Bagan is often compared to the Angkor in Cambodia and on the face of it they are both incredibly important religious sites with a fantastic collection of ancient temples. However Bagan is more attractive as a destination (in our opinion) as it’s more authentic and easier to enjoy. There’s no division of tourist town and temples, they start as soon as you leave the airport and the hotels are spread out along the plain, with pods of settlements every now and then. It hasn’t been designed just for tourists and so seems very relaxed and natural. In fact the whole place is incredibly tranquil, still holding on to a feeling of being off the main tourist trail, with far less tourists than its Cambodia cousin. If you’re fed up with the pressurised touring experienced at other historic sites, prepare to be surprised.

Over 2,000 Temples Dot the Tamarind Strewn Plain

The setting is sublime, caught in a bend of the languid Irrawaddy River and hemmed in by distant mountain chains, the temples rise from the dusty plain, testament to the religious devotion of Myanmar’s people over the centuries. Most were built by the kings of Bagan in the 11th to 13th centuries when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan. This kingdom was the first to unify the area that is now Myanmar, establishing the Burmese culture and ethnicity, as well as Theravada Buddhism, in the region. As the city and kingdom grew in influence and stature, over 10,000 temples were built on the plains surrounding the capital. Over 2,000 survive to be explored by us today.

There is of course no way you can (or will want) to visit every one and they vary considerably in size and degree of preservation. Your private guide will take you on a highlights tour to visit a selection of temples that offer different architectural styles, degrees of historical importance and tell the story of the region.

Perfect Holiday Weather

The added bonus is the climate, especially over the winter, when Bagan’s slightly elevated position results in an almost a desert like climate. Rarely in South East Asia do you feel a slight chill over breakfast with clear blue skies and then 29 degrees with low humidity through the day. Perfect weather for exploring the sights. The summer months will have rain, but the central plain has much less than the rest of the country.

Rent a Scooter and Explore

On day 2 if you’re feeling slightly adventurous we can arrange the rental of electric scooters so you can spend the day exploring the sandy paths stopping at the temples and enjoying the beautifully accessible environment. The previous day’s tour will give you a good orientation and this is a great way to break away and see what you find under your own steam with lunch along the way.

Climb Mount Popa

A popular add-on is a day tour to Mount Popa that’s strikingly perched on the top of an extinct volcano and is the highest landmark in the central zone of Myanmar. On arrival climb the 777 steps to reach the mountain top Taungkalat monastery where powerful nats (Burmese spirits) are said to live. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bagan and the surrounding countryside. Watch out for the macaques that live here and are protected, as they may steal hats, sun glasses etc.

Enjoy lunch at the stunningly located Popa Mountain Resort and then your guide will take you on an hour’s walk along Taung Ma Gyi (Burmese for ‘Mother Hill’). The plunging valleys around the peak are dramatic and on a clear day you can enjoy views stretching past Bagan and the Irrawaddy River. On your way up you’ll also find the best views of Popa Taungkalat Monastery, as well as an impressive array of flora and fauna, including many different species of birds and butterflies in a striking array of colours and sizes.

Bagan is not to be missed, add an extra day as you may never be back.