Town in Mandalay, Myanmar
Bagan
Ancient temple plain that remains one of Southeast Asia's top sights, with fewer visitors than before 2021. Heat, power cuts, cash problems and the surrounding conflict make it a difficult place to visit.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 40°CDetails
- Internet25 MbpsFixed broadband, Myanmar medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water only; avoid ice outside good hotels and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundE-bike rentalYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash in kyat or US dollars.Details
Where to stay in Bagan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nyaung U | Backpacker guesthouses, markets and the airport side |
| New Bagan | Quieter hotels and restaurants closer to central temples |
| Old Bagan (hotel zone) | Upscale hotels near the main temples |
Apps that work in Bagan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber
- Taxis: No ride apps in Bagan. Hire e-bikes, taxis or horse carts from your hotel and agree prices first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Myanmar.
- Mostly cash Cash in kyat or US dollars. Hotels may accept cards, but ATMs often fail for foreign cards; bring cash from Yangon.
- Currency: Kyat (MMK). US$1 ≈ K2,096.72 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many ATMs reject foreign cards and daily limits are low; Visa works more often than Mastercard. Don't rely on ATMs.
- Tipping: Not expected; small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcome.
- Paying by phone: KBZPay and Wave are everywhere but need a local account and SIM; visitors mostly pay cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need a tourist eVisa (US$50, up to 28 days) from evisa.moip.gov.mm before flying.
- eVisa holders must enter via Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw airports, or Kawthaung; most land borders are conflict zones.
- Staying over 30 days? Register your phone's IMEI on the CEIR portal or local networks block it.
Emergency numbers
Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191
Plugs
Type A, C, D, F, G, I · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
SIMs and tourist packs are cheap at Yangon airport and phone shops; bring your passport. Foreign SIMs work unreliably. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Myanmar
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.