30 Secret Travel Spots You’ll Wish You Discovered Sooner

26. The Lost Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

Imagine standing at sunrise, watching the mist roll over thousands of ancient temples, their golden spires catching the first light of day. Welcome to Bagan, Myanmar’s jaw-dropping archaeological wonder and one of the greatest temple cities in the world. While Angkor Wat in Cambodia gets more attention, Bagan remains an undiscovered treasure, with over 2,000 temples, pagodas, and stupas scattered across an endless sunbaked plain. Rent an electric bike and weave through ruins at your own pace, discovering hidden frescoes, ancient Buddha statues, and stunning river views. For the most magical experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon and watch the sunrise over this ancient kingdom, with pagodas stretching as far as the eye can see. Despite its grandeur, Bagan still feels like a secret frozen in time, untouched by mass tourism.