Bagan, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region. Historically, it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries.
Myanmar is a Southeast Asian nation that is home to over 100 ethnic groups. The nation’s diverse population and historic cities make it a popular tourist destination for travelers who love to experience new cultures.
Bagan, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region. Historically, it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries.
Today, Bagan is a beautiful destination with an abundance of historical sites. If you travel to Bagan, you’ll have the opportunity to visit archaeological ruins, explore temples, and see gorgeous sunsets.
To make the most of your trip, you’ll need to have a plan in place. Here are some tips to help you navigate Bagan and the activities you can do there:
1. Traveling to Bagan
Many people travel to Bagan from other cities like Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. If you want to know how to get from Mandalay to Bagan, you can find information online about buses, trains, and planes to and from the city.
All these travel options are relatively low cost. A plane will get you there the fastest, but it is significantly more expensive. A bus or a train can get you there in about 4-8 hours, depending on which you choose.
If you want to travel between cities, you may want to consider renting a car. Doing so is convenient if you want the freedom and control of being able to go wherever you want at any point.
2. Visit pagodas and temples during sunset and sunrise
The sunsets and sunrises in Bagan are notoriously beautiful. To make the experience even more impressive, save your pagoda and temple visits for those hours of the day.
You’ll be amazed by the scenic views and miraculous architecture. It’s also the perfect time to ride a hot air balloon and float over the various temples.
Also, don’t neglect to enter the temples. Many visitors only visit the temples to see the exterior. Inside, you’ll find Buddha statues, rock carvings, and other historical items that are worth seeing.
3. Bring a flashlight
A flashlight may seem like an odd item to pack for a vacation, but it will come in handy. Since a lot of the tourism in Bagan happens around sunrise and sunset, navigating dark temple stairways can be tricky. Bring a flashlight, torch, or headlamp, to avoid getting lost or hurt while you’re exploring.
4. Rent an E-bike
One of the best ways to explore Bagan is by e-bike. E-bikes are an affordable and exciting way to travel around the city.
Not only do they move quickly, but they are an exhilarating and easy way to see the temples in a unique way. If you do decide to rent an e-bike, be careful while driving on main roads and dust paths.
5. Pack sunscreen
The climate in Bagan is warm and dry. Sunscreen is essential if you visit the city because you’ll likely spend a lot of time outside.
Aside from sunscreen, make sure you stock up on water and mosquito spray. These three items will make for a stress-free vacation.
6. Don’t mind the strays
In Bagan, there are a lot of stray dogs. However, many of the strays are familiar with people since tourism is so heavy in the area. Most of the dogs you’ll encounter are very friendly and will not bother you unless agitated.
However, as with any strays, be cautious if you try to interact with them or feed them.
With these six tips, your trip to the City of Temples will be rewarding, refreshing, and enlightening. Enjoy!
