24 Best Things To Do In Old Bagan, Myanmar - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 7 min read

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Bagan is an enchanting ancient city in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. In the old times, during the 9th to 13th centuries, Bagan was acknowledged as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Later on, the Pagan Kingdom initiated the unification of the regions in the country that makes the Myanmar of today. Boasting of marvelous landscapes, fascinating history, and magnificent architecture, Old Bagan is a breathtaking city that everyone should see at least once or twice in their lives. Tourists can visit century-old temples and learn about the interesting culture of Myanmar while in Old Bagan. If you are planning to visit this beautiful city in Myanmar anytime soon, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Old Bagan, Myanmar. Feel free to browse below.

1. Surprise your partner with a romantic sunset dinner at Bagan Viewing Tower (from USD 91.0)

At a height of 196 feet (60 meters), Bagan Viewing Tower offers sweeping 360-degree views over the ancient city. This is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. Guests will be picked up from their accommodation and led to the top of the tower where they will enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal. Guests can choose between Thai, Chinese, European or traditional Burmese menu. As you savor your food, glance at the spectacular sunset whose bright colors dramatically invade the flat land around, lighting the spires of the hundreds of pagodas.

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Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

1 review

2. Admire the frescoes inside Abeyadana Temple

Abeyadana Temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Gunther used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With hundreds of temples, Bagan has a lot to offer its awed tourists. Visitors can start their exploration just south of Old Bagan, from Abeyadana Temple. A Buddhist pagoda built in the 12th century by King Kyanzittha for his wife Abeyadana, whose name means “abandoned jewel”. Legend has it, in fact, that the site of the temple constitutes the place where the queen had waited for her husband as he was serving in the army. Another theory has him hiding from his predecessor. Abeyadana—also spelled Apeyadana—was of Bengali origin; this explains the East Indian style of the beautiful frescoes found inside, depicting Hindu gods. Bring a flashlight or else you won’t be able to see them. Noteworthy is also a brick seated Buddha in the inner shrine.

Abeyadana Temple

Address: 2, Myanmar (Burma)

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3. Enjoy the view from Bulethi temple

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bulethi temple is one of the most popular and beautifully designed pagodas in Myanmar. This Buddhist temple is not just impressive in its own right, but its location and the colors it wears when kissed by the sinking sun are enough reasons to add this to your itinerary. The pagoda is only 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the heart of Bagan. Its advantageous, hill-top position offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding area dotted with ancient structures and air balloons floating in the sky.

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4. Enter the ancient, dim-lit Pitaka Taik

Pitakataik (Bagan)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phyo WP used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Pitaka Taik, or “the library of Buddhist scriptures”, was built by King Anawrahta in 1058 to house Buddhist scriptures. Since it was designed to store light-sensitive scriptures, which have long been relocated, it has very few windows. If you’re planning on visiting, you might need a flashlight. If anything, this only adds to the experience and so does the almost anonymity of the place.

Pitaka Taik

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Price: Free

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5. Marvel at the magnificent Gawdawpalin Temple

Gawdawpalin Temple Bagan Myanmar
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jialiang Gao used under CC BY-SA 3.0

An impressive Buddhist temple whose construction was completed in 1227, Gawdawpalin Temple boasts three lower and four upper terraces. The two-story-tall building is the second tallest temple in Bagan. Its brick skeleton was reinforced with stone but suffered major damages during the 1975 earthquake. Thankfully, the temple was restored and it has since preserved its current look.

Gawdawpalin Temple

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Pamper yourself at The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

#Reopening #TharabarGateHotel #OldBagan မကြာမှီ ဇူလိုင်တတိယအပတ်တွင် ပြန်လည် ဖွင့်လှစ်ပါတော့မည် အနားယူ...

Posted by The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Old Bagan on Tuesday, July 14, 2020

In the heart of Old Bagan, you will find the extra luxurious The Hotel at Tharabar Gate. With 80 deluxe rooms and 4 suites, it’s one of the best accommodations found in town. The Spa and Wellness center features an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, relaxing lounges, a zen pond, and an impressive choice of massages and treatments for all types of aches and pains. At the end of a full day in and out of temples and museums, treat yourself to a soothing massage for both your body and soul.

The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

Address: Near Tharabar Gate, Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Website: The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

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7. Visit the splendid Ananda Temple

Ananda Temple
Source: Photo by Flickr user Chuck Moravec used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Ananda Temple is one of the four temples still standing in Bagan. A Buddhist temple that dates back to the 12th century, it features 4 gilded Buddha statues, glazed works depicting religious scenes and significant events in the life of Buddha, frescoes, and stone sculptures located on the outer corridors. In the form of a cross, the temple is highly revered among locals. Just outside is a street market with many stalls selling Burmese food, beverages, and souvenirs.

Ananda Temple and Street Market

Address: Nyaung-U, Myanmar

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Treat your partner to a romantic dinner at Erawati Raft

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Erawati Raft on Monday, August 3, 2020

A fascinating location on the eastern bank of the Irrawady River, Erawati Raft is a floating bar that serves delicious food and signature cocktails. Visit at sunset for romantic views over the river, when the last sunrays dance on the water. Guests seem to love the attentiveness of the amiable owner and the off-the-beaten-path location of the boat. So sit back, sip on a fruity cocktail, try a fish-based dish and gaze at the star-studded sky.

Erawati Raft

Address: Dummy address

Website: Erawati Raft

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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9. Browse through the artifacts at Bagan Archaeological Museum


If you like learning about cultures and the heritage of cities you visit, be sure to drop by Bagan Archeological Museum while in Old Bagan. It is a fascinating museum that showcases a stunning architectural palace-like design. When you get inside, you will be left in awe with its exhibits of marvelous stone Buddhas and significant tablets of Bagan. There you’ll also find models of villages in the city as well as iconic temples. Not to mention, its garden is another beauty that will take your breath away.

Bagan Archaeological Museum

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

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10. Visit Lacquerware Museum & Institute

Lacquer art
Source: Max Pixel

Situated in Lacquerware Technology in Bagan, the Lacquerware Museum & Institute is another fascinating museum and attraction that you should visit while in the beautiful city of Old Bagan. Featuring a simple interior design with a cool and airy ambiance, the museum is home to ancient lacquerware items. Established in the year 1924, its main goal is to pass on to generations and generations of Myanmar people the skill of traditional lacquer-making. If you are interested in this art form, you will learn a lot at the Lacquerware Museum & Institute.

Lacquerware Museum & Institute

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Website: Lacquerware Museum & Institute

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm; (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free admission

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11. Witness the beauty of the 13th-century Maha Bodhi Phaya

Mahabodhi Pagoda
Source: Photo by user David Stanley used under CC BY 2.0

Old Bagan is filled with breathtaking landmarks and marvelous temples. One of them is Maha Bodhi Phaya. Built in the mid-13th-century, during the rule of King Htilominlo, this stunning temple got its architectural inspiration from the Maha Bodhi Phaya Temple in Bihar India. Also, its design closely resembles the Maha Bodhi Pagoda in India. Lying in the heart of the old-walled Bagan, the Maha Bodhi Phaya is surrounded by gorgeous greens and features spectacular views.

Maha Bodhi Phaya

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar

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12. Drop by Dhammayangyi Temple

things to do in bagan myanmar | drop by dhammayangyi temple
Source: www.klook.com

Another stunning and remarkable temple that you should not miss while in Old Bagan is Dhammayangyi Temple. This iconic temple is known to be the largest Buddhist temple in all of Bagan. Built during the reign of King Narathu, this historic landmark exudes enchanting ancient vibes. If you want to visit it, check out this fantastic tour package. Along with this temple, you will also get to visit more of them including Ananda Oakkyaung Monastery, Lawkachanthar Temple, Nandamannya Temple, Thagya Pone Temple, and so much more.

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Bagan Archaeological Zone E-Ticket with Transfer - Klook

Duration: 5 Day(s) Duration

13. Explore the replica of the ancient Bagan

Myanmar Bagan
Source: Photo by Flickr user Roderick Eime used under CC BY-ND 2.0

A historical landmark located in Old Bagan, Bagan Golden Palace is an exact replica of the ancient Bagan. Not included in the list of archaeological sites in the city, the place requires an entrance fee of three dollars from its guests. Visiting the Bagan Golden Palace will give you a glimpse of the grandiose architecture and lifestyle during ancient times. It is a fantastic place to take your family to and to take lost of souvenir pictures

Bagan Golden Palace

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

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14. Gorge on delicious Burmese food in Ancient Bagan Restaurant

Perhaps the best restaurant name on earth. Also one of Bagan's trendiest spots to eat. A vegetarian menu served inside a lush garden and surrounded by ancient temples.

Posted by dobbernationLOVES on Saturday, 11 February 2017

Not only is Old Bagan an enchanting ancient city with iconic landmarks and spectacular architecture, but the food is a big part of their vibrant culture. If you get tired from all the sightseeing and museum visits, you might want to pause for a while and refuel your energy by dining at Ancient Bagan Restaurant in Taungbi. Featuring stunning views, this outdoor restaurant with a romantic ambiance serves delicious Burmese cuisine that will surely leave a mark. This place is ideal for families, friends, or solo travelers.

Ancient Bagan Restaurant

Address: Taungbi, Myanmar

Opening hours: 9:10am - 9:10pm (daily)

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15. Dine at Misan Restaurant

Mutton Curry It was delicious! Misan Restaurant is located to the right side of road to the Bu Paya (Buu Pagoda).

Posted by Koichi Kusabuka on Saturday, 10 September 2016

Located in a peaceful and quiet area in Bagan, surrounded by lush greenery, this lovely eatery with a tropical design serves delicious and authentic traditional Burmese food. Enjoy your food in a cozy setting with the cool breeze entering the eatery and lots of natural light. Not to mention, the staff is friendly and is always pleased to be of assistance, be it about food or travel tips.

Misan Restaurant

Address: Unnamed Road Old Bagan, zwischen Gawdaw Palin und Bu Paya, Bagan, Myanmar

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16. Marvel at the historic Tharabar Gate

Tharabar Gate of Old Bagan - 2014.02 - panoramio
Source: Photo by user rheins used under CC BY 3.0

Located in the ancient capital of the Burmese Empire, Old Bagan, Tharabar Gate is a historic landmark in the city. It features remains of a defensive city wall that was built around 850 AD, during the rule of King Pyinbya. Though most parts are destroyed, you can still picture its structure by what’s left of it. Adorning the outside gates are decorations of figures of Burmese gods that seem like they are guarding the walls.

Tharabar Gate

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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17. Check out Hwegugyi Temple

Shwegugyi 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christophe95 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You cannot end your Old Bagan adventure without checking out Shweguygyi Temple. Located in the ancient city of Old Bagan, this historic temple was built from a huge block of brick. It was believed that the construction of this marvelous temple took seven months and seven days. Translated as the Great Golden Caves in English, Shweguygi Temple is within a short distance from other temples in the city as well as from the ruins of a former royal palace.

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18. Visit the stunning Lawkananda Pagoda


A Buddhist stupa located in Old Bagan, this tiered gilded pagoda with an elongated dome is one of the many stunning structures in the city that makes up its fascinating culture and architecture. Nestled on the Ayeyarwaddy River, this pagoda was established during the rule of King Anawrahta, in the year 1059. Here you’ll find the historic tooth relic in Bagan. Be sure to drop by Lawkananda Pagoda during your visit to Old Bagan.

Lawkananda Pagoda

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar

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19. Learn about the art of lacquerware

Free Drinking Water - Buddhist Temple, Thailand (29163460)
Source: Photo by user Steve Evans used under CC BY 2.0

Before officially concluding the end of your tour, you might want to drop by Bagan House to purchase some fascinating souvenir items. Located in New Bagan, this fantastic store specializes in lacquerware products from umbrellas to pieces of furniture, to home decors, and more. Not only that, Bagan House offers tutorial services about the art of lacquerware. They are known to be a fantastic place to learn about the traditional method of lacquerware making. This is a fun activity to share with your family or friends. Bag some precious items or learn about lacquerware art at Bagan House.

Bagan House

Address: New Bagan, Myanmar

Website: Bagan House

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20. Book a ride with Bagan Boat Trips

things to do in bagan myanmar | book a ride with bagan boat trips
Source: instagram

Thinking of a fantastic activity to do with your significant other or a memorable experience to share with your family and friends? Why not book a ride with Bagan Boat Trips and immerse in the culture of the city. Be left in awe with its breathtaking wonders from the comfort and convenience of a superb boat. Guests will be visiting a stunning garden by the Irrawaddy River and will get to watch the sunset as the skies turn to bright cotton candy from its pastel blue-toned hues. Check out their website and choose which of the offerings is the most ideal for the grand gesture that will surely have your loved ones thanking you by the end of the trip.

Bagan Boat Trips

Address: Unnamed Road,, Old Bagan, Myanmar

Website: Bagan Boat Trips

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

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21. Witness spectacular views with Balloons Over Bagan


If you are done with city tours and museum visits and you’re also finished with the lovely scenic boat ride with the Bagan Boat Trips, there’s another exciting way to explore the city and see it from a more spectacular perspective - a ride with the Balloons Over Bagan. Fly over the stunning temples of the ancient city of Bagan and marvel at the beauty of the city’s landscape on a safe and secure hot air balloon. Experience it with your family and friends, and be sure to take lots of souvenir pictures as this activity is definitely one for the books. Aside from Balloons over Bagan, you can also try a balloon trip over the majestic Inle Lake and balloon safaris.

Balloons Over Bagan

Address: Balloons Over Bagan Sales Office Near Hotel Zfreeti, Thiripyitsaya Block No. (5, ညောင်ဦးမြို့, Myanmar (Burma)

Website: Balloons Over Bagan

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

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22. Be awed by the beauty of Thatbyinnyu Temple (from USD 32.0)

things to do in bagan myanmar | be awed by the beauty of thatbyinnyu temple

Maximize your Old Bagan adventure and get to immerse in its fascinating culture by booking this fantastic full-day sightseeing tour. With guidance from a professional tour guide and an in-depth narration about the iconic landmarks that you will be visiting, you will surely get to know the city like it’s your hometown. You will be in the comfort and convenience of a fully air-conditioned van for a lovelier touring experience. Included in the list of places to visit are Thatbyinnyu Temple, Ananda Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, and more.

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Bagan: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Duration: 8 hour

7 reviews

23. Enjoy a tuk-tuk tour in Bagan (from USD 47.0)

No visit to Myanmar is complete without a tuk-tuk ride. An integral part of the culture, the tuk-tuk is, alongside mopeds, a popular means of transportation here. So why not hop on one while an experienced guide takes you sight-seeing? This day-long tour will hit the most popular pagodas, which guests will have time to visit while they listen to the guide’s explanation of the history, architecture, and decorative elements of each building. The jaw-dropping, breathtaking views that put Myanmar on the map for many eager visitors are included in the price.

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Tuk Tuk Tour in Bagan with Licensed English guide Driver

Duration: 8 hours

1 review

24. Get to see Bupaya Pagoda (from USD 56.0)

A notable pagoda situated in Bagan, Bupaya Pagoda is a stunning little pagoda with an interesting bulbous-shaped dome. In the history of the city, this pagoda was believed to be constructed during the reign of Pyusawhti, the King of Pagan, ruling from 168 to 243 AD. Visit this historic landmark and others by joining this Bagan full-day temple tour. Other sites that are on the itinerary include Shwezigon Pagoda, Gubyaukgyi Temple, Ananda, and more. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is provided for guests’ added convenience as well as a professional English-speaking guide.

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Bagan Full Day Temple Tour

Duration: 9 hours

Explore the ancient city of Bagan

Old Bagan is a majestic ancient city in Myanmar that boasts of charming culture, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks. It is filled with spectacular temples and places of worship that date back centuries in the past. In a city as stunning as Old Bagan, you will surely never get tired of sightseeing and picture-taking. If you are planning a trip to this side of Myanmar any time soon, use this article as your guide in planning an itinerary. Have a fantastic vacation ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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