Essentials
- City
- Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
- Population
- Approximately 25,000 (New Bagan and Nyaung-U)
- Internet Speed
- Variable; 5-15 Mbps on average. Fiber at high-end hotels can reach 30 Mbps.
- Currency & Banking
- Myanmar Kyat (MMK). 1 USD ≈ 4,500-5,000 MMK (Black market rate). Official rate is significantly lower but rarely used in practice.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable. Bottled water (e.g., Alpine or Blue Mountain) is essential.
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz. 🔌 Type C, D, F, G sockets. Frequent power outages; ensure accommodation has a backup generator.
- SIM Card
- Mytel or Atom. A 10GB data pack costs roughly 15,000 MMK ($3-4 USD).
- Banking for Expats
- KBZ Bank or CB Bank. International cards are unreliable; bring crisp USD for exchange.
- Accommodation
- Boutique hotels and guesthouses. Book via Agoda or direct contact.
- Cashless Friendly
- No; strictly cash-based (Kyat or USD for large bills).
- Short Term Rentals
- Limited; mostly hotel-based monthly deals (e.g., Ostello Bello Bagan).
- Budget Accommodation
- Ostello Bello Bagan Pool (Nyaung-U), approx. $15-20/night for a dorm.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Old Bagan (near temples) or Nyaung-U (near restaurants and transport).
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Nyaung-U for better social life and cheaper long-term guesthouses.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- None officially; Ostello Bello Bagan (Nyaung-U) acts as the de facto hub for remote workers.
- Best Cafe for Work
- MBoutique Coffee (New Bagan) - reliable Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
- Networking Events
- Informal gatherings at rooftop bars; check 'Expats in Myanmar' Facebook groups.
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night drinks at Weather Spoon's Restaurant and Bar in Nyaung-U.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps; local taxis and Tuk Tuks arranged via hotels or street hailing.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- E-Bikes (electric scooters) are mandatory; ~$5-8 per day from shops along Lanmadaw Rd.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Ngapali Beach (approx. 8-10 hours by road or 1-hour flight).
- Top Regional Airline
- Air KBZ or Myanmar National Airlines.
- Top International Airline
- MAI (Myanmar Airways International) via Yangon or Mandalay.
- Highway Access
- Bagan-Mandalay Expressway (approx. 4 hours drive).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Bagan Railway Station (southeast of Nyaung-U) and Nyaung-U Shwe Pyi Bus Terminal.
- Public Transport Passes
- None; individual E-bike rentals represent the primary transit mode.
- Regional Travel
- JJ Express Bus to Yangon (approx. $25) or Mandalay ($12).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Bagan General Hospital (Nyaung-U). For serious issues, Mandalar Hospital in Mandalay is required.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Bagan Lodge (New Bagan) offers high-end spa and occasional yoga classes.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Golden Myanmar Gym (Nyaung-U) - basic local weightlifting facility.
- Laundry Services
- Numerous 'Laundry' signs in Nyaung-U; average $1.50 per kg.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None; most restaurants offer independent delivery if you call them.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Bagan-style Burmese Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) and Myanmar Curry.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- The Moon (Be Kind to Animals) in Old Bagan - very popular vegan spot.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Sanon (Nyaung-U) - creative local desserts and supporting youth training.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mani-Sithu Market (Nyaung-U) for fresh produce and local goods.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- rgo47 or Shop.com.mm (Delivery from Yangon/Mandalay takes 3-5 days).
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available; local market shopping is standard.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Restaurant Row (Yarkhintha St) in Nyaung-U.
- Local Brewery
- Myanmar Beer (widely available) or Tuborg/Carlsberg brewed locally.
- Wine Bars
- Sharky's Bagan (Nyaung-U) for artisanal cheese and international wines.
- Street Food Stalls
- Night market near the Mani-Sithu Market for Mohenga and grilled skewers.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Leo Restaurant (Italian/Pizza) and Weather Spoon's (European/Thai).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, and Dhammayangyi Temple.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Bagan Archaeological Museum in Old Bagan.
- Historical Sites
- The entire UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 2,000+ pagodas.
- Religious Sites
- Thatbyinnyu Phaya (the tallest temple in Bagan).
- Annual Events
- Ananda Pagoda Festival (usually in January).
- Cultural Districts
- The lacquerware workshops in Myinkaba Village.
- Theater Venues
- Bagan Dandaree (Seasonal cultural show at Aureum Palace Hotel).
- Local Markets
- Nyaung-U Market (Mani-Sithu).
- Music Scene
- Live acoustic music at some Nyaung-U bars; traditional Burmese harp at upscale hotels.
- Street Art
- Sand paintings sold in the corridors of major temples like Htilominlo.
- Cooking Classes
- Pennywort Cooking Class (New Bagan).
- Art Galleries
- Zabu Thiri Art Gallery (Nyaung-U).
- Historic Buildings
- Nanpaya Temple (unique sandstone carving).
- Local Heritage
- Intricate lacquerware production techniques dating back to the 11th century.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Mount Popa - a 1.5-hour drive to a monastery perched on a volcanic plug.
- National Parks Nearby
- Mount Popa National Park.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Sand tracks between temples (ideal for E-bikes and mountain bikes).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Nann Myint Viewing Tower (Old Bagan) for panoramic sunset views.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Ayeyarwady River banks, especially during the dry season (Nov-Feb).
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Regulated riverside areas during sandbar season (Nov-April).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Royal Express or Speedman (local couriers).
- Tech Repair Services
- Phone repair shops located along Lanmadaw 3 Road, Nyaung-U.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Limited to high-end hotel staff facilities; accessible by request.
- Language Classes
- Informal Burmese lessons via staff at Ostello Bello.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Bagan Library in Nyaung-U (government-run, quiet but basic).
- Community Centers
- Sanon (vocational training restaurant and community space).
- Gaming Lounges
- Simple internet cafes in Nyaung-U with local gaming PCs.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None (Gambling is illegal in Myanmar outside specific remote zones).
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Foreigners cannot own land or apartments in Bagan; long-term leases only. Lease approx. $300-$500/month.
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- N/A - Property ownership restricted to citizens.
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- N/A - For rental: ~$600/month in boutique developments.
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- N/A
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- N/A
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- N/A
- Corporate Tax
- 22% (standard rate for resident companies).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% for residents; 0% for non-residents under current regulations (variable).
- Tax System
- Residence-based; residents are taxed on worldwide income.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (on income above 30,000,001 MMK).
- VAT
- 5% (Commercial Tax).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC rules currently in place.
- Property Tax
- Yes, levied by local development committees (YCDC/MCDC equivalent).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp duty of approx 4% (2% in Yangon/Mandalay, but varies regionally).
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific nomad visa or tax benefits; most work on tourist/business E-vistas.