Location
Bagan is currently located in the dry land of central Myanmar, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, 145 km southwest of Mandalay, in the Mandalay Region. Bagan is a small Mandalay town with an area of about 25 square miles (40 km²) and is an archaeological site in Myanmar, where convergence of architectural temples, unique pagodas, most famous in Southeast Asia …
Bagan spreads across the strip of dry plains on the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River in central Myanmar.

Bagan

Economic activity
At present, the main economic activity is tourism. Many hotels and guest houses, from low to high, are present in the Bagan area to meet the growing demand of tourists. Bagan also attaches great importance to the development of traditional handicrafts such as knitting, wooden carving, lacquer making, etc. Local lacquerware is well known and an attractive travel product. On the way to New Bagan you can visit lacquerware establishments in Myinkaba village.
Architecture
Bagan focuses on magnificent architectural masterpieces of two centuries and is comparable to the two great temples of Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s Borobodur Temple in central Java. Mon architecture is very popular at the great temples, one of which is Shwezigon Golden Temple. The exclusive characteristic is featuring pagoda-style in the early stages with empty hollow inside temples. The government of Myanmar has made efforts to restore the ruined temples, but it is unfortunate that the restoration distorts the temples or cannot keep the original materials.
Transportation
From Yangon city, you can reach to Bagan by taking on a flight with Asian Wings, Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines and Myanmar National Airlines. In Bagan, there is an airport called Nyaung U (IATA NYU). Or, you can travel by train from Yangon (through overnight train) and from Mandalay (through daily train route). Furthermore, you can take a bus from Mandalay, Yangon, and Inle Lake. Additionally, you can get on a boat from Mandalay to Bagan. If you want to have more detailed information, you should contact with travel agents. To get around Bagan, there will be a broad variety of selections: you can experience hot air balloon, hire a horse cart, rent a private taxi, rent a bicycle, buy electric bikes and electric scooters, and share pick up.
Weather and best time to visit
Bagan has a tropical climate, only rainy season and dry season. The months you should avoid going to Bagan are from March to May – very hot months, and from June to October – when there is heavy rainfall. The temperature in Bagan is high all year round, with the average temperature is about 30oC. Furthermore, the rainfall in Bagan is lower than in other areas, which is roughly 150 mm a year.
Therefore, the best time to get to Bagan is from November to February. However, this is also the peak time for tourism in Myanmar, so you have to book everything from air tickets or train tickets to hotel accommodations and sightseeing tours.
Culture and customs in Bagan
Most people in here follow Buddhism. They are very warm and friendly, but have a little hesitation. In places of worship, your legs and shoulders should be covered, and you must remove both shoes and socks before entering. Couples should also pay attention not to express too much expressions in public. You should also avoid political and religious topics when talking with people here.
Tourist attractions
There are various destinations you should come and visit, Bagan has more than thousands of temples, so this article just list here the temples that you cannot miss: Shwesandaw Paya Shwezigon Paya, Htilominlo Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto, Ananda Pahto, Pya-Tha-Da Paya,…
Food and drink
Bagan food is not rich and varied and there are many varieties of Vietnamese varieties. However, under the skillful hands of the people here, it brings a distinctive and unique flavor. Some of the delicious, low cost restaurants below will help you enjoy the full range of food here: from BBQ restaurants to restaurants offering Bagan food and vegetarian food. One of the most delicious delicacies that you have to try when coming to Bagan is Tamarind Flakes, a special type of sweet wrapped in papers.

Explore more topics: Yangon OverviewMandalay Overview; Bago Overview; Things to do in Mandalay; Places to visit in Bago; Things to do in Inle; Most famous food in Myanmar