Discovering the Pyathada Pagoda is a highlight of any trip to Bagan. Here is how you can reach this ancient marvel:
Nyaung U Airport (NYU) is the closest airport to Bagan. Upon landing, you can hire a taxi or arrange for a pickup through your hotel to get to the Pagoda. The drive from the airport to Pyathada Pagoda should take about 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic and exact routes.
Bagan is well connected to major cities in Myanmar like Yangon, Mandalay, and Inle Lake via bus services. Long-distance buses will drop you off at the Bagan Shwe Pyi Bus Terminal, which is located in Nyaung U. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a scooter or an e-bike to reach the Pagoda.
There is a train service that runs from Yangon to Bagan, arriving at the railway station in Nyaung U. The train journey can be quite long and bumpy, but it offers a unique perspective of the Myanmar countryside. From the train station, a taxi or another form of local transportation can be taken to Pyathada Pagoda.
If you're coming from Mandalay, another unique way to arrive in Bagan is by riverboat along the Ayeyarwady River. The journey is scenic but can take quite a bit of time, usually an entire day. After arriving at the Bagan jetty, transportation can be found to take you directly to the Pagoda.
Once in Bagan, the options to get to the Pyathada Pagoda include:
Note: It's recommended to check with local sources or your hotel about the current state of transportation options, as they may change.
Regardless of how you choose to get there, visiting the Pyathada Pagoda is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you take in the panoramic views and the architectural beauty of this ancient site.