The Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel in Bagan is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, just minutes away from the Nyaung Airport.

The hotel is surrounded by temples, the main tourist attraction in Bagan.

It is located a short walk away from several restaurants in Old Bagan (my favorite was the Be Kind to Animals, Don’t Eat Meat Restaurant…great vegetarian place!), and not far from the New Bagan area.

The hotel itself has a beautiful garden and pool and an open-air dining and bar area where guests can enjoy the cuisines of Myanmar, Japan, and Europe, as well as an outdoor deck where breakfast is served.

There is a spa with a large list of treatments available; guests can indulge in everything from traditional massage to paraffin body wraps.

The rooms are nice and clean, and the staff is very friendly.

Tours of the area can be arranged at the front desk, and bicycle rentals are also available.

Double rooms at the Thiripyitsaya Sakura run from US$55-500 per night depending on the time of year.