Few places in Asia leave the same impression as Bagan. On a dry plain beside the Irrawaddy River stand more than two thousand temples and stupas, built mostly between the 11th and 13th centuries when Bagan was the capital of the first Burmese kingdom. At dawn, when mist lies over the fields and the brick towers catch the first light, it is easy to understand why travellers put Bagan at the top of their Myanmar list.
What makes Bagan special
Bagan is not one monument but a landscape. Some temples are huge and still active places of worship; others are small shrines in the middle of a peanut field, where you may be the only visitor. Since 2019 Bagan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most visited temples include Ananda, with its four standing Buddhas and gilded spire; Shwezigon, a golden stupa venerated by pilgrims; Dhammayangyi, the largest temple on the plain; and Thatbyinnyu, the tallest.
Much of the charm lies between the big names: riding slowly along sandy tracks by electric scooter or horse cart, stopping at lacquerware workshops in Myinkaba, and ending the day watching the light change over the plain from a viewpoint or a boat on the river.
How many days to plan
Two full days cover the main temples at a comfortable pace, with early mornings and late afternoons outside and a rest in the middle of the day. Three days allow a boat trip on the Irrawaddy, a visit to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a monastery on its summit, and time to explore lesser-known temples.
When people usually visit
The cooler, dry months from November to February are the traditional season, with clear mornings and comfortable afternoons. March to May is very hot on the central plain. The rains from June to October turn the fields green and reduce the number of visitors.
Etiquette at the temples
- Shoes and socks come off before entering any temple or stupa platform; carry a small bag for them.
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Climbing on most temples is no longer allowed to protect the structures; use the designated viewpoints.
Myanmar in 2026: what to know before planning
- Government travel advice (checked 26 October 2026): the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Mandalay Region, which includes Bagan, and to southern Shan State, which includes Inle Lake, and against all travel to several other areas; the US rates Myanmar Level 4 and Australia says do not travel. Read the current advice from GOV.UK, the US State Department or Smartraveller.
- Entry: the official tourist e-visa portal, evisa.moip.gov.mm, is online. Regional airlines including Myanmar Airways International, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways fly to Yangon.
- Heritage sites: a joint ICOMOS–UNESCO mission recorded significant damage from the March 2025 earthquake at Mandalay, Amarapura, Innwa, Sagaing and Mingun. Check the status of individual Bagan temples locally before any future visit.
- Our position: Metta Voyage plans private Myanmar trips again. Routes are adjusted to current travel advisories, focusing on areas currently open to visitors, and we confirm each itinerary before booking. Several governments still advise against travel to all or parts of Myanmar, so please read your own government’s advice first and check that your travel insurance covers the trip.
Plan Myanmar with us
Tell us your preferred season, how many travellers and what you would like to see. We will reply within 24 hours with a private itinerary adjusted to current travel advisories, and confirm each itinerary before booking. No payment and no commitment until you confirm. Before planning any trip, please read your own government’s current travel advice for Myanmar.
Frequently asked questions
How many temples are there in Bagan?
More than two thousand temples and stupas survive on the Bagan plain, from large temples still used for worship to small brick shrines in the fields.
How long should I stay in Bagan?
Two days for the main temples, three days to add the Irrawaddy and Mount Popa.
Can Metta Voyage plan a trip to Bagan?
Yes. We plan private trips with routes adjusted to current travel advisories and confirm each itinerary before booking; check your own government’s advice and your insurance cover first.
Written by the Metta Voyage travel team. Last updated October 2026. Photos: Metta Voyage.
