Best Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Bagan is kinda a BIG deal!  It really isn’t overrated, don’t miss it!

There are more than 2,200 temples some dating back as early as the 11th century. As Bagan is one the places people have written about quite a bit, we just want to make sure you’ve got the essentials down and share some of our favourite photos with you. Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Getting in

Most travellers arrive in Bagan by bus. The bus station is approximately 6.5km out of town. Its location is marked on this map.

Taxis wait for bus arrivals throughout the day and all night. If you barter you should be able to get a shared taxi for around 1,000Ks (0.8 USD / 0.6 GBP) per person (based on 4 people sharing- ask other travellers if they would like to share). If you arrive by train taxi prices should be similar because the train station is close to the bus station.  Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Entrance Costs

On the way to town taxi drivers will stop at a ticket office where you pay for the entry permit for Bagan. Entry permits cost 25,000Ks (20 USD / 14 GBP) each and last for 1 week.

Where to stay

It is possible to stay in Nyaung-U or New Bagan. The temples are between these two towns. If you are looking for somewhere cheaper to stay Nyaung-U is your best bet.

Here are some GREAT places to stay in Nyaung-U if you are on a small budget>>>

Getting around Bagan

You can get around the temples by taxi, e-bike, bicycle or horse and cart. Personally I would recommend doing it as independently as possible.

Get a Bike

Get Lost!

 A Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Rent a bicycle or an e-bike and just get lost! If you are staying in Nyaung-U there are bike rental places along Lanmadaw 3 Road and Thi Ri Pyitsaya 4 street. The intersection of these two roads in marked on this map:

You can rent bikes from hostels, agents or rental shops.

E-bike rental: 4,000-7,000Ks (around 3-6 USD / 2-4 GBP ) depending on the season, how long you rent for, how many bikes you require and where you rent.

Horse and cart: 12,000-20,000Ks (10-16 USD / 7-12 GBP) depending on season and distance / duration.

As ever, remember to barter and shop around a little.

Places to eat

There are plenty of local food spots around Nyaung-U. You can find everything from cheap street food to more upmarket local restaurants. If you need a western fix try Weatherspoons on Thi Ri Pyitsaya 4 street. It has nothing to do with the UK Weatherspoons pub chain!

Top tip: At present there are not many places selling food or drinks around the actual temples. If you go for a day trip around the temples bring plenty of drink and some food.

In the area

Mount Popa is close by and well worth visiting.  This cool, quirkey monkey filled mountain monastery is a must if you can spare the time .  You book a shared return for bus in town for around 8,000 Kyat (7 USD / 5 GBP).  In high season they may stick to 10,000, but do what you can to barter.

Getting out

You don’t need to get yourself back to the bus station. In Nyaung-U town you can book buses to many other destinations in Myanmar. Book through guest houses or tour agents. Bus companies generally include a free pick up from your guest house and take you to the bus station where you change to your long distance bus. It is worth trying to book a day or two in advance to be sure of getting your preferred ticket.

 A Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Another photo Journey Through Bagan

(But this one is ours, so it’s special …)

A Budget Backpackers Guide to Bagan

Well the sun has set for our journey. It’s time for yours…

First Time in Myanmar ?? 

Myanmar is changing rapidly, so up-to-date blogs (like this one, ahem!) will be a great source.  But If it’s you’re first time visiting Myanmar you will probably want to grab a travel guide too. I always think you don’t need more than a ‘Rough Guide‘ as it is about making it your own adventure! They have a pretty cheap kindle copy as well as the actual book. 

Looking for a place to stay ???

Check out our blogs on local little guesthouse you can find on route for each place:

Bagan>>     Inle Lake>>    Kalaw>>     Mandalay>>     Hpa An>>    Hsipaw>>      Pyin U Lwin>>     Myawaddy>>

OR

if you prefer to get organised and book everything in advance, this should be uber helpful:

Book you room in Yangon HERE (Explore the golden cities temples)

Book your room in Nyaung U (Bagan) HERE (A base for exploring famous temples)

Book your room in Inle Lake HERE (See the famous local fishermen)

Book your room in Kalaw HERE (Prepare for the Iconic Inle Lake Trek)

Book your room for Mandalay HERE (Walk the beautiful U Bein Bridge)

Book your room in Pyin oo Lwin HERE (Explore stunning waterfalls)

Book your room in Hsipaw HERE (For beautiful hill tribe trekking)

Book your room in Hpa An HERE (For climbing Mt. Zwegabin)