Have you ever wanted to explore Bagan?

It’s not very often that you come across a hotel or other form of accommodation which is run flawlessly. With outstanding service and great facilities it is a pleasure to stay at Thante Hotel. You will soon be adopted by Kahine, the owner, who is always lovely and willing to help you out in anyway possible. She definitely has the right idea and all her staff seem happier than most in the hospitality industry.

It was just after 5am when we climbed out of our tuk-tuk and were immediately welcomed by reception staff. The staff checked us straight in and we were settled in our room before the sun had risen. I was still confused at how we could possibly be checked in so early and so happily by the staff as we were escorted to our room, receiving local area information on the way.

I was ecstatic to find the room was even better than I had expected and, unlike Yangon, had all the facilities promised on the Agoda website. There are four large rooms located in bungalows surrounding one of the most beautiful pools a moderate budget hotel has on offer. The layout of the rooms on the property results in each being very quiet and peaceful. With entrances and balconies located in separate corners of the bungalow, you also feel a real sense of privacy.

The hotel is clearly set up to appeal to a western clientele and has a real feel of luxury at a very affordable price. The hotel has its own restaurant which provides room service at all times. The food from the restaurant is average but the shakes are absolutely delicious with real milk – something I had been missing greatly.

Breakfasts also are included with a large buffet every morning. Each day there is a new selection of foods and fresh juices to choose from, allowing you to be excited each morning. This is served in the pool area and then in the beer garden (weather dependent) to allow you to dine alfresco and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Myanmar. Kahine is their every morning with a smile on her face and guides you through what is on offer. Aiding her staff to improve their English even further.

Wifi is slow during the middle of the day but works very well for Myanmar standards in mornings and nights. Being able to connect to the outside world was a true contrast to Yangon and you could happily spend all day within the grounds of Thante Hotel. However the temptation of 4000+ temples located on the hotel’s doorstep is too great.

With encouragement from the staff it wasn’t long before we had rented bicycles for a mere 1500 kyat and were underway to some of their favourite temples. With 24-hour hire, it was an ideal way to get around and soak in the beautiful landscape and architecture of Bagan. Each day however at least one of our bikes experienced a flat tyre as the tubes are continually repaired rather than replaced and some definitely were struggling with a day of riding – so pick your bicycle carefully.

All opinions are subjective to the writers personal travel experience. The writer travelled at her own expense.