https://mrmyanmartravel.com/

This was definitely one of the better places we stayed in Myanmar. There are 4 classes of room at this hotel, and we chose the "super standard" which, though it was a little outdated in terms of the bathroom and furnishings, was comfortable, quiet and clean. The only issue with the room was the shelf above the sink making it a bit of an acrobatic challenge to wash your face. However, this was better than the higher class room in which the sink was positioned halfway over the bathtub.

The feeling of the place was like a resort, with large landscaped grounds, a pool (somewhat cloudy), and a beautiful open breakfast area in the garden. The small stupa in sight next door also added to the experience. The breakfast, by the way was great and buffet style with eggs and crepes cooked outdoors. Fresh fruit and traditional myanmar vermicelli soup was also offered.

The location, halfway between Old Bagan and Nyaung U turned out to be peaceful, and not far from most sites by bike (2,000K per day from the hotel), or by horse cart if you prefer. The restaurant next door (Pyi Sone) was reliable, reasonably priced and a great choice if you don't feel like venturing into town. They also have internet access for 1000K per hour.

The staff at this hotel could not do enough for you, in spite of the really dour owner, who hovered around reception all the time. I would like to personally thank Mai Mai, the assistant manager, who was a really kind, genuine lady. What it lacked in luxury, it certainly made up for in courtesy and attention to the clients needs. We had breakfast each morning in a beautiful garden looking onto a pagoda - it was so peaceful. I would certainly stay there if I went back to Bagan again - without a doubt.

We arrived to Bagan (Nyang OO) with the idea of having an hotel with swimming pool after having decided not to go to the beach on this trip. We checked the other hotel in the area, the Thande Hotel, and we make our minds for the Golden Express instead.

Nice grounds, nice swimming pool despite it's too hot that it 's not worth it, lovely "private" pagoda, rooms clean and proper, including the bathroom, very appreciated air-con (a must here) and very good staff. After only one night everyone recognize us, greet us and have a little chat. Nice feeling. Laundry service is excellent, or maybe it's the woman who does it, and for a very little price.

Helpful as well with booking flight or bus tickets, bikes available for renting for 2$ per day, possibility of changing into Kyats and good breakfast included.

A good bunch of recommended restaurants nearby. On the 1st position, the one closest. Harmony BBQ. Great staff and food, even came back for a second dinner. Good atmosphere and local prices. It's follow by Queens, good quality local dishes, more expensive and distant staff and let's mention BBB, which was brilliant for the 1st and only western meal (burger) of this trip. What an excellent service, a bit too much maybe for a burger, and a very good price.

We had a really nice stay at Golden Express. I believe we stayed in the second-highest category, although I'm not sure if we were perhaps bumped up. The room was new inside and very clean, with new hardwood floor. The grounds were very nicely tended, and there are small stupas nearby. The staff was friendly and the breakfasts were great, offering western and local choices (including sweetened crepes and noodles).

There are horsecart drivers just outside for hire... we travelled by horsecart the first day and the next morning for sunrise, and then switched to car for the longer distances (we recommend cars for the temples that are not in or on the way to old bagan, as the travelling is very long, both for yourself and the horse). We booked the car through the hotel which was very reliable. The restaurant was empty for dinner but it offered decent meals in case you are too tired to make the trek out to the town for dinner. The location was fairly convenient, kind of in the middle... the only inconvenience was having to hire transportation to go into town for dinner.

The panoramic views in Bagan were breathtaking... make sure to catch the sunrises and sunsets. We tried sunset at both a crowded paya (shwesandaw paya) and a less visited one (can't recall which one we picked), and both were good experiences. sunrise at shwesandaw paya was also great, with very few people around so that you can enjoy the sunrise and take photos in peace. Arrive before dawn, it's worth it!