Bagan Myanmar 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Bagan Itinerary:

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Bagan is during the dry season (November - April) for optimal weather and exploring conditions.
  • Visa Requirements: Check current visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival.
  • Currency: Myanmar uses the Kyat (MMK). US dollars are widely accepted but make sure to exchange them at a reputable money changer for the best rates.

Day 1: Exploring the Ancient City

  • Morning:

    • Arrive in Bagan and check into your chosen accommodation.
    • Activity: Visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, a majestic structure with golden terraces and a stunning pagoda interior. This iconic temple offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Bagan.
    • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Burmese cuisine at The Golden Lily Restaurant. They have delicious curries and noodles, and the outdoor seating area allows you to savour your meal while enjoying the view of the pagodas.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the ** Ananda Temple**, a masterpiece of architecture known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.
    • Activity: Take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan’s ancient temples (available during sunrise season, October to March). Book in advance through a reputable tour operator like Bagan Balloons or Oriental Ballooning.

  • Dinner: Dine under the stars at a restaurant with a view of the Irrawaddy River. The Sunset View Restaurant and Tharabar Gate Hotel’s rooftop bar are popular choices for sunset dining.

Day 2: Temples, History & Local Life

  • Morning:

    • Activity: Rent an e-bike or a horse cart (easily found in Nyaung U) to explore the plains of Bagan at your own pace.
    • Lunch: Visit Black Bamboo Restaurant for some fresh and tasty local dishes with a modern twist, overlooking the breathtaking ancient city.

  • Afternoon:

  • Activity: Cycle or ride through the villages near Old Bagan, stopping to admire the beautiful murals inside the Dhammayazika Pagoda.

  • Experience: Local Market Visit - Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Nyaung Oo Market (or a similar local market).

  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from Shwe San Daw Pagoda, one of the best viewpoints for catching the sunrise/sunset over the Bag pagodas.

  • Dinner: Dine at The Moon Restaurant in Nyang U, known for its delicious Burmese food and friendly atmosphere.

Day 3: Sunset Views & Local Crafts

  • Morning: Explore the Thambulaung Temple, a stunning temple with intricate carvings and a serene Buddha statue.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Nyaung Oo Market (near Old Bagan) to shop for souvenirs, including handcrafted lacquerware, textiles, and jewelry.
  • Sunset: Enjoy a final sunset from the Bagan Archaeological Museum while reflecting on your unforgettable journey through time.

Other Activities:

  • Explore ancient temples: Rent a bicycle or an e-bike, and explore the vast plains of Bagan at your own pace.

  • Visit a local village: Witness the traditional way of life in Myanmar with a visit to a local village. Observe artisans crafting beautiful items, interact with the locals, and perhaps even try a local delicacy.

  • Climb Mount Popa: Take a day trip (consider hiring a driver) to nearby Mt. Popa, a sacred volcano with stunning views from the top and breathtaking temples surrounding it.

Transportation:

  • E-bikes & Bicycles: The most popular way to explore the ancient temples of Bagan is by renting an e-bike or bicycle. This allows you to see many temples in a day.

  • Horse Cart: A more traditional way to get around and experience the local way of seeing the area.

  • Taxi: While not as common as bike transportation, taxis are available for hire in Bagan.

Things to Consider:

  • Weather: The best time to visit is during the dry season (November - April) to avoid monsoon rains.
  • Transportation:

Transportation Options: * E-bikes: Convenient and affordable way to explore the vast temple complex, but be aware that they are not for the faint of heart! * Bicycles: A good option if you’re looking for a more active experience. * Horse Cart: A popular choice for tourists who want a more leisurely ride.

  • Transportation Logistics:

Local Transportation Options:

  • Hot air Balloon Ride: Book this in advance as they are incredibly popular and spots fill up quickly.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the bustling Nyaung U Market, a great place to experience local life and try delicious Burmese food.

  • Explore the ancient temple ruins: Rent an e-bike or bike and set out on your own adventure, exploring the temples and their unique architecture.

  • Take a tour of the temples: Hire a horse cart for a half-day or full-day tour to see the most impressive and diverse temples.

Things to See:

  • Shwedagon Pagoda: This iconic temple is a must-see! It’s the largest pagoda in Myanmar and boasts stunning views over the city.

  • Old Bagan: Explore the ancient city with a guide, or hire an e-bike or horse cart for a more immersive experience.

  • Explore the other temples: Visit different types of temples like the Ananda Pagoda (for its grandeur) and the Thatbyinnyu Temple (for its architectural significance).

Things to Do:

  • Take a tour: This is the best way to see many of the key sights in a short amount of time.

Enjoy a meal:

  • Visit the Shwe San Daw Pagoda: This beautiful temple is worth visiting for its impressive architecture and traditional Burmese architecture.
  • Hire a hot air balloon: A truly unique experience that lets you see the ancient city from above, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise or sunset over the Bagan plains.

Meeting the Locals:

  • Visit the Tharabar Gate: The main entrance to the ancient city of Bagan is located in Old Bagan and offers a glimpse into the history of the region.
  • Explore local villages: Discover the traditional lifestyle of the Burmese people while riding around on a bicycle or e-bike.

Transportation Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so ditch the heels for something you can walk in easily!
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be strong in Bagan, especially when exploring the open-air temples.
  • Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of water with you as it gets hot and dusty.

Stay tuned for more information on specific things to do and see in each area!

Day 3:

  • Consider a local guide: They can offer valuable insights into the history and cultural significance of the temples.
  • Hire a horse cart: This is a great way to explore the area at your leisure, but remember to negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Explore the Ananda Temple:

Enjoy the views from the top:

  • Rent a bike or e-bike: A more affordable and flexible option for exploring the temples in Bagan.
  • Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen: The sun can be intense, and you’ll want to protect yourself.

Things to Consider:

Stay in a local guesthouse: This allows you to connect with other travelers and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Visit the Ananda Temple during sunset: The sunset views over the ancient temples of Bagan are truly stunning. Food & Drink:

  • Ditch the “local food” experience: For those who don’t want to walk or ride a horse-cart through the dusty streets, enjoy traditional Burmese food and drinks at a local restaurant.

  • Enjoy the ambiance:

  • Eat like a local**:

Experience the magic of Bagan:

  • Explore the Shwedagon Pagoda: It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of the temples.
  • Deeper dive into the history:

Enjoy the sunset:

  • Enjoy the view from the balloon basket: Imagine enjoying the stunning views while floating in a hot air balloon.

Enjoy the local market:

  • Explore the other temples: Explore the diverse beauty and historical significance of the other temples in the area.
  • Experience:

Enjoy the ambiance:

  • Experience the beauty of ancient architecture:

Enjoy a sunset bike ride:

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic ride on an e-bike through the Bagan Archaeological Zone to witness the breathtaking sunset views over the ancient temples.

Other Activities:

  • Visit: Take a boat trip down the Irrawaddy River for a unique perspective on the ancient city.
  • Explore:

Enjoy the sunset. *

Enjoy the vibrant murals and intricate details of Shwe San Daw Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Bagan, with its majestic golden pagoda and serene atmosphere.

For a more immersive experience:

  • Visit:

Enjoy exploring the other temples in the area. Duttabaung Saw Pagoda, Thatbyinnyu Temple, and Shwegu Gyi Temple are all popular choices for their stunning architecture and views.

  • Experience:

The beauty of the ancient city of Bagan can be seen from many vantage points.

For a more immersive experience:

  • Enjoy:

Consider enjoying a sunset watching the sunset:

Explore the other temples:

Duttabaung Saw Pagoda offers a breathtaking view of the ancient city and its surrounding landscape.

Experience the magic of the sunset:

The Duttabaung Temple is a great place to see the beauty of the sunset over the ancient ruins. *

Enjoy the beauty of a local restaurant:

Enjoy the vibrant murals and local flavors at a traditional Burmese restaurant in the area.

Enjoy the other temples:

  • Consider a tour: Many tourists enjoy visiting Bagan with a local guide who can provide information about the history and cultural significance of each temple.
  • Enjoy a sunset tour:

For a more immersive experience, consider a hot air balloon ride.

Other suggestions:

  • Visit the Ananda Temple: This magnificent temple is a must-see for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
  • Explore the ancient city on a bike or e-bike:

You’ll be able to see the beauty of the ancient city from various angles while exploring by bike, which can be rented with a driver.

Enjoy a meal:

Rent a bike in the morning and enjoy the sunset over the ancient city.

  • Explore the iconic temples:

  • Learn about the history: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Bagan’s ancient temples while a local guide shares their stories and insights.

  • Hire a horse cart: A fun and affordable way to see the sights, though you’ll need to arrange this in advance.

Enjoy the sunset: *

  • Visit the Shwegu Gyi Temple for a glimpse into the history of Bagan and its breathtaking sunsets.

Explore the local culture: Enjoy a sunset meal at a restaurant near a temple, taking in the atmosphere and observing local life. *

  • Visit the Ananda Temple:

Enjoy a scenic ride on an e-bike and explore the beauty of the ancient city.

  • Stay at a guesthouse:

  • Explore the ancient city:

Enjoy a sunset view from a rooftop terrace in a local restaurant. *

Enjoy a relaxing evening: Relaxing on a balcony or terrace and enjoying the sunset is a great way to end the day.

  • Visit the bustling markets:

Enjoy the beautiful murals of the ancient city by visiting the Thatbyinnyu temple and its surrounding area.

  • Explore the local market:

Enjoy the unique beauty of the ancient temples:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride: A truly unforgettable experience!
  • Enjoy the scenery:

Enjoy a sunset at a local restaurant while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Burmese market.

Explore the other temples, like the Dhammayazika, which is known for its beautiful architecture.

  • Explore: Enjoy the views and explore the historical significance of the temples.

Enjoy the sunset over the ancient city and take in the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant with a view of the ancient temples:

Take pictures:

Share your experience with others, or try the local cuisine!

Enjoy a unique experience: *

Enjoy the sunset and share it with friends and family.

The Shwegu Gyi:

Explore the other temples: Enjoy the serenity of the Shwegu Gyu view of the ancient city while enjoying the delicious food at a local restaurant.

  • Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda: Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Thatbyinnyu temple, which offers breathtaking views of the ancient city.

  • Duttabaung:

  • Other temples: Take a look at the Duttabaung Temple, a stunning example of the region’s history and architecture.

Enjoy the unique experience of a local market, where vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and delicious snacks. *

Consider a hot air balloon ride:

Enjoy the breathtaking views from above while floating over the ancient city.

Tips for a relaxing sunset: Enjoy the beauty of the sunset with a scenic bike ride through the Bagan plains, stopping to admire the beautiful views at the Shwegu Gyi temple (if accessible). *

Enjoy the peace and quiet: Enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant with the beautiful view of the ancient city.

Explore the bustling atmosphere:

Consider visiting during a festival:

Other suggestions:

  • Experience the beauty of the ancient city: Take a sunset tour by e-bike or bicycle, enjoying a leisurely ride through the peaceful landscapes and stopping to enjoy the sunset at the beautiful temple ruins.
  • Enjoy the serenity: This option is a great way

to experience the vibrant history and culture of the region.

Explore the unique atmosphere:

  • Visit the ancient city during sunrise: Enjoy the beauty of the sunset

over the ancient temples.

  • Enjoy the sunset from a rooftop:

Enjoy the beautiful sunset views from a local restaurant with a view.

Enjoy:

The breathtaking views and intricate details of the Shwedagon Pagoda,

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: Enjoy a scenic ride

with a stunning view of the ancient city.

  • Enjoy the unique beauty of the ancient temples.

  • Explore the local culture: Enjoy the experience

of seeing the beautiful sunset views from a hot air balloon.

The Thatbyinnyu, with its stunning architecture and intricate details, is a great place

Enjoy the bustling ambiance of the Shwegu Gyi Pagoda and the surrounding market stalls.

Explore the bustling atmosphere:

  • Consider the sunset:

Enjoy the beauty of the ancient city with its beautiful sunset from the Thatbyinnyu temple.

  • Duttabat (Pagoda):

You can enjoy a delicious meal at The Shwegu Gyi Pagoda, and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient city.

Consider the Thatbyable:

Enjoy a sunset view: Take a ride through the other temples on a bicycle or hire a bike with a guide.

  • Enjoy the beauty of a local market:

Enjoy the experience of exploring the ancient city on a bicycle, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling markets.

For a more immersive experience:

Enjoy the breathtaking views:

Enjoy the beautiful murals and details of the ancient city.

Enjoy the unique beauty of the sunset over the ancient ruins.

Explore the history:

  • Consider enjoying the sunset:

Enjoy a sunset journey through the local market, observing the local vendors selling delicious food.

Consider visiting:

  • The Thatbyinnyu Pagoda, a stunning example of ancient Burmese architecture, with its breathtaking murals and intricate details.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride: Enjoy

the beauty of the sunset view from the nearby

Enjoy the sunset at the Bagan temples:

Visit the bustling markets around the Shwegu Gyi temple

for a unique experience. *

Enjoy:

Enjoy the beautiful views

from

The Shwegu Gyi

is a great place to enjoy the sunset:

Explore:

  • Visit the local market:

Enjoy the beauty of a sunset over the Shwegu Gyi Pagoda

, and enjoy the beautiful sunset

views

of

the ancient city. *

Enjoy:

The view from a top of a

hot air balloon

is truly breathtaking and

a unique experience**:

For a truly relaxing sunset experience:

  • Visit:

  • Consider exploring:

Enjoy the sunset over the

ancient temples

from a distance

Explore:

the Thatbeikkyin pagoda complex.

  • Experience:

The vibrant

colors

of the sunset

painting

the ancient city’s landscape and monuments with a beautiful light.

Enjoy the views:

Consider visiting

the local market in the evening while it’s quieter to

enjoy the unique beauty of the temples

over

a delicious Burmese dinner**.

Remember,

  • The Shwegu Gyi Pagoda, is

known for its beautiful sunset views.

  • Enjoy the beauty:

Enjoy other attractions:

Other Attractions:

  • Enjoy a leisurely ride through the local markets and enjoy the cultural experience
  • Explore the nearby temples:

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the sunset.

The Shwegu Gyi Pagoda,

is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Things to do in the evening:

  • Enjoy the sunset views from

a local restaurant**.

Visit the bustling

night markets

for delicious food, souvenirs, and souvenirs.

  • Enjoy a peaceful sunset: Enjoy the sunset views from a nearby restaurant or cafe while enjoying

the relaxing atmosphere of the old city.