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Bagan, Myanmar
Home Destinations South East Asia Myanmar Bagan

Bagan

Bagan, situated in central Burma (Myanmar), has many temples that rival those of Angkor in Cambodia and its surroundings offer simple sublime solitude and an enriching travel opportunity.

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The 4,000 temples which lie scattered across the plain at Bagan are all that remains of the once important capital. Some are small, some are huge, and some are in ruins while others remain in use.

It is an extraordinary sight and needs a couple of days to fully appreciate the sheer size of it all. Wander around on foot or, for a more relaxing day, by horse and carriage.

Mount Popa, Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar

Mount Popa

Nearby is the volcanic plug of Mount Popa which rises 200ft vertically out of the fertile plain. Climb the endless stairway to the summit and visit the temple dedicated to the mischievous Nat spirits which permeate the everyday life of the people. The reward is a fine view across the plain.

Bagan definitely offers an exploration opportunity beyond belief for those who wish to travel and discover the history and cultures which surrounds it.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Wa Ale Resort, Visit to Lampi Village, Mergui, Myanmar
 

Wa Ale Lampi Foundation

Spend some time with the local communities, supporting social and environmental welfare via Wa Ale’s Lampi Foundation.

Suggested hotel

Local Villagers, Shan State, Myanmar
 

Shan State History

Explore this eastern province of Myanmar bordering China and Laos – discover little visited rural villages, monasteries and palaces and delve into the history of the last Shan Princess.

Dokthawaddy river sunset
 

Dokthawaddy River

Cruise on the pretty Dokthawaddy River, a peaceful alternative to the Irawaddy.

Gokteik Viaduct, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
 

Gokteik Viaduct

Journey by train over the staggering 250 metre high Goteik Viaduct. Shipped from America to Myanmar and built by the Pennsylvania Steel Company in 1900 it expanding the British Empire’s influence in the region.

Market Woman, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake’s Five Day Market

Visit the five-day market, which travels from village to village based on the lunar calendar.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Red Mountain Wine Estate, Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Red Mountain Wine Estate

Cycle to the Red Mountain Wine Estate on the shores of Inle Lake and enjoy a sundowner.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset Over Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake by Hot-air Balloon

Float across the serenely beautiful lake by hot air balloon.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Traditional silks and sarongs, Bagan market, Myanmar
 

Traditional Handicrafts

Learn more above the traditional silk and lotus weaving process, from cultivation to dying and weaving.

C.MM.Fishermen, Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake Leg Rowers

See the famous Inle Lake leg rowers. Their iconic one legged stance allows them to wrap one leg around the oar to guide their boat while keeping both hands free to cast their conical net into the water

Suggested Holiday Idea

Village, Sancturary Anada, Irrawaddy River, Myanmar
 

Irrawaddy River Villages

Visit seldom seen villages on the shores of the Irrawaddy, accessible only by boat.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Aureum Palace Hotel, Bagan £££££

  • Myanmar

Set amongst 27 acres of lush, tropical gardens, The Aureum Palace Hotel is a tranquil retreat in the heart of Bagan. Spacious villas lace the resort’s expansive gardens and are lavishly appointed with hand-crafted teak furnishings, antiques and local artefacts. Dining options are extensive, the Spa offers aromatherapy treatments and massage by appointment plus there is a swimming pool and fitness centre.

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Bagan Lodge £££££

  • Myanmar

Bagan Lodge has a boutique feel with its glamping safari-style tents. The lodge is located in a quiet position but close enough to the main archaeological sites of Bagan for sightseeing. Set in extensive gardens, each of the 85 rooms have private balconies overlooking the grounds. Additional facilities include a large swimming pool, and spa.

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Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort £££££

  • Myanmar

Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort sits on the banks of the Irrawaddy and offers panoramic river views with glorious sunsets. The hotel is set in 24 acres of landscaped gardens full of mature tropical trees and flowering plants and is home to several species of bird. A former guesthouse for VIP government visitors, the style of the resort is in keeping with the region and offers a true sense of place.

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More luxury accommodation

View from a Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan, Myanmar
Suggested Itinerary

Highlights of Myanmar

Over 12 days explore the beautiful scenery and fascinating sites of Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. Venture out of the cities, visiting forests and lakes and meeting the people that make this country so special. The perfect trip for a first-time visitor.

12 days

from $4,154 pp

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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Hidden

Explore other regions in Myanmar

Mergui Archipelago

Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is one of Asia’s last island worlds which remain virtually untouched.

Burma Boating, Mergui, Myanmar

Mandalay

Mandalay is a thoroughly modern city with an interesting history dating back to the 19th Century.

U Bein Bridge, Mandalay, Myanmar

Hsipaw and the Shan State

Hsipaw, in Myanmar’s northern Shan state, is a fascinating and idyllic region to explore.

Farmers, Bagan, Myanmar

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is a magnificent example of the range of beautiful landscapes on offer in Myanmar.

Fisherman on water on traditional wooden fishing canoe with conical shaped fishing net.

Yangon

No longer the capital but still Burma's largest city, Yangon endures as one of the country's most important commercial hubs.

Buddha at Shwedagon Paya, Yangon, Myanmar

Irrawaddy River

The mighty Irrawaddy forms the backbone of Myanmar, several options exist for river journeys along its length.

Irrawaddy River, Myanmar

Why Choose Steppes?

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