in the Aug 2016 quake, Buledi was closed for about 6 months. As of February 2017, it's back open. They are often checking for your valid Bagan pass at the desk in front.
Thebeik Hmauk
One of my favorites. Looks out over Sulamani at sunset, and is accessible from around the back of it. It's worth noting that the road back to Nyaung U on the map is very rough and a great way to get lost, so take the road back towards Sulamani instead (particularly after dark). There is one steep staircase, one OK one.
NOTE: When I was last there in November 2018, the temple was unfortunately locked. The family that watches over it (Myint Thong) told me that the government took the key, and currently no one is allowed up there. If this has changed, let me know in the comments or by e-mail.
1174
This unnamed temple is easily accessible from Anawrata Road heading south from Nyaung U closer to Old Bagan. It's not labeled well, but it's your second left after passing the turnoff for Buledi from Nyaung U. Getting to the first platform is just a set of stairs (nothing too crazy) but requires some climbing to get to the 2nd and 3rd platforms. Thiri and her friendly family are the keyholders to the temple, are very friendly and will help you up.
Oak-Kyaung-Gyi
Off the beaten path so you'll likely share this with only a few for sunrise. At sunset expect 30-40+ neighbors now, but like most places, it clears out shortly after the sun goes down. Stay for 30 minutes after sunset for the best photos looking south towards Old Bagan.
Access the temple off the Bagan-Nyaung U Road south of Hti-Lo-Min-Lo at the Raya-Nda-Zu group. Follow the increasingly more sandy road until you see it on the left. It's a square temple, and you'll enter and head up the stairs along the inside wall on your right. This place is dark, so have your headlamp ready. Keep moving up, there is only one way to the top, but watch your footing. While not particularly tall, it's a great place to enjoy the plains by yourself at sunrise just to take everything in or catch up on your journal.
There will likely be people checking for proof of payment of your Bagan Entrance Fee here in the evenings
Shwe-Leik-Too
Easier to access than Oak Kyaung Gyi just off the Nyaung-U / Old Bagan road means that you'll likely share it with a few extra people, but I've never seen a bus there as it can be a little tricky moving through the areas up top. Good views of Hti-lo-min-lo particularly at sunset if you stick around a little after the sun dips below the horizon, and the lights come on.
While this was closed after the quake, it was open again in January 2017.
North Guni
Located behind Dhamma-yan-gyi on a slightly sandy road, this temple is an excellent sunrise spot. There are a few sets of stairs, but to get to the very top you'll need to squeeze through a few tiny passages. This one gets you quite high up with good views of Dhamma-yan-gyi.
Neighboring South Guni is a little shorter, and a bit farther away from Dhamma-yan-gyi, but you'll likely have it to yourself at sunrise.
As of December 2017, North Guni is still closed due to damage sustained in the earthquake. South Guni is still open.
WI-NI-DO GROUP
Anywhere I can climb, I'm up for. This small group off the Min-nan-thu village road is a quiet little spot in a place that doesn't get a lot of visitors. Worth a stop by to get a different viewpoint, and for pretty landscapes, particularly if you have a zoom lens. Sunset is better than sunrise here because of the proximity to the Bagan Viewing Tower, and you'll probably have the place to yourself to boot.
Currently closed as of January 2017, but there are several in the complex you may be able to get a view from up here.
Thisa-Wadi
Sunsets here give good views of shiny Dhamayazaka and you'll be in the highest spot in the area. South of Min-Nan-Thu village junction, this would be a tough one to get to from Nyaung U for sunrise, and a longer drive in the dark after sunset, but possibly an excellent one if you're staying at New Bagan. Several sets of stairs, including some narrow squeezes to get to the very top, but nothing too crazy, and the lower levels are also beautiful.
Other Bagan temples of note:
Again, these are some of my favorites, not necessarily the ones with the most historical significance. If that's important for you, I strongly suggest hiring a guide for a day to tell you all about them. In no particular order.
Su-la-ma-ni
One of the "big" ones, this central temple has high ceilings, and plenty of buddhas. What more could you ask for? More seriously though, nice paintings in here, and it is generally nice and quiet. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and touts. Nothing to climb here, other than a small set of stairs to give you a nice view of some paintings inside.
Sulamani was damaged heavily in the quake, but just reopened in late Feb 2017 again. Because of the damage, it’s become extra popular now, so head there early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid the crowds.
Hti-lo-min-lo
Another major temple, this one on the Nyaung U / Old Bagan road. Again, no access up top, but worth seeing. Recommend to head here after 7pm when you'll likely have the place to yourself or maybe a monk or two.
THAM-BU-LA TEMPLE / PAYA-THONE-ZU GROUP
Famous for their paintings including the racy "Temptation." Bring a flashlight. Located along the Min-nan-thu Village road. Also check out the cave monastery here.
THET-KYA-MUNI / KON-DAW-GYI
Hire a boat for 15000k-20000k at the Nyaung U jetty to take you up the river and see a few temples along side. Just head to the jetty, and someone will approach you, no worries. Plan to be out on the water about 2:30pm or 3:00pm so you have enough time to check out the temples on shore, and be back on the river to enjoy a sunset on the Ayeyarwaddy.
What to Eat in Bagan / Nyaung U
Breakfast
The breakfast at your guesthouse is almost certainly awful, so head to a local place down the street for mohinga instead. It's essentially the national dish, and will only set you back 300kyat ($0.30). Look for a tea shop or other gathering place with a big vat out front or in the back. Yum.
Ditch the breakfast at your guesthouse and grab some mohinga instead.
Lunch & Dinner
In Nyaung U
Weather Spoon's run by Win Tun makes a burger you actually want to eat, thanks in no small part to the fact that he worked in a pub for a year in London. He has the buns made specially at the bakery without all of the sugar you find in the blindingly-white breads in Asia, and the fries actually taste like fries. It's a SE Asia miracle, and it's a steal at ~5500k (about $4.00). The Thai curries are also delicious, as are Myanmar salads and and the chicken satay. Particularly popular in the evenings, head by in the afternoon for a (slightly) quieter time. Located on "restaurant row" in Nyaung U.
Sanon is a new restaurant / social enterprise in Nyaung U (read about more social enterprises in Myanmar), and is touted as a way for disadvantaged youth to learn how to work in the restaurant industry. The menu is ambitious, and while the menu and service suffered in 2017, it’s doing better under new management. Regardless, it's a great way to eat decent food in a nice setting and make a small difference. You can find Sanon near Thante Hotel in Nyaung U. Reservations recommended, and you can do it right on their website.
Sharkey's opened up their Nyaung U location in September 2016 in what was once an old cinema. Large open-air concept restaurant offers artisan eats including fresh breads, yummy salads... and pizza with a farm-to-table motto. And their gelato at 3500k/scoop is the best I've had in Myanmar (by FAR). Head out back to see the garden where your veggies and herbs are coming from. This place is also no smoking which makes it close to a dream land in a place like Myanmar, where foreigners who aren't allowed to smoke at home seem to be trying to make up for lost time. You can find it across the street from the covered walkway entrance to Shwezigon Pagoda.
Indian Hut is brand new as of November 2017 and at this point (I've only been there once) is the best Indian food in the Bagan area. Better naan and more variety than Aroma (2) across the road. Yum. Located on restaurant row across the street from Aroma (2).
Aroma (2) is the second best Indian place in Nyaung U was set to close in May 2017 due to rent increase, but they are still open. Prices for meat dishes will set you back a little more (6500k), but the veggie dishes start at 3000kyat ($3.00), and are served on a banana leaf (in season). Particularly nice spot in the evenings, with the tables moved outside lit by candles and with views of the stars above. Located on "restaurant row" in Nyaung U.
The Black Bamboo is a quiet place in a garden, which is particularly nice in the evenings. Caters a bit upmarket, but the veggie dishes in particular are decent, though unfortunately "European spicy" (aka not spicy at all). Located just off of "restaurant row" in Nyaung U (look for the sign).
I'd recommend that you pass on Pho Cho and Leo which were both pretty meh. I did make a return to Wonderful Tasty recently, and it's much better than it was years ago.
In Old Bagan
If you're out and about in Old Bagan, check out vegetarian "Be Kind to Animals - The Moon" just north of Ananda Temple. Check the board for their seasonal specials as they will offer you the best options from in-season fruits and veggies. I like the tamarind leaf curry, and their spicy chapati dish. Their lime-ginger-honey drink is tops, and you may just order two (like me). This place can attract a tour bus, so for lunch try to go a little early, or a little after the rush and it'll be calm and quiet. In the evening it's more charming.
Starbeam Bistro (also in Old Bagan near Ananda Temple) is another winner. The chef's chicken curry was tasty and creamy, the steamed fish was nice, and warm bread was served with each meal was a nice touch. This is always a favorite of my Un-Tour To Myanmar group.
In New Bagan
Be Kind to Animanls - The Moon (2) has just opened in New Bagan in case you're staying in the area and is a really lovely place inside the blah that is New Bagan. Much nicer setting than in Old Bagan, and that makes for a great place to chill and snack the afternoon away without the dust.
The Village House is a new restaurant in West Pwasaw Village, north of New Bagan. This place just opened up in late 2016, and is not-so-shockingly quiet given its location. But if you're out and about, particularly in the evenings when the view and scene is incredible, you should give it a try. Plenty of legit Myanmar dishes in a beautiful setting. Have I mentioned that it's beautiful at night? Reservations required. 09-458302755
Stuff your bag with tamarind flakes, then send me some!
Tamarind flakes are awesome. You might be given some of these little brown disks wrapped in white tissue after dinner as a nice sweet dessert at some of the local restaurants. Betcha can't eat just one. In my experience, once you crack a bag, it somehow magically disappears into your face, so I've playfully named these "Burmese crack." You can pick up a big bag of these at the market for about 1000k-1500k (~$1 USD) or if you're not in the area there, the friendly folks at Weather Spoon's can set you up. Take as many home with you as you can. The best brand is Myin Mo Oo (green lettering on clear plastic bags) and my second favorite is Min Yar Zar (red lettering). Yum.
They are special for the area here, and you won't find them in other parts of the country. So maybe do like me, and bring 20+ bags back with you. If you don't have room in your luggage, just toss that ratty, old shirt you've been hanging on to because these are far more important.
Where to Stay in Bagan / Nyaung U
In short, you'll find the best budget places in and around Nyaung U, the midrange places in New Bagan, and the priciest resorts around Old Bagan.
Independent travelers will want to stay around Nyaung U, which offers the most restaurants and more of the bustling local life and markets. New Bagan is pretty blah, and Old Bagan is filled with fancy resorts owned by croonies.
My top budget pick is Shwe Na Di along the main road, not too far from the Shwezigon Pagoda junction in Nyaung U. Great location, within walking distance to Restaurant Row, some great tea shops, and the best e-bike shop. Rooms start about $12 (basic w/ share toilet outside) to ~$25 for the nicer, quieter places in the back w/ bathroom. Give breakfast a pass and go and find some mohinga (convieniently located next door) instead.
My favorite spot in town is Motel Zein which is around $40-$50/night.
And if you want to go a step higher (they have a pool!), check out Zfreeti Hotel just a couple blocks off Restaurant Row in the $65 and up range.
It's now possible to book many places online, which is much easier than the "call a bunch of places and hope for the best" method of years gone by. You also have ratings to go by, instead of 4 year old guestbook endorsements. Check Agoda for the best choice in listings, and definitely book in advance if you're heading there in the high season (Nov-Feb). These days, it's not worth calling around in hopes of securing a better rate.
When to Go to Bagan
High season in Bagan is also the dry, winter season that runs Nov-Feb. The temperatures are milder, and there will likely be little or no rain. You'll find the highest concentration of tourists around this time, and you should book your accommodation ahead if possible. In my experience, the photos are better from late Nov to late Jan, with the haze in the air getting in the way in mid Feb. This is also the only time of the year that the famous Bagan hot air balloons launch.
Summer time, or hot season, runs March-April and is pretty unbearable here. We're talking 40c and so dry the dust hangs in the air. Many restaurants and hotels will be closed, particularly around Thingyan (water festival). Avoid.
Avoid the summer season like the plague
May - September is the wet season. Some of the roads might be in rough shape at this time of year, and you may be missing the blue skies and epic sunrises and sunsets Bagan is most known for. On the other hand, you'll also be missing the crowds of the high season, and might be able to negotiate a better rate for a guesthouse.
How To Get To Bagan
There are a few options when it comes to getting to actually getting to Bagan.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles... and boats...
Bus
Day and night buses roll through Bagan every day from every locations in Myanmar you're likely to hit (Myanmar, Inle Lake/Nyaungshwe, Yangon, Pyay etc). The regular bus is about 10000-12000 kyat, but I'd recommend that you splurge for one of the VIP buses. These will run you in the 15000k-22000k range, and are usually 3 seats across vs the 4 on a regular bus, or have greater leg room. The bus will be cooled to meat-locker temperature so be sure to wear your layers. Seriously, it's freezing. Ear plugs are also a good bet as there will often be a movie or loud Myanmar music playing (particularly on the regular bus), which is fun for about 5 minutes, and much less so for the next 9-11hrs.
One small water is usually provided, and they stop every 4-6 hours for a 30min rest stop / toilet break / food and you will have to get off the bus for this time. Buses are typically 8-12 hours in length, and it's worth noting that the night buses arrive early in the morning (4am-5am). Just standard operating procedure here.
Easiest to book the bus via your guesthouse or a travel agent. VIP buses include JJ Express, E-lite, Mandalar Minn, and Shwe Nan Taw Express. You can buy tickets for JJ Express via message on their Facebook Page.
The bus station is now about 8km outside of town, and the touts are looking for about 3000k/person to drive you to Nyaung U (more for Old Bagan / New Bagan). They have a bit of a cartel going on to keep the price high and limit your ability to negotiate, even making a sign that purports to show the "official" rates. This is BS, and 3000k/person is more than reasonable for them.
Train
Train service available from Mandalay and Yangon (among others), but it's a particularly slow and uncomfortable experience. Prepare to have your body shaken, beaten, and broken. Not recommended, not even for the "story" afterward.
Airplane
Flights arrive daily to Nyaung U from Yangon, Mandalay, Heho (Inle Lake) and others. Book in advance with a local travel agent as most of the airlines don't offer reliable online booking. Expect one way tickets in the $100-120 range (Mandalay cheaper) and flights to be about an hour. The most predictable thing about flights here is that they'll be delayed. Will save a bunch of time in your travel schedule, particularly if you have a short amount of time in the country.
The airport is about a 10min drive from Nyaung U, and it's easy to arrange a taxi there (~5000k).
Boat
Some boat journeys are available from Mandalay and particularly popular with package tourists. I've never done one so I can't say one way or another, but it doesn't really appeal to me. Check the comments below for more information.
Staying Safe and Healthy in Bagan
Your biggest enemy in Bagan will be the sun. There are few places for shade in the hot and dry plains, so sunscreen and water are your friends. Carry a liter of water with you, as when you're out temple hopping, you may not find any. Major temples will have hawkers who are willing to sell you water, although you may pay a small premium over the price in town. Don't let yourself become dehydrated!
Beware the sun, and always drink more water
Mosquitoes aren't much of a problem here, but you should have insect repellent on in the mornings / evenings at least, particularly around your legs / feet. Malaria isn't much of a problem, but dengue / Zika might be depending on the season.
Snakes are slithering around here, but along the main paths you shouldn't see one. Whenever I'd be on a quiet path, or one that is more covered in foliage, I would stomp my feet on the ground when I walk, hopefully telling any snakes that might be nearby that I'm around and they should get lost. I have seen several snakes myself in the Bagan plains, and I have come across shedded skins in a couple of quiet temples. If you're bitten, seek medical attention immediately. They can be very dangerous.
I have a friend (local) who was bitten & hospitalized, and I've never seen a leg more swollen in my life (and this was 2 days after the bite). You're more likely to find snakes in farming areas and places with long grass, so my advice is that you don't go around temples that haven't been cleared of trees and grass. Everywhere else you should be good.
Climbing the temples is not without its own dangers. Many of these date back nearly 1000 years, with dozens of earthquakes rattling them in that time. As well, recent renovations by the old military regime have been poor at best, leaving these temples to crumble. There are rarely safety rails, and many are very steep and are currently crumbling. Be very careful... many have experiences major injuries from falling, including death (most recent in Nov 2017). The days of climbing these temples are numbered, and climbing will likely be banned in the near future.
Tourist Police
Don't worry about not having a phone if you have a bicycle / e-bike malfunction as there are tourist police sitting around all day along the main roads, just waiting for a tourist with a problem. They can call the rental company, or help to troubleshoot the issue for you. They also may be able to help you find a particular temple, or at least send you off in the right direction.
On one of the nights I was out late, the tourist police drove a truck along the road where I was shooting the stars over the temples around Dhamayangi. They don't want people out much after dark obviously, but they were cool with waiting around while I finished up my shots and packed up my gear.
Budgeting Your Trip to Bagan
While I can't speak for anyone else, I can give you a small look into how much I typically paid for a day in Bagan.
MEALS
Breakfast: (mohinga) 300k-1000k
Lunch: 6000k (including lime juice)
Dinner: 6000k (including lime juice)
Snacks (fruit etc): 1000k
Beverage
Water: 4 @ 300k
Hot ginger-lime-honey drink at the end of the day: 1000k
Accommodation
$25-$35 / night at Shwe Na Di for a decent, quiet room in the back. Western toilet, A/C, multiple power plugs, mini fridge. I also like Motel Zein (~$50 / night)
Transport
6000k / day e-bike
Total: ~55000k / ~$50 USD per day.
Other things you might spend money on:
Hot air balloon ride: $360 - $420 USD / person (read my article on hot air ballooning in Bagan)
Beer: 500k-3500k
Wine: 4000k / glass
Sand painting souvenirs: $7 and up
Postage stamp: 1000k
Tamarind Flakes: 1000k - 1500k / large bag
If you're looking for some unique gifts which are made in Myanmar, and will benefit the local people, check out the social development project MBoutik in New Bagan and Pomelo on "Restaurant Row." See more good places to spend your money on my Guide to Social Enterprises in Myanmar.
Their selection of goods are hand made by poor/disadvantaged women in the region who are taught the skills thanks to funding and support from international aid organizations. These same organizations take care of the administrative costs of the store and staff, ensuring that the money you pay for your souvenir goes right back into the hands of the women who made it.
Bagan Entrance Fee
There is a government fee for entrance to the Bagan Archaeological Zone, and it is typically taken care of when you enter one of the major temples such as Shwesandaw in the afternoon & sunset, Hti Lo Min Lo in the mornings / afternoon, and Pya Tha Da for sunset. If you're flying in you'll need to pay before you leave the airport. Coming by bus, they'll likely stop you on the way to town to pay.
It'll set you back 25000k and is good for 3 days.
Update: They seem to be very firm on having you pay when a taxi brings you into town from the bus station / and in person at the airport now, and on my last trip I had no option but to pay. There are many other checkpoints now as well. Your ability to avoid this "fee" (of which approximately only 2% goes to maintaining Bagan), is minimal these days, and they are checking for a valid pass at most places you may view a sunrise or sunset (viewing mounds) as well as popular temples (Ananda, Htilominlo).
Internet / Mobile Phone in Bagan
In a great change from a few years ago, almost every guesthouse will now have wifi. Don't expect the same speeds you're used to at home (not even close), but at least you can check your e-mail, facebook, and maybe even upload a picture of your dinner to Instagram. Internet access is typically fastest overnight and in the early morning, getting progressively slower as the day goes on. Read my article on internet access in Myanmar / Burma.
Internet access? Don't bother. Go explore!
Mobile phone coverage in Bagan for the tourist is available with Ooredoo, Telenor, MPT or MyTel. Ooredoo has the fastest data speeds in my tests, and better service than old favorite Telenor, especially in Bagan / Nyaung U. There is even occasionally 4G. You can read more about mobile phones in Myanmar / Burma with my post.
Respect in Bagan
Myanmar is a Buddhist county, and Bagan is an important and active religious site. Be sure to show respect by having your shoulders and knees covered when you enter temples. That means you should be careful with the length of your shorts, and women in particular with your tops. If you insist on wearing shorts above the knee or a shirt without sleeves, bring a scarf or longyi to cover yourself while you're in the temple. You're not at the beach...
No shoulders, no knees
You will also need to take off your shoes & socks when you enter a temple, and with so many temples around (it's why you're here...) you'll be removing them often. This means that it's best to wear flip-flops or sports-sandals (my favorite) instead of shoes or hiking boots so it's a quick and easy process to remove and put them back on. I like sports sandals because they protect your toes. Don't worry, it's very unlikely that someone is going to run off with them.
The temples are typically taken care of by a keyholder, or a family that lives nearby. They get paid very little for taking care of these ancient temples, so it's customary to drop them a few hundred kyat for opening a temple for you if you're off the beaten path. If the place is locked and they need to unlock it, I'll give 300k-500k. If they're helping me light the path up a set of treacherous stairs, maybe 200k.
Care to know more about planning your upcoming Bagan travel, or want help on tailoring your special your trip just right? I can help you make a plan to make your time in Bagan and Myanmar unforgettable.
Images and content originally published on "Bagan Super Guide" published on DustinMain.com
© Dustin Main 2018
