How to find temples you can still climb in Bagan – 2019 guide

Bagan attracts many tourists with its incredible history and 2,200 beautiful temples and pagodas. Everyone is in search of the best photography spots and I must admit that you can’t get a better view over Bagan than from the top of one of the temples.

Climbing these precious thirteen-century temples should definitely be limited for preservation purposes but unfortunately the government has decided to ban climbing on all Bagan temples.

As much as I support the preservation of these incredible structures for the future generations, there is something undeniably appealing in finding a hidden Bagan temple and watching the sunset from the top of it, all by yourself or together with your loved one.

-> Book you hot air balloon in Bagan – click here!

Before telling you exactly how you can find temples to climb in Bagan (even in 2019), let’s talk about safety and responsibility.

Things to consider before climbing temples in Bagan

There are a few things to keep in mind before deciding to climb on a temple or a pagoda in Bagan. First of all, you’ll have to take care about your own safety. Even though the temples have been restored, climbing on them holds potential risks. Second of all, keep in mind that it’s your responsibility not to damage the temples in any way.

Check out the difference between temples, pagodas and stupas here.

Below is a list of a few simple rules that should guide you:

• make sure that the temple is sturdy enough to support your weight
• make sure that there are no locals or police around to potentially see you on top of the temple
• do not damage in any way the temple
• take your shoes off before entering the temple and dress appropriately (click here to read about the temple dress code in Myanmar)
• make sure you have phone signal in case anything happens

Note: Keep in mind that climbing temples in Bagan starting with 2018 is illegal and you are at your own risk.

How to find temples you can still climb on in Bagan

Even with the ban of temple climbing in Bagan, there are a few ways to find some temples that are still opened, even in 2019. Let’s explore the two options available.

Check out the most beautiful temples in Bagan here.

1. Finding temples with the help of locals

Now, this option is going to cost you a few bucks. Some locals in Bagan are searching all day for temples that are still opened. They wonder around from early morning until the late evening in search of tourists who are willing to pay a few dollars to find out which are the Bagan temples where climbing is still possible.

You won’t have to search much for these people. Just drive around Bagan with your e-bike and you’ll most probably be approached by local people willing to sell you these kind of tips.

Price: 5,000 – 10,000 Kyat

2. Finding temples on your own

Another possibility is to search for temples on your own. Yes, it’s going to take longer but the satisfaction will be bigger. First of all, don’t even try to climb on the big, famous temples. They are full of people and they are all closed.

What you’ll want to do is find a hidden temple, away from the touristy areas and with a good view over Bagan. Take your e-bike (check out my full guide about renting e-bikes in Bagan) and start exploring the less touristy roads. When you see a temple where there are no people, get off our bike and check if it’s opened. If not, try the next one.

Another alternative and, in my opinion, the best strategy to find Bagan temples to climb on is to take a ride around Bagan at sunset or sunrise. Hop on your e-bike, go to less touristy areas and look on top of the temples. If a temple is still opened, chances are somebody is already on the top enjoying the sunrise or the sunset. When you spot somebody on top of a temple, feel free to join!

Price: free

When did the ban happen?

The temple climbing ban in Bagan was issued in the beginning of 2018. Locals have mixed feelings about the ban since they are afraid that it might have a negative impact on the tourism. Even though there is not yet any legal fine for climbing the temples in Bagan, the policemen are constantly checking that the temples are closed.

If you don’t want to take any risks, you can still enjoy some amazing sunsets and sunrises from hot air balloons or from the man made hills in Bagan. These hills are the alternative provided by the government and they are not that bad (see the picture below). You will find them all around Bagan.

Where to stay in Bagan

I’ve been searching for the best hotels in Bagan. Below are my recommendations, for every budget.

• Low Budget – Crown Prince Hotel – good location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff
• Mid Budget – Bagan Thande Hotel – excellent location, good value for money, clean
• Luxury – Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort – view towards the temples (the best), extremely clean, spacious rooms

I hope that you’ve found this Bagan temple guide useful. For other interesting articles about Myanmar, check the list below. Also, I totally recommend the Lonely Planet guide about Myanmar. Here you will find useful tips & tricks and all the details you need for a perfect holiday.

May the travel bug bite you!

More about Myanmar:

• The most beautiful temples around Myanmar – click here
• Myanmar hidden gems – click here
• Inle Lake boat tour – what to expect – click here

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Aurelia Teslaru

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!