More about hotels in Magway
About Magway accommodation
Magway Region stretches along the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar, a quieter corner of the country just south of the busier Bagan tourist trail. Most travellers pass through on their way to Mount Popa, the region's standout landmark, rather than staying for an extended trip.
Accommodation in Magway itself is modest and mostly geared towards local and domestic travellers, so don't expect the resort-style hotels you'll find in Bagan or Yangon. What's on offer covers simple guest houses and a handful of straightforward 3-star hotels, mainly clustered in Magway town and the outlying towns of Pakokku and Minbu.
Where to stay in Magway
- Magway town: the regional capital on the Irrawaddy River, with the widest choice of guest houses and small hotels plus easy access to local restaurants and shops.
- Near Mount Popa: a smaller cluster of stays closer to the volcanic landmark itself, handy if you'd rather skip the two-hour drive back to Bagan on the same day.
How much is Magway accommodation?
- Budget: AU$25-45 for a simple guest house room with a fan or air conditioning and basic ensuite facilities.
- Mid-range: AU$45-85 for a private hotel room, often with breakfast included and sometimes a pool.
What Magway is known for
- Mount Popa: an extinct volcanic plug crowned by the Taung Kalat monastery, reached via a covered stairway of 777 steps and watched over by a resident troupe of monkeys along the way; the climb rewards you with sweeping views across the plains towards Bagan.
- Day trips from Bagan: most visitors see Mount Popa as a half-day or full-day trip from Bagan rather than an overnight stay, with the drive taking around two hours each way.
- Irrawaddy riverside towns: Magway town and the smaller towns along the river have a slower, local pace that's a world away from Bagan's temple crowds.
Top-rated hotels in Magway
- Royal Palace Hotel - Magway: a straightforward 3-star hotel in Magway town, a practical base if you're exploring the wider region at a slower pace.
- Salay River View Inn: a 3-star inn in Magway with river views and breakfast included, a relaxed spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Lei Thar Gone Guest House: a budget-friendly guest house in Magway town with simple, comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Juno: located in Pakokku, a convenient stop if you're travelling along the Irrawaddy River route.
- Man Thi Tar Hotel: in Minbu, a practical option for exploring the southern part of Magway Region.
Travel tips for Magway
- Most travellers visit Mount Popa as a day trip from Bagan rather than staying overnight in Magway itself, so factor the two-hour drive each way into your plans.
- You'll need to go barefoot, or in socks, to climb to Taung Kalat, and the stone steps can get hot underfoot around midday, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is more comfortable.
- Keep a close eye on food, drinks, and loose belongings around Mount Popa; the resident monkeys are cheeky and quick to snatch anything left unattended.
- Magway town has limited tourist infrastructure compared with Bagan, so arranging a private car or driver is the easiest way to get around the wider region.
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