Travel Budget for Bagan Visit Bagan on a Budget or Travel in Style

Bagan, Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Asia / Myanmar /
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Bagan is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Bagan?

You should plan to spend around $22 (MMK71,932) per day on your vacation in Bagan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $6.66 (MMK21,625) on meals
  • $2.31 (MMK7,500) on local transportation
  • $9.53 (MMK30,926) on hotels

A one week trip to Bagan for two people costs, on average, $310 (MMK1,007,048). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $22
    MMK71,932
  • One Week Per person
    $155
    MMK503,524
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $310
    MMK1,007,048
  • One Month Per person
    $665
    MMK2,157,960
  • One Week For a couple
    $310
    MMK1,007,048
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $620
    MMK2,014,096
  • One Month For a couple
    $1,329
    MMK4,315,920
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bagan cost?

A one week trip to Bagan usually costs around $155 (MMK503,524) for one person and $310 (MMK1,007,048) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Bagan on average costs around $310 (MMK1,007,048) for one person and $620 (MMK2,014,096) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bagan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Bagan on average costs around $665 (MMK2,157,960) for one person and $1,329 (MMK4,315,920) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Bagan expensive to visit?

Bagan is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

If you're not cautious, Bagan can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $22 (MMK71,516) per day, mid-range travelers spend $22 (MMK71,932) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $22 (MMK72,716) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bagan.

Within Asia, Bagan is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Bagan.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bagan Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Bagan?

The average Bagan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bagan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bagan cost?

Bagan on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$5
(MMK15,048) 		$5
(MMK15,463) 		$5
(MMK16,247)
Local Transportation 1 $2
(MMK7,500) 		$2
(MMK7,500) 		$2
(MMK7,500)
Food 2 $7
(MMK21,625) 		$7
(MMK21,625) 		$7
(MMK21,625)
Entertainment 1 $37
(MMK119,375) 		$37
(MMK119,375) 		$37
(MMK119,375)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Bagan on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $22 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, Bagan features plenty of hostels, including Ostello Bello Bagan Pool. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most guests in Bagan will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $22 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $22 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Bagan Cultural Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Bagan

The hotel prices in Bagan might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $0, but during peak season, expect to pay around $0. Prices vary from $0 to $0, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Bagan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $9.53 (MMK30,926). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $4.76 (MMK15,463) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $4.76
    MMK15,463
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $9.53
    MMK30,926

Hotels in Bagan

Looking for a hotel in Bagan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Bagan

Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Bagan

Unfortunately, Bagan does not have a reliable public transit network.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $2.31 (MMK7,500) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bagan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bagan is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $2.31
    MMK7,500

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer for $150 details
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU) for $14 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Bagan
How much does it cost to go to Bagan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Bagan
The price of renting a car in Bagan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Bagan

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Bagan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bagan is $6.66 (MMK21,625) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $6.66
    MMK21,625

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bagan is around $7 (MMK21625) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $7. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Bagan are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1 to $2
  • Lunch: $1 to $3
  • Dinner: $2 to $5
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $1

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar has cuisine that is of the Burmese tradition. It is characterized by an extensive use of fish products like fish sauce and ngapi (a paste made from fermented seafood) as well as rice, fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and condiments like pickled mango and fermented beans. Some typical dishes include a ginger salad with sesame seeds called gyin thohk, a wheat noodle salad with dried shrimps, shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed with fried peanut oil, fish sauce, and lime (khauk swè thoke), and a plate called mohinga which consists of rice vermicelli in fish broth with onions, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, and sliced tender core of banana-stem, served with boiled eggs, fried fish cake (nga hpe) and fritters (akyaw). Due to its geographic location, Myanmar's cuisine has been also been largely influenced by Chinese cuisine, Indian cuisine, and Thai cuisine. In Old Bagan, traditional Burmese cooking is abundant - one of the more popular items being a noodle soup. Buffets are also favorites with those who enjoy sampling the many flavors of Burmese culture.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Bagan, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower for $91 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bagan

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bagan typically cost an average of $37 (MMK119,375) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $37
    MMK119,375

The Buddhist temples and ruins at the Bagan Archaeological Area steal the show as the main attractions for those visiting Bagan. More than 2,000 of these monuments tower over lush green plains in a mix of architecture which includes temples made up of stupas, block bases, and vestibules. Bagan's holiest temple is the Ananda Temple, built by the third king, Kyan-zit-tha, in 1091. Also impressive is the Shwesandaw Temple (or "sunset temple) where many people gather each evening to watch the Bagan sunset in the backdrop. Other important structures include the Shwezigon Temple (built in the 11th century), the Thatbyinnyu Temple (tallest of the pagodas at 66 meters, built in the 12th century), and the Shwegugyi Temple (one of the best preserved and also good for the sunset).

With so many temples spread far and wide, Bagan offers an experience to explore with no end. Some of the structures even have colorful murals, however, a flashlight is recommended as the majority of these paintings are located on the dark interiors of the temple.

Other sites beyond the temples include the Bagan Archaeological Museum and the excavations of the ancient royal palace site. Read more about the Temples of Bagan here.



One of the best ways to experience the temples of Bagan is to rent a bike, available at most hotels. It is a great way to explore the massive complex of stupas, and serves as an alternative to sightseeing on foot. Other options for visiting the main sites of Bagan include renting a horse cart with a driver or just a regular car with a driver. Many visitors also rent boats to watch the sunset from the Irawaddy River, or even book a ride in a hot air balloon to attain a new perspective on the ancient site from above.

Additional sights and activities include wandering the streets of the villages and watching monks in burgundy robes go about their daily business, or even signing up for a Myanmar cooking class to learn all about Burmese food and ingredients.

A nice way to explore destinations in Bagan is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour for $43 details
  • Bagan and Mount Popa Private Tour (2 Days) for $90 details
  • Faces of Bagan Private Photography Tour for $199 details

Recommended Activities


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Bagan

  • In , the destination gets busy and prices rise significantly. If you want to save some cash and enjoy a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Public transportation is quite scarce in Bagan. It may be beneficial to arrange a form of transport in advance, like a private car or tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
  • Don't count on finding many hostels in Bagan. If you're set on saving money with a dorm stay, you may want to change your approach. A budget hotel or apartment rental could be more feasible.
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Traveling in Bagan
Bagan Bagan, Myanmar

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

The city of Bagan is generally divided into two parts - Old Bagan and New Bagan. New Bagan is the busier part of town with plenty of people and day-to-day activity. It is usually the entry point for those traveling from afar. Old Bagan, just to the north, is quieter and located closer to the famous archaeological site. It is a small village with some places to eat as well as a few establishments for overnight accommodation. This area of this city has more charm and is more conveniently located; however, it can be more expensive. Another nearby town is Nyaung-U, just north from Old Bagan, which is larger and provides access to boat transportation.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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