Bagan is one of Asia’s great archaeological wonders, an ancient plain in central Myanmar’s Mandalay Region scattered with more than 2,000 surviving Buddhist temples and pagodas built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Spread along the Ayeyarwady River, the highlights include the gleaming gilded Shwezigon Pagoda, the elegant white Ananda Temple with its four standing Buddhas, the towering Thatbyinnyu, and the massive brick Dhammayangyi.
Watching sunrise or sunset over the temple-studded plain — ideally from a hot-air balloon — is the region’s iconic experience. Most major temples cluster around Old Bagan within walking distance, though renting an e-bike makes exploring the lesser-known ruins easy. The nearby Mount Popa monastery makes a popular side trip.
The best time to visit is the cool, dry season from November to February, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear.