Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.
The incredible ancient city of Bagan is a once in a lifetime experience to be had while in Myanmar. Known for the Bagan Archaeological Zone, you will find yourself standing amongst thousands of temples, stupas and pagodas stretching out for miles around you. If there is any place to feel insignificant and to feel the whole weight of religious devotion, it is here in Bagan. Plus you get incredible views that are genuinely out of this world! To experience it for yourself, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Bagan for both hotels and hostels. Our tip is even if a place looks fancy, go ahead and inquire as most places in Bagan have dorm or economy rooms for budget travelers. Enjoy!
Ever New Guest House is perfect accommodation if you have a pesky flight that is stupidly late or early. Located close to the airport, you can rock up after your flight or night bus and the guest house will give you a basic room to stay in until your room is ready. The rooms are very basic here but are comfortable and contain everything you need. They also include a free breakfast so win-win! As you are away from the center of Bagan, we recommend hiring bikes or cars from the guesthouse to get around. It will only cost you 5000 K ($4) for half a day or 10000 K ($8) for a full day, plus it’s fun! (Prices start at $23 a night for a standard double or twin room)
To compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
If you want breakfast with a smile, Shwe Nadi Guest House is the place to stay. The staff here are amazing, whether when it’s helping you to get accommodation next door when they are full or organizing what to see. Seriously, previous guests that arrived stupidly early were encouraged to hire a bike to see the sunset, followed by a free breakfast! Where else would you get this kind of service? Located next to many cheap and local food places, you won’t need to venture far. However, they do offer bike and car hire if you want to. The rooms here are simple but the beds are crazy comfortable, what more do you need? (Prices start at $15 a night for a standard double or twin room with a shared bathroom)
To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
Golden Myanmar Guest House
Room Type:Â Standard|Double|Twin|Triple Rooms
WI-FI: Yes
Near: Nyaung U Market
Price Range: $25-35 a night
Looking for a clean and cozy stay with the friendliest of people and all for a bargain price? You can have it all at the Golden Myanmar Guest House. The basic rooms are colorful and comfortable with traditional wooden furnishings and breakfast included on the terrace. The guest house has its own delicious restaurant with a great atmosphere, as well as plenty of food options close by. This area is perfect for a social atmosphere and stunning photography, so don’t forget to bring the camera! (Prices start at $25 a night for a standard double or twin room)
To compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
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The Sky View Hotel boasts stunning exterior architecture which fits right in with its surroundings. As you can guess from the name, you can also drink in the amazing views of Bagan from the rooftop terrace. Have your breakfast whilst enjoying the hot air balloons flying over the temples, or enjoy the sunset over the stupas. Whatever time of day, how heavenly does that sound? Located away from the crowded center, you can enjoy tranquility and local street food at the market. The whole hotel has a traditional Burmese feel with modern, elegant furnishings and spacious rooms. (Prices start at $40 a night for a deluxe double or twin room)
To compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Editor’s Note: Check out our guide to seeing and exploring the stunning Bagan Temples
Like a lot of accommodation in Bagan, Ostello Bello Bagan has a range of rooms from dorms and mid-range to expensive. This is good for us though as we get high-quality dorms and rooms at normal prices, yet the hotel standard is much higher! This hotel is perfectly located close to pagodas, the Nyaung U Market and Ayeyarwaddy River. What’s even better is the facilities! Basic as they may be, you get free breakfast, beverages, and pasta throughout the day! The rooms are modern with minimal furnishings, yet the solid wood gives the rooms a charming traditional finish. Enjoy the views from the roof terrace which also acts as a chilling zone for arrivals off the overnight bus. (Prices start at $25 a night for a bed in a dorm)
As I said before, the Royal Bagan Hotel is another great affordable option. Whether staying in a dorm room or grand deluxe room, everyone gets to enjoy the impeccably maintained hotel and its facilities. A highlight of the hotel is the tranquil outdoor pool complete with mood lighting and surrounding greenery. As well as this, you also get to chill on the rooftop terrace and indulge yourself with exceptionalBurmese food from the restaurant. Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are stylish with dark furnishings and Burmese decoration. In keeping with getting value for your money, a breakfast buffet and fast WI-FI is also included! (Prices start at $20 a night for a dorm bed)
To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
Looking like a massive barn from the outside is the stunning Arthawka Hotel. Far from a barn is the interior, from its flawless standard and natural furnishings, to the immaculately kept rooms with soft white sheets and comfy beds. With a clean and quiet environment comes a very relaxed atmosphere. This is especially obvious when you’re sitting by the lush outdoor salt-water pool. Surrounded by palm trees and loungers, it’s hard to believe you’re in Myanmar. For a more social evening, enjoy local or western dishes at the restaurant and have a drink whilst watching the live music at the bar. Sounds like the perfect place to me! (Prices start at $75 a night for a superior twin room)
To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
Just a short ride away from the airport, you’ll find the Bagan Thande Hotel in the middle of old Bagan. Perfectly located right on the river banks, the hotel has stunning riverside suites with balconies. Just imagine yourself waking up to relaxing river views and watching the sunset on your balcony. Can it get better than that? What makes these suites even cooler is that they come with their own bar! As you can expect from a luxury hotel, the facilities are also of a high standard. Enjoy the relaxing outdoor pool, Asian and European dishes in the restaurant, and of course a traditional massage at the spa. Bliss! (Prices start at $95 a night for a superior double or twin room)
To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort
Room Type:Â Deluxe|Double Rooms|River View Suites
WI-FI: Yes
Near:Â Mingalar Zedi Pagoda
Price Range: $200-540 a night
Perfectly located in the middle of the archaeological zone in Old Bagan, Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort looks like a picturesque temple in itself. Just a walk away from magnificent temples and the idyllic Irrawaddy River, you can walk to a lot of main sites or rent an e-bike or motorbike from the hotel. Situated on the river, the hotel has a very tranquil and secluded feel, which is emphasized by the gardens, outdoor pool and Sanctuary Spa. Enjoy Asia European cuisines at the restaurant and local entertainment such as puppet shows! Finish the day in your spacious and comfortable bungalow to complete the perfect hideaway holiday. (Prices start at $200 a night for a deluxe double room with a garden view)
To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com | Agoda
As much as I could go on, these are the top accommodation options in Bagan. So go forth and explore the history of these sacred monuments, appreciate their value and make memories!
Disclaimer: All photo credits and copyright belong to the establishments unless stated otherwise.
If you’re looking for things to do in Myanmar, check out some of our other articles!
