Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Bagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute Myanmar. Bagan, located in central Myanmar, is renowned for its thousands of ancient temples and pagodas dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries. Here are the top attractions and things to do in Bagan:

1. Explore the Temples and Pagodas: Spend your days exploring the vast archaeological zone of Bagan, home to over 2,000 temples and pagodas. Some of the most notable include Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, and Thatbyinnyu Temple. Rent a bicycle or e-bike to explore the area at your own pace.
2. Sunrise and Sunset Viewing: Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Bagan plains from one of the temple viewpoints. Popular sunrise spots include Shwesandaw Pagoda and Bulethi Pagoda, while sunset viewpoints include Pyathada Pagoda and Shwe San Daw Pagoda.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the magical landscape of Bagan from above with a hot air balloon ride. Float over the ancient temples and pagodas as the sun rises, providing a breathtaking view of the archaeological zone.
4. Ananda Pagoda Festival: If visiting during the Ananda Pagoda Festival (usually held in January or February), don't miss the chance to witness traditional music, dance, and festivities at one of Bagan's most important religious celebrations.
5. Horse Cart Ride: Explore the temples and villages of Bagan in a traditional horse cart. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the archaeological zone and surrounding countryside, stopping to visit temples and interact with locals along the way.
6. Bagan Archaeological Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Bagan at the Bagan Archaeological Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, sculptures, and historical objects from the ancient city.
7. Mount Popa: Take a day trip to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano located about 50 kilometers southeast of Bagan. Climb the stairs to the summit to visit Taung Kalat, a monastery perched atop a volcanic plug, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Local Villages and Workshops: Visit traditional villages and workshops around Bagan to learn about local crafts such as lacquerware, pottery, and weaving. Meet artisans and observe their techniques passed down through generations.
9. Bagan Viewing Tower: Climb the Bagan Viewing Tower for panoramic views of the temple-studded landscape. The tower offers a 360-degree perspective of the archaeological zone, providing a unique vantage point for photography.
10. Sunset River Cruise: Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River, offering views of the temples and pagodas from the water. Relax on deck as the sun sets over the Bagan plains, casting a golden glow on the ancient monuments.