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Bagan

A plain of a thousand temples - the breathtaking ancient city of Bagan, where thousands of Buddhist temples and pagodas rise from the misty plains, unforgettable at sunrise, a UNESCO wonder.

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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

UNESCO World Heritage

Typearchaeological site

WhereMandalay

Nearest cityNyaung-U

Best seasonNovember to February

Time to allowTwo to three days

Getting thereIn central Myanmar; by flight, bus or riverboat

EntryArchaeological zone fee

Bagan is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world, a vast plain in central Myanmar where, from the ninth to thirteenth centuries, the kings of a great empire built thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. Over 2,000 of these ancient monuments, of red brick and gilded spires, still rise from the misty, tree-dotted plains, a UNESCO wonder that is most magical at dawn and dusk, when the temples emerge from the mist in the golden light.

What you actually see

The temple plain - the thousands of temples across the plains.
The sunrise and sunset - the temples in the mist and golden light.
The great temples - Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Shwesandaw.
Exploring by e-bike - the electric bikes for touring the plain.

When to go

November to February, the cool dry season, for the most comfortable weather; the famous misty sunrises are best in these months. The plain is explored by electric bike, horse cart or car, and dawn is the magical, cooler hour.

Honest expectations

Climbing the temples for sunrise views, once the classic experience, is now largely banned to protect the monuments after earthquake damage, so viewing is from designated mounds and viewpoints or, for those who can afford it, a hot-air balloon. The temple plain itself is genuinely awe-inspiring.