3 Best Hostels in Bagan, Myanmar

3 Best Hostels in Bagan

Welcome to the land of ancient temples, endless plains, and sunsets that make you question reality – Bagan! If you’re a traveler with a penchant for exploring Myanmar’s cultural treasures without burning through your kyats, you’ve landed in the right archaeological wonderland.

In this article, we’re your guide to the best hostels in Bagan, where you can lay your head amidst the pagodas without feeling like you’ve sacrificed your wallet at the temple’s altar.

Our favorite hostels in Bagan are:

  1. Ostello Bello Bagan Pool - best for female solo travelers
  2. Lux Pillow Hostel - best for backpackers
  3. Eternal Lodge - best for couples

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

Traveling around Myanmar? We also have a guide on the best hostels in Yangon.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Bagan

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Bagan cost around $31 per night for a bed in a dorm. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 p.m.), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 a.m.). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Must-try Local Dishes:

  • Shan Noodles: Dive into a bowl of Shan noodles, a Burmese specialty. These rice noodles are typically served with a flavorful broth, fresh herbs, and your choice of meat or tofu. A must-try budget-friendly delight.
  • Nangyi Thoke: Sample Nangyi Thoke, a Burmese salad made with thick, round rice noodles mixed with chicken, fish sauce, and an array of crunchy toppings. It’s a delightful explosion of textures and flavors.
  • Mohinga: Savor Mohinga, Myanmar’s national dish and breakfast staple. This hearty fish soup with rice vermicelli is garnished with fresh herbs and crispy fritters for added crunch.

Must-try Local Drinks:

  • Myanmar Beer: Quench your thirst with a cold bottle of Myanmar Beer, the country’s most popular brew. It’s a great way to cool down after a day of temple-hopping.
  • Burmese Tea: Taste Burmese tea, which often comes sweetened with condensed milk and served in tiny cups. It’s a soothing and affordable option, perfect for recharging during your explorations.
  • Local Fruit Juices: Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit juices like papaya, mango, or passion fruit. Street vendors and local markets offer these refreshing beverages.

Budget-Savvy Strategies:

  • E-Bike Exploration: Rent an e-bike to explore Bagan’s vast temple complex. It’s an affordable and eco-friendly way to discover the area at your own pace.
  • Local Eateries: Opt for dining at local eateries and street food stalls to experience authentic flavors without breaking the bank. Try samosas or fried snacks from street vendors.
  • Sunset Splendor: Instead of joining expensive sunset tours, venture out early and find a quiet spot among the temples to witness the magical sunset over the plains of Bagan.

Cultural Insights:

  • Temple Etiquette: When entering temples, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. It’s a sign of respect for the local customs and religious traditions.
  • Burmese Greetings: Greet locals with a warm “Mingalabar” (hello) and a smile. Burmese people appreciate friendly interactions, and a little effort with local greetings goes a long way.

Other Insights:

  • Bagan’s Temple Count: Bagan boasts over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas scattered across its plains. While you can’t visit them all, explore a mix of well-known and lesser-known gems for a diverse experience.
  • Bagan Archaeological Zone Fee: Be prepared to pay an archaeological zone fee, which allows access to many temples. Keep your ticket handy as it may be checked at various sites.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Consider splurging on a hot air balloon ride over Bagan’s temples. While it’s not budget-friendly, it offers a breathtaking and unforgettable view of the area.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:

The 3 Best Hostels in Bagan are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Bagan.

  1. Ostello Bello Bagan Pool – best for female solo travelers
  2. Lux Pillow Hostel – best for backpackers
  3. Eternal Lodge – best for couples

These are our favorite hostels in Bagan. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Lux Pillow Hostel
🙎‍♀️ Female Solo Traveler: Ostello Bello Bagan Pool
🎒 for Backpacker:Lux Pillow Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨 Couple Hostel: Eternal Lodge
👯 For Groups:Eternal Lodge

1. Ostello Bello Bagan Pool

Ostello Bello Bagan Pool is a great option for those wanting a comfortable stay in Bagan. It’s conveniently located a few minutes from Bagan’s historical zone and walking distance from the river.

This Bagan hostel is known for its low prices, clean facilities, and friendly staff. On top of that, travelers are treated to a swimming pool, bar, and relaxing area – perfect for taking in the stunning sunset views.

Dorms come equipped with private lockers, USB ports, and power sockets. Plus, the hostel has a travel desk for bus ticket arrangements and e-bike rentals. Are you also screaming ‘convenient’ as you wave your hands in the air or is it just me?

Check Prices for Ostello Bello Bagan Pool

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Ostello Bello Bagan Pool Lounge

Facilities & Amenities:

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Terrace
  • Bar
  • Travel desk for arranging bus tickets and e-bike rentals
  • Staff available 24/7
  • Common room with board games
  • Free breakfast

Location: Within a few minutes drive from Bagan’s historical zone, a walking distance to the river with sunset views. Close to various temples and pagodas, including Shwesandaw Pagoda, Manuha Temple, Gubyaukgyi Temple, and Dhammayazika Pagoda.

The best choice in Bagan for

  • Female solo travelers
Check Prices for Ostello Bello Bagan Pool

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Ostello Bello Bagan Pool Dorms Ostello Bello Bagan Pool

2. Lux Pillow Hostel

Lux Pillow Hostel opened its doors in the summer of 2017, quickly becoming a favorite among budget travelers. It’s situated in the heart of Old Bagan, near the magnificent temples in the area.

Their rooms are air-conditioned (thank god) and their furniture and mattresses are brand-new and extra comfortable, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

The kitchen, garden, and balcony add to the overall tranquil atmosphere. Unfortunately, the hostel doesn’t offer towels or an extensive breakfast menu (a bit odd in Southeast Asia but not unheard of), but it more than makes up for that with its friendly service and great location.

Find Prices for Lux Pillow Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Lux Pillow Hostel Lounge
Facilities & Amenities:

  • Free pick-up from New Bagan
  • Day trips and trekking trip bookings available
  • Kitchen
  • High-speed and reliable WiFi
  • Green garden in front
  • Beautiful second-floor balcony
  • Free plum and tamarind juice offered

Location: In the heart of Old Bagan in a quiet area close to excellent restaurants offering Myanmar, Western, and vegetarian food at reasonable prices

A great choice for

  • Backpackers
Find Prices for Lux Pillow Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Lux Pillow Hostel Dorms The Luxury Dorms at Two Pillow Hostel in Malta

3. Eternal Lodge

Eternal Lodge, located in the New Bagan district of Bagan, is a popular and charming hostel. With a welcoming atmosphere, excellent location, and a wide range of amenities, it truly stands out among others.

Travelers can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. 

In the morning, a continental breakfast is served and the staff is always available at the reception to help with any advice you may need.

Find all Prices for Eternal Lodge here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Eternal Lodge Rooftop

Facilities & Amenities:

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free toiletries
  • Free WiFi
  • Continental breakfast available
  • Restaurant on-site
  • Car, bus tickets, electric bike, and bicycle hire available

Location: In the New Bagan district of Bagan, close to major tourist attractions.

This is one of the best hostels in Bagan for

  • Couples
Find all Prices for Eternal Lodge here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Eternal Lodge Eternal Lodge Hostel

Best Hostels in Bagan for Solo Travelers? 

We think that the best hostel in Bagan is Lux Pillow Hostel. It has great facilities and amenities, a good location and helpful staff.

Find Prices for Lux Pillow Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Lux Pillow Hostel Lounge

More Hostels worth a mention

At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth mentioning here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.

What about the cheapest hostels in Bagan?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Bagan.

  1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Bagan
  2. add your dates
  3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Any Discounts?

From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Bagan best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

Hostel Map Bagan Nomadic AnnaMy Best Hostels in Bagan for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights

We’re listing all the three best Bagan hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.

FAQs

Here we share with you the most asked question:

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Bagan and all of the best hostels in Bagan.

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We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.