Bagan Monastery Meditation Experience

A Theravada Buddhist monk in Myanmar at his monastery. — A local monk at his monastery

Bagan Meditation Tour

Our Bagan meditation experience reveals the mystical history and spirit of Bagan with our introduction to Buddhist philosophy and meditation. This exclusive activity is possible either in our ancient pagoda or village monastery.

Your Bagan meditation tour includes an overview of the basics of Buddhist thought and practice, as well as how these have shaped the history, culture, and sites of Bagan. You will have the opportunity to freely ask questions, learning about monastic daily life and community rituals.

Monastery Meditation Tour Highlights

balloon viewing at sunrise from less-crowded location
al fresco light breakfast with local pastries, fruit, and fresh coffee/tea
market visit
private meditation with monks in Bagan monastery
monastery donation and shrine offering included in tour price

A transformational experience including sunrise or sunset at an ancient pagoda, with an introduction to Buddhist philosophy, culture, and spiritual practice. You will learn about the role of the monastery in Myanmar village life, as well as sessions of guided sitting and walking meditations by candlelight. We will discuss and practice, simple breath and concentration exercises to calm the mind and body as well as improve personal well-being and productivity.

This Bagan meditation experience is suitable for all ages and cultural backgrounds and does not require any prior knowledge of meditation or Buddhism. This activity can also be included as part of a longer custom Bagan itinerary.

For this activity, we work together with a local monastery located outside Bagan.

The monastery is situated on a clifftop overlooking the Irrawaddy river. To our knowledge, this is the only monastery in the Bagan area accepting foreigners for meditation practice, and a portion of the activity fees goes directly to support the construction of a new teaching hall at the site.

We normally suggest combining Bagan meditation with a sunrise viewing to make the most of the experience and your time. You will visit the monastery after sunrise/breakfast and return to your hotel around lunchtime (approx 05:30-12:00).

Sample Itinerary

05:30: Pickup from your hotel by taxi or ebike

06:00-07:30: Sunrise balloon viewing from secluded pagoda within the Bagan monument zone.

07:30-08:30: After sunrise, time for a fresh breakfast served outdoors near our “secret pagoda” and gardens among the ancient pagodas. You are welcomed to a shady spot with temple views for fresh-pressed Myanmar coffee and tea after an early start. Enjoy a colorful and healthy breakfast of local pastries and fresh fruit. Local farmers pass by as we discuss our plans for the day.

08:30-09:30: Visit to Nyaung U market for monastery donation (flowers, incense, small gifts for monks).

10:00-12:00: Introduction to Buddhism and meditation at our host monastery. The location is amazing, with the active monastery nestled within a complex of ancient temples and ruins. Your tour fees contribute to the construction of a new community teaching hall at the monastery.

12:00-12:30: Return to your hotel OR continue your tour for the full day, relaxing at the monastery or exploring remote villages. Return to Old Bagan by private cruise after an enchanting sunset