Yangon to Bagan Night Bus

Myanmar Day 2 (continued)


My bus to Bagan was scheduled to leave at 6:00 PM. I decided to leave the city center by 4:45 PM because they said, it would take me an hour going to the bus station considering the traffic. Apparently, because of the school holiday, a lot of students were heading to their home towns that weekend.

They were right about the traffic forecast. It took us a while to get to my designated bus company waiting area. Aung Mingalar Bus Station is huge and different bus companies have their own slots there. It took us several stops and turns before we found my bus, Mandalar Minn.

the very busy bus terminal

Despite the traffic jam, I still arrived a little early for my departure time. I admit, it wasn't the bus terminal I was expecting to see. I thought there will be like a big covered area with steel chairs for waiting passengers. But nada. Each bus companies just have their own little waiting area inside their offices and that's it. In my case, the waiting area inside was already too crowded. I just bought an ice cold soft drink from the vendor outside and asked if I could use one of their chairs, which they gladly lent me. I just smiled and hung out with the locals there even though I couldn't understand a thing from their joyful conversation. Sometimes you have to do just that. :)

Fifteen minutes before the departure time, I approached the attendants and asked about my bus. Luckily, they just have started the embarkation process. Excited to leave, I was not able to take a photo of the bus anymore.

complimentary bottle of water

There are staff who will assist you with the boarding process and the storage of your luggage. I think there were about four of them. I found it nice actually. There's always someone who will attend to your needs. Every passenger has a free bottle of mineral water and there's also a plastic bag ready in case you felt nauseous and you have to throw up. :)

ready to sleep?

They also provide a neck pillow and a blanket for a more comfortable slumber. It is a 9-hour bus ride, so you will be sleeping your night away for sure. I have no problems sleeping on the road no matter how bad the road is. I've gotten used to it. Maybe I was traveling too much.

bus station vendors

We departed at around 6:10 PM. Sitting at the window seat was futile, it was night. Half way through our journey, we stopped somewhere in between Yangon and Bagan. It was a 30-minute break. We were encouraged to freshen-up, as suggested by the free toothbrush and cold towel they were giving as we get off the bus - and to eat or have dinner.

the pitstop

Everything was so new to me. I mean the surroundings, the crowd, the types of food. I just ended up grabbing a cup of noodles which surprisingly was the "hottest" chicken noodle I've ever tasted. I mean spicy hot! And then, I also discovered this yummy cake. The label was Pucci Cake, I guess that was the bakeshop name. I regretted I only bought 1 pack. It was to die for.

spiceh!!!

Satisfied with the eats I found, I peacefully got back to sleep once we boarded again to continue our journey hehe. It was a convenient night bus trip I must say. I don't have any complaints. We were very much taken cared of. The bus travel and customer service were efficient. Road travel in Myanmar after all is a pleasant experience.

What did I do when I arrived in Bagan? I waited for that magical sunrise. :)

***I paid 15,000 Kyats for my bus ticket from Yangon to Bagan.


This is Part 4 of my Myanmar travel series.