Ultimate 3-Day Bagan Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your Bagan journey at the magnificent Ananda Temple, renowned for its gleaming golden sikhara and serene standing Buddhas—one of the city's best-preserved and most revered temples.

Ananda Temple

Next, stroll to Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype for Burmese stupas and a spiritual highlight, with its dazzling gold leaf exterior and lively market nearby.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Enjoy a traditional meal at The Moon Restaurant (Be Kind to Animals), Bagan’s beloved vegetarian spot nestled in a lush garden, famous for its tea leaf salad and tamarind juice.

The Moon Restaurant

Visit the atmospheric Htilominlo Temple, admired for its intricate plaster carvings and red-brick architecture, providing a peaceful contrast to Bagan’s larger monuments.

Htilominlo Temple

Conclude your day at the panoramic Bu Paya, a riverside pagoda perfect for sunset gazing over the Irrawaddy River with the backdrop of glimmering golden spires.

Bu Paya

Rise early for breathtaking views from Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of Bagan’s top sunrise spots, where you can watch hot air balloons float above the plains dotted with temples.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

Explore the lesser-known Dhammayangyi Temple, famous for its massive size, mysterious bricked-up passages, and stories of ancient intrigue.

Dhammayangyi Temple

Experience authentic local life at Minnanthu Village, where you can see traditional weaving, peanut oil pressing, and interact with welcoming villagers far from the tourist crowds.

Minnanthu Village

Recharge with lunch at Sanon Training Restaurant, a social enterprise offering delicious Burmese fusion cuisine while supporting local youth hospitality training.

Sanon Training Restaurant

Relax with a riverside drink at Aureum Palace Hotel Sky Bar, an elegant spot for panoramic views of the temple-studded landscape as the sun dips below the horizon.

Aureum Palace Hotel Sky Bar

Start your day with a stroll through Nyaung U Market, where locals trade fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and you can sample authentic Myanmar snacks.

Nyaung U Market

Visit the traditional Bagan Lacquerware Workshop to witness artisans crafting exquisite bowls, plates, and boxes—a centuries-old craft unique to the region.

Bagan Lacquerware Workshop

Have a relaxing lunch at Weather Spoon's Bagan Restaurant, a traveler favorite for its cozy vibe and flavorful curries, salads, and fresh juices.

Weather Spoon's Bagan Restaurant

Discover the peaceful Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba), famed for its ancient mural paintings depicting Jataka tales and tranquil, less-visited setting.

Gubyaukgyi Temple

End your adventure with a leisurely Irrawaddy River Cruise, drifting past riverside villages and pagodas as the sky glows with sunset hues—an unforgettable farewell to Bagan.

Irrawaddy River Cruise