Things to do in Ayeyarwady River Valley
Discover the best attractions and experiences Ayeyarwady River Valley has to offer
Historic Monuments
Ancient temple plains and Pyu-era ruins define the Ayeyarwady river valley's long history.
Bagan Archaeological Zone
A vast plain of thousands of temples and pagodas that define Bagan's skyline.
Sri Ksetra Pyu Ancient City
Ruins of a major Pyu-era city along the Irrawaddy with brick fortifications and relics.
Ananda Temple
One of Bagan’s best-preserved temples famed for its graceful design.
Dhammayangyi Temple
A massive brick temple known for its impressive size and intricate history.
Museums
Exhibits illuminate Myanmar’s river valley history, from Pyu civilizations to Buddhist art.
Bagan Archaeological Museum
Artifacts from the Bagan plains highlight early Buddhist cultures.
Sri Ksetra Museum
Museum near Pyay housing Pyu-era artifacts and the Sri Ksetra story.
Religious Monuments
Sacred stupas and temples dot the river valley, inviting contemplation and views.
Shwezigon Pagoda
A gilded 11th-century stupa and important pilgrimage site.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Iconic hilltop stupa offering panoramic temple views at sunset.
Thatbyinnyu Temple
One of Bagan’s tallest temples with elegant architecture.
Htilominlo Temple
Well-preserved temple known for its detailed plaster carvings.
National & Theme Parks
There are limited national parks in this river valley area.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Ayeyarwady River Valley. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Different areas frame the temple plains and offer distinct vibes for exploration.
Old Bagan
Historic core where most temples cluster and sunset views are classic.
Nyaung-U
Vibrant town near the temple plains with markets, eateries, and guesthouses.
New Bagan
Developing area with modern hotels and elevated viewpoints for panoramas.
Free Things to Do
Budget-friendly ways to soak in the river valley’s beauty and daily life.
Sunrise/Sunset temple viewing
Watch the light over the temple plains from popular vantage points.
Bike ride around Old Bagan
Explore temple lanes on a rented bicycle at your own pace.
Wander Nyaung-U Market and riverfront
Stroll stalls and watch life along the Ayeyarwady.
Gastronomy
Savor classic Myanmar flavors in the river valley’s bustling towns.
Mohinga
A quintessential Myanmar fish-noodle soup enjoyed at any time of day.
Lahpet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad)
Fermented tea leaves mixed with nuts, seeds and olive oil.
Nan Gyi Thoke
Thick rice noodles with chicken and curry sauce, a local favorite.
Ohn No Khao Swè
Coconut milk noodle soup with chickpeas and chicken.
Nightlife
Evenings in the river valley offer relaxed markets, views, and gentle music.
Sunset river views from boat or riverbank
Relax as the sun sinks over temple silhouettes.
Night market stroll in Nyaung-U
Browse stalls for snacks, crafts and local ambience.
Tea houses with light music
Soft melodies and local tea culture in friendly teahouses.
Entertainment
Iconic experiences and cultural performances amplify the valley’s magic.
Hot air balloon ride over Bagan
A sunrise flight offering sweeping views of temples and plains.
Traditional puppet shows in Nyaung-U
Classic Burmese puppetry performances for visitors.
Horse-drawn carriage rides around Old Bagan
A leisurely tour past temples on a traditional cart.
Sports
Active ways to explore the temple plains and river scenery.
Cycling around Old Bagan
Pedal between temples and along scenic lanes.
Hot air ballooning
Early morning flight for panoramic temple views.
River boating/sightseeing
Calm boat trips along the Ayeyarwady for temple silhouettes.
Off the Track
Experiences beyond the usual temples reveal local life along the river.
Sri Ksetra Pyu Ancient City ruins visit
Explore the Pyu-era brick ruins near Pyay.
Rural village stay along the Ayeyarwady
Immerse in traditional life with a homestay experience.
Boat trip to lesser-known riverine villages
Quiet waterways reveal overlooked communities.