Traveling from Bagan to Yangon on the JJ Night Bus with a baby. Learn about the journey, tips for families.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Key Events
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey of JJ Night Bus Bagan to Yangon
After an incredible stay in Bagan, it was time to head back to Yangon. We opted for the popular JJ Night Bus, a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel between cities in Myanmar.
Our bus was scheduled to depart at 8:00 PM, and the journey would take approximately 10 hours, arriving in Yangon around 5:00-6:00 AM. The plan was simple: relax at our hotel’s lobby until the shuttle arrived, then catch the night bus at the terminal. But, as with all adventures, things didn’t go entirely as expected.
Key Events
1. A Relaxing Afternoon in the Hotel Lobby
With checkout done, we spent the afternoon in the hotel lobby editing photos and catching up on blogging. Sweetie, as usual, charmed everyone around her—hotel staff and tourists alike. Two hotel employees took such an interest in her that it felt like we had dropped her off at daycare. She even received a handmade paper crane from a kind Chinese tourist.
2. The Missing Shuttle Drama
Our shuttle was supposed to pick us up at 7:00 PM, but as the clock ticked past 7:30 PM, we realized something was wrong. After speaking with the hotel staff, we found out that our shuttle reservation had been overlooked. Thankfully, they quickly called a taxi for us and assured us that the bus would wait at the terminal.
This minor hiccup turned into a tense 10-minute drive to the bus station. Missing the bus would have thrown off all our plans, but we arrived just in time, bought our tickets (12 USD per person), and boarded with minutes to spare.
3. The Night Bus Experience
The bus itself was comfortable but not luxurious. It had slightly more legroom than typical buses in our home country, but the overall ride quality was better with another company we had used earlier, Shwe Mandalar.
The bus stopped twice during the journey, with the first stop around 11:00 PM at a local rest stop. Interestingly, the bus was completely shut down, forcing all passengers to disembark for dinner—a cultural quirk we found fascinating.
4. Arrival in Yangon
By 5:30 AM, we reached Yangon. Bleary-eyed, we hopped into a taxi that turned out to be an old, smelly car without air conditioning. Lesson learned: always check the taxi’s condition before getting in!
After a nostalgic drive through Yangon’s early morning streets, we arrived at our new accommodation on 49th Street. The kind-hearted owner greeted us warmly, offered us an upgraded room, and even allowed early check-in—a blessing after a long journey.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
1. Double-Check Shuttle Reservations
To avoid last-minute stress, confirm shuttle arrangements a day before departure, especially in Myanmar, where communication hiccups are common.
2. Pack for Night Bus Comfort
Bring essentials like blankets, snacks, and entertainment for both adults and your little one. Sweetie fell asleep easily, but having her favorite items helped.
3. Use a Baby Carrier
Navigating busy bus terminals is easier with a baby carrier instead of a stroller, especially when time is tight.
4. Keep Wet Wipes Handy
Night buses can get messy, especially during meal stops. Wet wipes were a lifesaver for quick cleanups.
Local Travel Tips
- Book JJ Bus Early
Seats for popular routes like Bagan-Yangon sell out quickly, especially VIP buses. Book a few days in advance via Facebook Messenger. - Confirm Shuttle Services
When booking buses in Myanmar, always reconfirm shuttle pickup details to avoid delays or missed connections. - Bring Small Denominations of Cash
Whether for snacks at rest stops or taxis, having smaller bills is essential in Myanmar. - Avoid Old Taxis
Choose taxis with functioning air conditioning, especially for longer rides in Yangon’s humid weather. - Rest During the Day
Early arrivals after night bus journeys can be exhausting. Look for accommodations that allow early check-in or plan for a rest day.
Travel Reflections of JJ Night Bus Bagan to Yangon
Traveling on a night bus with a baby was a mix of challenges and rewards. Despite the stress of the missing shuttle, everything worked out in the end, thanks to the helpful hotel staff and quick taxi arrangements. Sweetie handled the long ride like a champ, and the experience reminded us of the importance of flexibility when traveling as a family.
Arriving in Yangon felt like coming full circle. The city, once unfamiliar and overwhelming, now felt warm and welcoming. Starting the day with early check-in and heading to our favorite tea shop, Lucky Seven, was the perfect way to transition back into city life.
This journey was a lesson in patience, adaptability, and finding joy in the unexpected—a hallmark of traveling with a toddler. Even the sticky moments (literally) are what make these memories so cherished.
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