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Travel Independently in Myanmar: Mandalay, Bagan, and Pukam Travel Information
Bagan and Pukam Travel Information http://www.hotsia.com > Travel Independently in Myanmar > Mandalay > Bagan and Pukam Travel Information Explore Bagan (Bagan) or Pukam in Mandalay Region. Visit Bagan (Bagan), dress in traditional Burmese royal costumes, have Thanaka applied by Burmese girls, and stay at these two hotels: 1. Grand Empire Hotel 2. New Bagan Travel Information Bagan or Pukam (BAGAN)
Bagan is a city famous for its sea of pagodas, attracting tourists worldwide. Bagan (BAGAN) is located in the dry central region of Myanmar on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, 145 km southwest of Mandalay. It covers about 65 square kilometers. These pagodas were built from the mid-11th century to the late 13th century. Ananda Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temples, built in 1105.
Bagan (BAGAN) has 2,217 pagodas. The first pagoda is Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta. Bagan is divided into three zones: the Old Bagan where the sea of pagodas is located, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U town, which hosts Nyaung-U Airport. Backpacker tourists often stay here and find taxis to visit Old Bagan.
To visit Old Bagan, I recommend arriving at Nyaung-U, finding accommodation and transportation there to explore the sea of pagodas. This zone has hotels, restaurants, and all facilities. For travel from Mandalay to Bagan, I used OK company’s service. The fare is about 300 Baht per person (might be slightly off but affordable). The journey, including a stop for fried sparrows, takes about 5 hours.
There are several daily trips. You can book tickets at the Fortune Hotel in Mandalay where we stayed. The bus picks you up at the hotel. If you have limited time or budget, you can also fly from Mandalay to Bagan. Another option is a river cruise from Mandalay to Bagan, taking about 8 hours with a fare around 1500 Baht. Accommodation in Bagan is divided into three zones. For backpackers, I recommend Nyaung-U, which offers guesthouses and hotels at various price levels.
Although cheaper than other zones, prices in Nyaung-U are still relatively high. Hotel prices here start around 1000 Baht, even for guesthouses. During my visit, I stayed at Grand Empire Hotel, costing about 1000 Baht per night for 2 nights. Another hotel I stayed at is recommended by guidebooks. Grand Empire Hotel is outside the main tourist walking area but offers good value for the price.
New Park Hotel is located in the backpacker alley, but comparing value and service, I preferred Grand Empire Hotel. Accommodations in Old Bagan and New Bagan mainly cater to tour groups or tourists with higher budgets who want private tours, peaceful stays, massages, and full spa services. If you want to stay in Old Bagan,
The Tharabar Gate Hotel has a great location with beautiful views of the old city. Staying here means enjoying pagoda views rather than river views. For New Bagan, I recommend Blue Bird Hotel based on Agoda reviews for value and popularity. Food in Bagan includes Burmese dishes, Indian-style roti and tea stalls near the morning market, and Western, Indian, and Burmese restaurants in the backpacker alley.
Bagan is a tourist-friendly city with plenty of food options. Mr.Hotsia stayed in Nyaung-U where local food is available at the morning market. In the backpacker alley, I recommend Shwe Yar Su for local cuisine and Myanmar Beer Station for refreshing beer. The main attraction in Bagan is the sea of pagodas, known in English as the Ruins of Bagan, with over 2,000 pagodas visible from above resembling a sea.
Visiting at sunrise or sunset is especially beautiful and cooler. I went at sunrise and enjoyed the pleasant weather before returning mid-morning. Besides pagoda sightseeing, activities include horse carriage rides around town, traditional and professional massages available in the backpacker alley, and dressing up in royal costumes for photos. I spent three nights in Bagan, exploring the morning market, strolling the town, and enjoying local Bagan and Pukam cuisine.
My top impressions of Bagan are: first, the sea of pagodas (Ruins of Bagan); second, the giant eggplants of Pukam; third, visiting local Bagan homes and enjoying traditional massages on bamboo beds; and fourth, local food at Shwe Yar Su while sipping cold Burmese beer. Truly an amazing experience, Mr.Hotsia’s satisfying trip. February Balloon over Bagan Pukam Balloon Bagan Balloon Sea of Pagodas Burmese girl selling betel nuts.
Breakfast in Pukam at Grand Empire Hotel: delicious Burmese noodles. New Park Hotel Bagan recommended accommodation. Horse carriage rides in Bagan Pukam. Traditional Bagan massage. Waiting to see the Ruins of Bagan. Thanaka application by Mr.Hotsia. Balloon launch site in Nyaung-U near the temple. Horse carriages in Bagan Pukam.
Burmese girl applying Thanaka in Bagan. Grand Empire Hotel where I stayed. Dressing up before going out. Strolling in Nyaung-U town. Atmosphere of Nyaung-U town. GPS coordinates (POI): 21 11 39.899 N, 94 53 54.989 E. Dressing as Burmese royalty for photos with a Pukam girl. Nyaung-U has ATMs and electric bike rentals. Backpacker zone atmosphere. GPS: 21 9 49.139 N, 94 51 58.121 E. Balloon over Bagan sea of pagodas. GPS: 21 9 49.169 N, 94 51 57.713 E.
Burmese girl with Mr.Hotsia. In-room massage service available. Traditional massage house I visited. Typical Bagan home atmosphere. Horse carriage ride in Bagan. GPS: 21 11 39.671 N, 94 54 25.871 E and 21 11 45.839 N, 94 54 28.854 E. Enjoying snacks with a Burmese girl in Bagan Pukam. Irrawaddy riverside atmosphere. Morning coffee at Bagan market. Burmese snacks sold at dawn. GPS: 21 11 58.433 N, 94 54 32.459 E. Giant eggplants at Bagan morning market. Market atmosphere. Eating giant eggplants in Bagan.