Bagan Myanmar 4 Day Itinerary

4 Days in Bagan: A Timeless Journey

This itinerary focuses on exploring the ancient temples and enjoying the unique experiences Bagan offers. It’s a starting point and can be customized based on your interests and pace.

Day 1: Arriving in the Land of Temples

  • Morning: Arrive in Bagan (Bagan Airport or by bus/boat from other destinations). Check into your hotel.

    • Accommodation: Consider a hotel with a view of the temples for a truly immersive experience. The Bagan View Hotel, Tharabar Gate Hotel, and Hotel Umbra are popular choices.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore Old Bagan: Visit iconic temples like Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, and Manuha Temple.
      • Ananda Temple: This masterpiece is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Bagan.
      • Shwedagon Pagoda (a replica): Experience the grandeur of one of Myanmar’s most sacred sites in miniature form.
    • Enjoy sunset at a viewpoint: Head to a rooftop restaurant or a designated viewpoint for breathtaking views of the ancient temples bathed in golden light.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner and a show: Indulge in traditional Burmese cuisine at The Moon Restaurant known for its delicious curries and local delicacies, or Be Elegant Restaurant offering stunning rooftop dining with sunset views.
    • Experience the “Bagan Sunset”: The beauty of Bagan is best experienced at sunset. Climb a hot air balloon (for an unforgettable view) or find a restaurant like Sunset View Restaurant for a panoramic view from the ground.

Things to know:

  • Where to stay: Most tourists choose to stay in Old Bagan, Nyaung U, or New Bagan.

    • Old Bagan: Offers stunning views of the temples and a chance to stay within the ancient archaeological zone.
    • Nyaung U: This town is located near the entrance to the Bagan Archaeological Zone, making it convenient for exploring the area.

  • Where to eat:

For a more authentic experience:

  • Enjoy a local meal: Try “The Betel Leaf” for its traditional Burmese cuisine and unique setting (a restaurant with a 1000+ year old temple as its backdrop).
  • Sample street food: Explore the bustling night markets in Nyaung U or Old Bagan for a variety of local dishes.

For a fine dining experience:

  • The Golden Myanmar Restaurant: Located in Nyaung U, this restaurant offers a delicious mix of traditional and international cuisine with a view of the sunrise over the temples.
  • Bagan Thiripyitsaya Hotel (Restaurant): This hotel’s restaurant is renowned for its exquisite Burmese dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Archaeological Zone: Hire an e-bike or bicycle and discover the ancient wonders of Bagan at your own pace.
  • Visit a pagoda festival: If you’re lucky enough to be in Bagan during a full moon, you might catch one of the many vibrant pagoda festivals that take place throughout the year.

Accommodation options:

  • The Mandalay Golden Palace (Nyaung U): Luxurious rooms with traditional Burmese decor and amenities.
  • Bagan Lodge (New Bagan): Offers comfortable bungalows in a lush garden setting.
  • Bagan View Hotel (Nyaung U): Beautiful hotel with a rooftop terrace for stunning temple views.

Things to know:

  • Visa: Most nationalities need a visa to enter Myanmar, including tourists. You can apply online or at a Myanmar embassy.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Kyat (MMK). ATMs are widely available in Nyaung Oo and Bagan Nyaung U.
  • Weather: Be prepared for hot weather, especially from March to May.

Day 2: Exploring the Ancient City

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Shwegu Gyi Pagoda for its unique architecture and panoramic views (consider a sunrise hot air balloon tour).
    • Rent a bicycle or e-bike and explore the ancient temples on your own.

  • Afternoon:

  • Bike/explore around the temples: Enjoy the beauty of Bagan’s historical landscape.

  • Visit a local tea shop: Experience the vibrant social scene of tea culture in Myanmar, sipping strong black tea with condensed milk and indulging in delicious snacks like mohinga (fish noodle soup) and mohinga lahpet (tea leaf salad)

  • Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at a sunset restaurant: Dine while watching the sun set over the ancient city.

Things to consider for accommodation: Choose a hotel with a rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, or one that offers tours and activities within the Archaeological Zone (for example, e-bike rentals are often available).

  • For dinner:

  • The Bagan Kitchen: This restaurant serves up delicious Burmese cuisine while offering stunning views over the ancient city.

  • Local market food stalls: Sample a variety of authentic dishes from the street vendors at sunset.

  • Other experiences:

    • Shwe San Daw Pagoda: Visit this pagoda for its unique architecture and breathtaking views from its upper terraces.

Things to know: Consider visiting a local restaurant near your hotel for a more immersive experience, or one with a rooftop view for an unforgettable evening.

Day 3: Discover Ancient Architecture and Local Life

  • Morning:

    • Explore the Shwe Si Pun Pagoda, known for its intricate carvings and ancient charm.
    • Visit Nyaung U Market to see and taste local delicacies and experience the bustling atmosphere.

  • Afternoon:

  • Explore a local village: Immerse yourself in Burmese culture by interacting with locals and witnessing their daily routines, crafts, and traditions.

  • Consider a cooking class: Learn to cook traditional dishes like tea leaf salad or mohinga (see Day 2)

Day 4: Relax and Reflect

  • Enjoy the sunset from a hot air balloon: This is a popular activity in Bagan, offering breathtaking views of the ancient temples.
  • Visit the Ananda Pagoda for its stunning beauty and historical significance.
  • Explore a local market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and discover unique ingredients used in Burmese cuisine.

Tips:

  • Hire an experienced guide: For a deeper understanding of the region’s history, consider hiring a licensed guide.
  • Rent an e-bike: E-bikes are a popular and convenient way to explore the vast Archaeological Zone.
  • Visit the sunset from the top of a pagoda: Many pagodas offer panoramic views and are a great place to watch the sun set over the ancient landscape (especially beautiful at sunset).

Things to know:

  • Sunset time varies: The best time to visit the Archaeological Zone for the iconic view is during the dry season (November-May) when the weather is favorable.

Additional Activities:

  • Explore other ancient temples: The Shwesandaw Pagoda, Thatbyinnyu Temple, and Dhammayangyi Temple are all popular choices for exploring and enjoying the beauty of the ancient structures.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River: Take in the stunning views of the sunset reflecting off the water, while also seeing the beauty of the Bagan temples from a unique perspective.

This is just a sample itinerary, and you can adjust it to your interests.

Remember:

  • Dress respectfully: When visiting religious sites, remember to dress conservatively (covering shoulders and knees).
  • Bring water: It’s important to stay hydrated in the dry climate, especially when exploring the ancient pagodas.
  • Explore the markets and local villages: Enjoy the culinary delights of Bagan, such as delicious curries and local snacks.

Enjoy a unique experience at the Shwe Oo Min Pagoda:

  • Visit the Shwe Oo Min Temple: Explore this stunning temple with its intricate carvings, and admire the beautiful sunset views over the plains.