Bagan, Myanmar 🇲🇲
#320
21.131711, 94.862364
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bagan is a historic city known for its ancient temples and pagodas, located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-15 Mbps, with some areas offering improved connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MMK ≈ 0.00052 USD, cash is predominantly used but some places accept cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ooredoo, Telenor, and MPT are the main providers. SIM cards are affordable and widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is the main mode of payment; ATMs are available with local currency withdrawal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, boutique hotels, and short-term rentals through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is most commonly accepted, and mobile payments are emerging. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel type options start around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bagan Studio - A small coworking space offering internet and a communal environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Moon: Popular among digital nomads, offering good Wi-Fi and a tranquil workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes, check local Facebook groups for announcements. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Bagan Expats Group on Facebook for community events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for bike and car rides in urban areas. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are common, typically around $2-5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach access; Bagan is known for temples and historical sites. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mandalay Airlines operates regional flights from Mandalay Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Myanmar National Airlines serves international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Nyaung-U-Bagan Highway connecting to Mandalay. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bagan does not have a major train hub; nearest is in Mandalay. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; local buses and tuk-tuks available for short trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Mandalay and other cities are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bagan Hospital - Basic healthcare services are available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bagan offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have small gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services available, typically costing around $1-2 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda primarily operates in cities, limited availability in Bagan. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Platha - A traditional rice noodle dish with curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Moon Restaurant offers extensive vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nidar Cafe serves great cakes and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Nyaung-U Market for fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited presence; local marketplaces offer informal shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few options for grocery delivery; local shops are more common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars are limited; most nightlife is found within hotel premises. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Myanmar Beer is widely available, produced in various locations. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local wines available in some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available, particularly noodle stands and fried snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few restaurants serve pizza and western dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda - Iconic structures in Bagan. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bagan Archaeological Museum - Showcases the history of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas, UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Many Buddhist temples and monasteries, significant for cultural heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bagan Balloon Festival in November attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nyaung U town is the main cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; cultural performances may occur at certain temples. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nyaung-U Market for local handicrafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Mostly traditional music at local events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art presence is minimal, though some local artists showcase work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offering local cuisine experiences are available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited contemporary art presence. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Temples represent significant architectural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bagan's temples are symbols of the ancient Bamar civilization. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Popa is a popular day trip destination for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Popa National Park is accessible, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking through temple paths is popular; rentals available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset viewing from various temple rooftops, particularly from Shwesandaw Pagoda. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Bagan offer birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas may allow fires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; local services may assist with parcel sending. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities; check local hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language classes available for Burmese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bagan has few libraries; hotel lounges often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers may host community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; mainly mobile gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Bagan; gambling not widely available. |
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. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, active regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property value; varies by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% on property transfers. |