This temple town is one of Myanmar’s main attractions. Once the capital of a powerful ancient kingdom, the area known as Bagan or, bureaucratically, as the ‘Bagan Archaeological Zone’ occupies an impressive 26-sq-mile area. The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River drifts past its northern and western sides.
The area’s most active town and main transport hub is Nyaung U, in the northeastern corner. About 2.5 miles west, Old Bagan is the former site of the village that was relocated 2 miles south to New Bagan in 1990. Between the two is Myinkaba, a village boasting a long-running lacquerware tradition.
Bagan has been hit by earthquakes over the centuries. The most recent, in August 2016, damaged 400 temples; work on repairing them is ongoing. Bear in mind that Bagan is not a traveller destination with nightlife like Siem Reap (Cambodia) or even Luang Prabang (Laos). It's an overgrown village, so party elsewhere.
Bagan is the land of the ancient capital of Myanmar, with many ancient temples, unique visitors will make Myanmar visit ecstatic before the mysterious beauty. So, If you are going to make a Myanmar Tour, the ancient city of Bagan will be a destination you should not ignore.
Bagan (formerly Pagan, but the people here all read as Baga) is a city located in central Myanmar. Bagan was the capital of the kingdom of Pagan, exist from the ninth century to the thirteenth century. During the period from the eleventh century to the late thirteenth century – the heyday of the Kingdom of Pagan, has over 4,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries were built. And over 2200 traces of the ruins remain to this day. So Bagan is now considered as a “city of archeology”. For those who love to travel, attractive Bagan par with Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Travellers to Bagan will not have to worry about not having any interesting places to visit. In fact, the only problem they may encounter is deciding on which destination to go to first. As the capital of the first Myanmar Empire, Bagan is home to many archaeological sites. There are many temples, pagodas and monuments to be found throughout the area and visitors can embark on a spiritual and historical journey by going from one temple to another as all the buildings are beautifully and uniquely designed.
However, there is more to Bagan than temples and religious monuments. Bagan is also home to Myanmar's archaeological museum, as well as the highly revered Mount Popa.
Ananda Temple - Bagan's holiest temple, built by the third king, Kyan-zit-tha in 1091. Ananda comes from the Pali word "anantapannya", which means "boundless wisdom". The temple houses four Buddhas facing the cardinal directions, which represent the four Buddhas who have attained Nirvana. The fifth, Maitreya, is yet to appear. This is the most important temple in all of Bagan. Location: Left side on the southern stretch of the Bagan-Nyaung Oo Rd. just before the road heads to Tharaba Gate of Old Bagan.
Shwesandaw Temple, This is the "sunset temple", where foreign and Burmese tourists alike gather every evening to view the spectacular Bagan sunset. Get here early, as the top levels are small and space is scarce. There are many peddlers around the temple selling T-shirts, drinks and souvenirs. The climb up is a reasonably easy 5 minute walk up a flight of stairs, but the steps get narrower and steeper near the top. Not recommended for those with vertigo, but if you can make the climb, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunset as the the temples and landscape are set ablaze in golden sunrays. A good compromise is to climb to the 3rd or 2nd highest level, where the steps are much more manageable than the topmost level, is less crowded, and the view is just as good. It starts getting crowded here as early as 4:30pm, so consider taking a view from the Shwe-Gu-Gyi temple nearby instead (easily passable if on bike).
Shwezigon Temple - This gourd-stupaed golden pagoda is the first and prototype monument (including for the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon) built in Myanmar style in 1087. Careful on the stall vendors, they are the pros employing hard sell psycho tactics. Here you'll find many visitors from Myanmar. Location: Heading south, right side on the northern stretch of the Bagan-Nyaung Rd. after passing the bus station. A long covered walkway with souvenir stalls starts from the road to the compound.
Thatbyinnyu Temple - The tallest pagoda measuring 66 meters built in the 12th century. Location: Left side after entering the Tharaba Gate of Old Bagan, the second road.
Shwegugyi Temple - Commissioned by King Alaunsithu in 1131, one of the most intact temples in the site that needs a little less of imagination to appreciate Bagan's olden days. Nearby the Shwe-San-Daw pagoda, this temple is just as good for watching the sunset and far less crowded; a great alternative for an astounding view. Location: This temple sits closely in front of Thatbyinnyu Temple.
Manuhar Pagoda - This complex has some attached drama into it. It was built by King Manuhar from the nearby kingdom of Thaton, a POW of King Anawratha. He sold his jewelry and poured out his pent up sentiments by constructing this temple. Location: The last major Temple at the southern end of Myinkaba Village along Bagan-Chauk Rd. and marked by a towering free-standing column.
Dhamma Yangyi Temple - Another complex with an attached drama, this was commissioned by King Narathu to atone for his sins of assassinating his father, brother, and wife. The eccentricity of this king is reflected in the building's finely set brickwork (it was noted that he executed a bricklayer for his not too perfect masonry work - gaps are too wide) and its unfinished construction (work abandoned after he himself was assassinated). These generate so many riddles and mysteries that lead to be known as ghost haunted temple for some inhabitants. From estimates, there were roughly 6 million pieces of bricks used in the construction of this temple.
Sulamani Pahto - Nearby Dhamma Yangyi, but even more impressive since of the same architectural style but even better preserved. The decreasing six terraces and the main structure resemble the plan of a pyramidal shape. It was the copy of Ananda temple, and has two corridors inside constructed in a plan in perfect Greek cross. But the interior passage has been closed by bricks for unknown reason. The masonry job of this temple is so remarkable that even a needle can't penetrate between two bricks. Besides, the complicated architectural style of this temple creates the arguments on the number of floors and on the completion of the building. Location: A kilometer southeast off the southern stretch of Anawratha Rd.
Note: The Sulamani temple was severely damaged during the earthquake of 24 August 2016.
Gubyaukgyi Temple @ Wetkyi-Inn Village - This durian-shaped stupaed temple was modeled after Bodh Gaya in India. It has also murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales. But the best feature in this temple is the rooftop view of the surrounding area even if it's not as high and acrophobic as those in its category. Access is guided by the caretaker who will reveal his intention after such a wonderful tour by soliciting appreciation for his sand paintings. Remember, nothing is free in Myanmar. Location: Better accessed through Bagan-Nyaung Oo Rd. although Anawratha Rd. is nearer but remote, just north of the dry creek.
Gawdaw Palin Temple - A fusion of Myanmarese and Indian styles, this temple has a beautiful courtyard with a medium-sized stupa and interesting bell hangers. Location: Inside Old Bagan, just north of the Archeological Museum.
Bupaya Stupa - This lone golden gourd-shaped structure is sitting on a complex temple by the river. Here you'll find many tourists from Myanmar. Location: Inside Old Bagan, a north bound road leading to it branches out from the main road as it turns south, the stupa is visible from the outside and not necessary to explore the temple complex.
Shwezigon Pagoda - on the North bank of Nyaung U, this is one of the most important pagodas in all of Myanmar that was built 11th century and served as the original model for the pagoda of the same name in Yangon.
Kyan Ma Ba - small pagoda across the road (south) from magnificent Gawdaw Palin - the pagoda itself is not much, but you can climb to the roof to have a better perspective on larger surrounding ones. Also lady that sell paintings inside spoke a fairly good English and was able to answer some questions on history and religion.
Sapada Pagoda - A monk named Sapada is a native of Bssein. Maha Thera Sapada was a native of Sapada village (now Ngaputaw town) near Pathein town. He was ordinated a monk in Ceylon. And he is the one who founded the section of Bagan when he returns to Myanmar. He constructed the pagoda named Sapada. The pagoda was constructed after the model of a Thuparama stupa in Anuradha-pur, the distinctive feature being the cubical relic-chamber above the bell. Sapada zedi is one of the zedi among the two zedis named 'Sapada' and 'Sapadaw'. It is located at the entrance of Nyaung U town near Nget Pyit Taung. So, it is quite close to the Nyaung U airport. The path of the zedi is in a traingle. Local people know the Sapada zedi as 'Paya Ni'. They were constructed as the design of stupa Rama zedi which is located in Anuraddha pura in Sri Lanka. They were built by Maha Thera Sapada. The type of monument is Typr IV temple. This is the earliest spire in Bagan, believed built within a few years after 1181 when Shin Sapada returned from Sri Lanka. The design is believed to be based on the ones in Sri Lanka. At A.D 12th century, the reign of King Narapatisithu, Shin Sapada went to Sri Lanka. At that time, he is a young novice monk. He accompanied Maha Thera Uttarajva. He spent ten years in that country. At that time Maha Thera Sapada stayed Sri Lanka. He was studying in Sri Lanka for ten years and he came back to Bagan. There is four monks known as Tipaka by rote. They are Thiwali of Tamalaida village, Tamalainda of Camboza city, Ananda of Keinsipure city and Rahula of Anuraddha city. Maha Thera Sapada made the Buddha Sasana of Sri Lanka. He also built the Buddha Sasana of Bagan.
Almost 3,000 other temples, monasteries, libraries, ordination halls, etc.
Expert guides recommend the tour of the archeological site in five parts:
Along the Bagan-Nyaung Oo Rd. (North of Old Bagan): Bulethi Pagoda, Shwezigon Pagoda, Gubuakgyi Temple @ Wetkyi-In Village, Thagyarhit Temple, Upalithein Ordination Hall, Htilominlo Temple, & Ananda Temple.
Inside Old Bagan: Tharaba Gate, Maha-Bodi Pagoda, Pitakattaik Library, Thantawkyar, Shwegugyi, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Gawdaw Palin Temple, Mimalaung Kyaung Group
Along Bagan-Chauk Rd (South of Old Bagan): Gubyaukgyi @ Myinkaba Village Temple, Manuhar Temple, Nonpayer Temple, Abeyadana Temple.
East Off Southern Anawratha Rd.: Dhamma Yangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Meenyeingone Temple, Lawkahteikpan Temple, Shinbinthalyaung Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda.
North and Around Minan Thu Village: Nandamannya Temple, Phayathonezu Temple Group, Tayokepyay Temple, Dhamayazaka Temple, East & West Petleik Temple, Lawkananda Pagoda.
If you're staying in New Bagan, it's fully possible to hit all of the main highlights in a single very full (and tiring) day by bicycle:
1) Starting North, pass through the village where
2) proceed further North to Shwe San Daw, Mya Zedi, and Mingalar Zedi.
3) head East to see Dhamanyangyi & Sulamani.
4) Return back west to enter Old Bagan where you can see Shweguygyi, Gawdawpalin, Mahabodi, and Bu Phaya on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy. Grab a snack in town and refill your water before as your next stretch will take you until Nyaung U.
5) Exit NE of Old Bagan on Anawrahta RD to Ananda temple.
6) Continue NE to see Alo-pyi then take your left to the road for Htilominlo. Where this road hits Bagan-Nyaung U RD, make a stop at Upali Thein.
7) Head back to Anawrahta RD, and return on your NE journey until you reach Gu-Byauk-Gyi.
8) As you enter Nyaung U, head left to go further north and make a stop at Shwezigon Pagoda.
9) Continue Eastwards through Nyaung U and stop for lunch and refill your water (plenty of great places to eat on the 3rd street parallel to the east of Shwezagon).
10) Take Nyaung U-Kyaukpadung RD South, a highway that passes the Bagan Golf Course towards the airport.
11) Turn Right at Myat Lay RD that leads back towards New Bagan.
12) Pass by the Bagan Tower, and traverse through Min-nan-thu village. At the entrance to Min-nan-thu village, you will see Lay-Htaung-Ken (the only fully white pagoda); stop in Min-nan-thu for more water/snacks after the long continuous ride from Nyaung U).
13) Continue westward to the Paya-Thone-Zu group of temples (some of the few which you can see the carvings inside since natural light permeates).
14) Head West and you're back to New Bagan.
A note on murals - some temples became elaborate and have murals but the majority have their interior in pitch darkness so bring a flashlight. The only ones with enough natural light are the Phayathonezu Temples, the Gubyaukgyi Temple, the Upalithein Ordination Hall and some with electric lights (given it works/is switched on).
Bagan Archeological Museum - this very ugly museum building - a sad, nauseating result of the fusion of old and new architectural styles with the overemphasis on the profusion of lotus ornamentation - keeps all the salvageable and portable finds from all the temples in this region. A grand hall has a coffered ceiling of dizzying Myanmar patterns and unusual color combinations. Entrance fee 5$, closed on Mondays and on gazette holidays
Palace Site - consisting of purely excavations of the ancient royal palace, not a single post is left standing to attest any authenticity or to whet the tourist's curiosity. The entrance fee is US$5.
Although it's not as bad as Angkor Wat (yet), the place is pretty crowded and popular with tour groups. To avoid it a bit it's advisable to visit between 6-8 AM (you'll have most places to yourself, expect the ones which are also popular around sunset) or between 13-15 PM (when most tour groups will have their lunch). Around sunset (17-18 PM) most places will be free of tour groups, expect the popular sunset watching temples (in order most busy to medium busy: Pya Tha Da, one unknown very near the south-west side of Dhammayangyi, Shwe San Daw, Buledi and one unknown very close to this and also close to the road). Those places will be deserted between 15-16 PM, which is an excellent time to visit (no vendors, a cool breeze, and good light for photographs).
There are many places to eat in Old Bagan serving the traditional Burmese dishes, especially good old noodle soup. Some of the buffets are excellent; for about USD 4 you can eat to your heart's content from dozens of different traditional dishes.
At the southern end of Bagan-Nyaung Oo Rd. where a dirtroad leads to Ananda Temple, there are al fresco restaurants lining this road serving complete budget meals. A meal priced at 3000 kyats or at US$4 at that time (Nov.'12) consists of rice with the main dish - two bite sizes of beef, pork, or two small chicken pieces, or about a dozen smelt pieces, plus clear broth and 4 small plates of appetizer-veggies - beans, salads, pickled veggies.
7 Sisters Restaurant, 79 Nwe Ni Street, New Bagan (The restaurant is situated at the corner of 3rd Street and Nwe Ni Street.), ☎ 061-65404. A beautiful, romantic open air restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide array of Myanmar, Chinese, Thai and European cuisine. A place where the flavours of Asia blend with refinement and delicacy. As the name suggests, it's an initiative of seven sisters. You will find it a clean and comfortable place for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just a refreshing drink on a warm afternoon. The restaurant is built like an authentic Tazaung (a Buddhist adoration hall or shrine pavilion). The framework of the building consists of fourteen genuine massive teak pillars and large teak beams to support the roof. It's located on a quiet corner just a one minute walk from the Eight Faces Pagoda in the centre of New Bagan, away from the noisy and dusty main street. The service is extremely friendly and professional, worth visiting. Try the tea leaf salad. Prices are competitive with most restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available. The website of the restaurant is helpful.
Aroma restaurant, Yar Khin Tar Rd, Nyaung Oo. Indian restaurant with a nice romantic setting quite packed with tables. It gets so full that people end up queueing for a table which is sad considering that so many places are empty. However for the person who knows well Indian cuisine and gets accustomed to a high quality dishes this restaurant's food will seem rather ordinary and a bit over-rated. They bring you 6 sauces ok, but the curries are not splendid, they seem to be just ok. Tandoori chicken comes with bones what normallty never accures. The menu hasn't got a bit choice either.
Bibo Bar & Bistro, Thi Ri Pyitsayar 4 St, Nyaung OO, Myanmar (on Restaurant Row about 1/3 down if moving east). A very cozy, small restaurant run by a very nice and soft-spoken young couple. Thant and his wife prepare all the food themselves, fresh on the spot. Thant waits on customers and mixes cocktails while his wife does the cooking. They will also do off-menu dishes. Just ask Thant and he'll make recommendations based on your likes and what he has bought from the market that day. Extremely friendly and personable service, and excellent food at very reasonable prices. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with soft warm lighting, and tables placed far apart enough to give diners some privacy. Two of the walls are removed to give the restaurant an open, airy feel, which will appeal to those with claustrophobic tendencies. The Burmese curries (esp pork, fish and pork, slightly less so the chicken) are the standouts. Buy one get one cocktails at happy hour 17:30-19:00.
Black Rose Restaurant, New Bagan (on Khayaye Street between 3rd street and 4th Street.). Standard fare (curries, stir fried and soups. Good fried rice for less than 3,000 kyats. Very friendly staff. Free but slow wifi is available.
Dreams Restaurant, ("mainroad). A young local girl starting her Business teached by the cooking Skills of her mum. Very tasty food in different Styles. 1000- 3500 ky.
Golden Bagan Restaurant & Bar, Nyaung U (Take the street for The Black Bamboo (which has a huge sign), it is the fourth establishment on your left. It's the only building with two stories, you can't miss it!). Owned by a retired professional in the tourism industry, Golden Bagan has the most attentive staff and best people watching location in the business. It's significantly cheaper than the other restaurants on the strip and offers a more expansive menu with larger portions, too. Also, it's one of the rare eateries with Myanmar draft.
Golden Myanmar Restaurant, New Bagan. Traditional Burmese curry meal for 3,000 kyats (they will give you a wide variety of dishes and more food than you can possibly eat).
HTI Bar & Restaurant, Nyaung U, between Thiripyitsaya 4 & 5 road (Located in a small side road near the well know restaurant row.). The only "real Bar" in Bagan. Wide range of cocktails with prices starting from 1500 Ks. Asian & Western dishes are served as well as BBQ. Shisha is available on demand!
Kaday Kywe (ordinary restaurant), Main road Bagan, New Bagan (In New Bagan, on the 'roundabout' around the Pagoda. On the right side, going to the river), ☎ 061-65395/0943012895. Nice and helpfull staff. Nice Myanmar food.
Kaung Set Aung, (Nyaung Oo) Thiripytsaya block No 4, Yar Kinn Thar Hotel Rd, ☎ 09402682689. Local restaurant on a side road from the restaurant road of Nyaung U serving italian specialities, chinese and thai food. Very good thai curries and friendly staff at cheep price. 1000-3000 Ky.
La Min Thit Myanmar Typical Food, New Bagan (Near New Bagan Market), ☎ 061-65313, 09-43008221. Real Myanmar home food, fresh and healthy food, clean and away from dusty main road, family style, Newly open. K.3000 to K.5500.
Ma Mae Naing, "West (Right hand side of the road when facing west, about two block from the west end of the road. Green sign out front saying Myanmar Food. Lots of illuminated stars hanging from trees out front.). Delicious Myanmar style curry. K2000-3000 for a meal including 4-5 side dishes and rice. K2000 for a large bottle of Myanmar beer.
Mahar Bagan, Khayee Road, Khan Laung Quarter, New Bagan. One of the better restaurants in Bagan, with a cheerful and friendly owner who speaks good English and seems happy to indulge customers in stories about the area. The menu consists primarily of Chinese-style dishes. The restaurant serves an excellent array of traditional Burmese food, but you have to visit 4-5 hours in advance to let them know your order, as most Burmese dishes take a long time to prepare.
New Idea, No. 4 Main Road, Nyaung Oo (in the main restaurant street). Good Asian food and very friendly staff. Prices around 1500-2500 kyat per dish.
Pwind Mar Lar, New Bagan (east of New Bagan Market: Follow the little road between the market and the Yadanar supermarket. The restaurant is a little hidden behind the supermarket.), ☎ 061-65325; 09-43132213. Very friendly family run restaurant. Do try the all you can eat set menu (3000 Kt per person). 12-16 different dishes for 4 people. When you have finished, the "I make" lady will offer home made sweets. Really good fruit juices too (ask for them, might not be on the menu).
San Carlo Restaurant, (Behind Thiri Malar Hotel). In New Bagan, a small, reasonably priced, family-run restaurant with tables on a quiet back street near some of the mid and high range hotels. Although not for the gourmet, good quality for money, and different cuisines on offer: Chinese, Burmese, Italian. Free Wi-Fi. They also rent bicycles (1500 Kt/full day, 1000 Kt/half day), have laundry service and in general can provide good advice and other tourist services on demand.
Sanon Training Restaurant, Pyu Saw Hti St, by Thante Hotel, Nyaung Oo, ☎ +95 9 451 951950. 11am-9.30pm. Open 7 days a week from Oct-Mar. Closed Sundays April-Sep. Since opening in May 2016, Sanon has rarely been out of the top 3 on Trip Advisor and is usually to be found at No1. An open garden dining room with some of the best food to be found in the country, let alone Bagan, is a must for any 'foodie' visitors. However, good food and comfortable surroundings are not the only reason to visit here; the main purpose of this establishment is to train and educate disadvantaged young people from all over Myanmar. After completing their training, which lasts about one year depending on the individual's progress, the students are found employment in hotels and restaurants. They are also monitored and supported for a further two years as they take their first steps towards a career in the hospitality industry. The training, all equipment, food, accomodation, clothing and day to day living costs are paid for by the governing organisation, the Myanmar Youth Development Institute (MYDI) with the profits from the restaurant being used to off set these costs. Any shortfall is covered by private benefactors in Australia and UK. So, a visit to Sanon not only satisfies the appetite for fine food but helps to develop and train young people who require a helping hand. Midrange.
Star Bistro, North of Ananda Temple, Old Bagan (next door to The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant). Run by a friendly man with over 15 years experience in Myanmar hotels, the restaurant offers beautifully presented Burmese food and a few western favorites. Best thing is his crunchy and fresh french baguettes!
Taunggyi Shan Khao Sway, Nyaung Oo (Heading west in Nyaung Oo on the road to Old Bagan, pass the Pann Cherry Guesthouse and the first road to Shwezigon Pagoda on your right. There's a large patch of bare ground by the road.). Breakfast only--finished by lunchtime.. Had enough of free bananas and Wonderbread at your guesthouse? This breakfast Shan noodle stand is a basic affair: just a couple of pots and a stand beside the road, with portable tables and plastic chairs set up. But the noodles are great. It's a family-run joint and the owner, who comes from Taunggyi, speaks some English and can point you in the right direction if you're not sure where Shwezigon or the cave temple is. Don't look for an English sign--there isn't any. 700 kyat.
The Library Restaurant, on main road sorta between Winner Guest House & bus station (its a big white building, you'll see it). Newly opened place with an Italian chef. Bit of a splurge for Bagan but a delightful meal (starter + 2 mains + bottle of wine = $40 in Nov 2013). Some teething problems with wine menu & service but sure they'll be ironed out soon. Especially recommend the rosemary & seasalt focaccia, best in Asia.
The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant, North of Ananda temple, Old Bagan, ☎ 061-60481. Not only the best veggie restaurant in Bagan, but overall just a great eating experience. All food on the extensive menu is freshly prepared, and there's always a special dish of the Day. Dishes from 1500 to 4000 kyat. If it's (too) full try Yar Pyi on the other site of the street, which has good vegetarian food as well at the same prices.
Weather Spoon's, No. 5 Main Road, Nyaung Oo (Opposite Pann Cherry Guest House on the main road heading to Old Bagan), ☎ 09-43092640. Restaurant & bar with European, Burmese, Thai, Chinese. The burger is really impressive (coming from an American frequently disappointed by burgers abroad), fries are good too. The Thai food is better than in most places in Thailand! Drinks like Iced coffee, Lassis and Juices stand out and everything is reasonably priced. (Dishes 800 to 3500 kyat) Free WiFi, friendly service. Many consider this the best place to eat in Bagan area! Avoid the toilet if you can though (no reflection on restaurant's cleanliness, it's a public squat down the road). As of at least January 2014, this place appears to have moved down to the middle of the restaurant row in Nyaung U, roughly across from Novel Restaurant.
Wonderful Tasty, Restaurant Row, Nyaung Oo (Just to the left of Weather Spoon's). Open 8-late. The absolutely lovely family who owns this small restaurant was trained by a Nepali chef. They make momos (Nepali ravioli) from scratch to order, delicious Nepali and Indian curries, fresh homemade pasta and sauces, and a few choice Thai and Burmese dishes. A curry set menu is around 3000 and comes with a hearty soup, daal and unlimited (!) chapati and rice. Beers are 1600 kyat, much cheaper than neighbouring restaurants. This place is often bypassed for the flashier restaurants down the street, but don't be fooled. It doesn't look like much from the outside (at the time of writing) but you will not be disappointed by the food and hospitality! 1000-4000 kyat, cheap beer.
Yar Pyi Vegetarian Restaurant, North of Ananda temple, Old Bagan. An excellent family-run vegetarian restaurant across from The Moon. While the food is about equal at both restaurants, the service is better and more personal at Yar Pyi. The guacamole with papadams and Tomato Peanut curry are house specialties and both are excellent and the owners are friendly and helpful.
Yuzana Restaurant, New Bagan (on Khayaye Street between 3rd street and Sabae Street.). Standard fare (curries, stir fried and soups. Do try the delicious chicken meat ball soup for dinner for less than 3,000 kyats. Free but slow wifi is available.
Bagan is an ancient city, home to countless temples and sacred structures and is not a place for more modern forms of entertainment, such as discos and clubs. In fact, there are no discos in the area. What the charming and historical destination has to offer its visitors is a different kind of nightlife. After the sun goes down, the ancient city provides its people with a more subdued but still enjoyable night time experience.
Nightlife in Bagan consists of going to riverside restaurants, which are aplenty in the city. In these establishments, diners can watch the sunset over the Irrawaddy River. Locals and tourists alike can go drinking, but the bars are not stand-alone; most of the bars are in restaurants and hotels with regular traditional puppet shows and music.
Eden BBB Restaurant
Visitors who miss Western food while here should head to Eden BBB Restaurant. Great Western food is available and for those who want a glass or two of beer, the prices may be high for Bagan, but it is worth every cent. Also, the establishment has decent décor.
Location: Bagan-Nyaung Oo Main Rd., Wet-Gyi-Inn Village.
Nan Dar Restaurant and Puppet Show
Nan Dar Restaurant contributes to the night life in Bagan by providing a different kind of entertainment. Those who are fortunate enough to go to the ancient city can catch traditional puppet shows here. Aside from the shows, patrons also get to enjoy good food and nice surroundings.
Location: Nyaung U Main Road, Wet Gyi Inn Village.
Pavilion Lounge in Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
The best way to welcome the night in Bagan is by watching the sunset with a drink in hand. The Pavilion Lounge in the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is the best place to do this; aside from the great drinks they serve, this place also has the best view of the Irrawaddy River.
Location: Bagan Archaeological Zone, Old Bagan.
Sithu Restaurant
Visitors who are interested in great views, good food and entertainment will find the Sithu Restaurant a good place to go at night. This riverside establishment gives patrons a stunning view of the Irrawaddy River as they enjoy local dishes. The night show organized by the restaurant is also something to see.
Opening Hours: 11:00-15:00; 18:00-23:00
Location: Kayae St., Thiripyitsaya Quarter.
The Beach Bagan Restaurant and Bar
Night owls who find themselves in Bagan should definitely go to this establishment. The wide and diverse selection of dishes is enough reason for a visit, but the quality of the food keeps patrons coming back for more.
Location: No.12, Youne Tan Yat, 4 Quarter.
The Green Elephant/ River View Bagan Restaurant
Listed as one of the city's best restaurants, it is also one of the best night time destinations. While it is a great dining destination during the day, the nightly music and puppet show makes having dinner in the Green Elephant something to remember.
Opening Hours: 11:00-16:00; 18:00-22:00
Location: Yamonar (River View), Thiripissayar Quarter, New Bagan.