myanmar travel advise

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We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict.

Myanmar (PDF 430.75 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 192 (Yangon General Hospital).

Call 199 or contact the local police.

Advice levels

Do not travel to Myanmar.

Do not travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict.

See Safety .

• Explosions and other security incidents occur in Yangon and frequently in other parts of the country. Attacks are unpredictable in their location and intensity. Attacks may be planned against locations frequented by foreigners, including public spaces and civilian infrastructure, such as hotels and serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, schools, petrol stations and supermarkets. Minimise movement, especially on anniversaries and national days of significance. Monitor media for updates. We advise you to read the ' Full advice - Safety - Security situation and Armed conflict sections ' for more information.
• Since the Myanmar military assumed control of the country, there's been a significant increase in the level of violence, with many deaths and injuries. There have been widespread detentions, including of foreigners. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention.
• There are active conflicts between armed groups and security forces across many States and Regions, especially in the northwest and southeast of the country. Armed groups operate along Myanmar's borders with China, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh and India. This includes official border crossings. There are also unmarked landmines and the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). If you choose to travel to these areas despite the risks, carefully assess the security situation, including curfews and travel restrictions.
• If, despite our advice, you remain in Myanmar, you should stay at home during curfew hours and follow stay-at-home orders. Avoid using any routes through known traffic checkpoints and any travel adjacent to regime-affiliated businesses and government buildings. Monitor the media and keep in close contact with friends and family. The economic and business environment remains unpredictable. The Australian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited.
• Heightened security arrangements are in place for Australian officials. Australian officials follow protocols for staff movements and use enhanced security measures, including for travel outside Yangon.
• There've been a number of cases where foreign nationals have been trafficked into Myanmar (either directly into Yangon or via a neighbouring country) and forced to work in online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. Exercise caution concerning offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical facilities in Myanmar are severely stretched by the security situation, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice. Medical evacuations may be delayed or not possible. Talk to your travel or insurance provider. Be particularly cautious if you have an existing medical condition.
• Medication sold in Myanmar can be fake. Ensure you have enough legal medication for the duration of your stay.
• Common insect-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Consider taking anti-malarial medicine. Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date before travel.
• Many animals in Myanmar carry rabies. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Don't feed, pat or tease dogs or monkeys. Get medical assistance immediately if an animal bites or scratches you.
• Polio is a risk. Hepatitis-A and typhoid also occur. If you're staying for more than four weeks, carry proof of your polio vaccination. Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis are common. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Myanmar authorities often don't tell consular staff about Australians they've arrested, detained or deported. If you're arrested or jailed ask to contact the Australian Embassy immediately.
• A 2010 conscription law has come into effect following an announcement by the military administration. If local authorities consider you to be a citizen of Myanmar, you may be required to serve in the armed forces. The length of service can depend on criteria such as age, occupation, and whether there is a state of emergency. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. You may not be exempt from this law if you are an Australian-Myanmar dual national holding an Australian passport.
• Myanmar has strict communications laws, including laws being considered to prohibit the use of VPNs. Financial or criminal penalties may apply. Don't post negative comments about individuals or Myanmar on social media.
• Myanmar has strict religious laws. It's illegal to take religious materials in or out of the country without approval. Preaching or handing out religious material without approval is also illegal. There's also a law against 'insulting religion', including mistreating images of Buddha. Cover any Buddha tattoos. People in Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions. Don't wear shorts or sleeveless tops, especially at religious sites. Always remove your shoes and socks before entering a site.
• Customs rules are restrictive. Seek prior permission to import drones or radio equipment. Drones have been seized by customs officials and tourists have been arrested for operating drones. There are also strict rules about exporting gems, antiques and images of Buddha. Check items are legal before you buy them.
• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty. Same-sex relations and adultery are illegal. Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military personnel or sites.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• If you decide to travel to Myanmar despite our advice, there are international flights to and from Yangon and Mandalay. Book directly with airlines or through your travel agent.
• You must stay in registered hotels and guesthouses. Register your address with immigration authorities if you're staying more than 90 days. Inform the authorities if you change hotels or will be away from your address.
• The military administration restricts travel in parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings. The Australian Embassy's ability to provide consular service, including in an emergency, may be extremely limited. States and regions of Myanmar are affected by armed conflict. If you intend to travel, check the restricted area list with local authorities. Carry your passport or Foreigners Registration Card. Officials may ask to see it.
• Driving cars or motorbikes on an Australian or international licence is illegal. Apply for a local licence through the  Road Transport Administration Department (Burmese) .
• Don't drive in the countryside at night, including on the Yangon–Naypyitaw–Mandalay highway and National Highway 1 linking Yangon and Mandalay. There are reports of attacks on these expressways. Don't leave the scene of an accident. Public transport, including buses, boats and trains, fail to meet international safety standards. Fatal accidents have occurred, especially on overnight trips.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Yangon .
• Our ability to provide consular services in Myanmar may be limited.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Security situation.

The Myanmar military assumed control of the country and declared a state of emergency on 1 February 2021. There has been a significant increase in violence, with many deaths, injuries and arrests. 

There have been widespread detentions, including of foreigners. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention. Do not take photos of protests, and military personnel or sites.

Martial law is in place in areas of Myanmar, including some areas of Yangon. Avoid townships under martial law. Exercise caution if you need to be there.

A curfew is in place from 1am to 3am in the Yangon region. Curfew timings may differ in other regions and may change at short notice. Daily internet outages, restrictions and regular power outages may occur unexpectedly in Yangon and other parts of the country. 

Heightened security arrangements are in place for Australian officials. Australian officials follow protocols for staff movements and use enhanced security measures at all times, including for travel outside of Yangon. 

There are disruptions to basic services, including banking, communications, power and public health. Have arrangements in place for your essential needs. Services such as transport, travel and fuel may be affected.

If, despite our advice, you choose to remain in Myanmar, you should minimise movement and stay at home during curfew hours. Follow stay-at-home orders. The economic and business environment remains unpredictable. The Australian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited.  Maintain heightened security awareness , monitor the media, and keep in close contact with friends and family.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (or 1300 555 135 if calling from Australia). 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Armed conflict

There are active conflicts involving armed groups and security forces across Myanmar. Explosions and other security incidents targeting security forces occur within Yangon and in other parts of the country. Attacks have resulted in civilian and military casualties and are unpredictable in their location and intensity.

Attacks may be planned against locations that are also frequented by foreigners such as hotels, apartments, restaurants and public spaces.

Armed conflict includes:

• active fighting between armed groups
• targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hotels and serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, schools, petrol stations and supermarkets
• use of artillery, mortars and surface-to-surface missiles
• improvised explosive devices and unmarked landmines
• civil unrest, violence and abductions
• attacks on days of national significance
• aerial bombings and air strikes from helicopters and fixed wing aircraft

If despite our advice, you choose to travel to higher risk areas:

• minimise movement and plan your trip carefully including communications
• find out about local information such as curfews and travel restrictions
• stay on main highways and in urban areas, noting even these may be dangerous

The use of Improvised Explosive devices (IEDs) and attacks has occurred across most parts of the country. Most IEDs and attacks have targeted military and government buildings, police stations and military-affiliated businesses. The public remains at risk, including in urban areas. 

Security forces are present in urban areas, including Yangon, which increase around days of significance and visits of regime and foreign officials. Checkpoints and barricades with armed security personnel are common and road/bridge access can change without notice. To the extent possible, avoid using any routes through known traffic checkpoints and any travel adjacent to regime-affiliated businesses and government buildings.

Rakhine and southern Chin State

Armed conflict between armed groups and military forces is occurring in northern and central Rakhine.

Risks to civilians due to the conflict have included being kidnapped, detained and killed by armed groups and killed or injured in clashes and artillery and air strikes, including in Sittwe. Telecommunications have been cut in northern and central Rakhine, and road links to other parts of Myanmar have been severed due to ongoing fighting. Armed groups have used explosive devices in Rakhine State, including on main roads. Travellers have been kidnapped from public buses and ferries. Familiarise yourself with local curfews and travel restrictions.

Fighting between rival ethnic groups, and between armed groups and Myanmar security forces in Shan States has increased since October 2023. The fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement. Civilians including foreigners have been attacked along main roads, displaced, and killed or injured by landmines.

Kachin State

Kachin is also affected by conflict. Since the coup, there has been an influx in troop numbers and violent clashes. Civilian infrastructure, including roads and bridges, are often cut off or targeted for attack.

Kayin and Kayah States

There is conflict and violence across Kayin and Kayah states with increased troop numbers and violent clashes. Myanmar military forces have regularly employed airstrikes and heavy artillery. Numerous attacks have occurred in urban areas, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings, health centres, and civilians. There is a large, displaced population in both states. Access is unpredictable, with numerous roadblocks and checkpoints. Many roads are completely cut off due to ongoing fighting. Telecommunications, electricity and internet connectivity disruptions occur regularly across the southeast of Myanmar.  

Sagaing, Magway and Chin States

Conflict and violence is ongoing across Sagaing, Magway and Chin States affecting urban areas and resulting in large numbers of civilian displacement. Instances of violence and attacks are unpredictable in location, scale and severity. Internet and communication services are heavily restricted in some areas. Security forces are actively monitoring road and transportation routes and often restrict movement.

Mon State and Tanintharyi Region

Conflict in Kayah and Kayin has spilled over into Mon and Tanintharyi. Roadblocks and checkpoints are present, and there is an increased military presence and conflict in select townships. Internet connectivity disruptions occur regularly. 

Myanmar’s Border Areas

Security along Myanmar's large border varies. Armed groups operate in border areas including at land border crossings. Several border crossings remain closed.

Terrorist and anti-regime attacks in Myanmar, carried out by a range of actors, have targeted government buildings, including military-affiliated regime schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping centres and public transport.

Since the military takeover, the incidence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and attacks has increased and resulted in a highly volatile environment where violence occurs across the entire country. While security forces or administrative elements appointed by the ruling council are the primary targets, civilian-used infrastructure and public spaces may be targeted. There is a high threat of clashes between armed groups and the military in major urban centres and the threat to the public remains high.

To stay safe:

• take official warnings seriously and follow local instructions
• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the news for any new or emerging threats

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case there's a secondary attack.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Civil unrest and political tension

Protest activity is infrequent but can occur randomly. Protests and organised assemblies of people are not permitted. National dates of significance may see rallies and silent strikes and there's a higher likelihood of opposition attacks, including:

• Independence Day (4 January)
• the anniversary of the 2021 coup (1 February)
• Armed Forces Day (27 March)
• Martyrs’ Day (19 July)
• the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (8 August)
• the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks (26 September)

These events often see an increase in police and security forces presence in Yangon and elsewhere. Tensions may be heightened. Exercise caution and:

• minimise movement and avoid all political gatherings and protests
• avoid areas cordoned off by security forces, areas of known or possible unrest, facilities and vehicles linked to security forces and the military administration
• don't take photographs of rallies, the military or police
• follow instructions of local authorities, including stay-at-home orders, and curfews
• monitor the media and other news sources for possible unrest
• be extra careful around public holidays and other important dates and events such as elections

Be alert to rapid changes in restrictions, including on the use of communication devices and VPNs.

Crime rates in Myanmar, while once lower than other countries in the region, have dramatically increased since the coup. Economic pressure may increase the crime rate further.

You could encounter:

• petty theft

To help protect yourself against theft:

• pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in ways that make them harder to snatch

When using credit cards or ATMs:

• avoid exposed locations – choose ATMs in banks and shopping centres 
• check for skimming devices before use
• protect your PIN
• monitor your bank records

Report any theft straight away to local police. See  Local contacts

Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Myanmar (either directly into Yangon or via a neighbouring country) and forced to work in online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. Some victims have had their passports confiscated and been held for ransom.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

Reporting indicates that kidnapping has increased in Myanmar since 2021, especially in rural areas where criminal groups engage in a range of illicit activities. Criminal kidnappers target a range of victims for financial gain. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.  

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:  

• Kidnapping  

Climate and natural disasters

Myanmar can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• severe storms
• earthquakes

The monsoon season is from May to October, bringing:

• widespread flooding , including flash floods

Disruptions to services are likely during severe weather events, including:

• electricity
• communications

Cyclones can happen between April and October. Confirm the location of your local shelter as soon as possible.

Check the  Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology  for news on conditions.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur in Myanmar.

Past earthquakes have damaged major cities in Myanmar, including Yangon and Bagan.

Myanmar's exposure to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely.

If there's a natural disaster:

• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter areas affected by flooding, landslides or other natural disasters without advice from local authorities
• know your hotel's evacuation plans
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media, other local news and the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities

Travel insurance

If you choose to remain in, or travel to, Myanmar despite our advice, make sure you have comprehensive  travel insurance  for the duration of your stay. 

Confirm what your policy covers, including activities, care, and health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel where the travel advice is 'do not travel'.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need
• arrange appropriate medical supplies

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Counselling services

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (HealthDirect Australia)

Health risks

Medical facilities in Myanmar are severely stretched, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice. Medical evacuations may be delayed or not possible.

Some  COVID-19  restrictions continue to apply in Myanmar, including on entry into Myanmar. Stay-at-home orders have been used in the past to curb transmission.

You can find  information on COVID-19 in Myanmar  on the Ministry of Health and Sports website (Burmese). 

If authorities assess you have COVID-19, you may be required to isolate at home or be quarantined at a local facility.

Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases

Check the  Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health and Aged Care) if you chose to travel to Myanmar despite our advice.

Make sure you're up to date with recommended vaccinations, including  polio (Department of Health and Aged Care). You may need a booster.

Speak with your doctor. If you're not sure if you're vaccinated for polio, ask. Also check your need for vaccines for:

• hepatitis A

Insect-borne diseases

In many areas, insect-borne diseases are widespread. These include:

• dengue fever
• chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you leave Australia

HIV/AIDS  is common in Myanmar. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Rabies  can be fatal. It's found in various animals in Myanmar.

Never feed, pat or tease dogs or monkeys.

If a dog, monkey or other animal bites or scratches you, get treatment as soon as possible.

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common and include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get urgent medical help if you think you have food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Myanmar. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Get advice from a  Myanmar embassy or consulate  on quantity restrictions that may apply.

Be aware that medications for sale in Myanmar are often fake.

More information: 

• Medication  

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in Myanmar is extremely limited, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice.

Avoid any surgical procedures, including dental work. Unclean medical instruments can cause infections such as:

Emergency medical care, including ambulances, is often not available. An ambulance service (often without a paramedic) is attached to most private hospitals. Each has its own phone number.

Private hospitals may not be able to accept foreign patients. You may need to pay cash up-front before receiving medical treatment.

If you become seriously ill or experience a major injury, a medical evacuation may be delayed or not possible. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws should you choose to travel to, or remain, in Myanmar despite our advice.

In February 2024, the military administration announced a 2010 conscription law would be enacted. If local authorities consider you are a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to serve in the armed forces. The length of service can depend on criteria such as age, occupation, and whether there is a state of emergency. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. You may not be exempt from this law if you are an Australian-Myanmar dual national holding an Australian passport.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Myanmar authorities don't always notify consular staff about Australians arrested, detained or deported from Myanmar. If you're  arrested or jailed , ask to contact the Australian Embassy immediately.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

• Carrying or using drugs

Traffic accidents

It's illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Drivers involved in an accident with another vehicle are usually detained if there are injuries. A driver involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault, regardless of what happened. Authorities are likely to detain the driver.

Legal cases to resolve traffic disputes can be long. They can affect your visa status. Drivers often expect a cash payment to settle the matter at the time of the accident.

You could be charged costs for injuries or damaged vehicles. The embassy can't help you negotiate. However, they can give you a list of lawyers who may be able to assist.

Myanmar has the death penalty for serious offences, including murder, treason, and drug-related crimes.

These activities are illegal in Myanmar:

• engaging in same-sex sexual acts or adultery
• taking photos of military personnel or sites
• entering or leaving Myanmar with religious materials without Customs approval
• preaching or handing out religious materials without written approval
• 'insulting religion', including mistreating images of Buddha - if you have a tattoo of Buddha, keep it covered
• defaming or threatening someone using a telecommunications network
• operating drones around sensitive areas such as, government or religious buildings

It's also illegal to:

• rent a private home if you're on a tourist visa — tourists must stay in registered accommodation
• drive a car or motorcycle without a valid local driving licence
• leave the scene of a road accident
• drink alcohol in public places such as parks, religious buildings or compounds

Don't post negative comments about individuals or Myanmar on social media.

Customs laws on banned imports and exports can be unclear and change without notice. Ask a Myanmar embassy or consulate  about the latest rules.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

Myanmar doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can provide if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

People in Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions.

Standards of dress and behaviour are modest.

It's considered offensive to touch or pat anyone on the top of the head.

Respect local customs and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts in Myanmar, especially when visiting religious sites. It may cause offence.

Always take off your shoes and socks before entering religious sites.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You need a visa to enter and stay in Myanmar. Entering without a visa can result in a prison sentence.

Contact the nearest Immigration Office to extend your visa if you intend to lengthen your stay in Myanmar.

If you choose to travel, despite our advice, you can obtain further information and apply for a tourist or business visa at your nearest  Myanmar embassy  or the  Ministry of Immigration and Population  website.   

The Australian Embassy is not able to support individual visa applications.

You can't use e-Visas at seaports. 

Be aware of unauthorised websites that claim to offer e-Visas. Some websites will provide a genuine visa for an extra fee, but others are fake.

Be careful about using links in emails or other websites to access the official site. Use official Myanmar government services to arrange your visa to avoid being scammed.

The local government strictly controls travel to parts of Myanmar, including through visa conditions. Authorities have deported or detained Australians for visa offences.

You should maintain a valid visa at all times.

If you overstay your visa, authorities won't let you leave until you pay a fine. You might also be:

• blacklisted, so you can never return

If you break other visa conditions, authorities could arrest or deport you.

Meet your visa conditions at all times.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border requirements

Ensure you have a valid visa prior to travel and meet Myanmar's entry requirements. The Australian Embassy cannot support your request to board an incoming flight.

The following entry requirements apply:

• you'll be subject to a thermal screening conducted by the airport health authorities upon arrival to Myanmar. You'll need to meet the cost of testing, isolation and medical treatment costs, including COVID-19, during your stay in Myanmar. 
• if you develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during your stay in Myanmar, you must report to health authorities

Confirm entry requirements directly with your nearest  Myanmar Embassy or Consulate  and the Ministry of Health and Sports, as quarantine protocols are subject to change at short notice.

Departing Myanmar

There are international flights departing Yangon and Mandalay. Book directly with airlines or through your travel agent.

Border crossings

Travel to or from Myanmar by land border crossings can be unpredictable. Crossings can be opened or closed without prior notice.

Since November 2016, foreigners have not been allowed to travel to the Muse (Shan State)-Ruili (China) border crossing.

See  Safety

Other formalities

Staying in myanmar.

You must stay in registered hotels and guesthouses.

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register your address with immigration authorities. You must also obtain a Foreigners Registration Card.

Let Immigration know if you change hotels or will be away from your registered address.

Customs regulations are restrictive. Officials limit what you can bring into the country.

Declare foreign currency over $US10,000 or equivalent when you arrive and depart Myanmar. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you could be jailed.

Customs authorities are sensitive about some communications equipment such as:

• radio equipment

If you don't declare restricted or banned items, customs may confiscate them. You may be able to collect undeclared items when you leave the country.

Strict rules control the export of:

• Buddha images

If you plan to take something home, check it's legal before you buy it.

• Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
• Customs Department (Myanmar Customs Department)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Office on 131 232
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK).

Cash is widely used. Foreign currency is sometimes refused because of people using fake notes.

A limited number of shops and businesses accept US Dollars as payment. Notes with pen marks, folds or tears, and old notes are often refused.

Other foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are rarely accepted.

It's illegal to exchange foreign currency except through authorised money changers. Find official money changers at Myanmar's international airports and in banks.

The banking sector has experienced widespread disruption, with many banks closed and some ATMs out of operation. Restrictions are in place regarding the use of foreign currencies, including using foreign currency bank accounts and limits on the amount of USD that can be held in cash. Ensure you comply with requirements.

There are daily and weekly limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs. Plan your travel accordingly. Some ATMs accept international cards. 

Ask your bank if your card will work in Myanmar.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at:

• restaurants

You should confirm before travel if intending to pay for hotels or restaurants with a credit or debit card. Vendors often charge additional fees for credit or debit card transactions.

Some businesses will not accept international cards, e.g. Mastercard, Visa or American Express.

Frequent electricity will not accept international cards, e.g. Mastercard, Visa or American Express.

International money transfers to Myanmar may be restricted.

Local travel

The military administration controls travel within parts of Myanmar, including to and from land border crossings.

If despite our advice you plan to travel within Myanmar, check movement restrictions with local authorities. Visit the  Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population  website for a list of restricted areas.

A curfew is in place across Myanmar. Stay at home during curfew hours.

Movement restrictions, including stay-at-home orders, curfews and quarantines, may be imposed at short notice (see  Safety ). Monitor the media closely. 

Australian Embassy staff need to seek approval to undertake official travel within Myanmar. This may affect our ability to provide consular assistance.

Landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

Unmarked landmines and IEDs make parts of Myanmar dangerous. These devices are used in:

• areas of conflict
• near borders
• city and urban areas

Landmine locations may not be marked. Stay on established roads.

Myanmar New Year and Water Festival

Myanmar's Water Festival (Thingyan) and New Year is celebrated in April each year. There's an increased risk of road accidents due to:

• drunk drivers
• overcrowded vehicles

In past years, crime has increased during the festival. Pay attention to your personal security.

Many services close down for Thingyan, including:

• supermarkets
• government offices

Roads are sometimes closed in Yangon and other regional centres. Plan ahead.

Identification

Travellers are often asked to show their passport and visa to authorities. This often occurs:

• for domestic air travel
• for train travel
• when staying at hotels

Foreigners who stay in Myanmar for more than 90 days have to show their Foreigners Registration Card.

Local safety standards

The safety standards you might expect of service providers are not always met. This applies to:

• transport and tour operators, including for adventure activities

Operators may not provide suitable safety equipment. Maintenance and safety standards may be poor or non-existent.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Internet and telephone services

Communication services in Myanmar are restricted in many parts of the country.

Internet services are available but are unreliable outside cities and large towns. Restrictions on internet access apply, including to social media and messaging applications.

The phone network is also unreliable and limited outside of cities and large towns.

You can send and receive text messages only from some Australian mobiles to mobile phones inside Myanmar. Many travellers buy a local pre-paid SIM card. 

If you're subscribing for urgent travel advice updates by SMS, ensure you can receive text messages on your phone number.

The military administration has in the past, suspended telecommunications services in response to the security situation without prior notice . 

Driving permits

It's illegal to drive cars or motorbikes using an Australian or international driving licence.

You must have a valid Myanmar driver's licence.

You can apply for this through the  Road Transport Administration Department Myanmar .

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Myanmar than in Australia.

Roads in Myanmar are dangerous because of:

• traffic congestion
• aggressive driving practices
• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• people and livestock on the road
• lack of street lighting

Roads in mountainous border areas can be particularly poor. Many drivers in regional areas don't use their headlights at night.

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. However, both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles are used throughout the country. This adds to the dangerous driving conditions.

Australian Embassy staff are advised to avoid travelling by car in the countryside at night. This includes travelling on the Yangon-Naypyitaw-Mandalay highway and National Highway 1, linking Yangon and Mandalay. There are reports of attacks on these expressways. 

Military and immigration checkpoints on roads are common, including in Yangon and other major cities.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers you
• get a local licence
• become familiar with Myanmar traffic laws
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Companies that hire motorbikes often don't supply helmets. Most helmets bought locally don't meet Australian safety standards.

Always wear a helmet.

Registered taxis have red licence plates and are easy to find.

Agree on the fare with the driver before your trip.

Take extra care if using taxis at night. Availability of taxis are limited near curfew. Allow adequate time to return to your accommodation prior to curfew.

Many taxis are in poor condition.

Registered rideshare services operate in Yangon.

Public transport

Public transport  doesn't meet international safety standards. This includes:

Fatal accidents have occurred, especially at night.

Search and rescue resources are very limited.

Domestic airlines may sometimes implement travel restrictions due to the security environment. Changes to travel protocols and flight availability may occur at short notice.

The safety record of domestic airlines is not available. There is no data about how well local planes are maintained. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety.

Airlines operating in Myanmar sometimes use aircraft from outside their own fleet. When this happens, passengers are not told in advance.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Myanmar's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer or

Call 192 (Yangon General Hospital) or an international clinic.

Medical assistance, including during emergencies, may be limited during curfew hours.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Check the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Yangon. Our ability to provide consular services in Myanmar is extremely limited.

Australian Embassy, Yangon

Vantage Tower 623 Pyay Road Yangon, Myanmar Phone: (+95) 1 230 7410 Fax: (+95) 1 230 7425 Email:  [email protected] Website:  myanmar.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australian Embassy in Myanmar

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Burma (Myanmar)

Travel Advisory June 6, 2024

Burma (myanmar) - level 4: do not travel.

Updated Country Summary, to include information about implementation of a conscription law, and changes to the “ If you decide to travel to Burma” section.

Do not travel to Burma due to  civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws . Reconsider travel to Burma due to  limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources, and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnances . Exercise increased caution due to  wrongful detentions .

COUNTRY SUMMARY:  The Burma military regime detained and deposed elected government officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule continue, often on significant dates. The military has responded to those protests by  arbitrarily detaining individuals  and with the indiscriminate use of deadly force against protesters and bystanders.

The Department of State has determined that the  risk of wrongful detention  of U.S. nationals by the military regime exists.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Burma due to security concerns amidst the ongoing armed conflict. This may be of particular concern to crime victims outside of Rangoon.

To mitigate safety and security risks, U.S. government employees’ dependents, under the age of 21, cannot reside in Burma with their U.S. government parent assigned to work in Burma.

Civil unrest and armed conflict  occur throughout Burma. The level of civil unrest and armed conflict varies significantly between and within states and regions and may change at any time.

Civil unrest and armed violence due to fighting between the military regime and various ethnic groups and militias occur particularly in parts of Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, and Shan States, as well as in Sagaing and Magway regions.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including within the greater Rangoon area. From January to December 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon calculated an average of fifteen IEDs per month detonated against regime targets, while an average of eight unexploded IEDs were discovered and safely disposed of per month by security authorities. Outside of Rangoon, there have been IED attacks against checkpoints and other critical infrastructure.

While land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) exist throughout Burma , NGOs working on this issue state the greatest concerns are in Shan, Chin, and Kachin State. The locations of landmines and UXO are often not marked or otherwise unidentifiable.

The military regime  arbitrarily enforces local laws , including often detaining individuals without respect for their fair trial guarantees or other applicable rights . Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, are not excluded from this practice. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma may be detained and regime authorities could deny access to U.S. consular services or information about the alleged crime.

Local law enforcement officials may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for speaking out or protesting against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime. Facebook and X (Twitter) are banned in Burma. Police have sought bribes from individuals using a virtual private network (VPN) to access social media sites even though VPN use is legal.

Burma has  limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources  due to critical staffing shortages in the public sector health workforce. Importation of medical supplies, including medicine, into Burma is not consistent and medical prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine may not be available.

Burma’s military conscription law was first introduced in 2010 but historically was not widely implemented. The military regime officially implemented the law in April 2024. In general, Burmese males aged 18 to 35 and Burmese females aged 18 to 27 will need to register for military service and report for duty if ordered by regime authorities. Burmese males aged 18 to 45 and Burmese females aged 18 to 35 in specific expert/professional occupations must serve if called upon by the regime. For more information, please refer to the Myanmar People’s Military Service Law (State Peace and Development Council Law No. 27/2010), also known as the Public Military Service Law. The military regime may refuse to acknowledge U.S.-Burmese dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, prevent their departure from Burma, and/or conscript them into the military. U.S.-Burmese nationals should consider this issue before traveling to Burma.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Burma.

If you decide to travel to Burma:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the Embassy’s Consular Section on  Facebook .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Burma.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Purchase travel medical insurance that covers Burma and includes medical evacuation. 
• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance. 
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. 
• Make contingency plans to leave the country. 
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  
• Review our website on Dual-Nationality . 
• Visit our website for  High-Risk Area Travelers .   
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. 
• Review Ready.gov’s Financial Preparedness webpage .
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization.
• Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices prior to travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Travelers are required to show documentation for COVID-19 medical insurance, and a completed Health Declaration Form.

Amounts in excess of USD 10,000 must be declared upon entry

Amounts in excess of USD 10,000 must be declared upon exit

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Rangoon 110 University Ave Kamayut Township, Rangoon, Burma Telephone: (95) 1-753-6-509 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  (95) 1-753-6-509 Fax: (951)-751-2124 Email:  [email protected] Facebook Twitter

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to Burma.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You should obtain the latest entry, exit, and visa requirements from the Embassy of Burma or the Ministry of Immigration and Population . You may also visit the for Ministry of Hotels and Tourism for additional information. Since the February 2021 coup, Burma’s military regime controls travel to, from, and within Burma. To enter Burma, you must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and a valid visa. You should apply for your visa at a Burmese Embassy or Consulate in the United States or abroad before you arrive in Burma. When in country, you will be required to show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common.

Visa Information:  Burma's  eVisa program  allows tourists and business travelers to apply for a visa online rather than physically applying at an embassy or consulate:

• You are generally notified within a few days whether you have been pre-approved for a visa.
• You must present the approval letter at Immigration when you enter Burma.
• Once you are approved for a visa, the visa needs to be used within three months.
• Apply at:  Myanmar eVisa (Official Government Website) . Be aware that non-official websites may be fraudulent; beware of scams.

Burma has a  visas-on-arrival program  for certain business travelers. The program is available only to those with a formal letter of invitation from a business registered with the Burmese Ministry of Commerce, NOT to tourists. Please contact the Embassy of Burma in Washington, DC, or other locations, for information.

There is also a meditation visa for visitors planning long-term studies at monasteries and meditation centers.

U.S. Military Travelers:  Personal travel for U.S. military personnel to Burma is restricted at this time. U.S. military personnel must refer to the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide and their officer-in-charge for information before planning any travel.

Dual Nationals:  Anyone entering Burma who has claim to Burmese citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship held, may need to meet all obligations of a Burmese citizen, including any required military conscription.

You can get information about entry requirements as well as other information from the  Embassy of Burma’s  website.

The Embassy is located at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Telephone: 202-332-4350.

The Permanent Mission of Burma  to the UN is located at 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burma.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Messages regarding security-related events are posted on the  Embassy’s website .

Fighting between the Burma’s military forces and ethnic armed groups and militia forces continues in border regions, including parts of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States, and as well as in Sagaing and Magway in the center of the country. Travelers should avoid travel to these areas.

The destinations frequented by most U.S. citizen visitors, including Rangoon, Bagan, Ngapali Beach, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay, are not currently affected by this fighting, but the security situation can change quickly. See our Travel Advisory for more information.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance:  Conflict-affected areas are of greatest concern, particularly areas of Shan, Chin, and Kachin States. The location of landmines is often not marked or otherwise identifiable.

The regime’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism publishes information on restricted areas.

Due to travel restrictions placed on U.S. diplomats by the de-facto authorities, our ability to assist U.S. citizens affected by incidents in remote and/or conflict-affected areas of Burma may be limited.

Crime:  Crime rates in Burma, especially involving foreigners, are lower than those of many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, the crime rate has been increasing, particularly home burglaries and petty crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but there have been incidents involving attacks by taxi drivers and muggings. Citizens are advised to take particular care when taking taxis late at night.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 199 or in person at the police station in the district where the crime took place; and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(95) (1) 7536-509, ext. 4240, Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(95) 1 7536-509.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care.
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• provide a list of local attorneys.
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Disaster Preparedness

• Cyclones and Tropical Storms:  Cyclones may occur in two, three-month seasons peaking in May and November, respectively, during which travel conditions may deteriorate significantly. In addition, intense rainfall and squalls may occur during the rainy season (approximately June to October annually). Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cyclone emergencies and monitor local news stations when cyclones are forecast. The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has a color-coded system for storm systems: red for storms approaching landfall in Burma, orange for storms moving towards Burma, yellow for developing storms, and brown for current storms. Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on our Crisis and Disaster Abroad webpage.
• Earthquakes do occur throughout Burma. Check here for information about  earthquake preparedness .

The Department of Homeland Security’s page has numerous resources on emergency kits, preparing for disasters and developing emergency plans:  https://www.ready.gov/.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on  crimes against minors abroad  and the U.S.  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Should you be detained, especially outside of Rangoon, we may not be able to assist quickly.

Law enforcement officials do not routinely notify us of the arrest of U.S. citizens, and prison officials have been known to obstruct regular access by consular officers to U.S. citizen detainees.

Dual Nationality: Burmese law forbids Burmese citizens from possessing dual nationality. On occasion, Burmese authorities have detained and pursued criminal proceedings against Burmese-Americans who have returned to Burma on U.S. passports and who have had in their possession evidence of Burmese citizenship, such as a National Registration Card.

Tourists Must Reside in a Registered Hotel or Guesthouse:  Burmese law requires that foreign tourists reside in registered hotels or guesthouses. Criminal penalties, including multiple years of imprisonment and deportation, apply for non-compliance.

Illegal drugs  carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.

Insulting Religion:  Under Burmese law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. ‘Insult’ is a very broad term that could include tattoos or other religious representations in a non-religious context.  Images of the Buddha can be particularly sensitive. In 2016, a tourist was deported for allegedly having a tattoo of the Buddha on his leg. In 2020, a Facebook user from Meikhtila who criticized monks on social media was sentenced to over a year imprisonment; two other individuals were arrested for drawing graffiti of a skull wearing a monk’s robe. As in any country, visitors are encouraged to be respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites.

Drones:  Importing unmanned aerial systems (drones) without prior permission from authorities and flying them in sensitive areas can result in criminal penalties, including jail time and the permanent confiscation of the drone. Sensitive areas include government buildings, famous tourist sites, and religious buildings. Because it is rarely clear what constitutes a sensitive area, all recreational use of drones is inadvisable.  Multiple foreigners have recently been detained for flying drones in sensitive locations.

Social Media:  You may be prosecuted for posting negative or derogatory comments on social media, including Facebook, under the 2013 Telecommunications Law, which criminalizes “extortion of any person, coercion, unlawful restriction, defamation, interfering, undue influence, or intimidation using a telecommunications network.” If convicted, you may face a fine and/or imprisonment. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal under section 377 of the Burmese penal code, which has provisions against “sexually abnormal” behavior and entails punishments up to life imprisonment. Laws against “unnatural offenses” apply equally to men and women. These laws are rarely enforced; however, LGBTQI+ persons have reported police using the threat of prosecution to extort bribes. LGBTQI+ activists have also reported allegations of rape by security forces in some cases, arbitrary arrest (for example for loitering), detention, and broad societal and familial discrimination.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Individuals with disabilities should be prepared to face difficulties throughout Burma. Roads and sidewalks are often difficult to cross. Ramps or handicapped-accessible facilities are rare. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Burma, dial 119.

COVID-19 Testing:

Testing is available at the following locations: 

• Yangon Airport Molecular Lab: located on Pyay Road near the Htan Pin Gone bus stop and DHL Myanmar warehouse at the airport. Telephone numbers: 094 4409 9941 / 094 4409 9942 
• N Health: located in Rangoon at the Tourist Burma Building on the corner of Maha Bandula St. and Sule Paya St. (near Sule Pagoda). Telephone numbers: 01 230 3202 / 09 519 9122 
• Pun Hlaing Hospital: located in Rangoon on Pun Hlaing Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharyar Township, as well as at Pun Hlaing Clinic Downtown Rangoon, No. 14/A, Taw Win Street (Corner of Ambassador St and Taw Win St), Dagon Township.  Telephone number: 099400 60222 
• Samitivej International Clinic: located in Rangoon at 9E/2 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Telephone numbers: 01 656 732 / 01 660 545 / 09 42427 4301 
• International SOS Clinic: located in Rangon at Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road.  Email:  [email protected]

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Burma. Some private clinics in Burma offer COVID-19 vaccination programs, including booster shots.  American citizens in Burma seeking vaccination should contact private clinics directly for more information.  The Embassy shares this information as a courtesy but does not endorse or recommend any specific vaccination program in Burma. 

• Grand Hantha International Hospital: located in Rangoon at No.3, Corner of Lower Kyee Myin Daing Kanner Road and Narnattaw.  Email:  [email protected] .
• Visit the FDA’s website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. 

Given the above information, injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Most medical facilities in Burma are inadequate for routine medical care. If you are seeking medical care in Burma, you will be asked to pay cash for all health care services and medicines before receiving care; credit cards are not accepted in most health care facilities and insurance will not be billed. Adequate Emergency Medical Services including ambulance care is not reliably available. Patients who are admitted to public hospitals typically need a family member or friend to assist them with care in the hospital, and food and medical supplies must be purchased for use in the hospital. Few medical personnel in Burma are trained to U.S. standards.

U.S. citizens needing urgent medical care have been denied treatment at public hospitals due to a lack of funds.  In an emergency, you would likely need to be medically evacuated to a hospital outside Burma . Medical evacuation from Burma is expensive and is most often transacted in cash, therefore medical evacuation insurance is advised.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation (see above).

Medication:  Many pharmaceuticals on sale in Burma are counterfeit or adulterated, or may not be available. Travelers should consider Burmese pharmaceuticals generally unsafe to use and should bring their own medications for the duration of their stay in Burma.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with these authorities to ensure that the medication is legal in Burma.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Rangoon's roads are generally in poor condition, and traffic is congested throughout the day. Slow-moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, and heavy pedestrian traffic create numerous hazards for drivers on Rangoon's streets. If you drive in Burma, remain alert to avoid hitting pedestrians. If you are a pedestrian, remain alert even when you believe you have the right of way.

Most roads outside of Rangoon have one to two lanes and are potholed, often unpaved, and unlit at night.  Many of the truck drivers traveling between China and Rangoon reportedly travel under the influence of methamphetamines and other stimulants. Drunken and/or drugged drivers are common during the four-day Buddhist water festival in mid-April.

Driving at night is particularly dangerous. Most Burmese drivers do not turn on their headlights until the sky is completely dark. Many do not use headlights at all. Many bicyclists use no lights or reflectors.

Roadside assistance and ambulances are generally unavailable.

Public Transportation:  Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information.

Traffic Laws:  Vehicles drive on the right side as in the United States, however, a majority of vehicles still have the steering wheel positioned on the right. The “right of way” concept is generally respected, but military convoys and motorcades always have precedence. Vehicles generally lack seat belts. Child car seats are unavailable.

Most accidents are settled between the parties on site, with the party at fault paying the damages. In the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the driver is always considered to be at fault and subject to fines or arrest, regardless of the circumstances.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burma, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Burma’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Burma should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  MARAD . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see  the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Myanmar travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security - added information on Martyrs' day; Natural disasters and climate - added information on climate change

Last updated: July 12, 2024 11:51 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, myanmar - avoid all travel.

Avoid all travel to Myanmar due to the risk of politically motivated violence and civil unrest. If you are in Myanmar, you are at risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, which could lead to arrest and detention. You should leave now if you can do so safely.

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Martyrs' Day

There may be heightened tensions in Myanmar on and around July 19, 2024, Martyrs' Day. There is a heightened risk of protests, and a possibility of increased violence and armed clashes across the country.

Expect an increased presence of security forces and tightened security measures, like road closures and checkpoints in urban centers, including Yangon.

The security situation could change rapidly.

If you're in Myanmar:

• do not travel to townships under martial law
• limit your travel and outdoor activities
• ensure you have enough food, water and basic necessities
• avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
• follow the advice of local authorities

Armed clashes

Since October 27, 2023, there has been an escalation of conflict in several parts of Myanmar. Multiple armed resistance groups have attacked regime security forces in Mandalay and Sagaing regions, and the following states:

• Kayah (formerly Karenni)

There has also been an increase in the number of attacks and regime airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties. The armed conflict is expected to continue and could expand to other states and regions and escalate. The security situation is highly volatile and additional violent attacks could occur at any time across the country.

Violent clashes between regime security forces and armed groups have resulted in:

• significant internal displacement
• disrupted access to supplies, cash and goods
• border crossing closures

If you are in Myanmar:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• expect heightened presence of security forces
• expect increased travel disruptions and roadblocks
• use your judgement to decide the best time and the safest means of exit if you need to move to a safer location
• monitor international media to stay informed about the latest developments and decrees

Disruptions to supply chains and the closing of border crossings in Myanmar may result in shortages of necessities.

• Keep a supply of water, food, medicine and cash on hand.

Political situation

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and declared a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country's governance. Martial law has been imposed in several townships. Curfews are in effect at specific locations and gatherings are banned.

Demonstrations take place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Security forces have been using excessive and lethal force against protesters in several locations. This has resulted in multiple casualties.

Civil unrest and acts of politically motivated violence may occur anywhere and at any time, particularly leading up to and during days or events of national significance. Improvised explosive devices have been used throughout the country, including in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Further attacks targeting public venues frequented by foreigners, such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, bars and restaurants are possible.

The political situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate further.

• maintain a high level of vigilance at all times
• avoid unnecessary movement, especially on occasions of national significance
• regularly review your security practices
• follow political and social developments carefully
• monitor media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• plan to have adequate water and food supplies for at least 4 days
• charge your mobile phone in case of internet, communication and power outages
• expect roadblocks, searches and a heavy military presence

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

Myanmar's military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws, and may carry out random and arbitrary detentions without due process. If you are in Myanmar, you are at risk of arbitrary detention.

If you travel to or remain in Myanmar despite these risks:

• stay indoors
• maintain a low profile when going outside
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces
• comply with the regulations and guidelines from local authorities

Border areas with Thailand, China, Laos, Bangladesh and India

The security situation along the border varies and can change quickly.

Clashes between the military and armed groups are ongoing in several border regions. This has caused the displacements of hundreds of thousands of civilians to neighbouring countries.

Landmines are also a danger, particularly in border areas. Unmarked landmines can be found in many border regions and pose a significant risk to your safety.

If you travel to border areas despite this advisory:

• exercise extreme caution
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces as well as large gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Chin (Paletwa Township), Kachin, Rakhine, and northern Shan States

Fighting between Myanmar regime military forces and non-state armed resistance groups is occurring in these areas and has resulted in a significant number of deaths, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians as well as disruptions to road and rail connections.

In August 2017, there were coordinated attacks on police and security forces in northern Rakhine state. Since December 2018, serious armed clashes between ethnic armed groups and the military have been occurring in parts of northern and central Rakhine State, including in the tourist destination of Mrauk U. Detonations of improvised explosive devices have taken place in Sittwe Township and on the road between Sittwe and Mrauk U.

Violence in the area is ongoing and the situation is volatile. The security situation can deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Travel restrictions

Travel to parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings, are strictly controlled by the Government of Myanmar. As such, there are some parts of the country where Canadian Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely without permission from the Myanmar government. The Canadian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited or delayed in these areas.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism maintains lists of permitted and restricted areas. Consult these lists prior to travelling to Myanmar, especially if you plan on travelling outside of popular tourist destinations.

Inter-communal violence

Inter-communal violence occurs. More than 200 people have been killed in religious violence since June 2012, and more than 140,000 have been displaced (mostly in Rakhine State). Attacks against religious buildings, shops, and homes have taken place in several areas, including the regions of Bago and Mandalay, resulting in injuries, deaths and displaced persons. Tensions remain high, and further violence is possible. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed or changed on short notice.

Incidents of violence, which resulted in injuries and damage to property, occurred in Mandalay in early July 2014. In late March 2014, violent protests targeting the staff and offices of international organizations took place in Sittwe, Rakhine State.

Security forces

The presence of police and security forces is likely to increase in Yangon and elsewhere in Myanmar on significant dates, including the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (September 26) and the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (August 8).

Violent crime

There have also been incidents of violent crime against foreigners including muggings.

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur. Scams involving gems and jewellery occur. Merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold later at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. The Government of Canada cannot assist in obtaining refunds for purchases made.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
• Carefully consider all purchases if you are not knowledgeable about gems and jewellery

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Monitor local media

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and riptides. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred.

Scuba diving

Exercise caution when considering diving excursions in Myanmar. Rented diving equipment may not meet internationally acceptable safety standards and may not be maintained adequately.

Water safety abroad

Tourists trekking in remote parts of the country have experienced difficulties with military authorities, even after obtaining prior permission.

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach, Yangon and Taunggyi, but limited elsewhere. Good hotel facilities exist in Nay Pyi Taw, but transportation is limited. Foreign tourists rarely visit Nay Pyi Taw and may be viewed with suspicion. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights and entry to tourist sites throughout the country.

Communications

Telephone services are unreliable in Yangon and are difficult to find in other areas. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. There are Internet cafés in Yangon; identification is required, access to certain websites is restricted and records of which websites users have visited are kept. While some websites were unblocked in 2011, many remain inaccessible. Electronic communications, including email, may be monitored by local authorities.

Public transportation

Public transportation within Myanmar, including air, rail and sea travel, often does not meet international safety standards. Railway equipment tends to be outdated, and fatal accidents have occurred. Boat and ferry accidents causing deaths are common. Vessels may be in poor condition and overloading is a common problem.

Road safety

Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Military checkpoints on roads are common.

The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. There is a combination of both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles in use throughout the country. Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Some roads can become impassable, particularly during the rainy season. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians and livestock to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Myanmar authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Myanmar.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required  Business visa: required

A visa is required for tourism and business purposes and is valid for 28 days. It should be obtained prior to travel at a Myanmar diplomatic mission. An eVisa option and multiple-entry business visas are available.

The Myanmar government has created a visa-on-arrival program to allow select business travellers, including Canadians, to obtain a business visa upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport. Travellers are encouraged not to rely on this option, however, as the program’s requirements and eligibility criteria remain unclear. It is strongly recommended that all travellers, including business travellers, carefully verify visa requirements and options with the nearest Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before travelling.

Foreign journalists have had difficulty obtaining visas, and some have been denied entry upon arrival despite having received a visa. In the past, journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been denied entry when travelling on tourist visas, have been harassed and have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.

Travel to parts of Myanmar is strictly controlled by government authorities. Foreigners have been deported and detained for visa offences.

eVisa  - Myanmar's Ministry of Immigration and population

Port of entry

You should use the same port of entry (e.g. Yangon International Airport) to enter and exit Myanmar to avoid problems with immigration services.

Border crossings

There are few land border crossing points, and permission to cross these borders may be required in advance, through a process separate from the required visa application. Some government-authorized tour companies may be able to secure the appropriate permission from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Border crossings may close with little or no notice, and entry may be restricted to the nationals of the bordering states and/or to the immediate area or border town. Although travel to or from Myanmar via a land route is possible, Global Affairs Canada advises against travel to the border areas with China, Laos and Thailand. 

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Limited medical facilities are available in Yangon but may not meet Canadian standards and are very limited elsewhere in the country. Foreign prescription drugs are often counterfeit and are unsafe to use. There are no emergency neonatal services in Myanmar.

Medical evacuation is necessary for cases of serious illness or accident. Doctors and hospitals may demand immediate cash payment for health services and medical evacuation. Make sure you have adequate/accessible cash to cover the cost of emergency needs.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

The Canadian embassy does not normally receive timely notification of the detention, arrest or deportation of Canadian citizens in Myanmar. If you are arrested or jailed you should request immediate contact with the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar. Research laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

A foreigner who has broken the law is subject to deportation upon payment of fine or completion of prison sentence.

Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. This includes any disrespectful treatment, depiction or image (including tattoos) of Buddha or other religious representation, or wearing any tattoo of Buddha anywhere below the waist. Foreign nationals have been sentenced to prison, fined and/or deported for breaking this law.

Missionary activities and the importation of religious materials are illegal without the written permission of the Myanmar authorities.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect imprisonment or a death sentence.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Under Myanmar's immigration act, tourists are required to stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest houses or resorts. You must show your passport and valid visa at domestic airports, train stations, hotels and security checkpoints. It is illegal to enter restricted areas without authorization.

Political activism

Political activism (including the dissemination of printed materials), protests, demonstrations and unauthorized assemblies are not tolerated in Myanmar. Freedom of speech and political activities are restricted, and the Myanmar government is very sensitive to any expression of opposition to its rule. Foreigners criticizing the regime in public may be arrested or detained.

Artifacts and gems

A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artifacts. It is illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched and imprisoned for attempting to take Myanmar gems out of the country.

Photography

Photography of scenes or people that could be considered politically sensitive, such as military installations, security personnel or demonstrations, is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested, deported and have their equipment confiscated. It is also illegal to fly a drone over certain religious installations.

International driving permits are not recognized in Myanmar. It is illegal to drive without a Myanmar driver's licence.

Imports and export

Customs officials strictly limit what is brought into and out of the country. Baggage is examined and may be searched upon arrival. It is illegal to enter or exit Myanmar with religious materials. Foreign currency in excess of US$10,000 must be declared upon arrival; failure to do so could result in imprisonment. Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers has been restricted. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure. Customs regulations on prohibited imports and exports are often unclear and further advice on this subject should be sought from the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Myanmar.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Myanmar authorities activated a 2010 conscription law that came into effect on February 10, 2024. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to military obligations requiring all men aged 18-35 and all women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years in the army, with possible extensions up to five years during a state of emergency. The current state of emergency began in February 2021 and has been extended to July 31, 2024. Future extensions are likely. There is no guarantee that travelling with a Canadian passport will provide protection from this law.

You may face up to three years in prison plus a fine, if you evade or ignore a summons to serve. The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian travellers avoid all travel to Myanmar and take this advice seriously.

The Embassy of Canada in Myanmar is extremely limited in its ability to assist Canadian citizens who might be detained in Myanmar.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize the risk of your Canadian citizenship being denied. You may also need to carry and present a Myanmar passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country.

Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada.

Travelling as a dual citizen

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Myanmar.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Myanmar by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Myanmar to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities or breaking the law.

Local customs  - Myanmar government

The currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). U.S. currency is widely accepted; however, only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes are accepted. Other foreign currencies are not accepted. There are a few official currency exchange offices in Yangon, including one at the Yangon International Airport. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations.

Carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses while in Myanmar. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Even where credit card facilities do exist, Internet connections may be too slow to enable credit cards to be a reliable payment method. Traveller's cheques are never accepted and debit cards are not used for direct purchases. It is possible to find some internationally linked ABMs in Myanmar, but the daily withdrawal limits are low and the machines are often out of service. Neither cash advances via credit or debit card nor cheque-cashing services are available.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Myanmar. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information

Seismic activity

Myanmar is located in an active seismic zone and minor earthquakes are common.

Monsoons and typhoons

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flash flooding and landslides.

Cyclones usually occur between April and October. Severe rainstorms can result in significant loss of life, extensively damage infrastructure and hamper the provision of essential services.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons .

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 199
• medical assistance: 192
• firefighters: 191

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Burma (Myanmar) Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Burma (Myanmar).

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Burma.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Burma.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Burma take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Burma.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Burma.

If rabies exposures occur while in Burma, rabies vaccines are typically not readily available.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Burma, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Burma. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Burma include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Burma. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Burma’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Burma. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Burma may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Burma, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Burma (Myanmar) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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A beautiful and culturally rich country cursed for decades with a brutally oppressive regime, Myanmar (Burma) has in recent years been making headlines for its tentative steps towards democracy. Following the softening and then removal of a fifteen-year tourism boycott led by the National League for Democracy – Myanmar’s leading political opposition party – tourist numbers have swollen but the infrastructure has not yet grown to accommodate them all. Although this means that finding a cheap bed is harder than before, it does make this a fascinating time to discover Myanmar’s glittering golden stupas, bountiful rice fields, enigmatic ruined temples and picturesque mountain paths. Most memorable of all, though, are the encounters with people eager to introduce foreigners to their country and their culture. What remains to be seen is whether today’s modest political reforms translate into lasting change.

Where to go in Myanmar (Burma)

The ethics of visiting myanmar, travel ideas for myanmar (burma), created by local experts.

Old World Myanmar

Myanmar offers visitors a tantalisingly exotic culture of gilded stupas, red-robed monks and elaborately carved teak palaces. Discover the country’s rich cultural heritage as you take in its spectacular charms.

Myanmar Family Adventure

An ideal short tour for families and first-time visitors to get a glimpse of what Myanmar is all about, discover the land of rice and rivers, breath-taking pagodas and stupas. Meet the locals in Mandalay, Yangon and Inle Lake and sleep on the Ayeyarwady for a real family adventure.

Love Yangon

Explore the intriguing architecture, captivating art and delightful culinary scene of Yangon with a visit to Myanmar’s bustling former capital.

Myanmar Dreams

One of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar offers a magical visitor experience. From your base in some of the country's most deluxe resorts, get out and explore the untouched treasures that Myanmar has to offer.

Classical Myanmar

Experience the best of Myanmar with this trip of a lifetime. See historic Yangon, before moving on to the great plains of beautiful Bagan with its ancient Buddhist pagodas. Discover Mandalay’s hidden gems, see ancient capitals and boat around Inle Lake.

Famous Waterways of Myanmar: Inle Lake and the Irrawaddy River

Experience Myanmar as never before: cruise along the Irrawaddy River, take a boat trip around Inle Lake and Sagar, and fly over Bagan and its many temples in a hot-air balloon. This comprehensive trip also explores the cities of Yangon and Mandalay.

Although there are now affordable flights from Bangkok to Mandalay, most people still start their visit in Yangon (Rangoon). This former capital makes a great introduction to the country, with evocative colonial-era buildings, some of the country’s best restaurants and the unmissable Shwedagon Paya – the holiest Buddhist site in the country. Relatively few tourists head southeast from Yangon, other than to the precariously balanced Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, but Mawlamyine and Hpa-an are great places to hang out, whether you’re exploring caves full of Buddhist art, sleeping at a mountain-top monastery or visiting home-based workshops.

West of Yangon are a handful of beaches, with Ngapali the most highly regarded, but Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung much more affordable. Most travellers instead hasten north to Mandalay, the hub for ‘Upper Burma’ and the base for visiting the remains of several former capital cities, or to Bagan further west for its stunning temple-strewn plains. East of Mandalay is Kalaw, the starting point for some great walks. A trek from Kalaw is one way to reach the magnificent Inle Lake, with its stilt villages and famous leg-rowing fishermen. If time allows, a trip on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River around Katha and Bhamo offers a great chance to meet locals, as do the hiking routes around Hsipaw in Shan State, which pass through ethnic minority villages.

Discover more places in Myanmar Burma

• Southeastern Myanmar Travel Guide
• Yangon (Rangoon) Travel Guide
• Mandalay and around Travel Guide

The question of whether to visit Myanmar – and if so, how to minimize any negative impact of that decision – has long been a complicated one. For many years, the official position of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the opposition political party of which Aung San Suu Kyi is the Chairperson and General Secretary, was to urge foreigners not to visit the country as it put money directly into the pockets of the regime. Still, some tourists did visit each year, arguing that the majority of their money was actually going to individuals and private businesses. Similarly, many people within Myanmar felt it was important that foreigners visited to see the truth of what was happening. In 2010, the NLD softened its stance, saying that it only opposed package and cruise tourism. Then, in May 2012, in the wake of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urging an easing of international sanctions against Myanmar, the NLD dropped the boycott entirely.

Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to think that the ethical dilemma has completely gone away. Although the new government is nominally civilian, in reality the same military figures are still largely in charge. In addition the prominent business leaders commonly described as cronies – who became rich through dealing with the regime, and in some cases allegedly through trading in arms or drugs – still own many of the country’s largest businesses, including hotel groups, banks and airlines. And although the government is praised internationally for reforms such as the release of some (but not all) political prisoners and a reduction in censorship (so that NLD posters are now a common sight), some people within the country see these as surface changes intended to please foreigners – particularly the US, which hopes to lure Myanmar away from its main trading partner, China – rather than anything more fundamental.

Furthermore, it should be remembered that the suppression of dissent and suspension of the democratic process were not the military junta’s only crimes. It was also fighting what has been described as the world’s longest-running civil war , with policies that amounted to ethnic cleansing and – in the eyes of some observers – attempted genocide. Although ceasefires have been signed with some of the ethnic militias, vast swathes of the country – particularly in northern Kachin State – remain off-limits to tourists while the new government continues to fight with rebel armies (some of which, it must be admitted, are motivated as much by profit from the drug trade as they are by a thirst for democracy). If free and fair elections are held in 2015 then the NLD is expected to win a landslide victory, but it remains to be seen how they propose to keep the peace with ethnic minority groups who consider the NLD to represent only the Bamar majority – particularly if the military’s stranglehold is weakened as democracy takes root. Already the NLD has been accused of becoming too close to the generals and their cronies as it seeks their political support and funding for social projects. Some compromise is inevitable, not least because the military can veto a proposed change to the constitution to allow Aung San Suu Kyi (as someone who married a foreign national) to run for President.

Bearing all this in mind, travellers should consider limiting the amount of their money that makes it to the government and its associates. Some expenses are unavoidable, including visa fees, while others are hard to avoid if you want to see some of the main tourist attractions, such as the $10 multi-site fee in Mandalay. It can also be difficult to know exactly which businesses in Myanmar are affiliated with the government or its cronies. On the other hand, by staying in budget accommodation your money is already more likely to be going to ordinary individuals or small family businesses than to companies with strong government links (and in this guide we have tried to avoid recommending such places). The same goes for services such as vehicle hire or trekking guides – there are plenty of opportunities to use small companies and freelancers, which often leads to a better experience anyway. Some visitors also consider avoiding planes and even trains (which are operated by the government).

For more information, see

tourismconcern.org.uk/burma .

Population 55 million

Language Burmese (Myanmar)

Currency Kyat (K)

Capital Nay Pyi Taw

International phone code +95

Time zone GMT + 6hr 30min

Top image: Mount Popa © Boyloso/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Myanmar (Burma)

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Myanmar (Burma)

• Travel Tips Myanmar (Burma) for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Myanmar (Burma)
• Eating and drinking in Myanmar (Burma)
• Getting around Myanmar (Burma): Transportation Tips
• How to get to Myanmar (Burma)
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Myanmar (Burma)
• Best time to visit Myanmar (Burma)

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Myanmar Travel Guide

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is one of the best kept secrets of Southeast Asia travel. This is a wild, beautiful country with very friendly people.

Even though it hasn't been spoiled by tourism yet, that may change before long because there are so many amazing things to see here. We felt like time travelers stepping into some of the old temples and ruins of Bagan .

Read through this complete Myanmar travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Burmese; 'Thank you' is 'chay-tzoo-beh'

Kyats & US Dollars

VOA or eVisa for 100+ nationalities

Tropical; hot & humid year round

Power Plugs

Type C / D / F / G

As a tourist, your main airports in Myanmar will be Yangon (code: RGN) and Mandalay (code: MDL). These have lots of direct flights from other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond. There's a small airport in Bagan (NYU), but most people drive there from Mandalay. You can shop for flights to Myanmar on Skyscanner.

In general, Myanmar is a pretty safe travel destination, with a low violent crime rate from the UN of 2.3 per 100k inhabitants (66% lower than the global average). There are a few areas not advised for travel because of unrest, but these are well away from the popular tourist spots. I’ve traveled in many parts of the country and didn't witness any crime. Myanmar got 4.5 million tourist arrivals in 2019.

The climate of Myanmar is tropical, so the weather is hot and humid year round, although the months from November to February are a bit cooler. The rainy season runs from June to September/October. It's still possible to visit Myanmar during the rainy season, but you might want to give yourself some extra days as a buffer in case of bad weather.

Myanmar can be a very cheap place to travel, with hostels and private hotels available from $8 USD . Meals are also cheap, costing about $1 to $3 depending on location.

Transportation in Myanmar is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented to self drive, but hiring a driver is cheap and often preferable. The Grab transportation app is great for getting around cities like Mandalay.

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Myanmar Travel Guide (Burma)

Your ultimate myanmar travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in myanmar. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Visiting  Myanmar  (Burma) was one of our most fulfilling travel experiences, but it wasn’t without its hardships. The 30 hours in transit from Kyaikto to Inle Lake was definitely a difficult journey. We transferred from bus, to van, to the back of a truck to a taxi. 

It was hot, it was crowded, it was long.  But the people were so friendly.  Not many could speak English, but it didn’t stop them from practicing with us every chance that they got.  

When we talked to the people on the street, they welcomed us.  They were happy that we were not staying in the big resorts run by the government and that we hired local guides, took local transit and stayed in small guest houses. 

The situation in Myanmar may break our hearts, but we think that if more people visit, opting to travel locally, maybe one day the doors will open up. This Myanmar travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Myanmar

• Myanmar power voltage is 230 V 50 Hz; Power sockets C, D, F, & G
• The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) and is around 1,000 MMK o 1 USD
• Water is not potable in Myanmar.  Avoid water that is not boiled or bottled. Avoid raw vegetables and pre-cut fruit as much as possible.
• As of early 2014, functional ATMs have started to pop up around tourist areas and airports that take Visa/MasterCard as well as debit cards with  Plus  logos. Visa is more common than MasterCard while travellers cheques are still  not accepted  in Myanmar. It is also recommended the travellers.
• Bring cash in another major currency (preferably in US dollars or Euros) just in case. Only crisp, uncreased, unfolded, unmarked bills without any tears will be accepted. They must also be a 2009 series or later so make sure to double check the issue date of the bills.
• Photography and videography restrictions may apply in certain areas along with “shooting” fees. Some museums restrict photography while taking photographs in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden.

Things to See and Do in Myanmar

• Go Diving –  Myanmar has lots of places where you can go diving and snorkeling. For example, the Myeik Archipelago has many unexplored corals and aquatic life waiting to be seen.
• Take a Ride in a Hot Air Balloon –  If you like to go high into the sky, then a ride in a hot air balloon may be just the thing for you. They aren’t cheap, but if you can afford them, take a ride over Inle Lake.
• Visit Myanmar’s Golden Rock  – it is a sacred monument balancing on the side of Mount Kyaiktiyo. This giant boulder perched on the side of a mountain threatens to plunge into the valley below.  A pagoda is built on its top and it is covered in solid gold leaves that people leave as an offering to the Gods.
• Walk on U Bein Bridge –  U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest bridge in the world. Although it was built in 1850, it still carries all the tourists that walk across its 1.2-kilometer length every year.
• Visit the Incredible Temples of Bagan  – Built between 1000 and 1300 AD, Bagan has to be one of the least visited temple complexes in South East Asia, and yet it is hands down, one of the most beautiful. 
• Explore Inle Lake  – Known for it’s one legged rowers and handmade craft shops, we spent days exploring the villages that line the second largest lake in the country formerly known as Burma.
• Take a Walking Tour –  Myanmar is a beautiful country, and lovers of the outdoors will enjoy just walking around and learning about the nation’s history. Try taking a guided walking tour of Yangon.

Myanmar Travel Guides

The Incredible Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

• Experiencing Mandalay: Myanmar’s Hidden Gem
• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock of Myanmar

Accommodation

Budget  – If you are looking to stay in a low budget hotel room in Myanmar, it will cost around $25. If you are good with a bed in a hostel dorm, it will cost about $10 per night. Most will come with a hot shower, free wifi, and breakfast.

Mid Range  – Mid-range hotels in Myanmar usually cost between $40 – $60 per night. At this budget, the hotel rooms will have private bathrooms, amenities like air conditioning and free wifi, offer breakfast services, and have a fitness center.

High End  – Staying at a high-end hotel in Myanmar can cost anywhere between $100 – $350. These expensive residences are usually elegantly designed, their rooms come with flat-screen television sets, their bathrooms come with jacuzzis, and there is generally at least one outdoor pool.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO     for the best deals on accommodation in Myanmar.

Tea leaf salad –  Tea leaf salad is the most popular food in Myanmar. It is made hand-mixing sour leaves with shreds of cabbage, slices of tomatoes, as well as nuts and peas.

Shan-style rice –  This fish-based rice is served at most eating houses in Myanmar. It is made by mixing cooked rice with turmeric and then topping it with fresh fish and garlic oil.

Curry –  Myanmar curry is delicious and is best served with fish, shrimp, mutton, or pork. 

Tea Shop Meals –  The people of Myanmar value their tea shops, and you can go there to enjoy delicious tea and Myanmar snacks like deep-fried bread served alongside a potato curry.

Shan-style Noodles –  This delicious dish includes a thick porridge cooked with chickpea flour. This porridge is served over a bed of rice noodles and chicken or pork and then topped with chili oil.

The Best Ways to Get Around Myanmar

Getting to myanmar:.

Flights:  Yangon International and Mandalay International Airports have flights coming in from dozens of other countries in Asia.

You can check for the best flights to Myanmar on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : There are many bus services in Myanmar. Depending on where you are going, you can get on a public city bus, an overnight sleeper bus, or a long-distance day bus for relatively cheap.

Taxis / Uber : Most taxi services in Myanmar involve sharing with other passengers. However, if you want a private taxi, you can call an Uber.

Car Rental:  If you want to rent a car, you will be able to do so in Myanmar. However, this is rather expensive, and car rentals cost about $75 per day on average.

You can also compare  prices here .

When to go To Myanmar

• Myanmar can get pretty hot during the year, and so most people prefer to visit between November to February when it is winter. However, this is also a peak period in Myanmar, so it is advisable to visit during Myanmar’s rainy season from May to October.

Where to Stay in Myanmar

30th Corner Boutique Hostel –  This clean hostel is located in the heart of downtown Yangon. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are spacious and well furnished. This is an excellent way to save money while exploring the city.

Best Western Chinatown Hotel –  Best Western Chinatown Hotel is a superb mid-range hotel that gives excellent quality at an affordable price. Their private rooms are tastefully furnished and come with airconditioning, satellite TV, and wifi.

The Strand Yangon –  The Strand Yangon is a classic hotel that was built in 1901 and refurbished in 2016. This elegant hotel rocks her guests in the lap of luxury with modern-day comforts and a colonial feel.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for Myanmar

Myanmar is also known for its high temperatures (which can surpass 40°C) from March – June while the colder months follow the end of the rains (October – January).

Altitude also effects temperatures and as a result, hill stations, lakes and Himalayan foothills are cooler than the southern lowland and coastal regions.

• Insect Repellent  – Along with natural beauty and hot weather, Myanmar is known for its pretty vicious mosquitos. Travellers are advised to bring a mosquito net, insect spray or a mosquito headnet, as these products are hard to find outside of Yangon.
• Flashlight  –  The power is not that great in Myanmar and the streets are dark at night, so make sure to have a flashlight or head torch handy at all times.
• Female Sanitary Products  – tampons are harder to come by than sanitary pads, so make sure to bring your preferred brand form home if you use the former.
• Modesty is key.  Myanmar is still considered a conservative country. Travellers are recommended to wear appropriate clothing: women should ideally wear long pants or skirts to cover their knees and avoid deep V necks or sleeveless tops, while men should try to keep their shoulders and legs covered.
• Warm clothes  – it does cool off at night, so make sure to pack a light-weight sweater, cardigan or pashmina to keep you warm on those chilly nights.
• Refillable water bottle  – as mentioned above, the water is not potable in Myanmar. Consider taking a portable water bottle on your trip.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Myanmar Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Myanmar Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Myanmar  click here .

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock of Myanmar

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Myanmar Travel Guide: 15 Things You Should Know

• Updated: September 6, 2022 Amelie Nguyen in Myanamar Travel Tips 0 comment.

Get prepare for the necessary documents

Above all, the first thing you should get is the Myanmar visa. To enter Myanmar after the outbreak of COVID-19 cases, visitors must be fully vaccinated and deliver a passport valid for 6 months to apply for a visa. An e-tourist visa costs $50. The maximum stay in Myanmar is less than 28 days from the time of entry. 

All foreign visitors before coming to Myanmar must have a Visa (visa) issued by the Myanmar Embassy or Consulate and must be valid for entry and exit. Besides, just don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your acceptance letter when entering and leaving Myanmar.

Visa Myanmar – the first important thing for a trip to Myanmar

The Must-go tourist spots in Myanmar

The ancient capital of Bagan is a must-see destination in the Myanmar backpacking itinerary. This place became extremely famous with 2000 temples and stupas, which preserves a lot of beautiful architecture and Buddhist history in Myanmar. Tourists can rent a bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage to visit and admire all the beautiful scenes in Bagan. 

Ancient capital of Bagan

Lake Inle , also known as Nyaungshwe, is one of Myanmar’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can take a one-day boat tour to experience the locals’ life in a floating village, as well as fishermen fishing on the narrowboats, and numerous pagodas and monasteries. 

Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important pilgrimage place. The most memorable thing of Shwedagon Pagoda is the ancient architecture and is inlaid with up to 90 tons of gold around the wall, the top of the tower is encrusted with thousands of 76-carat diamonds. Visitors must experience the mystical atmosphere with the pagoda lit up by spotlights.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Mergui Archipelago retains its wild and rustic beauty. It consists of 800 large and small coral ecological islands with different shapes and colors. In order to experience the Mergui, travelers can rent a kayak or a boat from the locals. Tourists can go kayaking, snorkeling, take boat trips, set sail and go diving in Mergui, in order to relax and enjoy the impressive scenery.

Mergui Archipelago

Do not overspend the travel budget

Many tourists get hooked on shopping when they first travel abroad. However, you should not get caught up in this situation because surely it will destroy the original travel plan, as well as making travelers pay for the extra baggage on the return date and affect the other expense in the trip. 

It is best to spend money only to buy necessary and unique items or souvenirs bearing the imprint of Myanmar.

What to avoid in Myanmar

The very first thing is never touch one’s head or use your feet to point at someone. Because in Myanmar, the head is considered to be the most sacred, and the feet are believed to be the dirty part.

Second, do not use your left hand. Myanmar people believe that the left hand should only be used for hygiene activities, so it is not clean. Therefore, they use their right hand to eat and drink. Next to the dining table will always place a basin of water for everyone to wash their hands before dining. 

Third, do not stay at hotels that are not registered with the government agency. All foreign visitors entering Myanmar must declare the hotel or motel they will be staying at. So, if you accidentally land an unlicensed address by the government, you will most likely be detained and not allowed to enter the country.

Fourth, always be available and bring cash when traveling to Myanmar. Myanmar has very few ATMs and almost all services are used in cash. So visitors should bring cash, avoid making money crumpled or having strange traces. Credit cards can only be used at high-end hotels and restaurants.

The finest time to visit Myanmar

One of the frequently searched things about Myanmar Travel Guide is when to visit this country. And the ideal time to travel to Myanmar is autumn, which is the period from November to the end of February. This time is considered one of the most beautiful seasons of the year in Myanmar.

This time will last until the beginning of the year’s dry season from March to April. The months of July, August and September are the seasons with a low number of visitors because at this time Myanmar enters the rainy season, making it difficult to visit the places, inconvenient and unsafe when the traffic system has not developed strongly.

Get to know Myanmar culture

The Burmese people have their own, strong culture. First thing first, thanaka. Women in Myanmar use Thanaka as make-up powder on their face, neck and hands to protect themselves from the sun.

Myanmar girls use Thanaka as make-up powder on their face, neck and hands to protect themselves from the sun

Both men and women in Myanmar wear traditional skirts, also known as “longyi” skirts. The only difference is the way of tying, men tie the skirt in the front, and women fold it at the side.

In traditional Myanmar villages, temples are the center of cultural life. Monks are revered and people always kneel before them to show their respect. The initiation ceremony called shinbyu is the ceremony that marks the most crucial maturity of a boy when he enters a monastery for a short period of time. Girls also have an ear piercing ceremony when they reach adulthood. Myanmar culture is most evident in villages where local festivals are held throughout the year, the most important of which is the temple ceremony.

Is Myanmar a safe destination?

Safety is one of the top priorities for travelers when they look for the Myanmar Travel Guide. And Myanmar is safe in places where foreign travelers are allowed to visit. The incidents of street robbery and pickpockets, although occurring, are quite rare in Myanmar.

In fact, the only areas in Myanmar that have been considered dangerous are the off-limits areas. However, the government has already limited these conflict places to tourists. Luckily they do not overlap with places of interest like Bagan, Taung Kalat, Inle Lake, etc.

Budget in Burma

Always at the top of the most important things of Myanmar Travel Guide before traveling to Myanmar, there are expenses that every traveler should know. For accommodation, visitors often paid around 110.000 Kyat for each double room with breakfast included. For food, it will be extremely cheap if visitors eat in local restaurants in Myanmar. This is the best way to enjoy authentic dishes, which only cost around 4000 Kyat per dish with a drink. For traveling, motorcycle rental costs around 5000 Kyat, bus prices cost between around 8000 Kyat to 22.000 Kyats. Grab taxis usually cost 7000 Kyats for a one hour journey

Besides, visitors should also know some of the prices of well-known destinations in Myanmar, such as Bagan with an entrance fee of 25000 Kyats, or Shwedagon Pagoda with a cost around 10.000 Kyats.

Knowing about Myanmar’s Kyat

Kyat is known as the main currency used in Myanmar. In Myanmar, the use of Kyat money is not absolute, international tourists still use USD, however Kyat money is still the most popular. ATMs are not commonly used when touring Myanmar, so visitors should carry cash to pay for local things. 

Kyat – Myanmar currency

For Myanmar currency, visitors should change to USD first, then travel to Myanmar and change USD to kyat to get a better price. You can look up the exchange rate between kyat and USD via this link .

A place to stay in Myanmar

Myanmar is increasingly a hot tourist destination and faces a shortage of accommodations, especially in popular tourist areas such as Yangon and Bagan, so most hotels are generally more expensive. Most hotels and hostels have their prices in US dollars, however, they’ll accept payment in both US dollars and kyat for visitors. However, in some places, paying for a room in kyat was cheaper.  

It will be less expensive for travelers to stay in homestays. But the accommodation and facilities are usually pretty basic in homestays in Myanmar. Visitors can share the bathroom, and could have to bathe with a bucket of water.

What to eat in Myanmar

What to eat is one of the important things in Myanmar Travel Guide. The food here is usually quite greasy and spicy, so it may not be too suitable for visitors who can’t eat greasy and spicy food. The prices of the dishes are also quite affordable. A popular meal ranges from 7,000 to 10,000 Kyat. 

The most popular Myanmar food is Laphet Thohk. The sour and bitter leaves are mixed with shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, nuts and peas. Besides, Mohinga is the unofficial national dish of Myanmar. The recipe to make this dish is quite complicated, it requires delicious noodles, the broth is stewed from fresh fish, herbs and chives. Mohinga is the favorite dish of many tourists.

Laphet Thohk – most popular Myanmar food

Travel between places in Myanmar

One of the most convenient means of transport that you can choose is a taxi. Ticket prices range from 5000 – 6000 Kyat for 1 hour. In addition, you can choose a bus that is both cheap and has good service.

Almost all taxi companies have spacious seats and almost all buses have sockets for charging phones. This is considered very convenient for you to ride while you can charge your phone battery.

In addition, travelers always took a night bus instead of flying because the cost was much lower to take night buses than flights around Myanmar.

Common scams in Myanmar

Be careful when buying gems. This place is famous for precious stones, especially gems and jade, but many scams still take place every day. If visitors decide to purchase a gemstone, be sure the gem has an official receipt or certification from a licensed government dealer. That’s because visitors will need to show that certificate when they leave the country or they may get into legal trouble.

How to stay in touch

For Internet connection, some hotels provide internet but the price is very high, and visitors also need to contact the hotel reception if they prefer the hotel’s wifi. In addition, the internet connection is extremely slow in Myanmar’s cafes, except for the shops in the city center.

For public phones, travelers can hardly find any public phone booths in the city. All outbound calls are controlled and allowed by the government.

Keep in touch with the Embassy

Tourists must save the Embassy phone number and register information for the embassy when traveling to Myanmar. They can register their personal information with the embassy or consulate so that they can assist in emergencies such as natural disasters or political turmoil.

Hope that our Myanmar Travel Guide will help you have important informations about Myanmar before you travel to this beautiful country. If you have any questions or want a tailor-made tour in Myanmar, do not hesitate to contact us now.

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Amelie Nguyen

Hello, I'm Amélie NGUYEN. I was born, raised in Hanoi and have been to almost all places in Vietnam and Asia. Let me share with you more interesting information about travel !

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Known as the “Golden Land,” Myanmar is an alluring tourist destination. Cut off from the rest of the world during an extended period of self-imposed isolation, the country formerly known as Burma rarely fails to weave its spell on modern-day visitors. After being cocooned for much of the 20th century, things are changing rapidly now. Luxury tourism, in particular, has a secure foothold in such popular destinations as temple-rich Bagan and tranquil Inle Lake, as well as in some less well-known places. With a democratically elected government now steering the nation, further progress seems assured. Nevertheless, with its kaleidoscopic mix of ethnicities and enduring traditions, Myanmar so far remains endearingly unchanged when compared with neighbouring countries in the region. Even the biggest city, Yangon, with its condos and growing selection of bars, retains an old world allure. With Myanmar continuing to open up to visitors, now is the perfect time to sample its heady and distinctive offerings.

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When’s the best time to go to Myanmar?

Picking the optimum time to travel is vital in Myanmar, which tends to have more extreme weather than other countries in the region. The southwest monsoon brings rain from May to October and roads can become impassable during this period. The post-monsoon window between November and February is dry and cool-ish and is the best time to visit most of Myanmar. From March to May, the country becomes extremely hot and travel can be highly uncomfortable.

How to get around Myanmar

Although there are now several open land borders between Thailand and Myanmar, the vast majority of visitors enter the country by air at either Yangon or Mandalay. There is also an international airport in Nay Pyi Daw, but the capital is of limited interest to tourists. The cheapest way to reach Myanmar from outside the region is to fly to a regional hub such as Bangkok or Singapore and then hop on a connecting flight to Yangon or Mandalay.

With much of the country still off-limits to foreign visitors due to ongoing ethnic conflict, forward planning is necessary when visiting Myanmar.

For major destinations in the country, the best option is usually to fly domestically. If you are on a budget, buses are faster and cheaper than trains, but don’t expect much in the way of comfort. Taxis are cheap and plentiful in Yangon, but be warned: The city’s traffic is reliably appalling and short journeys can take a long time, especially during peak hours.

Food and drink to try in Myanmar

Drawing on techniques from neighboring countries such as India, Thailand, China, and Bangladesh, Myanmar’s cuisine is a mélange of influences that varies wildly from region to region. In the west, Rakhine State specializes in spicy curries while the food in Shan State is very similar to that of northern Thailand. Salads are a feature of Myanmar cuisine. Known as athouq , they include maji-yweq thouq , made with young tamarind leaves, and leq-p’eq , better known as tea-leaf salad. The best places to sample the delights of Myanmar cuisine are in tourist centers like Yangon and Inle Lake where upscale venues rub shoulders with more humble, but still desirable, options.

Culture in Myanmar

Myanmar’s cultural highlights are very much intertwined with the country’s rich spiritual fabric. Buddhism is practiced by an estimated 89% of the population and the country is scattered with ornate pagodas and stunning temple complexes. The apex of this spirituality can be found at Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda and also at leading attractions like Bagan and the archeologically rich site of Mrauk U in Rakhine State. The country is well-known for its arts and crafts, which are also heavily influenced by Buddhism. Artisanal traditions include woodcarving, stone carving, turnery, painting, and lacquerware. The best place to sample contemporary Myanmar culture is in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, which has a smattering of modern art galleries, museums, and venues for live music and DJs.

Myanmar’s colorful and lively festivals are based on the lunar calendar and can really enhance your trip if it happens to coincide with one. The most popular festival in the calendar is Thingyan, the annual water festival where locals take to the streets with water pistols and buckets of water as the temperatures soar. November is the date for the Fire Balloon Festival at Taunggyi, east of Inle Lake. At night, balloons are released with fireworks strapped underneath them—with predictably explosive consequences. Also worth catching are the New Year celebrations in Shan State, one of the country’s most ethnically diverse regions. Expect live bands, traditional dancing, and—on New Year’s Eve itself—fireworks and a party vibe.

Local travel tips for Myanmar

Don’t expect super-fast internet. Coverage in the country (especially outside Yangon and Mandalay) is still limited and speeds are notoriously spotty and slow, even in the big population centers. There are now plenty of ATMs in Yangon and other major population centers so access to cash is not as much of an issue as it was previously. If you are carrying U.S. dollars to exchange, try to make sure they are in mint condition as there’s a distinct possibility they won’t be accepted otherwise. Try to book a hotel well in advance of your trip. Hotels remain in short supply in the country and can be expensive for what they are. If you don’t book your preferred choice ahead of time you might be forced to pay over the odds for something substandard.

Guide Editor

Duncan Forgan After arriving on something of a whim, Duncan Forgan has been living and working in Bangkok since 2013. In a previous life he was a features writer for the national newspapers in his native Scotland, an editor of various travel guides in the Middle East, and a long-term freelancer in Vietnam. Now he prefers to discover new street food and to drive his motorbike around the sois. When he’s not comparing venues for Isaan food, he writes and broadcasts for a variety of outlets worldwide on Asian travel, culture, and cuisine.

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Myanmar Travel Tips – 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Burma

by Drifter Planet | Jan 7, 2016 | Most Popular Blog Posts , Myanmar

Myanmar Travel Tips to help you have a good time in the most exotic country in Southeast Asia.

Breathtaking temples, mysterious ruins, virgin beaches, river deltas and exotic culture – Myanmar has it all! Yet, it is one of the least visited countries in South East Asia – which is why it is usually tough for travelers to find sufficient Myanmar Travel Tips prior to their visit.

Myanmar (formally known as Burma) has been somewhat isolated under a military dictatorship until recently but is now undergoing political changes. As a result, this lovely country is opening up to tourism. If you’re planning on visiting South East Asia, I urge you to give Myanmar a chance.

There are many amazing places to visit in Myanmar  but travelers mostly visit Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake.

To help you plan your trip, I am sharing Myanmar travel tips consisting of things I learned before and during my trip.

Travel Tips for Myanmar

1) embassy visa vs. evisa.

An eVisa for Myanmar costs around USD 50, whereas a direct visa application to the Myanmar Embassy will cost you around USD 17-25. Of course, we chose the latter!

We applied from New Delhi and had to visit the embassy THREE times because of some confusion. At one point, I also printed a page from their website to show them one particular paragraph. It made me wonder if I would have saved myself many precious hours by applying for an eVisa?

Anyway, you can check iVisa for visa requirements, info, and more details for obtaining a visa for Myanmar. We used their service to apply for an eVisa for India (for San) after wasting many painful hours on the Indian government’s visa website.

Yes, they charged a little fee but we ended up saving our precious time while we were island hopping in the Philippines.

Click here to check Visa Requirements for Myanmar for your nationality

2) Research about the permits

Many areas in Myanmar are restricted to tourism and you need a government permit to enter them. These permits can usually be arranged by a travel agent for an expensive fee.

Research well in advance and look for the most updated information because the situation is changing very fast. For information about where to go, check out this amazing itinerary to explore Myanmar in 3 weeks .

3) Book your hotel beforehand

Myanmar has only limited budget accommodation options that sell out months in advance. We booked the cheapest room we could find in Yangon a month in advance. It was a basic room with a shared toilet for which we paid USD 20. However, we arrived at Ngwe Saung without a booking. The cheapest we found was USD 55 per night for a tent on the beach.

I have a friend who recently did a bike tour at Inle Lake and had to pay a bomb for his room because the accommodation was not pre-booked.

4) Carry crisp US Dollar Bills in various denominations

Legally, it is not possible to buy Myanmar’s currency overseas. Carry USDs since it is the most preferred currency there and is easy to exchange almost everywhere. Make sure you carry clean bills because many people refuse to accept the ones that look slightly old. Higher denomination bills with fetch you a better exchange rate.

5) The Thing About Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

Although there are many ATMs in big cities, they are not very reliable due to power shortages. Carry cash while visiting smaller areas. Moreover, there’s a transaction fee of USD 3-5 per ATM withdrawal on international cards.

Make sure you alert your bank beforehand so that your card doesn’t get blocked when you try to withdraw cash in Myanmar.  A few high-end establishments accept credit cards but get ready to pay a 3-5% transaction fee.

6) Phone and Internet

Do yourself a favor and buy a Telenor SIM card with 3G at the airport. I bought one for MMK 12,000 kyats (Roughly USD 9) that lasted my entire trip without a single recharge. The 3G speed was pretty good and was faster than the WiFi that we experienced in an internet cafe in Yangon.

7) No need to carry a lot of toiletries

Unless you have specific needs, I’d advise you against carrying too many toiletries. Even our most simple hostels provided us with toothbrushes, toothpaste, super clean towels, shampoo, soap, etc. Moreover, the supermarkets in Myanmar had most of the common brands such as Nivea and Vaseline at half the prices.

8) Wear shoes that are easy to remove

Myanmar is full of beautiful pagodas that are everywhere – even on beaches! Visit as many as you can because they are lovely.

Even if you’re not into temples – you WILL want to visit them to admire their stunning architecture. Wear shoes that are “pagoda ready” and are easy to remove because you will need to enter barefoot.

9) Carry a plastic bag for your shoes

No matter what your itinerary for Myanmar is, you will surely end up visiting a few pagodas while you’re there.

Do what the locals do – bring a few plastic bags in your bag pack to carry your shoes with you when you visit the pagodas.

Many pagodas have multiple entries and exits so carrying your shoes with you will save you a lot of time. This is something I had to learn the hard way.

10) Dress Sensibly

Do not wear hot pants, crop tops, and sleeveless vests while you’re here. Burmese people don’t show a lot of skin (even on the beach) and it’s a good idea to respect their culture. Moreover, if you wear shorts, you can’t enter the beautiful pagodas.

A typical Myanmar local male wears a checkered longyi (similar to lungi in India) with a knot in front paired with a collared shirt. A typical local woman wears a longyi with a side knot (kind of looks like a cute wrap-around skirt) that shows a very tiny bit of leg along with a matching blouse. It’s a good idea to buy a longyi – it’s super comfortable to wear!

11) Carry noise-canceling headphones and eye masks for overnight buses

We traveled extensively by overnight buses between destinations because Burmese trains don’t have the best reputation.

Each time, we were woken up a few times during the night by strong lights and loud music. In one case, our bus conductor had a microphone and LOVED announcing things after every hour.

12) Carry a torch for blackouts

The first blackout that I experienced in Myanmar was just a few minutes after landing at Yangon airport. We heard from people that blackouts are common in Myanmar.

Carry a torch so that you can move around easily in case there’s one in your hotel.

13) Drink Bottled water and start slow with street food

As with most of the Asian countries, drink bottled water to avoid getting seriously ill. If you love Indian and Thai street food, you’re gonna LOVE the street food in Myanmar. Take it slow and let your stomach prepare itself.

My stomach has toughened after years of eating Indian street food but Sandro suffered from an upset stomach after the first night. Oh and if you don’t eat meat, you should check out this survival guide for vegetarian food in Myanmar .

14) Get ready to squat in a toilet

If you have traveled to Asia then you probably know the drill. Myanmar is no exception. If you decide to visit villages, you may not find WCs but will have to use traditional toilets where you need to squat to pee in a hole.

15) Respect and learn about the culture

Burmese people are polite and helpful. Please respect their culture and familiarize yourself with the local etiquette.  Burmese people hand over things, especially money with their right hand with their left hand touching the elbow . I found it to be very respectful and started doing it while I was there.

If you have a Buddha head tee shirt, tattoo, or jewelry  – please hide them when you’re here. Don’t be shocked if you smile at a local and you see a  “red smile”  flashing back at you. That’s not blood but betel stains since many locals chew betel leaves.

Oh, and if they make a  loud kissing sound  – they are probably calling out someone, not sending you flying kisses.

Have you visited Myanmar already and have a few tips to add? Let me know in the comments section. 

If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it on Facebook.

You might also like:

Visa to Myanmar  by Amy on the road

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Good post! I agree with all the points (except we did get the eVisa as it was easier than visiting the embassy). I loved Myanmar, people were so genuinely nice and friendly and they seemed to love tourists. It seemed customary to comment “you are so beautiful” as I have never heard that many compliments from total strangers in my life 😀

Hi Nomadi, yes I eventually realized that an eVisa would have been a better option considering the amount of time that we wasted. Hehe 🙂

It’s so interesting when seeing male in female dress. It makes me remind of Sarong. Thanks for your post.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

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Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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A Complete Myanmar Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

December 24, 2019 · In: Myanmar

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a county that may not be at the top of your must visit list. However, I’m here to tell you that it should be! Myanmar completely surprised me with it’s kind people, raw beauty and deep rooted history! I’ve put together this beginner’s guide to Myanmar and have included all my top travel tips so that you are prepared before you even go!

Having only recently opened its doors to tourism, the infrastructure isn’t exactly up to the same standards as some other Southeast Asia countries. However, it is a constant work in progress and the people are really working hard to make it easier for visitors to travel around.

This beginners guide to Myanmar is a good starting point if you’re planning to visit so save this guide and use as a reference before you land in this beautiful country!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you use these links to purchase a product or service I will receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you. Everything I recommend are products or services that I personally use and have been essential for me as a travel blogger. 

Traveling to Myanmar? Don’t leave home without getting travel insurance! You never know when something could go wrong and you’ll definitely want to be covered by insurance! Click HERE to get a quote!

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Table of Contents

Where is Myanmar? A Myanmar Map

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by India and Bangladesh in the west, China in the north and Thailand and Laos on the east.

Is Myanmar Safe?

The short answer: yes. As long as you stick to the main tourist route. These destinations usually include Mandalay, Bagan Kalaw, Inle Lake, Yangon, Hpa-An and Ngapali. It was not that long ago that Myanmar opened its doors for tourism so there are still a lot of things they are figuring out. Also there is still a lot of conflict going on within Myanmar so it is advised to stick to the main areas and not go off exploring in other parts of the country.

How to Get to Myanmar

Most visitors will enter Myanmar through one of the main international airports. These would be Mandalay International Airport (MDL) and Yangon International Airport (RGN). When you fill out your e-visa form you will need to enter in the destination at which you will be arriving in country.

There are other smaller airport in which you can enter however they may be more expensive than arriving via the larger ones.

I had also read that it is not recommended to do any border crossings by land and that it is best to fly into one of the main airports. However, if you choose to do a border crossing then Thailand might be your best entry point.

When you arrive into Myanmar you will need to have a copy of your e-visa printed to show to immigration. I did not have to show an onward flight or a flight out of the country upon arrival but have heard that sometimes they will ask. Therefore I would be prepared with either a pre-booked flight to another destination or be ready to book one in the moment at the airport.

How to Get Around Myanmar

The first thing to include in this beginner’s guide to Myanmar and quite possibly the most important is how to get around! Myanmar has many different modes of transportation.

How you choose to travel throughout the country depends entirely on your budget, length of stay and personal preference. These are a few of the main options that you can use to travel around Myanmar and within the cities.  

Myanmar by Airplane

The majority of travelers with either fly in and out of Mandalay or Yangon as they have the larger international flight options. There are also many domestic flights available which would be beneficial for those needing to save time. They will be more expensive than the bus or train so keep that in mind.  

Myanmar by Train

I didn’t personally take the train while in Myanmar as I had heard some bad experiences from some friends. They had said that the trains we less organized and very uncomfortable compared to the buses. Also in some circumstances the trains actually took longer than the buses.  

Travel Myanmar by Bus

For every single journey in Myanmar I took the JJ’s VIP Express Bus. The bus had large, reclining seats, a working tv with english movies, water and either a snack or meal. They also provided a blanket because the bus gets very cold. I’d also recommend you bring a sweater and wear pants. Mostly all of the journeys are overnight usually leaving around 9 or 10PM. The travel time is around 6-10 hours depending on your destination.

The only issue I had with the night buses is that you’d arrive at your destination around 4 or 5AM and weren’t always allowed to check into your room. I did get lucky with a few of my hotels as they had the room available and let me in early so I could rest.

You can book your tickets on bookaway.com , 12go.asia , through your hotel or travel agency in town. If you want to pay with credit card it is best to book through one of the mentioned websites above! You can also book directly through the JJ’s website but I didn’t use that since the prices seemed to be the same and their website was a bit confusing.  The tickets cost anywhere from around $15-25 depending on your destination.

The bus stations for the JJ bus all have bathrooms which you can use just before leaving. The bus will also make stops along the way for the bathroom but just know that it usually is every few hours so I don’t recommend drinking a ton.  All of the restrooms that we stopped at along the way had toilet paper, however I would still recommend you bring your own.

I had a wonderful experience with the buses in Myanmar and would highly recommend them if you are traveling around the country.  

Use the GRAB App in Myanmar

In the bigger cities, Mandalay and Yangon, Grab Taxi is available. If you have a SIM card it will be super easy to use and save you the hassle of trying to haggle with the tuk tuk drivers at 4 in the morning when your bus arrives. The Grab app gives you multiple options for the type of vehicle and they even have the tuk tuk as an option. You will need to pay in cash for your ride but that’s the same with any other mode of transportation.  

If you don’t already have the Grab app downloaded to your phone be sure to do that prior to arriving to Asia as they will need to send you a verification code via text message.  

Myanmar Travel by Tuk Tuk

The tuk tuk is pretty much a standard option in many of the SE Asia countries. It is no different in Myanmar. If you decide to take a tuk tuk that you do not book through Grab make sure to negotiate hard. They will give you an outrageous price so be ready to haggle or walk away.  

Rent Motorbikes & E-Bikes

You can rent a motorbike in Myanmar but I would only do so in the bigger cities if you are a confident driver. The prices are around 8K kyat ($5.31 USD) for a manual bike or 15K kyat ($10 USD) for an automatic. The price is for 24 hours and includes a helmet.  These prices were the highest I have seen compared to many other countries in SE Asia. 

In Bagan, tourists can only rent the e-bike. This costs 8K kyat ($5.30 USD) per day and can be rented through your hotel or rental shops in town. The prices all seem to be around the same. The downside to the e-bike is that the battery doesn’t last that long and you’ll most likely have to return to your hotel at some point during the day to swap out your bike.  

Use a Myanmar Taxi

Another option to get around town is to hail a taxi. They will probably not be metered so you’ll have to agree on a price before stepping into the vehicle. I noticed that the prices for taxis were similar to Grab and cheaper than a tuk tuk. One time in Yangon I got quoted a cheaper price for a taxi than a Grab so it doesn’t hurt to ask around!

Archaeological Zone Fees in Myanmar

In Myanmar they have what’s called Archaeological Zone Fees. Now this only applies to a few of the cities and not everywhere. These fees are also only for tourists. In Inle Lake you have to pay 15,000 kyat ($10 USD) per person to enter the entire area. If you arrive by bus they will make you pay the archaeological zone fee as soon as you get off the bus or even while you are still on the bus.

In Bagan, the zone fees of 25,000 kyat ($16.75 USD) are paid once you exit the bus and drive via tuk tuk into town to get to your hotel. Here they will take a picture of you and give you a printed receipt. Keep this receipt on you or take a picture of it just in case you are asked to show it in the future.

In Mandalay you will have to pay zone fees which include your entrance fee into certain temples or sights. For example, the zone fee of 10,000 kyat ($6.50)  in Mandalay town covers the Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and a few more. You will have to pay an additional zone fee of 5,000 kyat ($3.30 USD) for Mingun town to see the Mingun Pagoda and the Hsinbyume Pagoda.

Fees for Temples or Sights in Myanmar

At some of the temples you will will have to pay an entrance fee. The amount is usually smaller than the zone fee and you should only be required to pay this in places like Yangon. You should only be charged a fee for a specific temple or sight if there is not a zone fee or if there is a camera usage fee. This happened to me only in Inle Lake where I was charged a very small amount of 500 MMK ($0.30 USD) for a camera fee.

TIP: Only pay for your digital camera and say that you won’t be using your phone. They will try to charge for you for each device and no one is checking or cares once you’re in.

Phone Service Options including Data & Wifi

Once you arrive at the airport you will see a few different options for data plans and SIM cards for your phones. The two main ones we saw were Ooredoo and Mytel which offer a tourist pack depending on how long you will be in country and how many GB’s you think you’ll need.

Purchasing a SIM in the airport is about the same price as doing it out in town and it’ll save you a ton of hassle later so just do it there.

I chose to use Ooredoo and it was not that great but neither was the wifi anywhere we went. Therefore, I’m not sure if the other option would be much better. I think in general the wifi and internet just isn’t very stable in Myanmar.

Even if you stumble upon a cafe or restaurant that offers free wifi, as well as your hotel, the connection will be slow and almost non-existant.

I paid 11,500 MMK ($7.75 USD) for my data package which was for 9500 MB and good for 30 days.

Photography in Myanmar

Capturing the perfect photograph on your Myanmar holiday is very easy to do! Tripods are allowed everywhere and they don’t have any specific rules against photography. There are a few temples that require you to pay a “photography fee” and two of them were in Inle Lake.  

Drones are allowed in the country but are NOT allowed to be flown unless you have retained a permit. Even then they have some pretty strict laws on where you can and cannot fly. If you have a drone and have not received permission to fly I would not risk it. Our hotel in Bagan said that if you got caught flying a drone over the temples you would either receive a 500,000 kyat ($332) fine or get your drone confiscated.  Not sure how accurate that information is or whether the punishment is much harsher but I decided it wasn’t worth finding out. In summary, just don’t fly a drone. 

» Click HERE for my full Travel Photography Gear Guide!

Myanmar Visa: How to Apply for an e-Visa to Myanmar

Most passport holders from other countries will need to apply online for a visa to Myanmar prior to visiting. You will need to do this about 5 days before your arrival as it can sometimes take that long and you’ll need to find a place to print out your visa.

To apply, you will need a copy of your passport and a passport sized photo that you can upload. The cost is $50 per person and it is good for 28 days.  

NOTE: You CANNOT get a visa on arrival in Myanmar so make sure to apply online. 

» Click HERE to apply for your online (e-visa) to Myanmar!

Vaccination Recommendations

Many counties around the world recommend getting the same vaccinations prior to your trip. A few of these you may have already gotten when you were a child and some you may need to get or update before leaving your country. I know that some of these vaccinations can come with a hefty price tag but I guarantee you’d rather be safe than sorry.

As always it is best to talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic to determine what the best options are for you.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends the following vaccinations for travelers heading to Myanmar: Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, varicella (chickenpox), polio and the flu. Polio is actually a bit one right now due to recent outbreaks in Asia. If you had your polio vaccination as a child then confirm that you’ve also had your adult booster.

Other recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A, Thypoid, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B. You could also consider getting the Rabies series and you would need proof of Yellow Fever if you’ve come from a country where YF is present.

Another thing to keep in mind are the mosquitos. It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication while you are in Bagan but again, it is best to speak to a medical professional. Additionally, always wear insect repellent with DEET to prevent contracting Dengue Fever as it is very common in Asia.

The Currency in Myanmar & ATMS

The currency in Myanmar is the kyat or MMK. The conversion rate as of December 2019 is 1 USD = ~1,500 MMK. Most places, including your hotel, restaurants, motorbike rentals and entrance fees will only take cash so it’s best to have enough on you.

I only used kyat which I withdrew from an ATM in town. ATM’s can easily be found throughout the cities but as always I recommend using one attached to a bank just in case something happens and the machine doesn’t return your card.

Another thing to note is that sometimes your card will not work at certain ATM’s and will be rejected. Just try it in another machine before worrying that something is wrong with your card. Also keep in mind that some of the smaller towns like Inle Lake might be more difficult to get cash so I recommend bringing enough with you for the duration of your stay there.

Myanmar Weather: Best Time to Go

There are three different seasons in Myanmar. From October to around March is their dry, winter season. I went in November and the temperature during the day would get quite warm but at night it was cool and pleasant. There will be a brief time when it becomes very hot and that is from March to May.

Then from May to October is will be their wet, rainy season. However, don’t let that deter you from visiting during those months. Low season is often the best time to go due to less tourists and cheaper prices.

» TIP: Visit from the beginning of October until the beginning of April to see the hot air balloons. They do not fly during the rest of the year!

What to Wear in Myanmar

While traveling around Myanmar it is important to keep your shoulders and legs covered when entering the temples. This applies to both men and women. Many of the temples have strict rules and will either deny entry or have a skirt or shawl that you can borrow or rent. Also, wear easily removable shoes when you are visiting the temples as you will have to leave your shoes outside.

Since the weather is very hot, you’ll want to have light weight clothing that will keep you cool when out exploring for the day. However, in the evenings the temperature gets cooler and the overnight buses can be freezing. Therefore you’ll also want to pack a sweater, pants and maybe even a scarf! I bought one at the lotus & silk factory in Inle Lake!

Haggling in Myanmar

Since Myanmar is newer to the Southeast Asia travel circuit, haggling is not exactly common practice in the country. I found that the price given is usually the price you will end up paying. Granted I didn’t do much shopping there but you won’t find the same sort of haggling or negotiating game that is so commonly used throughout most of Southeast Asia.

The only thing I bought in Myanmar was a scarf at the lotus, silk & cotton factory in Inle Lake and the price was set.

Myanmar Travel Budget

Just like traveling anywhere in the world, your budget depends entirely on you. Myanmar is definitely a budget friendly destination but you could also splurge here if you wanted.

A hot air balloon ride in Bagan for example will set you back $350 USD a person. A fancy hotel could cost you well over $200 a night. However, you can also travel through Myanmar very inexpensively. Most rooms that I stayed in were under $20 a night for 2 people including breakfast. They were equipped with hot water, A/C and wifi even if the connection wasn’t that strong.

Dining in Myanmar can also be inexpensive if you eat at a local restaurant and stick to the standard dishes like fried noodles and fried rice.

Overall we spent on average around $45-60 a day for the 2 of us including hotel, food and transportation. Our daily expenses were a little higher on the days we had to pay the zone fees.

The Myanmar Time Zone

When checking the time you may notice that Myanmar has a 30-minute time difference compared to most of the world. However, this is not that uncommon. The same goes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and a few other countries so don’t think something is wrong with your phone!

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December 28, 2019 at 11:05 am

Myanmar looks absolutely incredible guys! Dying to go there 😍

December 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

Thank you Alina! It was such a stunning destination!

February 17, 2020 at 9:06 am

Thank you Alina! It is just a beautiful place with friendly people that you should definitely add it to your bucket list!

December 28, 2019 at 3:46 pm

Myanmar looks beautiful! It was never a place that had crossed our minds to visit but I think it might have earned a spot on the bucket list. Thanks for the fantastic guide!

February 17, 2020 at 9:05 am

Thank you Hannah! You would definitely love it here and you should add it to your bucket list to go asap!

December 28, 2019 at 3:57 pm

What excellent tips on traveling to Myanmar! I have been wanting to visit and these tips are super helpful to know prior to going. Thanks! 😁

January 23, 2020 at 3:38 am

Thank you so much Vanessa! I appreciate that so much and I am so glad that this post was helpful!

December 28, 2019 at 5:34 pm

Great tips! Look like a beautiful place to visit, thanks for sharing, I haven’t heard much on the destination

Thank you so much! It was a beautiful place and definitely one of my favorites for this trip!

December 28, 2019 at 5:52 pm

Ok how beautiful is Myanmar? This is such a helpful guide and answered all the questions I had. Can’t wait to actually visit Myanmar. I know I’ll get there at some point.

December 29, 2019 at 4:07 am

Thank you Emma! It really is such a beautiful country and let me know if you have any other questions when you finally make it there!

January 4, 2020 at 11:13 am

Such beautiful pictures! We’ve spent most of the past couple years in Southeast Asia, and we were planning to FINALLY visit Myanmar last fall and then ended up changing our plans. I’ve been wanting to go there for so long – hopefully on the next trip!

January 23, 2020 at 3:40 am

Thank you so much Jen! Such a bummer that you didn’t make it there during your time in SE Asia but now you’ll have something to look forward to when you go back!

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Myanmar Travel Guide

The definitive Myanmar travel guide with expert Irrawaddy river cruise tips, advice and ideas on how to plan your Myanmar trip for the most rewarding of tailor made Myanmar vacations .

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Myanmar travel blog — the fullest myanmar travel guide & suggested myanmar itinerary 7 days perfectly.

Myanmar or Burma, in the memory of Westerners, is a peaceful and beautiful country. If I had just heard the stories of the predecessors, for sure I would have figured out a few things, because anyone who return home without bringing an album “Burma in my heart” or something like that. For me, Myanmar has remained with me in an area of ​​nostalgic memories of Vietnam, of Hanoi, of the gentle people, the simple and kind labor people that are strange, unreasonable. Going to Myanmar make me want to going forever, staying for as long as possible, not just a 1 or 2 week itinerary. Like the feeling of sitting in an empty temple in Bagan, silently watching the sunset go down slowly, time and everything seem stand still… Don’t think about what to do tomorrow, or always have to take advantage of time to go to the most beautiful place quickly to photograph, let it be, just enjoy it. So, what to do in Myanmar (burma) and how to spend 7 days in Myanmar (Myanmar itinerary 7 days, Myanmar 1 week itinerary) perfectly? Let’s check out our Myanmar travel blog (Myanmar blog, Burma travel blog,Burma blog) with the fullest Myanmar travel guide (Myanmar guide, Burma travel guide, Burma guide) from how to get there, best places to visit, top things to do…to find out the answer!

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• Explore Shwezigon Paya — The first gold-plated & most sacred pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar

The country of Myanmar is still quite much ruins of a period of more than 50 years under the military regime, but fortunately now the political situation is getting better when a government is trusted by the people to lead. It is easy to see that the places need conservation, the historical sites they still preserve and promote extremely well, and for the cities that need economic development such as Yangon or Mandalay, they have a long term of vision and planning. In Yangon, there are no motorbikes, motorbikes only run in the small roads and alleys.

I came to Myanmar during the time when it had a strong earthquake in Bagan, many temples were badly damaged. But it seems that this doesn’t matter too much, still being a peaceful Buddhist country, people are really kind, hospitable and willing to help strangers. Today I heard somewhere on the television saying that Myanmar, they are ranked #1 in the world for charity, helping others, even though they are still a very poor country. They are still one of the safest countries to travel.

Burma travel blog: Some things you need to know before going to Myanmar

For citizens of some countries in Southeast Asia, you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Myanmar, but unlike other countries in the region such as Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore issue visas to visitors within 30 days, Myanmar only issue tourist visa within 15 days. If you want to stay longer you will need to apply for a visa to extend the stay. Visa application fee is $50 and could be applied online here .

Money exchange

This is probably the problem I was most interested in on the last trip, because I went right on the time whe the Kyat currency of Myanmar low. Normally like last year the exchange rate is USD 1 ~ 970-1000 Kyat, but in during my trip, 1 USD was exchanged for 1270-1300 Kyat, which is down to nearly 30%, so it is cheap to buy anything.

There are very few and rare ATMs in this country, which means you will have to exchange cash directly. The optimal plan is to exchange USD at home and bring USD to Myanmar in exchange for Kyat. I see that the exchange rates are not much different at everywhere, exchanging at the airport is convenient and almost the best. Airport exchange counters bought – sold Kyat from USD respectively 1.270-1.280, too good because if you look at Bali – Indonesia, airport exchange counters they earn too much difference. Buying USD to exchange for Rupiah in Bali is 12.600 and selling is 13.600, too terrible. In Myanmar, you do not have to worry or think about exchanging money, you can spend it freely because of the good exchange rate, everything is cheap, when returning home and if you still have dollars, you can exchange it at the airport for USD. Remember you should bring new USD to exchanging, if old or crumpled, they will not exchange for. The exchange amount for 7 days in Myanmar is about $250-300 is too enough.

When arrival at the airport, go straight to the arrival hall and you will find the money exchange counter located in the middle, next to the door. I found the best exchange rate at this counter, when I returned they still accepted all the Kyat denominations at the same rate of 1.280 Kyat for USD1.

Culture and clothing

The first, when you meet anyone, always give a friendly smile and say Minglabar (Ming-gla-ba) – Hello. The Burmese are extremely friendly and gentle faces people, maybe you have not laughed and greeted, they have done it before, all from adults to children.

Myanmar is a Buddhist country, the people here are very devoted to Buddhism and respect the monks. Before entering all the temples you will have to remove sandals, wear pants over the knee (although I see quite a lot of temples in Bagan, shorts are okay). If you not wearingn pants they will ask you to buy or rent Longyi – a square cloth to wrap around the waist from the waist down, like the costumes of the men here. It is also because of this that you should prepare a pair of slippers to go because one day to visit many temples that have to take off your shoes all the time is inconvenient.

Remember to always respect the culture and beliefs of indigenous people, places of high cultural and customary nature that you need to keep in mind, be quiet and not behave as freely as at other comfortable places.

Sim Card in Myanmar

Buying a Sim Card in Myanmar is quite easy and cheap, you just go to the convenience stores to buy. There are several major network operators: Ooredoo, Telenor and MPT. I chose to buy Sim Card from MPT and was very satisfied, the price to buy 1 Sim Card is 1.500 Kyat, top-up in different denominations of 1.000, 3.000, 4.000 Kyat. I top-up more 3.000 Kyat to my account to use for 1 week here, before buying a Sim they gave 500 Kyat, the first top-up they also gave an additional 1.000 Kyat. After buying, you should ask the seller to activate the Sim and 3G for you, the 3G access fee here is 6 Kyat/MB, so the amount of money I have loaded, I have 750MB in my account.

4G SIM Card (MY Airport Pick Up) for 15 Destinations by Tune Talk

Souvenirs are available at any tourist destination. In Bagan, it is usually concentrated in temples or even children bring retail items, or in Inle , souvenir stalls gather at each stop if you buy a full day boat tour. There are many beautiful handmade items such as wooden dolls, wind chimes, or silver items that are sold everywhere. In Inle there is a traditional house that made silver items, so you can see directly they are making silver items when coming here. The average price for each item about 5.000 Kyat, particularly for sand or gold paintings in Bagan, around 10.000 Kyat.

Read more: Myanmar gifts — Top 9 cheap, famous gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in myanmar.

Other experiences

In addition to big cities like Yangon or Mandalay, everything in Myanmar is underdeveloped in other locations, services are quite lacking. There are still have groceries but not many, pharmacies are almost rarely seen. Therefore, you may have to bring personal belongings from home as it is quite difficult to find similar items here.

In terms of payment, many places, hotels, and individuals provide services when they say the price they say both USD and Kyat prices, that is, you pay them USD, it’s also okay. But usually if you pay in USD you will lose more, so it is best if the price listed in Kyat should pay in Kyat. One more thing is that when buying and selling, everything can be bargain, keep in mind that you always bargain in most transactions, from buying tours, renting cars or anything else. Of course you should read the next information to know how the price is reasonable to have a basis for bargaining with them ^^.

Myanmar travel blog: When is the best time to visit Burma?

The weather in Myanmar is generally quite hot, but between different seasons there will be significant differences. You need to know what season is the tourist season and what activities to plan a trip appropriately. Note that Yangon time zone is 30 minutes slower than Hanoi.

Peak tourist season

Begining from the end of October to around February next year, this is also the time that I strongly recommend you to make a trip to Myanmar. In the middle of October it is still quite hot, but the temperature will gradually decrease until February to more than 20 degrees Celsius, it is nice and does not have much rain. But the most remarkable thing is that this season in Bagan they will have hot balloon tours – here called Hot Air – Balloon. You’ve probably seen the pictures of Bagan sunrise with hundreds of Air Balloon flying in the yellow sky, which will not be visible if you go in another season. It is best to go in November because I went to the end of October but the number of Air Balloon really doesn’t much. Going in this season, it is also accepted that the tour price, the room rate increases, sometimes not booked early there will be no beautiful rooms.

Low tourist season

From June to September every year is the rainy season of Myanmar, but because of the rainy season is boring. During my trip, I only just met a rain in Mandalay but felt sad because I could not do anything, the rain was really heavy and persistent. For mountainous areas, or in Bagan, raining make the road becomes muddy, because of the dirt road, it is difficult to move, and it is difficult to see the golden sunshine “specialty” of Burma.

The rest of the year

From March to May the weather in Myanmar is extremely hot, the temperature in Yangoon can be up to 40 degrees Celsius. In some places with many temples that you want to visit, you will encounter the obstacle is hot floor is difficult to walk. But anyway this season less tourists, cheaper prices also have its own advantages.

Burma travel blog: Getting around Myanmar

Although still poor, transport in Myanmar is developing quite good, especially in big cities, transportation services are also adequate. Because Myanmar is very large, being the largest country in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, traveling by bus between regions takes about 6 hours or more. You can choose the plane next to the high quality long-distance bus.

Normally it sounds like a luxury, convenient and fastest vehicle, but not in Myanmar. The plane here is still a small ATR like the one that I fly of Vietnam Airlines to Phu Yen or Binh Dinh, annoying and hot. Sitting on this plane, I think I don’t think there’s a second time I’ll step on it.

Another thing for traveling in Myanmar by plane is that many domestic flights will not fly directly, but they also land at a third airport to catch more passengers, sometimes taking a plane is slower than taking a bus. If you still want to fly, you should book through the travel agent will have a better price though now Myanmar has the web to book tickets online. Or you can refer to this airline, the price is quite well: www.gmairlines.com .

You can book bus tickets to travel between cities in Myanmar such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle through the online booking website of 12go.asia . High quality bus companies in Myanmar have JJ Express (the best and most famous), Elite and smaller firms, with lower quality. JJ is so great, even I find it is much better than many bus firms in other neighbor countries, with large seats, charging sockets, movie screens and good service.

If you not to book through third parties and contact them directly via facebook here , the price will be much better, the other option is to email them at: [email protected] . Details of bus routes and service quality I will write in another article.

VIP Bus Ticket (One Way) between Yangon and Bagan

Myanmar blog: Cuisine, eating and drinking in Myanmar

Similar to other countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar’s traditional meals also have rice, meats and vegetables. In addition, noodle soup also has many types to choose from, the most famous is Shan noodles. The main flavor in Burmese dishes is usually Indian curry (Burmese Curry) but not as strong, perhaps best described cuisine of Burma is the combination of Indian and Thai cuisine.

The price of food in Myanmar must be said is quite cheap, their restaurants are almost not luxury ones, meaning that backpackers like me and you all can confidently order without hesitate. The food is affordable, average price from 500-1.000 Kyat/meal, you have a delicious and full meal. The most impressive thing for me is probably the traditional meal of local people, the price range is 4.000-6.000 Kyat, but quite full including rice, 2-3 types of meat (including: pork, chicken, beef), and dozens of vegetables and side dishes. A very full meal. After eating, they will give 2-3 desserts. Myanmar’s beer is also very delicious and unique.

Myanmar travel blog: Best places to visit, top things to do, where to to stay in Myanmar

Yangon capital.

Yangon (old name Rangoon) is usually the first destination of the journey, except for some cases you could be visit Mandalay first. My flight arrives at Yangon airport at 11am and stay here until 8pm I take the night bus to Bagan. So I have several hours to visit Yangon. From the airport to the city the most likely option is to take a taxi, price about 9.000 Kyat because it is also quite far. If you go with a group, you should rent a taxi all day depending on the number of points you want to go, as I go to visit 3 points, the price is 35.000 Kyat. You also can rent a private car to getting to the city via Klook here.

Some places you should visiting in Yangon

• Shwedagon Pagoda: (Address: Ar Zar Ni, Road Pha Yar Gyi Ward, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)). One of the largest temples in Myanmar, the most beautiful and majestic. Admission: 8.000 Kyat. So, you should coming here late afternoon before sunset will be the most beautiful time and avoid hot brick background because you will have to remove shoes outside.
• Sule Pagoda: (Address: Maha Bandoola Rd, Yangon (Rangoon) Myanmar). Admission 2.000 Kyat, is a beautiful temple in Yangon just after Shwedagon.
• Chauk-htat-gyi Buddha Temple (Reclining Buddha Temple): Inside the temple is a huge reclining Buddha image, although a bit small but also a place to see. Free entrance fee.
• Bogyoke Market (Address: Bo Gyoke Rd, Pabedan, Myanmar (Burma)/9AM–5:30PM/Closed: Mondays): The market is not open every Monday, just like Ben Thanh Market or Dong Xuan Market in Vietnam, many stalls, souvenirs, food and drinks.

Besides, those who like to take photos of the street should wander a little in the corners, on the road or the bus station, the railway station. Those are the places that clearly reflect the lives of the people of Yangon.

Hotels in Yangon you should choose the central area easily traveling, book on Booking.com or Agoda.com .

Bagan ancient capital

Hotels: Royal Bagan Hotel – Room rates of $16/night including breakfast, booking on Booking.com or Agoda.com .

Bagan has 3 main areas: Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung U, besides you can buy tours to visit Mount Popa. Going from the bus station to the Old Bagan area takes 10.000 Kyat taxi fare, and there will be a checkpoint that requires tourists to buy tickets. The ticket price for 5 days in Bagan is 25.000 Kyat, too expensive, you still don’t have to buy it if you find the way to escape. But you need to talk to your taxi first to go the other way without going through the checkpoint, or find some way to get in, because this station is only about 1km from the bus station and they are not too harsh, there’s no barrier or anything.

Bagan is quite small, so to getting around this area, the most popular way is renting an electric bike. You can rent at the hotel or specialized rental points. I rented right near my hotel is Royal Bagan Hotel cost only 6.000 Kyat/day. Rent 2 electric bike can pay the price of 5.000-5.500 kyat/day. You should spend at least 2 days to visit Bagan.

Some places to visit in Bagan

Old Bagan Area

This is the central area of ​​Bagan where most of the ancient temples, restaurants and hotels are concentrated. Usually, visitors often book hotels here. Old Bagan attractions:

• Bulethi Temple: The temple with good spot for watching the sunrise in Bagan, but I realize that watching here is not very satisfied my eyes because the temple is low, there are quite a lot of electric cables in front.

• Shwesandaw Pagoda: The temple can enjoy both sunset and sunrise with Hot Air Balloons because the 4 sides of the temple are beautiful, tall and majestic. You should coming to the temple around 4:30 – 5am to find a good spot, the afternoon also should come a little early. This is also the only temple where they check your ticket to entry Bagan (the 25.000 Kyat ticket above), but you can tell your friend is holding the ticket and leave, the ticket clerk does not ask nothing more.

• Ananda Temple: The most prominent temple in Bagan is painted brightly. Inside there are also many things to see as treasures, sophisticated Buddha statues, and even the artworks.

• Dhammayangyi Temple: This is the largest temple in Bagan that if you watch the sunrise in Shwesandaw Pagoda you will see the direction of the sunrise near this temple. The temple is quite large but the stairs up are quite small.

• Shwezigon Pagoda : This temple is also quite beautiful with the dominant golden color, located separately from the temple compound in Bagan. I didn’t go to the temple but there was a river wharf and especially the long corridor with the beautiful oblique sunlight for taking pictures.

• The remaining temples you can consider visiting such as the highest temple of Bagan Thatbyinnyu, Htilominlo temple, Sulamani Temple.

New Bagan and Nyaung-U

To getting to New Bagan you have to go through Old Bagan, which is mainly home to hostels and hotels. There are not many tourists in New Bagan, the roads are also deserted, not crowded as in Old Bagan, it seems a bit dull. I haven’t been to Nyaung-U, but it doesn’t seem very special.

Mount Popa (Mt. Popa)

Similar to Golden Rock, this Popa mountain is not really very special but just a temple located on the top of a mountain with many monkeys. To reach the top of the mountain you must climb 777 steps around the ridge. If you wander in the center of Old Bagan, you will find many tours or taxis to Mt. Popa, take about 2 hours and the ticket price is about 10.000 Kyat/person.

Mandalay is a large city of Myanmar with quite large area, the sights are far apart, scattered around the center of the city. However, compared to Bagan or Inle , Mandalay I do not feel very special except the highlight is the famous U Bein wooden bridge. If you do not have much time, you can just spend a day in Mandalay is enough, just go to the main points such as U Bein Bridge, Inwa Village, Mingun Village and Mandalay Hill and skip other side points because they are nothing special.

From Mandalay bus station to the city, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi, motorbike taxi price range 2.500-3.000 Kyat, taxi range 5.000-6.000 Kyat. I took a motorbike taxi to go to the city and rented a motorbike for a day of 10.000 Kyat, loading gas by myself. If you go from 1-2 friends, you can rent a motorbike all day for 16.000 Kyat/motorbike, choose the places you want to go and be less tired. If traveling in large groups, you should hire a full-day taxi cost 60.000-70.000 Kyat, rent right at the bus station.

Attractions in Mandalay

• U Bein Bridge: The longest wooden bridge in the world and a main place to catch the sunrise or watch the sunset.

• Inwa Village: About 5km to the south of U Bein Bridge, to go to this village, you need to take a boat across the river about 5 minutes with 1.200 Kyat for round trip tickets. Getting around the village, the only means is a horse-drawn carriage, the price of 10.000 Kyat for an around the village within 2 hours and visiting 4 points. There are 2 points that you have to pay fee admission to get inside but I only go around without buying tickets. Riding horsecart around the village is also a very interesting thing.

• Mingun Village: There are two ways to go to this village: by boat or by road by taxi/motorbike taxi. But by the road you have to go around so it will be very far, then again to turn around but more convenient because of you will take advantage of time. If taking boat you pay attention 1 day has only 1 trip from Myan Gyan Jetty wharf to Mingun village at 9am, ticket price of 5.000 Kyat, return trip at 1pm. Travel time is 45 minutes. The highlight of Mingun is the stunning white Hsinbyume Paya pagoda, followed by the Pahtodawgyi temple which was still under construction due to the earthquake, the world’s second largest bell Mingun Bell, and the lion butt statue.

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Myanmar’s ethnic rebels say they captured an airport in a new setback for the military government

FILE -Fishermen unload the day’s catch from a fishing boat at Ngapali Beach near a fishing village in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, Dec. 31, 2022. One of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic minority armed groups battling the military government has claimed to have captured an airport serving the country’s biggest beach resort, marking the first time resistance forces have seized such a facility. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo, File)

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BANGKOK (AP) — One of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic minority groups battling the military government said it captured an airport serving the country’s top world-class beach resort, marking the first time resistance forces have seized such a facility.

Residents of the area in the southern part of the western state of Rakhine , along with local media, also reported the seizure of Thandwe Airport, also known as Ma Zin Airport, about 260 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city.

It’s the latest major setback for the military government that took power in 2021 after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Armed resistance to military rule is taking place in much of the country, led by pro-democracy militants as well as guerrilla groups affiliated with ethnic minorities.

The violence in Myanmar has caused international concern, with its military widely condemned for the disproportionate use of deadly force to try to quash its opponents. Critics of the military have urged the international community to impose ever-stronger sanctions to restrain its use of force.

The Arakan Army said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday night that it had recovered the bodies of more than 400 soldiers from the recent fighting in the area, as well as a cache of ammunition. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims by the group, which in the past have been disputed.

The seizure of the airport, one of six in Rakhine, would appear to open the way for the rebels to seize Rakhine’s coastal region, even as they consolidates control over much of the northern part of the state.

The Arakan Army is the military wing of the Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group in Rakhine state, where they are the majority and seek autonomy from Myanmar’s central government. It has recently also called itself the Arakha Army.

Since November last year, the group has been on the offensive and has gained control of nine of 17 townships, along with one in neighboring Chin state. It is also part of an armed ethnic alliance that launched an offensive last October and gained strategic territory in the country’s northeast on the border with China.

Ngapali, a 7-kilometer (4-mile) long beach on the Bay of Bengal, had been getting attention from international tourism but development stalled due to COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict that followed the army takeover.

Since April, sporadic fighting in nearby villages halted flights to the airport, which serves the beach resort, and most of the 46 hotels and guest houses were shut down.

A Ngapali hotel executive who had recently escaped the area told The Associated Press on Monday his staff had fled the property.

A travel agent in Thandwe, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Ngapali, told the AP that she had heard the sound of the fighting coming from outside of the town, but the situation inside was quiet with no guerrillas in the immediate vicinity.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear for their safety.

Western nations including the United States have imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders and businesses and their cronies in response to what they see as serious human rights violations including usurping democracy.

The military’s critics urge stronger measures, especially blocking the supply of jet fuel to Myanmar, to try to limit its use of air power, which has been frequently employed and often causes civilian casualties . Many countries honor such an embargo, but there are no measures to force others to do so.

The human rights group Amnesty International on Monday issued a report documenting “new shipments of aviation fuel to Myanmar despite global calls to deprive the country’s military of the resources it needs to carry out unlawful air strikes.”

It said the evasive means by which Myanmar obtains the fuel involve convoluted supply chains to make it hard to trace.

It reported “at least two, and likely three, additional shipments of aviation fuel having entered the country between January and June this year” after at least seven last year.

The latest shipment were carried by a Chinese-owned oil tanker, and also involved Singapore-based oil trading companies and transshipment through Vietnam, Amnesty said.

China and Russia are the main allies of Myanmar’s military government, and those ties make sanctions less effective.

In April, the U.N. Human Rights Council backed by consensus a measure that calls on governments to avoid exporting or selling jet fuel to Myanmar if they believe its ruling military junta might use the fuel to violate human rights in the war-wracked southeast Asian country.

It also urged a halt to the illegal transfer of weapons, munitions and other military equipment to Myanmar.

The council’s declaration came after Tom Andrews, the U.N,-appointed independent expert on human rights in Myanmar, warned that the military government is escalating violence against civilians as it faces more setbacks on the battlefield against pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups.