What else to do in Bagan?

If you are in Bagan, and find that temples and pagodas are not really your thing, then what else can you do to pass the time?

The temples and pagodas of Bagan seemingly go on forever

I cannot believe that when you are in Bagan you might not want to experience the various temples across the plains, but then again, there are simply so many to choose from! I must have visited around 10 of the most significant temples or pagodas, but there were also many others that I missed out on. Depending on how long you stay in Bagan – and how interested in Buddhist temples you are – you may get to see more of these decaying landmarks than I did. But if you fancy checking out something a little different, Bagan does offer more than you probably first thought – including 7 great suggestions below!

Horse and cart rides are a traditional and romantic way to travel around the Bagan township, and beyond.

An important landmark and entrance to the temples and pagodas of Bagan can be found at Tharabar Gate, which also contains a small Buddha statue inside

Shop in the marketplaces of Old Bagan and find yourself a bargain or two as well as the chance to discover some classic Burmese cuisine

The underrated Bagan Archaeological Museum is an indoor attraction to get you out of the heat (and dust) and contains a vast array of antiquities

Mount Popa, just outside of Bagan, is the site of an important Buddhist pilgrimage at the top of a modest-sized mountain

Check out seldom-visited Minnathu Village to see how real Burmese people live in rural Bagan with farming, textiles, and lacquer ware traditions on display

Balloons Over Bagan is perhaps the ultimate way to see the Archeological Zone (albeit expensive) as you fly through the morning air looking down at the marvellous historic buildings that fill this part of Myanmar!

Whatever you end up doing in Bagan, make sure you have a memorable time!