Bagan, Myanmar 🇲🇲
#320
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar famed for its thousands of temples and pagodas scattered across the landscape, offering a unique combination of cultural heritage and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 15 Mbps, can vary significantly based on location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,000 MMK; ATMs are available but may charge fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers are Ooredoo and Telenor, offering various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards accepted at select places; cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to boutique hotels. Online platforms like Airbnb are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash preferred; some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers various listings from budget to luxury stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Ostello Bello offer dormitories starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Bagan is popular for its proximity to temples and historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nyaung-U provides a balance of amenities, accommodation, and internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Bagan Office offers a comfortable workspace with decent internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Black Rose Cafe is known for its reliable Wi-Fi and laptop-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Stay connected through local Facebook groups focusing on expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups organized via local community boards or social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many local shops rent e-bikes and scooters; prices around $5-$10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Ngapali, around 8 hours drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air KBZ operates flights to various domestic locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Myanmar National Airlines offers flights to several international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good road connectivity to Mandalay and Yangon. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bagan has a small train station, but buses are the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes; local buses are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus services available for travel to major cities like Mandalay and Yangon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bagan Nursing Home is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at Bagan Yoga House. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have simple fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda operates in the area, offering a range of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mohinga - a traditional rice noodle soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Moon (Be Kind to Animals) restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Samakhan Cafe for traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Nyaung-U Market offer budget options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; some use Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local shops may deliver. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bagan Sunset View Point offers a relaxed evening vibe. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Myanmar Beer is popular locally; brewery tours are rare. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine options; mostly served in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Plenty of stalls serving snacks like samosas and grilled meats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options include Italian and Chinese restaurants in Nyaung-U. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, and the thousands of pagodas. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bagan Archaeological Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shwezigon Pagoda is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Many temples and pagodas, including Htilominlo Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bagan Balloon Festival in November is a highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | New Bagan has a mix of local culture and tourist amenities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances mostly take place at local sites; no dedicated theaters. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nyaung-U Market is vibrant with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be heard during festivals and special occasions. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art presence; traditional craftsmanship is prominent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at various hotels focused on Burmese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artisans may display works in low-key settings. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Numerous ancient structures dating back to the Bagan Empire. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing ancient Buddhist architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Popa, a sacred site with trails and views, is a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Popa Mountain National Park offers hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking around the temples is popular; paths are not formalized. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset over the temples is a breathtaking sight; viewing platforms provided. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some rural areas allow controlled bonfires, often during cultural events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local providers like Myanmar Post offer parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; local shops may offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels have recreational areas, but not common. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Few options; some local expats offer informal tutoring. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide quiet spots; no formal libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited; community events may take place in local cultural halls. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not prevalent; locals tend to play mobile games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Bagan; local gambling is restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation focuses primarily on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard rate applies to goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules present. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on value, fairly minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 3-5% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from the low cost of living and minimal taxation on foreign income. |