10 Most Beautiful Bagan Temples to Visit

What to Know Before Visiting Bagan?

Here are a few tips to help you get ready to go out there and explore the Bagan temples:

• Protect your skin: Prepare sunblock and cover yourself with it while out in the sun. It gets really hot during the day, and you will be on an e-bike/bike most of the time, so protect your skin.
• Bring Water: Since you will be out in the sun all day, prepare lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. You need to have at least one 2-liter bottle of water.
• Keep your ticket with you: At all times, as there will be people checking for it randomly in big and small temples.
• Have USD on hand: So that you can pay the entrance fee when you arrive in Bagan.
• Prepare headlamps: If you want to see the sunset in Bagan, you need to have a headlamp so that you can navigate the road safely at night to get to the sunrise temple.

10 Most Beautiful Temples in Bagan

1. Sunrise at Shwe San Daw Pagoda

One of the most popular Bagan pagodas that people like to visit is the Shwe San Daw Pagoda as it is one of the best places to see the sunrise. The pagoda is built in a cylindrical shape on top of 5 levels of terraces, allowing quite a few people to be up there, and there will be A LOT of people at sunrise.

Many tourists come as early as 4 AM and pick the best spot on the top-level terrace, and by the time the sun rises, there is barely any space left on the top terrace.

For me, it doesn't matter whether you are on level 4 or 5; you will have a pretty similar view nonetheless. I don't think it's worth worrying about getting the best spot on the Shwe San Daw Pagoda.

But if you are determined to be the first, you will have to brave the night and get to the Shwe San Daw Pagoda by 3:30 AM and wait it out. I guarantee you that if you are there this early, there will be plenty of space on the top level.

I arrived at 5 AM, which is a bit too late to get a spot on the 5th level, so I got a spot on the 4th level, set up my camera, and took a timelapse of the sunrise as the hot air balloons dotted the sky.

If you are there in January-February, you will get to see these hot air balloons slowly being inflated, taking off, and dotting the sky. This makes the view atop the Shwe San Daw Pagoda even more memorable.

If you are into filmmaking, the Shwe San Daw Pagoda will give you a stunning viewpoint of the landscape, the pagodas, and the hot air balloons, all in one frame.

Here's a tip for you for Shwe San Daw Pagoda: Most people will leave immediately after sunrise, but the most beautiful moment to capture is actually about an hour after sunrise when the light is bright orange but not too strong, and the landscape becomes clearer.

Simply outstay all the tourists, and you will have the entire 5th level to yourself and get the picture you want without anyone in the frame. I stayed until 9 AM, went up to the fifth level, and had the entire place to myself.

If you are still on the fence about visiting the Shwe San Daw Pagoda at sunrise, I assure you, it is definitely worth it. Even if there are tons of people there, the sunrise atop the Shwe San Daw Pagoda is probably one of the best moments you can experience in your life. It certainly was for me, so don't let the number of tourists deter you from visiting the Shwe San Daw Pagoda.

There are other pagodas nearby as well that you can ascend, but they are not as high as the Shwe San Daw Pagoda. However, if you are not convinced about the Shwe San Daw Pagoda, you can explore a bit the day before and find the perfect viewpoint away from all the tourists. After all, there are over 2,000 temples and pagodas in the plains of Bagan.

2. Htilominlo Temple and its Beautiful Spires

Htilominlo Temple is a gigantic red brick temple standing tall at over 45m. Its sharp iconic spire at the top is hard to miss when you are exploring Bagan. The temple was built in the 13th century and named after its builder, King Htilominlo, who ruled the kingdom during that period.

On the inside, there are four Buddha statues facing in each direction. The temple contains several beautiful murals and frescoes depicting Buddhist scenes in different colors.

Unfortunately, some of them have faded away over time, leaving us visitors to guess how beautiful the full mural would have been.

If you are lucky, you might be able to witness a group of Buddhist monks and pilgrims praying at the Buddha images inside, as I did.

3. Ananda Temple and the Grand Buddha Statues

Ananda Temple, built in the 11th century, is one of Bagan's best-known temples in the area. It is said to be one of the first big temples built on this plain, and being able to look at it now, standing for almost a thousand years, is mind-boggling.

The beauty of the temple stands the test of time, with its unique blend of Mon and North Indian architectural styles that sets it apart from other temples in Bagan.

One of Ananda Temple's unique features is its reflective golden spire that you can spot from several miles away. It is amazing to see how well-preserved this temple is, which reflects how the locals see Ananda Temple as one of the most sacred temples in Bagan.

Ananda Temple is also built in a perfectly symmetrical layout, with 4 giant standing Buddha statues towering over 9.5m inside, all facing North, South, East, and West. You will find frescoes of Buddha's journey from birth to death depicted on over 554 plaques on the walls of Ananda Temple.

Legend has it that in the 11th century, eight monks from India came to Bagan and were granted an audience by King Kyanzittha. The monks told the king about the legendary temple in the Himalayas and created a vision of the temple in the snowy landscape for the king to see. The story left the king so impressed that he decided to replicate it in Bagan, and that is how the Ananda temple came to be.

Unfortunately, for the architect who designed the temple, the ending was not as inspiring, as the king executed the architect right after the temple was completed to ensure that anything like it could never be built again. What is it with kings and tsars back in the day, executing architects?

4. Thatbyinnyu Temple, the Biggest One of All

Thatbyinnyu temple is another iconic temple in Bagan, with its main spire piercing the sky. Standing at a height of 60m, the Thatbyinnyu temple is one of the tallest monuments in Bagan, making it impossible to miss when you are there.

The exterior, like the nearby Ananda temple, is coated with stucco, and from the indentations we discovered in the interior of Thatbyinnyu, supposedly there were meant to be over 500 plaques depicting the life of Buddha, as we saw in the Ananda temple. However, for some unknown reasons, they are all missing here.

Unfortunately, you can no longer climb up the tallest temple in Bagan since it was banned in 2016 to preserve it. That being said, Thatbyinnyu Temple, just like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is best seen from afar among the landscape, not atop it. So, get your bikes, explore the nearby temples, and get up on one for the best view of Thatbyinnyu Temple.

Fun fact: Nearby the Thatbyinnyu temple, there is a small temple called Tally temple that was used to keep track of how many bricks were used to build the Thatbyinnyu temple.

For every 10,000 bricks, one brick was set aside on this site to keep track of the count, and the Tally temple was constructed atop the site after the completion of Thatbyinnyu temple. If you can find where it is, let me know in the comments below 😉.

5. Dahmmayan Gyi Temple, a Massive Temple without Spires

Dahmmayan Gyi temple is my favorite temple in Bagan, not because it is the largest temple in Bagan, but because of its lack of spires, which are often found on Bagan temples.

Dhammayan Gyi temple's structure resembles that of the pyramids of the Aztecs or the early pyramids of Egypt. It was not by design, however, as the temple was not actually completed when it was abandoned.

Legend has it that King Narathu commissioned the temple in 1170, right after he murdered his father and brother to take over the throne, out of fear of bad karma. As you know, how this story goes, he was later murdered himself before Dahmmayan Gyi temple was completed, and the project was abandoned right after.

No one knows who murdered King Narathu. There were stories of King Narathu being killed by invaders from Sri Lanka and King Narathu being killed by a group of Indians sent by the King of Pateikkaya out of revenge for the death of King Narathu's wife, who was the princess of Pateikkaya.

King Narathu was not a great ruler though, as one of his stories shows. It is believed that the king would chop off the hands of the laborers if the work done on Dahmmayan Gyi temple was not perfect in every way.

Despite the stories of how the temple came to be, it is hard not to wonder how the temple would have turned out if it were finished. Even in its current form, my jaw drops every time I see the temple when I'm in Bagan.

6. Sulamani Temple and its Elaborate Carvings

Sulamani Temple is another great temple you should visit when you are in Bagan. The temple is elegantly built with red bricks by King Narapatisithu, one of the longest rulers of the Pagan Kingdom.

The Pagan Kingdom, during his reign, was prosperous and seen as the foundation that gave rise to the Burmese culture that emerged from its Mon roots. His reign is considered to be the peak of the Pagan Kingdom, which saw many important monuments erected during this period.

One of those is the Sulamani temple, which was named after a ruby found on the spot where the temple was erected. The story goes that King Narapatisithu found a small ruby on the site, and henceforth, it is called Sulamani, which literally translates to "Small Ruby".

Funny enough, in the Thai language, "mani" also means ruby 😉, which goes to show how each kingdom in the region influences each other during ancient times.

The architecture of the Sulamani temple resembles that of Htilominlo, with the spire design influenced by an Indian architectural style that also resembles the one atop the Ananda temple, but without being gilded.

You will find over 500 plaques on the walls of Sulamani's interior depicting the journey from life to death of Buddha, which is very common to have in large temples in Bagan.

You will find some beautiful murals inside the temple that depict Buddha stories and several mystical animals on the walls of the Sulamani temple.

7. Taung Guni Temple and its Stunning View of the Sunset

Another temple built during King Narapatisithu's reign, the Taung Guni temple, is much smaller in scale compared to all the other temples I mentioned here, but it is not the temple itself that will blow you away; it is the sunset you will see atop this temple that will.

The temple itself is nothing special, but the platform on the terrace is spacious, allowing a number of people to be on top while watching the sunset. Don't worry, you will not have to deal with the crowds like you did at the Shwe San Daw Pagoda, as there is no specific place to be during sunset.

From atop the Taung Guni Temple, you will get an unobstructed view of the landscape without going up very high. This should allow you to see the silhouettes of the temples as the sun sets behind the plains of Bagan.

8. Shwezigon Pagoda and its Golden Charm

I have to admit to you when I first visited Bagan, I mistakenly thought that the sunrise pagoda was the Shwezigon Pagoda. So, I stupidly went off with my bike at 5 AM to the pagoda, only to find out that the sunrise pagoda was actually the Shwe San Daw.

I eventually missed the sunrise on my first trip to Bagan due to getting the temple's names mixed up. Do not make the same mistake as I did and be sure to read this guide carefully 😅.

Shwezigon Pagoda is the closest pagoda you can visit from Old Bagan. If you stay in Old Bagan, you can literally walk from your hotel to the pagoda in 5 minutes.

The gold-plated pagoda of Shwezigon may fool you into thinking that this is a new pagoda, but Shwezigon Pagoda is actually one of the oldest monuments in Bagan, built by the founder of the Pagan Kingdom, King Anawrahta. The first stupa was built in the 11th century and was expanded to incorporate new temples around the stupa over the years.

It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Bagan that attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. If you are there in December, you might be able to witness the Shwezigon festival, which is dedicated to paying respect to the ancient spirit of the old belief before the kingdom was converted to Buddhism.

9. Mahabodhi Pagoda with a touch of India Influence

You may have seen a small touch of Indian influence in parts of the bigger temples in Bagan, but there is no pagoda that has been influenced by Indian architectural style as much as the Mahabodhi Pagoda inside the walls of Old Bagan.

Mahabodhi Pagoda is a pagoda dedicated to Buddhism, but if you look at it without the context, you would almost think that this must be a Hindu shrine. That is because the Mahabodhi Pagoda was built to resemble a temple with the same name in Bodhgaya, India, where Buddha reached enlightenment.

Its iconic pyramidal tower contains numerous Buddha images in different postures that you can spot while entering Old Bagan's walled city. Unfortunately, I was unable to enter inside as it was closed when I was there. I'm not sure if it is accessible now, so if you happen to be at Mahabodhi Pagoda temple recently, please let me know if you can get inside.

10. Bagan Archaeological Museum and its Modern Take on Temple Architecture

Last but not least, and it is not a temple but a museum, the best Bagan structure to visit is the Bagan Archaeological Museum, which boasts a modern design of Bagan-style architecture on its exterior.

The exterior is nice and all, but the content of the museum is what is most interesting. The museum itself contains numerous ancient artifacts discovered in Bagan over the years.

You will find a 1,000-year-old Buddha image, ancient stone inscriptions, and a copy of murals that you found on the walls of many Bagan temples. Visiting the museum at the end should put things in perspective and allow you to appreciate what you just saw in Bagan even more.

Things to Do in Bagan Other than Visiting Temples

1. Hike Mount Popa

If you have an extra day in Bagan and you have seen all the major temples, you can spend a day hiking Mount Popa, which is about 50 km southeast of Bagan. Mount Popa is an important pilgrimage site with several temples dedicated to the ancient spirit atop the mountain.

The top of Mount Popa stands at over 1500m above sea level, and to reach the summit, you must ascend the 777 steps, which should take approximately 45 minutes.

Thankfully, the stairways are not exposed, and you will be hiking up under a roof until the top, so the climb will not be as difficult during the day. Along the way, you will find many monkeys who luckily keep to themselves, so avoid flashing colorful things around for them to notice and grab.

At the summit of Mt. Popa, you will have an unobstructed view of the surrounding area, and if you are lucky, you might even see Bagan and the Irrawaddy River all the way from the summit.

To get to Mt. Popa, you can take a local bus from Nyuang U bus station, but information about the public bus is scarce, and even if you get on one, it might take you almost 2 hours to reach Mount Popa as they often stop to load/unload stuff.

The best way to get to Mount Popa is to hire a taxi driver to take you there and back. With a taxi, it will take around 1 hour to get to Mount Popa, and you can choose to stop anywhere you like along the way. You can hire a taxi from any hotel in Bagan, and it should cost you around 35 USD for the trip. I would recommend finding people to do it with so you can share the cost together.

If you want to go on a tour, you can book a day-trip tour to Mt. Popa here.

2. Float Along the Irrawaddy River on a Boat at Sunset

Another thing you can do in Bagan is to take a boat ride along the Irrawaddy River, especially during sunset. The Irrawaddy River is the lifeline of Myanmar, and it stretches 2,170 km across the country, passing through Bagan.

You can book a boat trip from your hotel or hostel, and they should pick you up. Alternatively, you can just ride your bike to the riverbank and find a local boat straight from there. It usually costs around 5 USD for an hour boat ride at sunset if you go on your own with a local boat.

Make sure you are there at the right time, as it is not ideal to go on a boat ride when the tide is this low.

If you want to book a more luxurious boat tour with snacks, tea, and a local guide, you can book a sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River here.

3. Watch Sunrise over Bagan on a Hot Air Balloon

If you want an even more epic sunrise experience, you can get on one of these hot air balloons and experience sunset in a way that not many have done in Bagan.

The hot air balloon service is operated by a British company called Balloons Over Bagan with over 17 years of experience, and it reflects in their safety precautions and price. The trip will set you back 350-450 USD per person for a 45-minute ride, and it only operates between October and April.

For more information about Hot Air Balloons in Bagan, visit the Balloons Over Bagan website.

4. Craving Healthy Food? Eat at Moon Restaurant

There are tons of local restaurants in both New and Old Bagan, but if you are looking for a healthier option, The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant located right by the Ananda temple is a great choice.

They serve great, rich vegetarian local food as well as international food like burgers. So, if you are in need of a healthy food fix in Bagan, The Moon is the place to be.

It's a little pricey for Myanmar standards, but you get what you pay for: authentic, high-quality local food that is both healthy and requires no killing of animals.

The restaurant is also located in an atmospheric area near the Ananda temple, making it a great place to visit for dinner with your friends and family.

Should I Stay in Old Bagan or New Bagan?

There are two towns in Bagan that you can base yourself out of while exploring the temples, and, as you can guess from the names, one of them is the old town, and the other is a new one. The big question is, where should you stay in Bagan?

Well, there are things to consider, including accommodation options, proximity to the best Bagan temples, and I will list the pros and cons of both here, and let you decide.

Old Bagan is an old town where the infrastructure is not as developed, resulting in fewer options for good accommodation with reliable infrastructure. Power outages are quite common in Old Bagan.

That said, it is closer to the temples than New Bagan, and by being in Old Bagan, you will get to see how regular locals actually live. It is more atmospheric, and there are plenty of local restaurants that are cheap and authentic as it gets.

New Bagan, on the other hand, is a new town that is built specifically to house a growing local population. Since this area is newer, you will have more choices when it comes to accommodation with reliable infrastructure. You can easily find a place to rent a motorcycle, horse cart, or e-bike easily in New Bagan.

With modernity comes a lack of character, and that is true for New Bagan. It is convenient to be in New Bagan, but you will be shielded against authentic experiences that you might have had if you stay in Old Bagan. New Bagan is also a bit further away from all the main temples I listed in this travel guide, so that is something to think about.

For a verdict, I would say that if you want to have a more authentic experience and do not mind some inconvenience, stay in Old Bagan.

If you want to be in cleaner, more modern places while exploring Bagan, stay in New Bagan.

In my opinion, I would recommend staying in New Bagan for the infrastructure. Rent an e-bike so you can get to places faster, and then just ride to Old Bagan and spend some time there. That way, you are getting the best of both worlds, and with an e-bike, the difference in distance does not matter as much anymore since you can get to both places in only a few minutes.

When to Visit Bagan?

Like most of Southeast Asia, the best time to visit Bagan is from November to February, when it is not too hot, with a steady temperature of around 30°C during the day and as low as 14°C at night.

With the lower than average temperature and a higher chance of clear skies that come with November - February, it is also the perfect time for a hot air balloon company to operate. So, if you want to go on a hot air balloon ride or want to see the sunrise with hot air balloons dotting the sky, this is the best period to visit.

If you don't like heat, avoid March to May, especially April, as it is considered the hottest month of the year, and the average temperature can be as high as 40°C. Imagine riding a bike in that kind of heat.

The same goes for the rainy season between June and October. Since you will be outdoors most of the time in Bagan, cycling around and exploring the temples, I would recommend you avoid June and October as there is a higher chance of rain during this period.

How to Get to Bagan, Myanmar?

Getting from Abroad to Myanmar

First and foremost, you will have to get yourself to Myanmar, and there are 2 ways you can do that. One is to fly to Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar and the main travel hub in the country, or two, fly to Mandalay, the second-largest city in the country, and a lot nearer to Bagan than Yangon.

From the US, there are no direct flights to either city, so you will have to fly via Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar and Emirates or fly over the Pacific Ocean via ANA Airline through Japan, Korean Air through South Korea, or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.

From Europe, Middle Eastern airlines such as Qatar and Emirates connect Europe to Myanmar, along with Asian airlines like Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

From Asia, there are a ton of AirAsia flights that connect big hub cities like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore with Mandalay, and it should cost you around 54 USD to 150 USD per way depending on where you are flying from. I found that flying from Bangkok to Mandalay can be as low as 54 USD per flight.

For more information on which flights to buy from your home country to Myanmar, I would recommend that you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the best affordable flight that fits your itinerary.

If you are already in Southeast Asia, you can book your bus and train tickets online here: Book a plane/bus/train ticket for Bagan.

Getting from Yangon or Mandalay to Bagan

From Yangon, you will have to either take a domestic flight to Bagan via Air KBZ, which should cost around 130 USD, or you can opt for a 10-hour bus journey costing 23 USD.

You can book your bus/plane ticket from Yangon to Bagan here: Book a plane/bus ticket from Yangon to Bagan.

From Mandalay, you can fly domestically via Air KBZ for 82 USD, or you can take the minivan operated by OK Minibus for 12 USD, and it takes around 6 hours to reach Bagan.

You can book your bus/plane ticket from Mandalay to Bagan here: Book a plane/bus ticket from Mandalay to Bagan.

How to Get Around Bagan?

There are several ways to explore the Bagan temples, and it will depend on the type of traveler you are. Here are some options available for you to choose from:

Bicycles: One of the best and most fun ways to explore the Bagan temples is via bicycles. Remember that these temples and pagodas are abandoned, and some of them require you to go on a small path that a car might not be able to access.

With a bicycle, you can go anywhere you like, no matter how small the dirt roads are. Plus, you are exercising while exploring, which, I think, is a win-win situation.

The drawback is that you will be exposed to the sun all day, especially if you start to feel dizzy. Keep yourself hydrated, drink a lot of water, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen.

To rent a bike for a day, it should cost you around 1-2 USD per day, and you can rent it via your hostel/hotel or bike shops that are scattered around in Old and New Bagan.

E-Bikes (recommended): Another great option for those who do not enjoy biking is to get an e-bike, which is like a slower version of a moped. Unfortunately, foreigners are not allowed to ride bikes, so we will have to settle for an e-bike instead.

The good thing about an e-bike is that it has the versatility of a bicycle but without the effort required. It will help you travel faster, which, in turn, allows you to see more temples and do more stuff in Bagan. That is why I recommend you get an e-bike.

To rent an e-bike for a day (9 AM - 7 PM), it should cost you around 4 - 6 USD, or you can negotiate if you want to rent it overnight to go see the sunrise. There are plenty of shops in Old and New Bagan that rent out e-bikes, and you should have no trouble finding one.

Horse Carts: A horse cart is one of the most stylish ways to explore Bagan temples. If you are traveling as a family with kids, hiring a horse cart might be a fun way to explore Bagan together.

You also don't have to plan your itinerary yourself because you can ask the driver to take you to the best temples Bagan has to offer. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

That said, riding in a horse cart is the slowest way to get to places, although at least you don't have to pedal yourself. Hiring a horse cart for a day should cost you around 15 USD for the entire cart, so if you are a family, you can split the price among yourselves.

Taxis: With a ton of dirt roads and people cycling, riding e-bikes all over the place, it can get quite dusty at times. In order to get away from that and, more importantly, the heat, you can hire a taxi driver to take you around Bagan instead. This is by far the fastest, most convenient, and most expensive way to explore Bagan.

With a car, you will be able to see a lot more in a day than with any other type of transportation I listed here, but it will set you back around 35 USD. If you have people to split the cost with and don't have a lot of time, hiring a taxi is the way to go.

Taxis can be easily hired via your hotel/hostel. They often have their own drivers on hand, so if you ask your hotel/hostel a day before, you should have no trouble finding a taxi one day in advance.

Bagan Entrance Fee

To enter the Bagan archaeological site, you will have to pay for a ticket that will allow you access to all the temples in Bagan. It is essential to buy the ticket as your hotel/hostel will need to register the number on the ticket when you check in.

This ticket costs around 15 USD and is valid for 3 days. You may be randomly asked to show the ticket at any temple, so keep it with you at all times. Do not lose it; otherwise, you will have to buy another one.

Where to Buy Bagan Entrance Ticket?

If you are flying into Nyuang U airport, there will be a desk right before you exit the building, and they will ask you to pay for the ticket there.

If you are taking the bus, there may or may not be someone to stop the bus and ask you to buy a ticket (there were none when I took the bus last time), so don't worry if you didn't get the ticket when you are on a bus; you can sometimes buy them via your hotel as well.

How Long to Stay in Bagan?

Two nights in Bagan is a minimum, which should allow you to see all the main sites in one day, but you will completely exhaust yourself doing it. I would recommend that you stay at least 3 - 4 nights in Bagan so you can explore Bagan temples at your leisure without rushing through, which is the best way to see Bagan.

With 3 nights in Bagan, you can divide your exploration into 2 parts, with your first day exploring the temples and the town of Old Bagan, and the second day exploring the temples around New Bagan.

With 4 nights, you can take your time and explore all the temples at a much slower pace, which is the best way to see Bagan. Bagan is the type of place you should not rush through. You can also fit in a side trip, such as a sunset boat ride along the Irrawaddy River or a day trip to Mt. Popa.

Is Bagan Safe?

Bagan is generally safe. The most dangerous things in Bagan are the sun, snakes, and crumbling temples that may break at any moment, which is why climbing temples is prohibited.

Avoid being out in the sun for too long, especially if you start to feel dizzy. Keep yourself hydrated, drink a lot of water, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen.

Snakes are not common on the main path, so you should be fine most of the time, but they do sometimes live around bushes, so keep your eyes open before you go off the beaten path... literally.

Avoid climbing temples as the best way to prevent yourself from falling off one. For some temples, climbing is still allowed, and if you want to climb, make sure the stone you are about to step on is strong and sturdy.

Other than that, you are pretty safe in Bagan. The locals are really nice and often very accommodating, while petty thefts are not as common as in big cities.

What to Wear When Visiting Bagan Temples?

Since you are visiting temples, there is a certain dress code that you should follow while you are on the Bagan temple grounds. The rules are pretty simple and are as follows:

What NOT to wear:

• No tank top on the temple ground.
• No short shorts on the temple grounds.
• No shoes or socks are allowed on the temple ground.

What to wear:

• T-shirts or anything that covers your shoulders is fine in Bagan temples.
• Knee-length shorts, trousers, and skirts are all acceptable.
• Flip-flops are okay and recommended, as you will have to take your shoes off every time you are about to enter Bagan temples.
• Pack a light jacket if you are planning to ride a bike/e-bike or see the sunrise, as it can get chilly with the wind in the morning.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Bagan?

There is Wifi available in most hotels/hostels, often only in the common area, but do not expect it to be fast or reliable. Checking emails and receiving and sending messages is okay, but there is no way in hell you will be able to watch a 1080p YouTube video via Bagan's internet.

Data connection via local SIM cards is a little bit more reliable with 3G and occasionally 4G in Bagan. Ooredoo is cheap and works great in Bagan. You can get 1 GB of data for only 1 USD.

For more information on local SIM cards in Myanmar: Myanmar Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Bagan, Myanmar?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bagan, Myanmar:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Bagan, Myanmar in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Myanmar

Looking for more information for your trip to Myanmar? Here are a collection of articles about Myanmar that might help you with your trip planning:

• Are you planning to travel to Myanmar as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Only have 4 days in Myanmar? You can see more than you think! Check out my itinerary for traveling around Majestic Myanmar in 4 days.
• Not convinced by my words about Myanmar? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
• You can also watch my travel video about Bagan here: Watch the "Simply Bagan" travel video.
• Want to know where to go after Myanmar? How about One Day in Bangkok Itinerary or starting your journey in Laos with a 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane?
• For all articles about Myanmar, visit Myanmar Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Southeast Asia-related articles on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.