BAGAN is expected to host higher arrivals of foreign tourists in the 2024 dry season, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan Branch).

“There were about 100,000 foreign tourists to Bagan until September of 2023 and over 100,000 in 2024. During the Thadingyut festival, the arrivals of local and foreign travellers were high, and we expect there might be high tourist arrivals in the dry season. Bagan possesses unique sites that tourists prefer, and it is also the heart of the country. Therefore, we welcome all travellers to visit the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone during the dry season,” said the department director.

The Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone has ancient lakes and natural plants, and the renovation and conservation of pagodas and temples are conducted, ensuring the sustainability of ancient heritage. Domestic and international trav- ellers can enjoy sunrise and sunset views from the designated mounds.

Moreover, travel agencies from Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Yangon add trips to Mount Popa and the Popa National Geopark on Bagan tour. These agencies prepare for trips to Bagan and Popa regarding hotels, guesthouses, local products and foods.

“Hotels are fully booked for three days during the Thadingyut festival. All rooms are fully booked for the three-day Tazaungdine Festival. We have to book at other hotels. The electricity was fully provided during Thadingyut. We all are waiting for travellers with the best services for the coming festival,” said an official from the Hotel Bagan.

The road to Bagan is safe, easy, and convenient, and travellers can get to Bagan by flight, train, or car.

There were over 300,000 travellers to Bagan during the five-day holiday of the Thadingyut Festival, exceeding the numbers of previous years. Therefore, a surge in the arrivals of local and foreign travellers to Tazaungdine is expected. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH