During the extended public holiday period from 12 to 17 February 2026, the Bagan cultural heritage zone experienced a continuous influx of domestic and international visitors, according to the pagoda boards of trustees. Travellers from across the country visited prominent pagodas and temples, contributing to a notable increase in tourism activity.

Among 18 famous sites, Shwezigon Pagoda welcomed more than 90,000 visitors, while Htilominlo Temple recorded over 60,000 visitors during the holiday period. Officials reported that pilgrims and tourists showed strong interest in observing and paying homage to the ancient monuments of Bagan.

Chairperson U Thein Aung of the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees expressed appreciation for the growing number of visitors. He noted that the long holiday encouraged both local pilgrims and foreign travellers to visit Myanmar’s cultural heritage sites and highlighted the importance of preserving and valuing the nation’s historical legacy.

Pagoda boards of trustees stated that foreign visitors mainly came from China, Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Brazil. The steady flow of visitors significantly boosted the local tourism sector.

Locals benefited from the increased arrivals, as higher tourist numbers generated more business opportunities for vendors, transport services and tour guides. Community members reported improved sales and stronger economic activity compared with the same period last year.

U Tin Hla Oo, Secretary of the Htilominlo Temple Board of Trustees, said the sustained visitor turnout had brought encouraging results for the region. He expressed optimism that tourism would continue to grow alongside national stability and extended an invitation to travellers to explore Bagan.

Although visitor numbers may decline slightly in March as the tourism season gradually approaches its conclusion ahead of the April Thingyan period, officials anticipate that Bagan will remain vibrant with domestic and international visitors during the Myanmar New Year festivities.

Thitsa (MNA)/KZL

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