Buzz
Currently, you can fly from major airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, etc.) to Nyaung U Airport in Bagan. Since there are no direct flights and layovers are required, the flight duration can be quite long, ranging from 9 to over 20 hours. Ticket prices start from 8,000,000 VND per round trip. (*According to information from Skyscanner.)
Domestic flights to Bagan from Yangon, Mandalay, and Heho also land at Nyaung U Airport. Flight durations vary from 30 minutes to 80 minutes depending on the departure point.
2. Bus
In addition to flights, you can also take a bus to Bagan from Yangon, Taunggyi, Kalaw, Mandalay, Nyaung Shwe, and Pyin Oo Lwin. Buses depart every few hours, and passengers are provided with complimentary bottled water. The bus fare to Bagan is approximately 270,000 VND per person per way.
Pro Tip: You can pre-book bus tickets to Bagan, Myanmar on Klook to save an extra 10% and ensure availability!
3. Train
2. Cycling | Electric Scooter
Compared to horseback riding, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter is a much quicker and more economical choice. Bicycle rental here is 50,000đ/day and scooter rental is 150,000đ/day. Remember to check the scooter's battery before setting off and bring plenty of water with you!
3. Taxi | Private Car
Expect to pay around 600,000đ for a day's taxi hire in Bagan. However, you can freely roam to famous attractions here in the cool comfort of air conditioning. Booking a Private Car Rental Service in Bagan through Klook in advance can save you up to 20% - 30%. Check it out now!
Must-Do Experiences When Traveling Independently in Bagan
. Pilgrimage, Temple Visits
As mentioned earlier, the ancient capital Bagan is renowned for its countless intricately built Buddhist temples. This is why millions of Buddhist followers flock here every year to pay homage, admire the scenery, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the 'Land of Buddha.' Some beautiful temples in Bagan that you shouldn't miss include Lay Met Hna, Mingalar Zedi Temple, Ananda Phaya Temple, Shwegu Gyi Temple, Sulamani Guphaya Temple, DhammaYangyi Temple, and Shwesandaw Temple. Please note that when visiting religious and historical sites, remember to dress modestly to show respect.
2. Explore Shwe Hlaing Village
Similar to coconut trees in Ben Tre, toddy palm is a 'national treasure' that you can find in any village, hamlet, or town in Bagan. The technique of making toddy and toddy palm wine has been passed down through generations of locals here. To better understand the local culture and indulge in this fragrant wine, spend a day visiting Shwe Hlaing Village on a Klook tour itinerary.
Travelers also get to visit the traditional Nyang U market to bring home many unique handicrafts.
3. Indulge in Local Cuisine
Bagan's specialties are numerous, but if you must choose, there are five dishes you absolutely must try. These include rice noodles with coconut sauce and fried chicken, Burmese Curry Vermicelli, tea leaf salad, fish noodles (including squid), and sticky rice cakes with grated coconut. The prices of these traditional dishes are quite affordable, starting from 10,000đ.
Some delicious eateries in Bagan:
- Sanon Training - Pyu Saw Hti Street, Old Bagan
- Bibo - Thiri Pyitsaya 4 Street, Nyaung-U
- 7 Sisters - 79 Nwe Ni Street (Corner of Nwe Ni Street and 3rd Street), New Bagan
- Sharky's Garden - Lanmadaw 3 Road, Near Shwezigon Pagoda, Nyaung-U
- The Moon Vegetarian - North of Ananda Paya, Old Bagan
- Nanda Restaurant and Puppet Show - Main Road to Nyaung-U, Nyaung-U
Beautiful Images of Bagan, Myanmar
The images below are shared by #teamKlook's Lê Đức Chính through the 'Explore Freedom' contest. These are Chính's very authentic and poetic experiences while independently traveling in Bagan, Myanmar.
As the first rays of dawn begin to appear in the early mist, thousands of temple spires seem to awaken from the deep dark night, echoing amidst the vast dry plains dotted with trees and mist. Bagan possesses a uniquely pristine light. Perhaps it's the blend of the sun's beauty, the myriad temple spires, the morning mist, the arid plains, the hot air balloons, and us.
The panoramic sunrise in Bagan, with hot air balloons drifting gracefully, makes the scene even more spectacular.
Leaning on each other, welcoming the dawn together.
A Myanmar baby at Aung Mingalar Bus Station.
All tourists gather on Shwe San Daw Pagoda to admire the sunrise over Old Bagan, a must-see scene once in a lifetime.
Thousands of small temples scattered throughout Bagan.
Ananda Temple from afar.
Horse-drawn carriages, a popular means of transportation for tourists sightseeing.
Traditional handicrafts at a local market in Bagan.
Locals in a restaurant here.
A corner in front of Ananda Temple.
Ananda Temple.
The golden Shwe Zi Gon Pagoda.
The bas-reliefs and architecture of Htilominlo Temple.
The golden Shwe Zi Gon Pagoda.
The bas-reliefs and architecture of Htilominlo Temple.
The golden Shwe Zi Gon Pagoda.
The bas-reliefs and architecture of Htilominlo Temple.
A stunning wooden house along Old Bagan's streets.
The lush green roads of Old Bagan.
When in Myanmar, you must try Myanmar beer.
With the self-guided Bagan travel information in the article, Klook believes you're ready for the exploration journey. Don't forget to check out more Bagan travel tips and solo travel experiences in Bagan on Klook's Blog!
