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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Burma (Myanmar)  >  Bagan
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Bagan

Located on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, Bagan (historically known as Pagan) is one of the great wonders of the world, home to vast plains bestrewn with over 2,000 gracefully aged and utterly unique temples. On par with Angkor Wat, the ancient city of Bagan is one of Asia’s richest archaeological sites, and a photographer’s paradise sure to leave a lasting impression with any visitor.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

It is impossible to discuss Burma and not mention Bagan, Burma’s ancient capital city and today one of the major draws for the increasing numbers of visitors travelling to the country each year.

Many of its iconic temples were built during the 11th and 13th centuries when the Pagan Empire was at its height under the rule of Bamar King Anawrahta. After an earthquake in 1975, around 2,200 temples remain today (although locals argue the figure is closer to 4,000), each offering something completely unique in terms of architecture, design and history.

With so many, it is common to visit just a few of the larger temples, with some popular ones including the beautiful Ananda Temple, the towering Thatbyinnyu Temple and the redbrick Sulamani Temple. It can also be just as pleasurable to break things down a little, pick a particular area to focus on and rent a bicycle for a more leisurely tour.

A hot air balloon ride at dawn is perhaps the best way to fully comprehend the enormity of the collection, however ascending one of the taller temples also allows a similar sense of scale, both conjuring a sight you will not forget in a hurry.

Beyond the temples, a number of lacquerware workshops, traditional pottery villages and quaint riverside towns are waiting to be explored, with the striking Mount Popa also within easy reach. Bagan is often the starting or finishing point for many of the cruises down the Irrawaddy River, whilst the close by Nyaung U Airport offers convenient access to the rest of the country.

Watching the sunset over the 4000 temples and pagodas of Bagan is something that will stay with you a life time!


Ellis Valentine
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Bagan, Burma

Surrounded by some of Bagan's most renowned ancient stupas and pagodas, Areindmar Hotel is a characterful boutique property designed to offer intimate and comfortable accommodation, whilst still reflecting the culture and traditions of surrounding Burma.

Areindmar Hotel

Bagan, Burma

With warm hospitality, a relaxed ambience and an enviable location right by Burma’s internationally renowned archaeological site, the Hotel @ Tharabar Gate is a fantastic accommodation option for exploring the enchanting temples of Old Bagan.

The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

Bagan, Burma

Set amongst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is a quiet and tasteful retreat that makes an excellent base for exploring the breath-taking ancient temples of Bagan.

Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan, Burma

On the edge of Burma's ancient capital city lies Bagan Lodge, a beautiful boutique property with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It offers the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring some of Bagan's stunning 2000+ pagodas and stupas.

Bagan Lodge

Bagan, Burma

Bagan Umbra Hotel offers good value accommodation just two kilometres from Burma's ancient capital, including comfortable rooms, leafy gardens and a large outdoor swimming pool.

Bagan Umbra Hotel

Bagan, Burma

Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort is the ultimate luxury accommodation in Bagan. An expansive resort and luxury spa set amongst acres of lush gardens, it offers a tranquil paradise, perfect for relaxing between exploring Bagan's magnificent ancient temples.

Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort

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Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

A fantastic combination of culture and beach, this itinerary is perfect for those wanting to combine the gilded pagodas and temple strewn plains that Burma is famed for with some time on the beach.

10 nights from $3397 per person Beach, Culture & history, Highlights

Burma's Temples and Beaches

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

This 15 night itinerary offers a well-paced introduction to one of South East Asia’s most beguiling destinations, combining culture rich cities, picturesque towns, a cruise down the Irrawaddy River and a relaxing beach break on Burma’s idyllic west coast.

15 nights from $4214 per person Family, Culture & history, Highlights

Classic Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake

From the awe-inspiring temples of Bagan to the floating gardens of Inle Lake, this varied and good value itinerary takes in some of Burma’s most iconic sights, ideal for those wishing to explore this enchanting country but are short on time.

9 nights from $2768 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Imagine Favourites

Essential Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Loikaw, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Ngapali Beach

This in-depth itinerary is perfect for those looking to really get under the skin of this enigmatic destination. Enjoy culture-rich cities, former British hill stations, balloons over Bagan, an Irrawaddy River cruise and the beautiful beaches of Ngapali.

19 nights from $5032 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Spectacular scenery

Ultimate Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake

This active itinerary is a great option for those looking to explore Burma’s culture rich cities alongside its rural treasures. Roam Bagan’s temple strewn plains by mountain bike, trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, and cycle the streets of Yangon and Mandalay.

11 nights from $3145 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

Active Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

With biking in Bagan, kayaking in Inle Lake and elephants in Kalaw, this adventurous two week itinerary is a fantastic option for families looking to explore some of Burma’s most celebrated destinations accompanied by energetic teens.

14 nights from $3397 per person Family, Highlights, Walking & Trekking

Burma for Teenagers

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

Experience the best of Burma on this 12 night itinerary, combining must-see highlights with some of the country’s most spoiling hotels. Soar above the temples of Bagan, sip wine overlooking Inle lake and relax on one of South East Asia’s best beaches.

12 nights from $4718 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Luxury

Burma in Style

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Bagan, Burma

Discover Burmese cuisine, visiting a local morning market and purchasing ingredients to create traditional dishes with a local chef and tasting your efforts.

Bagan Cooking Class

Bagan, Burma

Experience the local trade, learning about the production of lacquerware products before designing your own souvenir, applying the skills you learnt.

Painting Lacquerware

Bagan, Burma

Journey to Tant Kyi village along the Irrawaddy River to the striking Tant Kyi Pagoda hilltop Pagoda and take-in the stunning panoramic views over the landscape below.

Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda

Bagan, Burma

Visit Nyaung Oo morning market to experience the buzz of local life and the fresh produce and products ranging from meats and fruits to flowers and pottery.

Nyaung Oo Market

Bagan, Burma

Explore Pakokku, pedalling along the roads that fringe scenic farmland, stopping at villages before returning with a cruise along the Irrawaddy River.

Pakokku by Bike

Bagan, Burma

Explore Bagan on two wheels, admiring the beautiful scenery as you travel along trails, through quaint villages and stopping off at enchanting stupas and pagodas, combining some of the more well known temples and some inaccessible by car.

Bagan Temple Biking

Bagan, Burma

Take-in enchanting panoramic view as you float over the ancient city of Bagan at sunrise, gaining an unforgettable birds-eye view of the ancient pagodas, stupas and beautiful surrounding villages.

Balloons Over Bagan

Bagan, Burma

Enjoy a cycling tour through charming villages and scenic countryside, witnessing farmers tend to their land before stopping at a colonial style monastery and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Bagan Village Biking

Bagan, Burma

Learn about the culture and importance Buddhist culture plays in society whilst sipping on local tea in a Buddhist Monastery.

Tea Party in a Monastery

Bagan, Burma

Spend the day exploring a range of sites in Bagan, offering a great overview of the history and culture of this ancient city. Discover some of the more famous temples, some lesser known gems, visit traditional workshops and travel by horsecart.

Bagan Temple Tour

Bagan, Burma

Discover the Popa Taung Kalat, a sacred monastery perched on top of a volcanic plug on the southwestern flank of Mount Popa. Discover the legend the surrounds this renowned pilgrimage site and ascend the 777 steps to the top.

Mount Popa and Toddy Farm Lunch

Bagan, Burma

Explore some of the sights outside of Bagan including the small riverside town of Salay before continuing to discover ancient spiritual traditions and learn about nat worship at Mount Popa.

Mount Popa and Salay Tour

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Inspiration

Imagine Asia Guidebooks

Temples in Burma

Highlights of Burma

Mount Popa

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