2-Day Bagan Temple Tour with Minnanthu Village and River Sunset

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore ancient Buddhist temples across Bagan and Nyaung-U
• 02 Enjoy gorgeous sunset views from Shwesandaw Pagoda and the Ayarwaddy river
• 03 Interact with locals and witness everyday life in Minnanthu village
• 04 Admire ancient murals at Sulamuni Temple and learn about their colours and patterns

Experience the spiritual and architectural treasures of Nyaung-U and Bagan on this 2-day temple tour through some of Myanmar's most revered Buddhist sites. Visit sacred pagodas and grand temples including Shwezigon, Ananda, Htilominlo, and Sulamuni, admire ancient murals, and enjoy gorgeous sunset views from Shwesandaw and on the Ayarwaddy river. The journey also includes time in Minnanthu village to interact with locals and discover traditional handicrafts, weaving, blankets, peanut oil, and cigars. With temple visits, village life, and a serene boat ride, this tour offers a rich glimpse into Bagan's heritage.

End the day with a boat ride on the Ayarwaddy river as you admire the sun dipping into the water.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Bagan, Nyaung-U

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Nyaung-U Market and Bagan's Sacred Temples

• Start the day between 8:00 and 8:30 AM with a visit to the bustling morning market in Nyaung-U.
• Next, head to the wonderful Shwezigon Pagoda, a gilded two-storey stupa surrounded by smaller relics and shrines. It is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar because of the popular belief that it contains relics of the four previous Buddhas of the present Kalpa.
• Transfer to Bagan, where you will admire Htilominlo Temple and the Kayminga temple complex, with time to indulge in taking photographs at these beautiful sites.
• Continue to Ananda Temple, considered the grandest and most beautiful in all of Bagan and closely associated with Ananda, a prominent disciple of the Buddha. Also visit Tharabar Gate, the last secular structure still standing in this area.
• See Thubinyu Temple, the highest structure here, and Dhamayangyi, the biggest. Climb up for a beautiful view of Shwegyugi.
• You may also enjoy a view of the setting sun from Shwesandaw. Please note that visitors will have to pay a newly introduced fee of 2000 kyat for this experience.

2

Day 02

Minnanthu Village, Murals, and Riverside Sunset

• Set out early in the morning for Minnanthu, located in the southwest of Bagan. Here, visit Sulamuni Temple and learn more about the colours, patterns, and techniques used to paint the murals that have decorated its walls since the olden days.
• Head towards Myingabar village to explore Gupyakgyi and Manuha temples. Those who like quiet places can also make their way to Kyaukhmaw Win at the riverside, a serene place not frequented by many tourists.
• Next, visit Dhamayarzika and Oat Kyaung for a nice view of the city.
• Take a trip to Minnanthu village, where you will get to interact with an old local lady and witness how people engage in traditional handicrafts and weaving, as well as make traditional blankets, peanut oil, and cigars.
• End the day with a boat ride on the Ayarwaddy river as you admire the sun dipping into the water.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 2 wet towels
• 2 drinking water bottles for each guest
• English-speaking Burmese guide
• Bike and car rental to reach Bagan
• 1-hour night photoshoot service offered by the guide

What's Not Included

• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Meals

Know before you go

• A 2-day tour is enough to explore Bagan. However, those who want to visit Mt. Popa should add one extra day to their itineraries.
• For lunch and dinner, Queen Restaurant is recommended. Other places include Shwe Myanmar for traditional food, 7 Sisters, and The Moon. For vegetarians, Starbeam and River in New Bagan are recommended.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Nyaung-U, Myanmar (Burma)

Tour start

Nyaung-U, Myanmar (Burma)

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.