Bagan Travel Information

Bagan Sea of Pagodas: An Ancient City That I, mr.hotsia, Must Recommend

When talking about ancient cities full of Myanmar's mystique, the nameBaganor sometimes calledPukamalways comes up first in my mind, mr.hotsia. This city is located in the Mandalay Region, about 145 kilometers southwest of Mandalay city. Covering over 65 square kilometers, it is filled with more than 2,200 pagodas built from the mid-11th century to the late 13th century.

The first time I arrived in Bagan, it felt like stepping into another world. Ancient pagodas stretch endlessly as far as the eye can see. The sea of pagodas here is not just a typical tourist spot but a reflection of the former glory of the Pagan Kingdom, still present in every brick, every archway, and every pagoda I touched.

How to divide the sightseeing zones for the best experience?

Bagan is divided into three main zones that travelers should know:Old Baganwhich features the famous sea of pagodas,New BaganandNyaung-UNyaung-U is where most tourists choose to stay because it hosts the airport and offers full services including accommodation, restaurants, and taxis for traveling to the old zone.

I recommend arriving at Nyaung-U for convenience in finding accommodation and traveling to the sea of pagodas. I personally stayed atGrand Empire Hotelwhich is located outside the central zone, but the quality and price are very worthwhile for travelers like me. Another hotel I checked out wasNew Park Hotellocated in the backpacker alley. For those who like central city accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere, these two places are worth considering.

Traveling from Mandalay: Various options in mr.hotsia style

For traveling from Mandalay to Bagan, I chose to take a bus from OK company at about 300 baht per person. The trip took around 5 hours including a stop to try fried sparrows, a local experience I won't forget. The bus runs several times a day and tickets can be booked at the Fortune Hotel in Mandalay where I stayed. The bus picks up right in front of the hotel, very convenient.

If you have budget and limited time, you might choose to fly directly from Mandalay to Nyaung-U Airport. Or if you want to fully experience the riverside atmosphere, a boat trip from Mandalay to Bagan is an interesting option, taking about 8 hours with a fare around 1,500 baht.

Let's eat! Local food and delicious restaurants in Bagan

Bagan not only has beautiful pagodas but also excellent food. For me, mr.hotsia, who loves exploring local flavors, I recommend waking up early to walk the Nyaung-U market where you'll find fragrant Indian-style tea and roti. There are many Myanmar food stalls to try, and if you like Western, Indian, or Myanmar cuisine, you can easily find them in the backpacker alley.

One of my favorite restaurants isShwe Yar Sua Myanmar restaurant with a variety of dishes and great taste. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for resting after a day of exploring pagodas. There is also a local food stall in front of the market that I tried and liked just as much.

Accommodation variety: How to choose the perfect place

The old and new Bagan zones are suitable for tourists traveling with tours or those who want comfortable stays with full services including transfers, massage, spa, and complete amenities. If you want a full pagoda view atmosphere, staying atThe Hotel Tharabar Gatein Old Bagan is a very good choice because of its great location and beautiful views.

For New Bagan zone, I recommendBlue Bird Hotelwhich I found from reviews and popularity on Agoda. It has a good location near restaurants and convenience stores, suitable for travelers who want comfort without losing the city vibe.

Connecting travel to Mandalay and nearby cities

If you have time and want to add variety to your Myanmar trip, I, mr.hotsia, recommend visitingPyin Oo Lwinwhich is not far from Mandalay. This city has a large botanical garden and a completely different atmosphere from Bagan. Or if you love spicy local food, don't miss the city of Mythila, which I have written about in the articleFood in Mythila Cityas well.

Summary of my experience, mr.hotsia, in Bagan

For me, Bagan is not just a tourist destination but a journey back in time blended with the authentic lifestyle of the Myanmar people. The sea of pagodas here is like a forgotten treasure of the world, yet it retains its beauty and mystery completely. Convenient travel from Mandalay, along with accommodation and food that suit all travel styles, makes this trip one of the memories I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to experience for themselves.