Holiday in Bagan
Area in Myanmar — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇲🇲
Country
Myanmar
Type
Area
Best time to travel
October–February (cool and dry)
Budget/day
35–70 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Yangon (RGN) with a stop, connecting flight to Bagan/Nyaung U (NYU) in 1h. Or night bus from Yangon (10h).
Deals for Bagan:
What makes Bagan special as a destination?
Bagan in Myanmar is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world: On an area of 42 square kilometers, over 2,200 temples, pagodas, and monasteries rise from a dry plain on the banks of the Irrawaddy River — the largest concentration of Buddhist structures on the planet. The panorama at sunrise, when mist rises between the temple peaks, is one of the most magical sights in Southeast Asia. The temples date back to the heyday of the Kingdom of Bagan between the 9th and 13th centuries. The Ananda Temple, with its four standing Buddha statues, is considered an architectural masterpiece, while the massive Dhammayangyi Temple impresses with its finest masonry. The Shwesandaw Temple offers one of the last accessible viewpoints for sunrises and sunsets over the sea of temples. The best way to explore Bagan is by E-bike: Dusty paths lead between centuries-old stupas to hidden temples, which you often have all to yourself. Hot air balloon rides over the temple field at sunrise are Bagan's signature experience (October to March). A boat trip on the Irrawaddy reveals rural Myanmar. Bagan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. The best travel time is from November to February with cooler temperatures and clear visibility.
What are the top highlights in Bagan?
The top highlights in Bagan include Hot Air Balloon over Bagan, Ananda Temple, E-Bike Tour through the Temples, Irrawaddy River Boat Trip, Shwezigon Pagoda.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Hot Air Balloon over Bagan
Drift over the temple plain at sunrise – one of the most spectacular experiences in Asia. Only October–March, must be booked in advance.
Ananda Temple
The most beautiful and best-preserved temple in Bagan: four 9.5 m high golden Buddha statues that smile or look serious depending on the angle.
E-Bike Tour through the Temples
Rent an E-bike and explore hundreds of temples on your own – most have no entrance fee and you often have them to yourself.
Irrawaddy River Boat Trip
A sunset boat trip on the Irrawaddy with a view of the temple silhouette – deeply relaxing and romantic.
Shwezigon Pagoda
The golden pagoda from the 11th century is considered a model for the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
Hotels in Bagan
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Reise-SIM für Bagan
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Bagan?
The best time to visit Bagan is October–February (cool and dry). Extremely hot, 38–45 °C (March–May), rainy season June–September (heavy monsoon rains) In winter: Pleasantly warm, 22–32 °C, dry, cool mornings – perfect for temple visits
Recommended travel time
October–February (cool and dry)
Summer
Extremely hot, 38–45 °C (March–May), rainy season June–September (heavy monsoon rains)
Winter
Pleasantly warm, 22–32 °C, dry, cool mornings – perfect for temple visits
How much does a holiday in Bagan cost?
Budget travellers: 15–25 €/day, mid-range: 35–70 €/day, luxury: 100–250 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
15–25 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
35–70 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
100–250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Bagan?
Flight to Yangon (RGN) with a stop, connecting flight to Bagan/Nyaung U (NYU) in 1h. Or night bus from Yangon (10h).
Book a package holiday to Bagan
Compare thousands of package holidays to Bagan and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Bagan?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Renting an E-bike ($5-8/day) is the best way to explore the temples – not all are on maps, discovering is part of it.
Sunrise at Pyathada Paya or North Guni – the famous temples are crowded, the nameless pagodas offer the same view alone.
Removing shoes at every temple is mandatory – bring socks and light shoes for quick removal.
Myanmar requires cash (USD or Kyat) – there are ATMs in Nyaung U, but fees are high.
What should you eat in Bagan?
Typical specialities in Bagan: Mohinga — Myanmar's national dish: fish noodle soup with banana heart, coriander, and crispy toppings – available for breakfast everywhere., Shan Noodles — rice noodles in mild tomato sauce with chicken or tofu – from the Shan State, but popular throughout Myanmar., Lahpet Thoke — fermented tea leaf salad with nuts, sesame, and garlic – unique to Myanmar and a must-try., Myanmar Beer — the local beer is surprisingly good and costs under €1 in restaurants – the most popular is 'Myanmar Lager'., Samosa Soup — Indian-Burmese fusion: pieces of samosa in spicy chickpea soup – a street food highlight..
These specialties you must try!
