Bagan

Best Shopping

Shopping in Bagan is a unique experience that allows you to take home a piece of this magical city. It's well-known for its lacquerware, sand paintings, textiles, and handicrafts. Here are a few shopping spots you might want to explore:

• Nyaung U Market: This lively market is a wonderful place to explore. Here, you'll find everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts. It's a great spot to pick up some locally grown tea, spices, or textiles.

• Mani Sithu Market: Located in Nyaung U, this market is less touristic and offers an authentic experience. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional clothes and everyday goods.

• Bagan House Lacquerware Shop: This is one of the most famous lacquerware shops in Bagan. It offers high-quality lacquerware ranging from small trinkets to large furniture.

• U Ba Nyein Lacquerware Workshop: Another excellent place to buy lacquerware, with the added bonus of being able to see artisans at work.

• Myinkaba Village: This village is known for two things: its stunning temples and its lacquerware. Here, you can find small workshops and vendors selling these intricately decorated items.

• Golden Cuckoo Lacquerware Workshop: This workshop offers a wide variety of lacquerware and allows visitors to see the process of making these beautiful pieces.

• Ever Stand Lacquerware Shop: A renowned shop where you can buy a wide range of high-quality lacquerware.

• Tun Handicrafts: This shop in Old Bagan offers a variety of local handicrafts, including wooden statues, textiles, and lacquerware.

Remember that bargaining is common in markets and some shops. Be respectful and remember that for many people, this is their livelihood. Be sure to inspect lacquerware carefully to ensure it's the real deal and not a cheaper, hastily-made version. Real lacquerware is made in a time-consuming process and is typically heavier than the cheap versions.

Entertainment & Nightlife

As a historical and archaeological city, Bagan's nightlife is more subdued and quieter compared to bustling cities like Yangon. However, there are still enjoyable ways to spend your evenings. Here are some options for nightlife and entertainment in Bagan:

• Traditional Puppet Shows: Puppetry is a significant part of Myanmar's cultural heritage. You can watch a traditional Burmese puppet show at places like Nanda Restaurant and Puppet Theatre while enjoying a meal.

• Riverside Dining: Several restaurants along the Ayeyarwady River offer a romantic setting for dinner, often with traditional music.

• Rooftop or Garden Dining: Many of Bagan's hotels and restaurants have rooftop or garden areas where you can enjoy dinner or drinks under the stars, sometimes with views of the nearby temples. Examples include Sky View Bistro & Bar at Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, and The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant.

• Traditional Dance Performances: Some hotels in Bagan arrange traditional Burmese dance performances during dinner.

• Local Beer Stations: For a more local experience, try one of the beer stations in Nyaung U. These casual bars serve draught beer, often accompanied by snacks or meals.

• Night Market: Occasionally, night markets are set up for special events or during peak tourist season. These markets are filled with food stalls, handicrafts, and local performances.

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: While not exactly nightlife, a pre-dawn hot air balloon ride gives you an unforgettable view of Bagan as the sun rises.

• Relaxing at your hotel: After a day of temple hopping, many visitors enjoy relaxing at their hotel, many of which offer amenities like pools, spas, and bars.

Remember, Bagan is not a party destination and it's important to respect local customs and regulations. On our last visit there were restrictions on loud music and late-night activities to preserve the tranquility of the area and respect the religious significance of the city. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel or local guides for the latest information.

Local Cuisine

Myanmar's cuisine is a blend of various Southeast Asian influences, particularly drawing from Indian, Chinese, and Thai cuisines, with some unique twists. Here are some local dishes you should try when you're in Bagan:

• Mohinga: Considered by many as the national dish of Myanmar, Mohinga is a hearty fish soup served with rice noodles and garnished with lemongrass, banana stem, ginger, and garlic.

• Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke): This salad is a mix of fermented tea leaves, fried beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic, and tomato. It's a unique dish that is both tangy and savory.

• Burmese Curry: Typically made with pork, beef, fish, or shrimp, these curries are usually milder and have a more pronounced turmeric flavor compared to Indian curries.

• Shan-Style Tofu: Unlike Chinese tofu, Shan tofu is made from chickpea flour. It is often served in a salad or soup, or as a snack where it is fried and served with a sweet and tangy sauce.

• Burmese Biryani (Danbauk): Similar to Indian biryani but with its own distinct flavor, this dish is made with basmati rice, chicken or mutton, and a blend of spices, and served with a side of pickled vegetables.

• Shan Noodles: Rice noodles served with minced chicken or pork, marinated in tomato and soy sauce, often garnished with pickled mustard greens and roasted peanuts.

• Nangyi Thoke: A popular salad made from thick round rice noodles, chicken, fish cake, and boiled egg, dressed with a thick gravy, chili oil, and various condiments.

• Burmese Sweet Treats: Burmese desserts often involve coconut, sticky rice, and palm sugar. Look out for "Shwe Yin Aye" (a dessert with sago, bread, sticky rice, and coconut jelly in coconut milk), and "Htou moun" (sticky rice dumplings with a jaggery filling).

When it comes to dining options in Bagan, there are plenty of restaurants offering local dishes. Some popular spots that we enjoyed on our last visit include Weather Spoon's Bagan Restaurant and Bar, Be Kind to Animals The Moon, and Sanon Training Restaurant.

Accommodations

Bagan is a large area that's divided into several regions, each with its own unique character. Here are the best areas to consider when deciding where to stay in Bagan:

• Old Bagan: This is where most of the major temples and historical sites are located. It's a fantastic place to stay if you want to be right in the heart of the action and don't mind paying a bit more for your accommodation. There are several luxury resorts here with stunning views of the temples.

• New Bagan: New Bagan is where many of the locals moved to when the government cleared Old Bagan of residents to preserve the temples. It's a bit further from the main sites, but still easily accessible. There's a good selection of mid-range hotels here, and it's a great place to experience local life and cuisine.

• Nyaung U: This area is a bit further away from the temples, but it's the most lively area of Bagan, with plenty of restaurants, markets, and shops. It also has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to high-end. The airport is also located in this area.

• Myinkaba: Located between Old Bagan and New Bagan, Myinkaba is a smaller village that's home to several important temples. It's a quieter place to stay with a few guesthouses and resorts.

When choosing where to stay in Bagan, consider what's most important to you. If you want to be right next to the temples and don't mind paying a bit more, Old Bagan could be a great fit. If you want a more bustling atmosphere with restaurants and shops, consider Nyaung U. For a balance between the two, New Bagan or Myinkaba could be ideal.

Remember to book in advance, especially during peak travel season, as places can fill up. Some popular hotels in Bagan include the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan, Bagan Lodge, and Ananta Bagan.

Itinerary

Three Days in Bagan: A Journey through Time, Temples, and Traditions

Day 1: Dive into History

• Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the most significant religious buildings in Bagan, known for its beautiful golden stupa. Then, head to the nearby town of Nyaung U and explore the bustling Nyaung U Market where you can immerse yourself in local life, try street food, and shop for souvenirs.

• Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Bagan Archaeological Museum to learn more about the history and culture of this remarkable region. Then, explore Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple, two of the most iconic temples in Bagan.

• Evening: As the day comes to a close, head to Shwesandaw Pagoda to watch the sunset over the plains of Bagan - a sight you won't forget.

Day 2: Discover and Dine

• Morning: Start your day early with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Bagan plains, where you'll enjoy unrivaled views of the temples at sunrise. After landing, head to Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest temple in Bagan, known for its unique pyramid-like shape and detailed mural paintings.

• Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Myinkaba Village. Here, you can visit several local lacquerware workshops, like U Ba Nyein Lacquerware Workshop, where you can observe the intricate process of making these traditional crafts.

• Evening: For dinner, experience the local cuisine at a traditional Burmese restaurant. Round off the evening with a puppet show at the Nanda Restaurant and Puppet Show, a charming introduction to this ancient form of storytelling.

Day 3: Off the Beaten Path

• Morning: Spend the morning exploring the less-visited southern region of Bagan, starting with Sulamani Temple and Dhammayazika Pagoda. Afterward, head to the quiet Minnanthu Village to explore its temples and get a glimpse of rural life.

• Afternoon: After lunch, take a short trip outside Bagan to the nearby Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a monastery at its summit. The climb up the stairs can be challenging, but the panoramic views at the top are worth it.

• Evening: For your final evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Ayeyarwady River, a serene and beautiful way to end your time in Bagan. Have your last dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring the flavors and memories of this remarkable city.