Which place is cheaper, Bagan or Yangon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangon or Bagan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yangon or Bagan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Yangon or Bagan?
Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city and economic center for the nation of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The city is a mix of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is host to beautiful 19th-century colonial architecture as well as modern skyscrapers. The people of Yangon mainly follow the Buddhist religion and it is common to see monks wandering along the busy streets amidst gilded temples.
Bagan
Located in central Myanmar (formerly Burma), Bagan is an ancient city best known as the home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangon $40Bagan $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangon is $40, while the average daily cost in Bagan is $19. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yangon and Bagan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangon $20Bagan $4.76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangon $40Bagan $9.52
Compare Hotels in Yangon and Bagan
Looking for a hotel in Yangon or Bagan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangon $1.54Bagan $2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yangon:
- Bagan (Nyaung Oo) Airport Private Transfer : $8.54
- Bagan Airport Transfer with Private Car: $13
- One Way Yangon Hotel to Airport Transfer with Airport Lounge access: $52
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU) to Hotel: $14
- Private Arrival Transfer: Yangon International Airport (RGN) to Hotel: $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon International Airport (RGN): $23
- Private Yangon Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon Airport: $40
- Yangon Airport (RGN): Private Transfer to/from Yangon City: $41
- Yangon Airport Private Arrival Transfer : $20
- Yangon Airport Private Transfer : $27
- Private Hotel Transfers to or from YIA Airport: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bagan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bagan:
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU): $14
- From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangon or Bagan?
Prices for flights to both Bagan and Yangon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayYangon $6.28Bagan $3.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yangon.
- Yangon Evening Food Tour and trishaw ride: $26
- Yangon morning food tour with train ride : $27
- Yangon Street Food Tours: $28
- Cooking Myanmar Food and Explore Dala: $46
- Cooking class in the down town of Yangon, half day tour (07:30 AM - 12:30 PM): $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bagan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bagan.
- Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangon -Bagan $37
Tours and Activities in Yangon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yangon are as follows:
- Bus Ticket ( Yangon - Mandalay): $21
- Walk and Ride Yangon Foodie Tour: $25
- Walking Tour in Downtown Yangon: $25
- Half-Day Spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda Join in Tour in Yangon: $33
- Yangon Full Day City Tour: $38
- Yangon Group Street Food & Walking Tour: $40
- Half-Day Thanlyin Tour in Yangon: $40
- Bagan Sightseeing Tour by Private Guide and Car: $42
- One Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Discover Bagan Day Tour : $45
- Bagan Temples Tour by Private car and Tour guide.: $46
- Small Group: 6-Hour Yangon Highlights CityWalk Join-In Guided Tour: $46
Tours and Activities in Bagan
Here are a few actual costs in Bagan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Cruise Bagan to Mandalay: $31
- Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $43
- Private Bagan Cultural Tour : $46
- Visiting Mount Popa from Bagan - Private Tour: $48
- Private Day Tour to Mt Popa: $48
- Full Day tour In Bagan UNESCO World Heritage: $50
- Full day Adventure Trip to Mt. Popa & Salay: $65
- Tuk Tuk tour to Mt. Popa : $67
- Private Bagan day tour by car with horse cart: $70
- Private Day Adventure Trip in Bagan : $71
- Full day Adventure Trip in Bagan with Tuk Tuk : $72
- Half Day Sightseeing With Royal Horse: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangon -Bagan -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangon and Bagan, we can see that Yangon is more expensive. And not only is Bagan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bagan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bagan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Yangon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangon than you might in Bagan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangon Expensive? and Is Bagan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangon or Bagan?
Yangon has a larger population, and is about 14930 times larger than the population of Bagan. When comparing the sizes of Yangon and Bagan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.