Travel Guide Bagan
The archaeological site of Bagan is the heritage jewel of Burma (Myanmar), a country recently opened to tourism. This historic Buddhist territory covering more than 40 square kilometres is located in the central plain of the country, in the Mandalay region, on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. From the 9th to the 13th centuries, Pagan (now Bagan) was the capital of the first Burmese Empire. The Bagan site is home to 800 Buddhist temples (such as Ananda Temple) and 2,000 pagodas. The terrible earthquake in Myanmar in 1975 damaged some monuments, but left the majority of them standing. The best way to enjoy this site is to discover it by electric bicycle at sunrise and sunset, which creates an enchanting atmosphere. You will not fail to meet the Burmese farmers who raise their herds in the plain. A site map or a local guide will help you find the most beautiful buildings, statues, sculptures and frescoes. The discovery of the site from the sky in a hot air balloon is a classic. During a stay in this destination accompanied by your Burma tour guide, you must spend at least two days (it is possible to sleep on the site, in a more or less luxurious hotel) to discover all the magic of the ancient kingdom of Pagan.
What to visit Bagan?
When to go to Bagan?
When to go to Bagan ? The high tourist season in Myanmar and on the site of Bagan extends from October to February while the low tourist season goes from May to September. From the end of May to September or October, the monsoon falls on the country. Access to some remote places may be difficult or impossible due to subsiding roads, but the main tourist sites are not affected and this period is pleasant because there are few tourists. From October to the end of February, it is the mild and dry season, the best time to go to Myanmar. The sun is shining, but the temperatures are still bearable, you will have to bring sweaters, hats and sometimes gloves in the North, and in the Mandalay area a sweater in the evening will not be too much. The rain has turned the rice fields green, and the jungle is luxuriant. Very photogenic! From the end of February to May, the heat is really overwhelming, visits in the middle of the day are difficult.
Practically all year long, Burmese Buddhist families are invited or organize themselves the "Shin Pyu" of a son, a cousin, a niece. These festivals, which celebrate the initiation into Buddhism, last for several days and are one of the most important moments in the lives of Burmese Buddhists. Long processions go through the cities and villages where the future little monks dressed and made up in the manner of the princes of the past are enthroned on carriages, horses or sometimes even elephants. Another interesting event is "Thingyan", the water festival, which corresponds to the Burmese New Year. You can attend it if you go to Myanmar in April, the hottest time of the year; it is a real water battle that takes place all over the country.
Weather at the moment
The climate is of tropical type in Myanmar and on the site of Pagan. From the end of May to September in Myanmar, it is the monsoon, and the low season; many sites are inaccessible because of the bad state of the roads. From October to the end of February, it is the high season in Myanmar with a sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. It is however colder in the North and in the Mandalay region. From the end of February to May, it is very hot.
Myamar in general remains a more expensive destination than other countries in Southeast Asia. However, you can travel economically by staying in guesthouses, eating on the go and taking public transport. The currency is the kyat but the dollar is preferred for large expenses. The exchange is easy in the cities, the payment by card is not very accepted. Tips for 10% of the service are welcome. You must pay an entrance fee to visit the Pagan site.
For all travellers, a passport valid 6 months after the date of return flight and a visa for Myanmar and Pagan valid for a maximum of 28 days must be obtained from the Embassy of Myanmar before departure. Obtaining a visa is not very difficult, especially since it can be obtained online, but you will normally be asked for details about your job and financial situation, to make sure that you do not plan to stay there, or that you are not a journalist.
Recommended vaccinations in Myanmar and for the Pagan site are: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, Japanese encephalitis, viral hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies. Many dogs and monkeys carry rabies and bites are common, so vaccination is recommended. Also take your own sterilized syringes if necessary. It is also necessary to protect against mosquitoes in order to avoid becoming a victim of dengue fever and malaria. Provide good mosquito repellent and anti-malaria treatment. The heat is particularly stunning between February and April, you need to have something to protect yourself and drink a lot. Choose lightweight, full-body clothing over small t-shirts. Water is not safe to drink in Myanmar, make sure that the water you are being served has been boiled beforehand. Food and water-borne diseases are widespread.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Bagan? Our advice & tips
As Myanmar is still a country that is new to tourism and regularly suffers from political problems, it is advisable to choose an experienced tour operator in this country that works with local partners to avoid last-minute cancellations or other inconveniences.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe international airport of Yangon is well served. In Myanmar, you don't have to fear as a solo traveler but you have to stay in the areas authorized by the government. To know the authorized places outside the main tourist circuits, contact the tourist office of Yangon or the Myanmar embassy of your country.
Different means of transportation allow you to visit the country: plane, boat, bus, train or pick-up. But it is necessary to book early on the spot, ideally with a local agency to save time, because the tourist offer is still in its infancy and the demand is often stronger than the offer of transport.
