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TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO BAGAN119The following table provides a quick comparison of the various ways of getting to NyaungU from Yangon and MandalayTO/FROM YANGON DURATION COST FREQUENCYAir70min $82-856-8 flights dailyBoat6 days $18-36weeklyBus11hrK15,000dailyCar 10hr $80 n/aTrain 16hr $30-50 dailyTO/FROM MANDALAY DURATION COST FREQUENCYAir 30min $38-40 6 dailyBoat (slow)2 days $102 weeklyBoat (fast)11hr $362-4 times weeklyBoat (luxury cruise)2 days $280weeklyBus7-8hrK65002 dailyCar 7hr $80 n/aTrain 8hr $5-10 dailyShwe Ya Su BEER STATION $$(Yarkinnthar Hotel Rd; dishes K1500-3000; h7am-10.30pm) Since this place started sellingdraught Myanmar Beer (look for the illuminatedsign outside), it’s become quite thelocal hangout. It’s a pleasant spot to revivewith twinkling fairy lights hanging from thetrees and tasty barbecued-pork snacks.Beach Bagan Restaurant & Bar PAN-ASIAN $$(12 Youne Tan Yat; dishes K4000-8000; h8am-9pm)Signs lead past backstreets from the NyaungU market to this slick, breezy spot withplenty of parking space for tour buses thatmay or may not come. The restaurant overlookingthe river has wicker chairs and offersThai, Chinese and Myanmar dishes. Try theroof-top bar for a sunset cocktail (K3000); alldrinks are 10% off from 4pm to 6pm.7 ShoppingThere’s also a good selection of souvenirs atthe Thanakha Gallery and at shops alongRestaurant Row.Mani-Sithu MarketMARKET(h6am-5pm Mon-Sat) Near the roundabout atthe east end of the main road, this marketoffers a colourful display of fruit, vegetables,flowers, fish and textiles and is best visitedearly in the day to see it at its liveliest. You’llfind many traveller-oriented goods (woodcarvings,T-shirts, antique pieces) at itsnorthern end.8InformationEver Sky Information Service (%60895; 5 Thiripyitsaya;h7.30am-9.30pm) On the restaurantstrip, this friendly place has travel and transportinformation and a used bookshop. Staff can getshare taxis (to Mt Popa, Kalaw, Salay, aroundBagan) for the cheapest rates you’ll find.Internet (Thanakar Complex, Yarkinnthar HotelRd; K600 per hr; h9am-9pm)Post office (Anawrahta Rd; h9.30am-7pm)Telephone Stands around town follow the sameset prices: it’s $5 per minute to call Europe orAustralia and $6 to call North America.8Getting There & AwaySee Mt Popa and Salay Getting There & Awaysections for transport details to those nearbyattractions.AirThe Nyaung U Airport is about 2 miles southeastof the market. Airlines connect Bagan daily withMandalay ($38 to $40; 30 minutes), Heho ($60to $62; 40 minutes) and Yangon ($82 to $85; 70minutes).Travel agencies sell tickets a bit cheaper thanairline offi ces. Try Seven Diamond (%60883;Main Rd) or Sun Far (%60901) in front of theGolden Myanmar Guest House.BAGAN & SHOPPINGCENTRAL MYANMAR SHOPPINGNYAUNG U