Mount Popa is an ancient extinct volcano located in Mandalay region in Myanmar. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Burmese who visit the 37 temples dedicated to Mahagiri Nat spirits worshipped by the people. Mount Popa is one of the excellent day trip options for tourists exploring Bagan as it is located 50km from its old town.
Ananda Temple is a 12th-century Buddhist pagoda located in old Bagan in Myanmar. This white temple is the most famous among the many pagodas, known for its brilliant architecture, and tall statues of golden Buddhas enshrined in all four directions.
Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar. Situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill, it is home to the most massive book in the world. The pagoda has 57-meters high Golden stupa and is inspired by temples in Bagan. It is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists to witness the book. The book consists of 729 stone pillars, which includes verses from Tripitaka (Read More) or the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism inscribed on both sides.
Dhammayangyi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Pagoda located in the old town of Bagan in Myanmar. It is the largest of all the temples in Bagan and is one of the topmost places visited by the tourists.
Nyaung-U is a town located in the district of the same name in Central Myanmar. Located on the eastern banks of Ayeyarwaddy River, and about 4km away from Bagan, Nyaung-U is a part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone, and hence, a popular tourist attraction for some of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples.
Thatbyinnyu Temple is a 12th-century Buddhist temple located in the old city of Bagan in Myanmar. It is the tallest of all the pagodas in Bagan, consisting of over 21 storeys. Situated next to Ananda temple, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the town.
The Sulamani Temple is an ancient Buddhist pagoda located in Minnanthu village close to old Bagan in Myanmar. It is one of the most famous prominent temples among tourists known for its tiered Burmese architecture.
Shwe Ba Taung is a cave home to a Buddhist shrine located in the village of Hpo Win close to Monywa in Myanmar. It consists of a group of 46 caves, situated at the edge of a hill, which can be accessed by hiking to the top. These ancient caves contain hundreds of images of Buddha and remains of paintings on the wall, which are from the 13th century.
Yandabo is a village located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady river close to the city of Bagan in Myanmar. It is known for a traditional method of pottery practised by the people of this village, which is also one of their primary sources of livelihood.
Mani-Sithu Market is a local market located close to Bagan city centre in Myanmar. It is one of the best local markets for tourists who come here to witness the Burmese shops and traders, and also because it has plenty of shops selling cheap souvenirs. People sell fruits, vegetables, meat, electronics, clothes and other home appliances.
Tourists can check out various bronze and stone statues, pr (Read More)ecious gems, textiles, lacquerware, and beautiful handicrafts. The best time to visit Mani-Sithu is early in the morning when the market is the busiest.
Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop is located in the city of Bagan in Myanmar. Bagan is known for colourful lacquerware, and at this workshop, visitors get a chance to learn how to make the ware using the traditional ways.
There is a small exhibit containing the details of lacquerware production and its history in Bagan. This art originated in the city during the 14th century, and the displays wal (Read More)k visitors through this history. The shop also sells souvenirs and handicrafts.
The Bagan Archaeological Museum is located in the city of Bagan in Myanmar. It contains extensive collection which gives an insight into the town's history and architecture, from the Pagan dynasty times from the 11th century. It is worth visiting the museum for tourists to know about the history of temples and the kingdoms.
The original museum was established in 1902 during the British colonial r (Read More)ule. The present building was constructed after the Burmese independence and is maintained by the archaeological department. There are over 50,000 artefacts spread across three floors which gives a detailed overview of the Buddhist pagodas for which Bagan is famous.
Nyaunglaphet is a small hill located in the town of Old Bagan in Myanmar. It is an artificial mound located close to Sulamani Pagoda and is one of the top places for tourists to watch the sunrise and sunset from the hill.
The best way to get around Bagan is by renting an e-bike or a tuk-tuk.
E-bikes are especially very popular among tourists and are the preferred option for many. You can rent one in New Bagan or Nyaung-U, which has many shops. E-bikes are available on a day or half-day basis and cost MMK 8000 and MMK 4000 respectively.
Tuk-Tuks can be rented at MMK 20000 per day.
You will generally get better deals for e-bikes and tuk-tuks if you are going to rent them for multiple days.
Cabs are available too if you want to commute more comfortably.
If you don’t mind the hot sun or the uneven, muddy paths, bicycles are your next option.