Bagan Archaeological Zone lies in Bagan, in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. It is the site of an ancient city, also known as Old Bagan, filled with more than 2,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries. Most of them date from the 9th to the 13th centuries, and together they cover a wide stretch of flat land.
What a visit is like
Bagan is a heritage site rather than a single building, so a visit is largely about wandering. Many visitors explore on foot or by bicycle, stopping at whichever temples catch their interest. The sheer number of structures means there is always another one to find around the next bend, and the pace can be as slow or as full as you like.
- Temples and pagodas spread across the plain, each with its own character
- Monasteries that give a sense of the site's long religious life
- Open land between the monuments, suited to unhurried walks
Planning your trip
The zone has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, which reflects its importance as a preserved record of Buddhist architecture across several centuries. The site is in a rural setting, so it suits visitors who enjoy open views and historic buildings more than city sights.
For questions before you go, the contact number listed for the site is +95-61-60048. Wear comfortable shoes, as much of the exploring involves uneven ground and steps.
