Bagan, Myanmar

Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan, glowing gold in the late afternoon

Myanmar

Where ancient temples and stunning landscapes collide, on the bank of the Irrawaddy.

UNESCO World HeritageBagan

Temples remainingAbout 2,300

Time zoneGMT+6:30

Travel notice The situation in Myanmar can change quickly. Before travelling to Bagan, please check your government's latest travel advice and current local conditions.

History and context

The plain of temples

Capital of the Pagan Empire from the 9th to the 13th century, and about 2,300 temples still standing.

Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Myanmar located along the Irrawaddy River. It served as the vibrant capital of the Pagan Empire from the 9th to the 13th century, functioning as the epicenter of Burmese culture and Theravada Buddhism's propagation.

In its prime, Bagan contained over 13,000 brick temples symbolizing architectural brilliance. Approximately 2,300 temples and pagodas remain across the 104-square-kilometer Bagan Archaeological Zone. King Anawratha, in the mid-9th century, embraced Theravada Buddhism, initiating a cultural renaissance, and the city became a hub of trade, learning and spiritual enlightenment.

A Mongol invasion in 1287 devastated Bagan, causing its decline. Today, it remains a captivating time capsule, inviting travelers to explore its ancient wonders amidst the scenic beauty of the Irrawaddy River.

Location: On the Irrawaddy River, central Myanmar
Language: Myanmar, English widely spoken
Timezone: GMT+6:30
Setting: 104 km² archaeological zone

Day 1 · Old Bagan

Morning, the Ananda Temple
Afternoon, the Bagan Archaeological Museum
Sunset, the Bagan Viewing Tower over the plain

Day 2 · Nyaung U and the villages

Morning, the Shwezigon Pagoda
Afternoon, a lacquerware workshop in Nyaung U
Evening, the market at Nyaung U

GoodMobileCoverage can be spotty around the remoter temples

Most hotelsWi-FiPatchy out on the archaeological zone

Myanmar kyat, cashMoneyATMs are non-operational and foreign cards are not accepted

Right now in Bagan

Reading the sky…

Cool & dry season · Nov – Feb

Cool & dryNov – Feb18–32°CThe best time to visit, pleasantly cool with clear skies for exploring the temples.

Hot seasonMar – May28–42°CExceptionally hot, unsuitable for extended outdoor activities.

Rainy seasonJun – Oct25–35°CMilder than much of the country, with showers in the mornings and clearer skies in the afternoons.

Mornings are the kindest hours on the plain, whichever season you arrive in.

Where ancient temples and stunning landscapes collide

About 2,300 temples and pagodas remain across the 104-square-kilometer Bagan Archaeological Zone, from the Bagan Archaeological Museum and Kuthodaw Pagoda to the monasteries at Shwenandaw, Atumashi and Bargaya. The view mounds at O-htein Taung, Sulamani and Nyaung Lat Phet look out over the plain, and Set Set Yo village keeps the everyday life of the zone.

Points of Interest to Visit

About 2,300 temples and pagodas across the 104-square-kilometer Bagan Archaeological Zone.

Local gastronomy

Popular restaurants include Weather Spoon's Bagan, Star Beam Bistro and Black Bamboo, with street vendors selling samosas, noodles and curries. Tap a dish to find the local kitchens cooking it:

Where to stay

Bagan offers accommodations in Nyaung-U, Old Bagan and New Bagan. Old Bagan has luxury hotels near the temples, while New Bagan offers more choices but lacks liveliness. Proximity to temples matters less due to the area's size, and Nyaung U is convenient, especially for backpackers, with abundant options. Booking ahead is vital, from luxury hotels like Bagan Lodge to budget options like Ostello Bello Bagan.