Bagan Tours

Excursion to Tankyi Taungi & Local Villages

After breakfast climb aboard a traditional, wooden boat to cross the Irrawaddy River where a jeep awaits for your onward journey. Discover local artisans when you visit Thezin village, where you can witness some cane weaving of plates and tissues boxes, Htan Taw Kyauk village (where baskets are weaved from palm tree leaves) and Ey Shey village with its cotton weaving factory. After seeing the rural side of Bagan, travel to Taunt Kyi Taung pagoda which was built by King Anawrahta and dates to the 11th century. Explore the pagoda complex and admire wonderful views of the Irrawaddy River. On a clear day you can see the temples of Bagan on the opposite side of the river. Come back to your hotel by jeep, boat and car in the late afternoon.

Cycling Through the Ruins of Bagan

A charming way to explore ancient Bagan’s some 2,000 temples and pagodas..one of SE Asia’s most spectacular archaeological sites, is to lose yourself biking (regular or electric bike). Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan houses the world’s largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins. While the Angkor ruins are comparable to a Chinese Lauriat banquet tucked away beneath dense forests, the ruins of ancient Bagan are akin to a Spanish Tapas style feast..smaller and visible. Cycle to the astonishing temples of ancient Bagan via villages and fields..to centuries old temples, including the beautiful Ananda temple; cycle dusty tracks to magnificent temples and towering pagodas with beautifully painted old murals; visit a traditional lacquer-ware workshop, observe the process. Pedal betwixt iconic temples and pagodas; soak up sights and sounds; experience phenomenal moments and unforeseen discoveries.

Visit to Pakokku Town & Ma U Village from Bagan

Journey to Pakokku Town and Ma U Village along the Irrawaddy River; drive 30-45mins past farms, markets and villages. In Pakokku visit a Tobacco plantation and Cigar making factory; visit the blanket weavers factory famous for blankets called ‘Anyar Saung’; also see produces like palm sugar jaggery, Thanaka logs and longyis. Drive 2hrs to Ma U Village to see family workshops like Bamboo Scales and Incense Sticks; walk amid the 16-18th century Pagoda Complex; see authentic Myanmarese life.

Excursion to Mt.Popa from Bagan

Take a day trip to Mount Popa, located 60 kms from Bagan and home to the 37 Nats, the old spirits of Myanmar. Trek up this extinct volcano that houses many temples and pagodas and enjoy some stunning views from the top.

Cycling Through the Ruins of Bagan

A charming way to explore ancient Bagan’s some 2,000 temples and pagodas..one of SE Asia’s most spectacular archaeological sites, is to lose yourself biking (regular or electric bike). Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan houses the world’s largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins. While the Angkor ruins are comparable to a Chinese Lauriat banquet tucked away beneath dense forests, the ruins of ancient Bagan are akin to a Spanish Tapas style feast..smaller and visible. Cycle to the astonishing temples of ancient Bagan via villages and fields..to centuries old temples, including the beautiful Ananda temple; cycle dusty tracks to magnificent temples and towering pagodas with beautifully painted old murals; visit a traditional lacquer-ware workshop, observe the process. Pedal betwixt iconic temples and pagodas; soak up sights and sounds; experience phenomenal moments and unforeseen discoveries.

Bagan-City Highlights

Visit the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia, with its numerous pagodas and temples, including the famous Ananda Temple. Take a stroll through the unique and one-of-its-kind market of Nyaung U, and the view the imposing Shwezigon Pagoda. Appreciate the wall paintings in the Kupyaukyi Temple, and admire collection of artifacts in the Bagan Museum.

Included activities at Amara Cruise I (Bagan-Mandalay)

Enjoy a two night/three day relaxing river cruise along the Ayeyarwaddy River on the Amara 1, a beautiful cruise ship of the Amara Group. Set sail from the Bagan Jetty at 0800hrs and cruise to Yandapo, where you will alight to explore this small rural village, renowned for the 1826 treaty signed between the British and Burmese and famous for its handmade terracotta pots produced in traditional ways. Enjoy dinner and overnight on board. The following morning depart at 0600hrs and cruise to Ava (Inwa) by afternoon, where you can visit Nan Myint Watchtower, the only remaining palace building nicknamed the ‘leaning tower of Ava’; Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, built of brick and stucco; and the all-teak carved Bagaya Monastery. After dinner and a good night’s sleep, sail out early the next morning to arrive at Mandalay at 0800hrs.

45min-Hot Air Balloon Ride in Bagan (Oct-Mar)

Experience the sheer magic of floating over the ancient city of Bagan. Hot Air Ballooning will give you an exclusive birds-eye view of the various Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas. The flight takes place at sunrise or at sunset giving you the best views of this historic city. The ‘sunset’ rides will be especially dependent on the prevailing weather conditions of that particular day, hence the evening rides are entirely ‘held ransom’ by the climate!!

Sunset Cruise 2 Hrs in Bagan

Complement the days’ sightseeing with a relaxing sunset cruise along the Ayeyarwady River in a wooden river boat, enjoying magnificent views of the temples of Bagan as the sun begins to set. Fabulous views of Shwezigon Pagoda, scenes of life on the water, small villages on the river banks, fishermen, local boats and many riverside temples are a treat for the eyes.

Sunset Horse Carriage Ride in Bagan

A relaxing, pleasant, fun and easy way to spend the evening is with an evocative and time-honored traditional Horse Carriage/Cart ride through the streets of Bagan. Although a much slower transportation tool, it really does allow one to appreciate the scenery and atmosphere along the roads, with interesting glimpses of Myanmarese life in a primitive, rustic lifestyle sense. The carts are slow..even a bit bumpy in places, but leaves one with a feeling of going back in time. This is an ideal way to unwind after a hectic day sightseeing.