Sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar

The Best Things To Do in Bagan, Myanmar

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Bagan. What can we say about Bagan? It’s magical and enchanting and down right impressive. Bagan is slow paced and simple making it the perfect place to spend a few days. From sunrise to sunsets, check out 3 things to do in Bagan, Myanmar. 

About Bagan, Myanmar

First, let’s give you a little background on Bagan to help better ground you for when you go.

Bagan is an ancient city that housed, at one point, over 10,000 Buddhist temples and is currently home to the largest population of pagodas in the world.

During the 9th – 13th centuries, Bagan unified and established what we know today as the Burmese culture (thanks, Bagan!).

As time tends to do, a lot of the temples have been destroyed by wars and natural disasters leaving only 2,200 remaining pagodas.

When you arrive, you’re taken back by the sprawling plains that seem to be littered for miles with brick pagodas. It really is something to see and even more spectacular as the sun rises and sets.

Bagan Entrance Fee

First things first, getting into Old Bagan.

To get into the city of Bagan, all roads pass by a check point. At this checkpoint all tourists are required to pay a 25,000 kyat entrance fee. That is about $18 USD.

What’s the entrance fee for?

The fee is for tourists to gain access to the “Archeological Zone” aka the city of Old Bagan & its pagodas. The fee is suppose to go to the upkeep and preservation of the pagodas. 

TIP: Before heading to Bagan, check into the most current entry fee.

salamuni pagoda bagan

You can run into issues of scamming. Locals will try and get a few extra dollars out of you if they can. Sure, it may be minor change to you but to them it’s a lot. Just be aware on the current fee to avoid any scamming issues.  

How To Get Around Bagan, Myanmar?

Wondering how you’re going  going to get around Bagan all day? Hire a car? Hop on a bus? Walk? Absolutely not.

Rent an ebike and zoom off! Ebikes (electronic bikes) are the only motorized bike/scooter that tourist are allowed to rent. Gas scooters are not rented to tourists.

ebike scooter bagan

The ebikes cost a few US dollars a day to rent. Haggling for a better price is recommend! You can rent ebikes through your accommodation or from street vendors.

TIP: Make sure your bike has a full charge before you take off. Believe us, it is a pain in the a$$ to push a dead ebike all the way back to your accommodation 🙂 

Things To Do

Honestly, there are three things you do in Bagan. Yes, only three and they are an important three!

  1. Watch the sunrise
  2. Tour the endless Pagoda’s that scatter the plains
  3. Then, watch the sunset

Pretty simple and straightforward, right? Bagan is like no place you’ll visit. Spend your days aimlessly wandering these ancient lands and temples.

Keep it simple and enjoy.

Which Pagodas and Temples Should I See in Bagan, Myanmar?

So now, we know what you’re thinking, “2,200 pagoda’s?? How in the hell am I going to see them all? Which ones are the best?”

We had the same thoughts so just calm down, we’ll get through this. We created an entire separate post to help you navigate your dilemma. Check out our complete and best list of pagoda’s and temples we recommend you seeing in Bagan.  

Oh and if you want to take the guess work out of it, may we suggest a guided ebike tour. You’ll see the best temples and pagoda’s in Bagan and get a history lesson too.

Options For Watching The Sunrise

Probably one of the most important decisions you have while visiting Bagan is where to see that BEAUTIFUL hot air balloon sunrise…no pressure 🙂

Now, I know a lot of people are not early risers but if there was ever a time to get your butt up, it would be in Bagan! The sunrises, are jaw dropping, goosebumps all over your body type of sunrise. Seeing the sunrise over the plains of Bagan, while hot air balloons soar across the sky is something we will never forget. 

You have two options for viewing the sunrise the standard way or the unforgettable way.

  1. The Everyday Option: Hop on your eBike and select a pagoda of your choice to watch the sunrise. Arrive the pagoda before dawn to ensure you get a primo spot.
  • The Unforgettable Option: Book a hot air ballon ride with a tour operator in town. Be aware that this can cost upwards of $300-$400 USDs but the views, oh the views, are worth it.

Where Should I Watch The Sunrise in Bagan?

Head to the lesser visited Pagoda, Law Ka Ou Shaung to see the sunrise. 

Law Ka Ou Shaung will be significantly less crowded then where everyone tends to go, which is Shwesandaw Pagoda or Pyathetgyi Pagoda.

Avoid Shwesandaw Pagoda and Pyathetgyi Pagoda for sunrise if you can. They are CRAZY packed with tourists which means, you wont get that sunrise picture you want. 

Seriously, seeing the morning dew and fog settle as the hot air balloons rise doesn’t feel like what you’re seeing is real. A mystical fantasy even.

Don’t be a dufus and miss the sunrise. That’s your only MUST DO for Bagan. The the rest is simple, enjoy your time in the Burmese sun 🙂

Where Should I Watch The Sunset In Bagan?

North Guni Temple or Bulethi is a great place to see the sunset.

Head out an an hour and half to an hour before the sun sets in order to secure a spot.

Believe us, you’re gonna want that time. Sunset is just as crazy as sunrise. 

Bagan at Sunset

Bulethi is probably more popular than North Guni Temple for sunset. The picture above is from North Guni Temple.

As you can see, the view is spectacular. What a day you will have. Seeing that sunrise and then hours later, see it set. Life will be good for you, friends!

Bagan Tours & Excursions

If you are still overwhelmed by all the pagodas there are too see, we really recommend you take a ebike day tour of Bagan’s pagodas and temples or a tuktuk tour of the plains of Old Bagan.

We took the tour and we loved it! Plus, we got so much more detail and history with having a tour guide that we would have gotten if we were by ourselves.

The local tour guide went into detail about each pagoda we visited and made you really appreciate what you were looking at.

For more tours of Bagan, check out the latest excursions and prices here.

bagan gubyaukgyi pagoda

SIDE NOTE: when visiting the pagodas, dress appropriately. Just because the Pagodas are crumbling and old, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show them respect. No shoes, cover your knees and shoulders. 

Really and truly, Bagan is just …. is just….well, we don’t have the words right now. It’s just something everyone needs to experience. Plain and simple.

Where To Stay in Bagan, Myanmar

  • For The Budget Conscious: Located in Old Bagan, Ostello Bello offers both private and dormitory rooms and free pasta. Yes, free pasta! The location is amazing, the beds are comfy and the vibe is perfect.
  • For The Luxury Inclined: Luxury in Old Bagan can be found at Bagan Thande Hotel. From their refreshing pool to beautiful grounds, Bagan Thande Hotel is a perfect oasis in Bagan.
  • For Something In Between: Look Myanmar is warm. welcoming and oh so friendly bed and breakfast. The location is great, well taken care of and walking distance to other shops and restaurants.

For more places to stay in Bagan, Myanmar, you can check out the latest places and prices here.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON MYANMAR?!

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5 Wonderful Things To Do In Hpa An, Myanmar

5 Great Things To Do In Inle Lake


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For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstusPinterest  and on Facebook. Oh, and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)


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