burma trip

Myanmar (Burma)

It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Shwedagon Paya

One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 326ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other…

Mandalay Hill

To get a sense of Mandalay’s pancake-flat sprawl, climb the 760ft hill that breaks it. The walk up covered stairways on the hill's southern slope is a…

Bagaya Kyaung

This lovely 1834 teak monastery is Inwa’s most memorable individual attraction. It's supported on 267 teak posts, the largest 60ft high and 9ft in…

Ananda Pahto

With its 170ft-high, gold corn-cob hti (decorated pinnacle) shimmering across the plains, Ananda is one of the finest, largest, best-preserved and most…

Dhammayangyi Pahto

Visible from all parts of Bagan, this massive, walled, 12th-century temple – about 1600ft east of Shwesandaw – is infamous for its mysterious, bricked-up…

Mt Victoria

The highest peak in Chin State – 10,016ft – and the third-highest in Myanmar, stunning Mt Victoria is one of the principal attractions of southern Chin…

Mahamuni Paya

Every day, thousands of colourfully dressed faithful venerate Mahamuni's 13ft-tall seated buddha, a nationally celebrated image that’s popularly believed…

Shwethalyaung Buddha

Following the destruction of Bago in 1757, this huge reclining buddha was overgrown by jungle and not rediscovered until 1881, when a contractor unearthed…

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Best Myanmar Trips: 26 Tours to Discover Ancient Temples & Stunning Landscapes

Myanmar Trips: Best tour packages for your holidays

In times of globalization nowadays, Myanmar likes a gem when it still keeps authentic features which are not easy to find in other destinations. If you are seeking an experience to merge yourselves into the local culture, Myanmar is a place. Here, the local inhabitants make a difference. The country itself is immersed in the Buddhist religion which permeates everyday life. However, do not wait long to make your Myanmar trip. The greater openness to tourism in the recent years has put the country on the path of becoming another famous tourist destination in South East Asia.

Beautiful sunrise over Inle Lake with morning fog settled

Table of Contents

Trips to Myanmar

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As the biggest country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has everything to offer to visitors, from cultural experience to trekking or beach relaxing. Myanmar trips with Myanmar Travel will get you to the heart of this secretive country.  Myanmar Travel has designed a variety of packages with different destinations, activities and duration so that every traveler can pick one when visiting us.

Picturesque Inle Lake in Shan State, Myanmar

If you have a quick stop at Myanmar from a business trip or international cruise trip, Yangon Stopover (3 days) may suite you. It will take you to the key sights of Yangon city including Shwedagon pagoda, colonial buildings, Chinese Town and Bogyoke Aungsan market.

With thousands of ancient pagodas spreading on green plain, Bagan is no doubt the dream destination for any travelers. Mystical Bagan (4 days) is good choice for passengers who have limited time. In this trip, you will have 2 full days to discover numerous pagodas in different style and still have enough time to visit the former capital Yangon. Highlights of Myanmar (6 days) is also one of our favourite packages for traveler. In short time, this trip gives you an introduction of three main destinations as Yangon, Bagan & Mandalay.

If you want to experience the colonial city of Yangon, the temples of Bagan and Mandalay and the beauty of Inle Lake, Captivating Myanmar Journey (8 days) and Best of Myanmar (10 days) are the great places to start. With active sightseeing throughout all four main destinations of Myanmar in moderate time, you will discover both must-see and well known landmarks. Included are sights such as sunset at the longest wooden bridge of U Bein, richly beautiful temples in Bagan, floating villages in Inle Lake and the great Shwedagon Pagoda.

Best of Myanmar is a bit longer as you will travel overland from Bagan to Mandalay instead of flight in a package of Captivating Myanmar Journey. It for sure brings a different experience for your Myanmar trip .

Myanmar Discovery (14 days) is specially designed for passionate travellers who wish to explore Myanmar in all its depth and width for the first time. This trip invites you to unique Golden Rock, a small but very scared Buddhist site in Myanmar. You also have time to enjoy white sand and clear water of Ngapali, one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. All these sights and more are put together to give you lush and beautiful, forever memories of the country.

Traveling with kids is always a challenge as kids have their own hobby and cannot sit in long time. With a package of Myanmar Family Vacation (11 days), we aim to put more activities to keep your kids busy. All members in family can do leisure cycling in Bagan, play with elephants in Green Hill Valley in Kalaw and immere in clear water of Ngapali beach.

Adventurous tourists with moderate physical fitness can try Biking Myanmar (8 days), to approach a different side of Myanmar’s legendary temples on two wheels. Or challenge yourselves through mountain trekking and get in touch with local people on the way trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake offered in Kalaw Adventure (7 days).

For tourists who come back Myanmar on the second time and look for different experience, Myanmar Travel creates a list of packages to the less – visited areas of the country. Yangon and Vicinity (5 days) brings you to discover the South of country. You will get in a private car starting from Yangon, traveling further to Bago, Golden Rock & Hpa An, known for amazing cave system and idyllic scenery.

To experience the off beaten track, you can conquer the highest mountain and meet Chin tattooed – face women in Chin state offered in Mount Victoria Adventure (5 Days);  experience scenic train crossing Goteik Viaduct and trekking through Shan villages with Hsipaw, Pyin Oo Lwin trekking (5 days); discover The Lost City of Mrauk U (5 days) which has been suffered by civil wars, explore The Land of Ruby (4 days)– homeland of legendary pigeon blood rubies which are well known all over the world or visit untouched islands in Mergui Archipelago through Paradise escape on Pila island (4 days) or Paradise Eco Resort On Wa Ale Island (4 days).

Haw Phra Kaew Museum in Vientiane, Laos.

Many people are interested in Myanmar Laos trip as two countries are quite similar in culture, religion and lifestyle. Laos is neighbor of Myanmar and the only land lock country in Southeast Asia. Both countries practice Buddhism as the main religion, so local people are warm hearted, calm and friendly.

Extend your trip to visit Luang Prabang, highlights of Laos in our package Myanmar & Laos 11 days . Sights included in this trip are four major destinations of Myanmar starting from Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon and ending in Luang Prabang, Laos. As working with travelers from all over the world in many years, we notice that many travelers choose Bangkok as connecting point to Southeast Asian countries. From Bangkok, there are daily flights to main cities in both Myanmar and Laos. So, we would like to recommend travelers to start in Mandalay, then depart Myanmar through Yangon where there are more connections to Luang Prabang. It is easy to book return flight to Bangkok from Luang Prabang at the end of this trip.

Our partner Laos Travel also provides 11 – day tour to Myanmar & Laos named Best of Laos and Myanmar . Starting and ending points are the same but the sights are slightly different. This tour spends more time in Laos as you will discover 2 major cities as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. In Myanmar, Inle Lake will be a miss.

Take a boat trip to enjoy stunning nature at Trang An, Vietnam.

Vietnam Myanmar Trip is also a great combination. At the moment, it is very easy to travel between two countries thanks to daily flights from 2 biggest cities of Vietnam as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Yangon.

If you prefer rural life to busy cities, join our package of Myanmar & South Vietnam (13 days). In Myanmar, beside very short time in Yangon city, you will spend most of time to visit Bagan plain and peaceful Inle Lake. Then, this trip brings you to South of Vietnam where Mekong Delta is located. Here, you can visit the biggest garden fruits which provide fresh fruits to the South as well as the whole country and discovery daily life of people on rivers through floating markets. The trip ends with few days relaxing on Phu Quoc, the Pearl island of Vietnam.

Many travelers prefer North of Vietnam as it is home of Halong bay – the beautiful natural Wonder of the world. Our package From Bagan Temples To Halong Bay (10 days) will take you there. Starting from Mandalay through Bagan and Yangon, you will head to Hanoi, then spend a night on luxury cruises in Halong, one of the most romantic experience in Vietnam.

You expect to spend more time in Vietnam to explore both areas, Journey Through Myanmar & Vietnam (18 days) is our gift for you. After visiting 4 highlights of Myanmar, this trip will take you to travel along Vietnam. In addition to the nice places in the North and South, you will visit the ancient town of Hoi An in the Central of Vietnam. With its lazy river lined with mustard-yellow merchants’ houses, and beaches a few kilometres away, Hoi An is absolutely worth to stop in few days.

Visit Angkor Wat at dawn to capture the magical moment

Siem Reap is a pretty popular tourist destination. Located in northwest Cambodia, it serves as the main gateway to the ancient ruins and temples of Angkor Complex. Many travelers love Angkor Complex but are not much interested in other parts of Cambodia. It is not worth the long flights from their home to other part of the world to spend just few days for Angkor. So, they think of Cambodia Myanmar Trip. This can be proved through the fact that From Angkor Wat to Bagan (12 days) is one of our best sellers. It covers Angkor complex and four main attractions in Myanmar.

From Bagan Temples to Angkor Wat Via Mekong Delta (16 days) is another way to visit both countries. In this tour, Myanmar and Cambodia is connected through Mekong Delta, Vietnam instead of flights. Travelers will fly from Yangon to Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam. From here, travel toward to Cambodia border where you take a short boat trip to capital city Phnom Penh, then ending a trip in Siem Reap.

Myanmar is new destination for honeymooners thanks to breathtaking ancient wonders and stunning nature.

Myanmar probably isn’t the typical honeymoon destination for exclusive pool villas and intimate dinner, but that’s what makes it so enticing . With breathtaking ancient wonders, stunning coastlines, untouched nature and friendly locals, newly-wed couples have no reason to ignore  Myanmar honeymoon packages .

For honeymooners, we aim to design packages which combine classic sightseeing with romantic stays in beautiful beaches in Myanmar. Myanmar Honeymoon (10 days) is a standard tour with few days to explore Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and then relax in beautiful villas in Ngapali beach.

Myanmar Unforgettable Honeymoon Tour (14 days) is more romantic option with 2 nights on luxury cruise along Irrawaddy River from Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan. The cruise trip allows you to sail through the heart of Myanmar, through the breath-taking landscapes, past working villages, and awe-inspiring monasteries and temples.

If you look for isolated island to hide from the noise and stress, join A Paradise Island in Myeik Archipelago (8 days). Explore The gorgeous and remote Myeik Archipelago in far South of Myanmar and stay in eco luxury resort in extraordinary islands, surrounding by unspoiled jungles will be once in a lifetime experience.

Myanmar Travel understands that many travelers hesitate to book whole packages as they prefer to have some flexibility. They may book air tickets and accommodations by themselves and look for day trips in each destination. So, besides all-inclusive packages, Myanmar Travel also offers a variety of Myanmar day trips with air-conditioned transfers and an English-speaking guide. Day trips and short excursions in Myanmar are also great options for travelers having a limited time or the ideal add-on to our existed packages.

Whether you want to experience Myanmar’s intoxicating history, meet friendly Burmese people or immerse into the country’s breathtaking landscapes, there is always an option that perfectly matches your demand.

Elegant Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous landmark in Yangon

In Yangon , you can a day trip visit key sights of city including Shwedagon Pagoda, colonial buildings, National Museum, Boyyoke market and ride a circle train. Or do day excursions to nearby places as Bago , an ancient capital dating back to the 6th century. Sightseeing in Bago includes the beautiful 55m long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung, the Mon style Shwemawdaw Pagoda – one of the most venerated in Myanmar, the old Palace of Kambozathadi and the huge four sitting Buddhas.

Twante and Thanlyin are popular options for a day trip from Yangon. In Twante, you will visit pottery workshops which are the tradition and heritage of this area. Thanlyin is a 7th-century city on the Irrawaddy Delta. It was an important port town for many kingdoms until their decline eventually turned it to an abandoned suburb outside of Yangon. Reaching here, you can visit the local market and Island Pagodas – Kyaikmawwun Pagoda “Yelephaya”.

Beautiful ancient temples stand in Bagan plain

From Bagan , the most favourite option is to visit Salay and Mt. Popa within a day.  Highlight of the trip is Yoke-Sone-Kyaung Monastery, a cultural heritage site in Salay which is famous for its beautiful artistic woodcarvings and Mt. Popa where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Popa national park.

Sunset over Ubein bridge

In Mandalay , the main sights are located are quite far for each other. For city tours, it should take at least 2 days. One day can be spent to combine Sagaing – discover the monk education, Inwa – once a royal capital and Amarapura , the best place to experience the monk life in Mandalay. They are in same direction. The other day should be spent to visit Mingun and some sites in the city as Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery – noted for its exquisite wood carvings, , Kuthodaw Pagoda – known as the world’s biggest book and Mandalay Hill to view panoramic view of the city. In addition, spend one day to explore the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin to if you have time.

Visit Inle Lake by a beautiful boat trip

Inle Lake is an ideal base to reach around Shan State. Beside boat trip to discover Inthar people’s life who live on the lake including five day markets, clients can have several options to visit as day trips. Kakku is 2 hours driving from Nyaung Shwe, a gateway to Inle Lake. In Kakku, you will visit a complex of more than 5200 individual stupas dating back to the 11th-13th century.

Sagar is located in the Deep South of the lake. The area is so far protected and administered by Pa O National Organization. By 2.5 hours boat trip, you will reach the village of Pa O, Shan and Intha people. It is a nice opportunity to interact with the locals and discover the ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar- 108 stupas from the 16-17 th centuries. Pindaya cave is also nice spot you should consider. The caves are ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking the lake. Inside the caver, there are more than 8000 Buddha images – made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer and cement. Please remember that every element of the tour can be tailored according to your needs and interests.

The Best of Myanmar

Once a land of mystery, closed off for many years, Myanmar has been opened its door to the world. Whether you are looking for a different experience in Southeast Asia, or you’re completely new to this side of the world, you simply cannot go amiss with a trip in the beguiling country of Myanmar. There are many amazing things awaiting which you probably cannot see anywhere else in the world.  Here is the best of Myanmar which will convince you to make the trip.

Having been cut off from the western world for so many years, Myanmar has been fortunate to retain much of its authentic lifestyle.

• Wearing traditional longyi

It is not difficult to meet Burmese men wearing longyi on streets.

Longyi is the most important item in Myanmar life. You will not see many people wearing shorts, tube top or tank top on the streets. Most of people from man to women, from workers to students, from adults to children wearing traditional longyi in daily activities as farming, driving, studying or even play sports. Except Yangon where people are more relaxed with fashion style, local people in other areas still wear very modestly, usualy longyi and T-shirt.

Burmese ladies use thanaka to protect her skin under the sun.

Local people, mainly women use thanaka as comestic instead of suncream or cushion like ones in neighbor countries. Thanaka is natural ingredient, made from thanaka tree’s bark. The bark is rubbed across the wet slate in curcle motion which creates a yellow paste. Then, this paste is applied on cheek, nose and hand to protect the skin under sun. Although it has been existed for thousands year, it is widely popular throughout the country.

• Betel chewing

Betel nut and betel leaf are sold everywhere

If coming Myanmar in the first time, travelers can be shocked when seeing the red stains on floors. But feel relaxed. It is not a result of any violence but a habit of betel chewing of local people. The betel nut is wrapped in a green betel leaf filled with a thin layer of lime and sprinkled of tobacco. After chewing, betel nut has a similar effect as caffeine, and stains teeth red.

• Awesome driving skill

Many right – hand drive vehicles still go smoothly on the right side of road.

You will be admired of driving skill of local people for sure. Most of vehicles used in Myanmar are the second hand which were imported from other countries. Myanmar allows both hand driving vehicles although the official driving side is on the right hand of road. So, do not surprise when you see driver sitting on right side of vehicle but still drive smoothly on right side of road. In fact, it is the most special thing which makes a bloom of visitors to Myanmar since it is opened. Pack your things and come before these disappears.

Balloon flying over Bagan’s temples at sunrise

Myanmar is glittering with thousands of golden temples and pagodas, each more impressive than the other. Perhaps the most famous is Shwedagon in the capital of Yangon. However, do not be afraid of feel overwhelmed as you can enjoy them in different ways. You can take a night-time walk around the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar’s capital Yangon to admire its splendor. Or you get goosebumps whilst watching the sunrise above the hundreds of temples from a balloon in Bagan. It is surely the majestic moment you will never forget in your life.

Local people always welcome tourists with smiles

The local people in Myanmar are very warm – hearted. Their smiles are genuine, their faces are warm and full of friendliness. Unlike some places in Southeast Asia where people are always in rush, Burmese people tend to be slow, peaceful and enjoy the life. There’s not a chance you’ll leave the country without at least one memorable interaction.

Immerse yourselves in stunning nature

Whether it is riding a horse cart around beautiful temples in Bagan or cycling through the dirt-track roads at Lake lnle, you are bound to be impressed by Myanmar’s natural beauty. Due to the small influence of tourism, it’s stunning mountains, picturesque rural landscapes and scenic routes are practically unspolied. Besides, sun seekers will find respite on stunning stretches of beach along its coast, while offshore its tropical islands offer a tiny slice of paradise too – like Ngapali beach or islands in the Andaman Sea. Most of these scenes will be there for you to enjoy in all your glory.

November to February is the best time to visit Myanmar

Due to the tropical climate, Myanmar has two different season as dry and wet season. Normally, clients try to avoid visiting Myanmar from June to September. During this time), the wet season is in full swing. Beach hotels, especially in Ngapali during this time even closes due to inaccessible roads. Travelers also try to avoid March and April when temperature goes very high (38 degree). With high humidity, it is not really comfortable when going out in day time. As a result, the best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February as it is neither too hot to walk around due to the cool breeze that blows in.

Citizens from below countries do not need to apply Myanmar Visa for entry

• Exemption for 14 days: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand & Vietnam
• Exemption for 30 days: Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong & Macao

If staying over visa exemption period, travelers still need to apply Visa as normal at Myanmar Embassy near your location. E-visa is now available to make visa application much easier than before. Just click into the website: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/ After fill all information required and pay visa fee of US$ 50 per person (US$ 56 for express service), you will get an approval letter which is valid within 90 days from issued date.

Most of nationalities are required to have Visa done before arrival in Myanmar

Visa on arrival is the quickest option for nationalities who are allowed to get it. At the moment, there are 13 nationalities who can get Visa on arrival for tourism purpose as Australia, Austria, China, Czech, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Russia, Spain & Switzerland.

Please be noted that E-visa and Visa on arrival are not the same. If you have E-visa, just go straight to Immigration Counters for stamp when you arrive in one of international airports or land border crossing points. In case you get Visa on arrival, you need to head to Visa on arrival Counter first. After your Myanmar Visa is done, go to Immigration Counter. Visa on arrival is allowed at the international airports only. If you plan to come to Myanmar overland, do E-visa or paper visa beforehand.

At Myanmar Travel, we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled necessary travel information and brief introductions to our Myanmar trips. We hope this will be useful for you to plan an enjoyable trip and learn few things about this wonderful country. Moreover, the only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Myanmar for yourself. Book one of our Myanmar trips and start the journey.

Myanmar Travel is pleased to customize the packages according to your personal schedule and hobby. Contact us via email address [email protected] and tell us what you are looking for. Our experienced team will get back to you with the best suggestions for your Myanmar trip!

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Things to Know Before Traveling to Myanmar (Burma)

Updated on December 30th, 2023

What's it like to travel or go backpacking in Myanmar (Burma)? Here's what to know for how to prepare for a trip to Myanmar with our travel tips, itineraries and ideas for what to pack.

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Table of contents

• What are some common scams in Myanmar?
• What are the 1-week and 2-week itineraries for Myanmar?
• Which Bug Spray to Use in Myanmar
• Can I get local SIM data on my phone in Myanmar?
• Food in Myanmar
• Will I have any issues using credit cards in Myanmar?
• What should women pack for traveling in Myanmar?
• Problems with Car Volume and Traffic in Myanmar
• Sunscreen and hats: protection from the sun
• When is High Season in Myanmar?
• What is Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber)?
• How to get around Myanmar: Night Bus vs. Flying
• Should I take trains in Myanmar?
• Is traveling in Myanmar dangerous or safe?
• Is there tipping in Myanmar?
• Are there foreigner prices (the “foreigner tax”)?
• What is the currency in Myanmar?
• ATM Fees and Withdrawals in Myanmar
• Which plugs and outlets does Myanmar use?
• Is there ethnic diversity in Myanmar?
• What are the religions in Myanmar?
• What are the Burmese people’s attitudes toward travelers?
• How much English is used in Myanmar?
• Drinking the Water in Myanmar
• Do I need a travel visa for Myanmar?
• How fast is the WiFi in Myanmar?
• Can you work remotely in Myanmar?
• Is there public WiFi in Myanmar?
• Is there alcohol in Myanmar?
• How can you eat vegetarian in Myanmar?
• What is the street food in Myanmar?
• Renting scooters, e-Bikes and motos in Myanmar
• Renting bicycles in Myanmar
• Renting mountain bikes
• What’s the time zone in Myanmar?
• Should you buy gems (rubies, sapphires) and gold in Myanmar?
• Animals (pets, strays, monastery cats) in Myanmar
• Where to stay in Myanmar
• Hostels in Myanmar

2024 update: Myanmar is still going through a period of civil unrest, according to the US State Dept. at travel.state.gov. Travelers are asked to “reconsider traveling to Myanmar (Burma) due to armed conflict and the risk of wrongful detention of foreigners. The Travel Advisory for Myanmar (Burma) was renewed on July 24, 2023, as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” For more information on this topic as well as developments, please visit the US Dept. of State website .

Is it easy to travel in Myanmar (Burma)?

In our minds, we pictured travel in Myanmar to be like travel in other parts of Southeast Asia, but a bit less developed. After two weeks in the country, we were surprised at the current tourism infrastructure, which allowed us to travel freely and conveniently around the major traveler hot spots, and with ample amounts of English along the way.

As we like avoiding over-tourism , we were pleased with the amount of places in Myanmar that still felt empty, and we went to the most popular places on the most popular route!

We also felt Myanmar was an affordable destination , where our daily budget was $35 each, per day. With this budget, we took first-class “VIP” overnight buses, stayed in private rooms and even enjoyed some cocktails at bars.

A few tips for traveling in Myanmar

Pack like a minimalist — it’s best to travel light in Southeast Asia. Also, remember to discuss with your travel partner about flexibility, budget and the extent to which you’ll plan your activities. Leave room for changes and unexpected availability of transport.

Here’s what you need to know before starting your travel or backpacking trip through Myanmar.

What are some common scams in Myanmar?

Although Myanmar is exceedingly safe as far as traveling for travelers goes, there are several ways that scammers try to get more money out of you. Please note that none of these scams are dangerous; rather, these are ways people may try to trick you to pay a bit more or try to swindle you for a service you did not ask for.

Are there any scams in Bagan?

While in Bagan , we had rented an E-bike (motorized scooter) and were searching for sunrise spots at dawn one morning. A man on a motorbike saw us, and in English, offered to take us to a spot he knew of. We accepted, and followed him.

He brought us to a truly secret spot we never would have found, and we found two other foreign couples sitting atop a pagoda. When we asked them how they had found the place, they said the same guy who brought us had brought them the day before, and for the other couple, the day before that. They said after leaving, he’ll have waited for us and will try to sell us paintings out of his bag.

That is exactly what happened. One of the couples said they flat-out said no to the trick, and the other couple said they bargained and bought one. We took the route of negotiating and buying a painting from this man, who had, after all, taken the time to bring us to a somewhat legitimate sunrise viewpoint, and we also thought the paintings were nice, but it was a trick after all.

If you want to avoid this completely, say no to strangers who offer to help you and bring you somewhere.

Are there taxi scams in Myanmar?

We found that Grab, one of the helpful travel apps we downloaded before arrival, only worked in Yangon to get a fair price. When you get off the night bus or want to take a taxi in a different smaller city, you’ll likely get quoted a higher-than-usual amount (this is also because Grab’s prices are quite low).

Check pricing quotes or share a taxi with other travelers in order to create an Uber pool situation, as this is what we did when we arrived in Bagan. We got a better price and shared a car with another traveler, as we were all going in the same direction.

You can also get a quote from your hotel before you go. A taxi from the Bagan bus station cost us 10,000 Kyat because we shared the taxi. In Inle Lake, you can walk from most parts of town to your hotel, as everything is quite central, so there is no need for a taxi.

Is it OK to leave your shoes when you visit temples?

The best type of shoes to have in Myanmar is a sturdy sandal like Birkenstocks so that you can slide them off easily when you visit temples. When taking off shoes, be careful to keep your shoes out of the designated bins. We had someone tell us that she watched our shoes while we visited the temple’s interior and that we needed to pay her.

To avoid this, we found it fine to leave them in clusters of shoes wherever locals left their shoes.

Should you pay anyone for taking photos?

At Inle Lake, people let you take their photo, and then ask for money. This applies to the dancing fishermen and tribal people who know that they look unique and authentic to tourists. We nearly expected anyone who was unique-looking enough to merit a photo to expect a tip, so we kept a few hundred Kyat handy to do so.

If you don’t want to be paying anyone for taking their photo, keep your camera hidden, as to not attract attention.

Are the fishermen of Inle Lake fake or real?

In Inle Lake, the dancing fishermen with the large nets aren’t always real fishermen. We heard that they can make more from tourist tips than from fishing for fish.

The boat drivers will slow down when they see your boat, and if you’re taking pictures, your boat driver will bring you closer. The fishermen expect to be paid for posing, so if you want a photo of this quintessential Inle Lake scene, expect to be paying the fisherman a few hundred Kyat for his time.

We were happy to tip the fishermen, because we sure can’t stand on one leg on a boat with a giant net! That’s talent!

What are the 1-week and 2-week itineraries for Myanmar?

Where to go with a few weeks in myanmar.

There are many itineraries for travel in Myanmar and there’s really no bad way to see Myanmar. We went from Yangon to Bagan to Inle Lake, and back. We recommend flying out of Mandalay if possible, so you don’t have to return to Yangon, if return flight prices allow.

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Best itinerary for 1 week in Myanmar

Fly into Yangon or Mandalay where you can spend one to two full day(s) experiencing either city, spend two full days in Bagan , two full days in Inle Lake (one day for a boat tour and one day for biking around the lake) and another one or two days in your city of departure.

For a more detailed itinerary, check out a travel guide by Lonely Planet! It helped us a lot during our trip throughout Myanmar. Get one on Amazon or Bookshop.org .

Best itinerary for 2 weeks (or 10 days) in Myanmar

With two weeks, you can allow for more flexibility with your chosen way to get around the country, whether that is with night buses (our choice, in order to travel more sustainably ) or domestic flights.

Keep in mind that taking a domestic flight will take up a morning, afternoon or evening (most will be around one hour), and that a night bus, while ‘costing’ you 8 to 12 hours, will save money, but might leave you very tired when you arrive.

In two weeks, you can allot three days for Bagan, three or four full days in Inle Lake like we did (a chance to visit Indein, and a morning-afternoon to try a cooking class) and a full two days in Yangon or Mandalay on either end.

If you choose to travel fast, you can add a stop in Ngapali Beach or jump on a 2-day Kalaw-to-Inle Trek, which also comes in a 3-day version, that you can book at most hostels.

Which Bug Spray to Use in Myanmar

Do the mosquitoes in myanmar have diseases.

Most of the country has mosquitoes and some carry diseases like malaria or dengue fever. While we did not go into our trip with any worries about malaria (a disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical regions), the threat of dengue fever (a very serious disease that travelers can contract in Southeast Asia) is real.

You can buy bug spray (or bring a reputable brand of spray) at a pharmacy when you arrive. The one that we got contains 40% DEET and is what everyone traveling in Myanmar recommends. It was also 1200 Kyat ($0.57 USD).

This spray probably did work, but we still got bitten daily, mostly around our ankles, legs and hands.

Come prepared with a travel-sized Tiger Balm to apply to bug bites.

Can I get local SIM data on my phone in Myanmar?

You can get local data, or you can come with your own. We use Google Fi .

How to get international data with Google Fi

We used our Google Fi plan to help us get around Myanmar. We each used around 1 GB on data during our two-week trip. We don’t use too much data, typically, and we used data mostly for looking at maps, texting friends on WhatsApp and sharing the occasional photo with family.

Local SIM Card for Travelers

A lot of other travelers got a local Myanmar SIM card. You can get data much cheaper than the kind we used. We recommend this if you don’t have an international phone plan, like Google Fi or T-Mobile. You’ll be able to use your local SIM data in situations when WiFi isn’t strong.

Food in Myanmar

Burmese food is likely a cuisine you haven’t tried much if you have never been to Myanmar! We had heard some tips from friends like, ‘Try the tea leaf salad!’ and a passing mention of curry. Burmese food can be heavy on the fried stuff and the oil, so we tried to balance our daily diet with fresh fruit in order to stay healthy on the road .

What is Burmese food like?

We found the food in Myanmar to be like a mix between Indian and Thai, with some influence from Chinese food and some Western food available as well.

Most meals consist of fried noodles, with Shan Noodles getting all the fame and popularity. Shan Noodles originates from the Shan State, where Inle Lake is located.

Street food it Yangon seemed rather Indian-influenced to us, as you could pass by stands selling samosas and other fried treats. There is a plethora of fresh produce being sold on many streets in downtown Yangon, with some streets dedicated to selling fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and sausage.

Which cuisines to try in Myanmar

Throughout our time in Myanmar, we had Thai food twice (in Bagan and Yangon), sushi once (Genki Sushi in Yangon), Chinese food at a Yunnanese restaurant (Chinatown, Yangon), Indian food in Nyaung Shwe at Innlay Hut and some Western-style food at our hostels (burgers or chicken sandwiches).

In Yangon, you can find plentiful amounts of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai eateries, as these are the other main Asian cuisines represented. There are a handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Yangon as well, but it’s recommended to try the Burmese cuisines like the traditional foods from Shan State (you’ll see lots of signs for ‘Shan Noodle’).

Aside from these, we saw Vietnamese, Japanese and Malaysian-Singaporean eateries around the country.

Is there Western, Foreign or Imported Food in Myanmar?

If you need foreign or imported food items while in Myanmar, you can check out City Market in the Junction City Mall in downtown Yangon. This store has the largest selection of Western goods that we came across.

Other brands we saw that were re-branded for Myanmar were foods like potato chips, Coca-Cola, several sports drinks, coffees, teas and ice cream.

Will I have any issues using credit cards in Myanmar?

We used credit cards roughly three times during our 12-day trip, only at our accommodation and at one rooftop bar that belonged to a hotel.

Myanmar is still a cash society, and credit cards will only be accepted at larger establishments. Additionally, if credit is accepted, not all types of credit cards may work. It’s best to always have enough cash on hand to get through your day and your next large purchase, like a night bus.

A pair of pants for night buses

Once you land, you’ll be glad you brought loose light-weight pants (even though it’ll be so hot most days you’ll be wearing shorts by default). Conversely, you can buy some loose ‘backpacker pants’ upon arrival at any market. For visiting temples, note that legs need to be covered and shorts are typically not allowed.

If you don’t want to rent a longyi (menswear sarong, or ankle-length sheet of cloth typically worn by men instead of pants) when visiting a temple, you can buy one for $2-3 at a local shop in Chinatown of Yangon.

Handkerchief or bandana for multiple purposes

Having a hankie or bandana handy will be great for wiping your glistening face when perspiring daily, or for covering your mouth during bike or scooter rides because it can be pretty dusty.

What should women pack for traveling in Myanmar?

Myanmar is generally a traditional and conservative society. In the tourist hot spots of Yangon, Inle Lake and Bagan, dressing as you would at home in the summer is fine; note, however, that in visiting the homes of locals or Buddhist temples and pagodas, that shoulders and legs must be covered.

Loose skirts and dresses, or loose pants

Becca found it helpful to dress for the day in a maxi dress that was sleeveless on top, and hit close to her ankles on the bottom. This way, if visiting a Buddhist temple or shrine (which is bound to be part of your day!), she only had to cover her shoulders and arms with a shawl, scarf or sarong in order to hit the dress code requirements.

Problems with Car Volume and Traffic in Myanmar

Interestingly enough, Yangon, the biggest city in the country, does not have motorbikes on the roads. There are only cars. Ironically, this creates a huge amount of traffic, and a debatable level of safety … you decide.

How bad is traffic in Myanmar?

Once we got out of Yangon, we didn’t encounter any traffic jams except for maybe a cow crossing the road in more of the rural places of the country.

Traffic in Yangon, however, should be taken very seriously(!). When our hostel staff told us to budget two hours for getting to the Yangon bus station from downtown, we didn’t believe them.

We did listen, though, and sure enough, it took us over two hours from downtown Yangon to travel 14 miles to the bus terminal in the suburbs. It was truly unbelievable. So, if you have an 8 pm bus departure with the JJ Bus, leave two and a half hours to get there.

Sunscreen and hats: protection from the sun

The sun is very strong in Myanmar, even in the fall and winter. We brought our own travel-sized sunscreen from home, in a 30 SPF and 50 SPF variation. We found that most travelers were also carrying around their own travel-sized sunscreen brought from home.

If you choose to forego sunscreen while you’re out in the sun… we’ll just say we saw some sunburned people (especially from that Kalaw trek) and we’d recommend having a trusty hat with you as well. If you didn’t bring one from home, don’t worry at all, because most markets, tourist shops and vendors will want to sell you one!

When is High Season in Myanmar?

High season for Myanmar begins in November and lasts until March. The best time to go is between December and February, when rain dies down and the temperatures drop a bit, too. We enjoy traveling in the off-season as a way to save money long-term .

We went in October, which, lucky for us, turned out to be a nice time to go! October is ‘shoulder season,’ so there is still a chance of heavy or frequent rain, but for our first ten days, we did not experience even a drop.

Low season, or off-season, is from April to September, when monsoons ensue and when some roads will flood or have a chance of mudslides. Some people prefer to travel in low season, so this is entirely up to you and when you can make the trip. Most of Southeast Asia will be rather wet between April and September.

What is Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber)?

Like in Vietnam , there is no Uber in Myanmar. Instead, use Grab! It’s what the locals do.

Where does Grab work in Myanmar?

Grab works in Yangon and does not work in Inle Lake and Bagan. We haven’t visited other cities, so don’t know much about the connectivity nationwide.

Grab is great for getting around Yangon and for getting an idea on how much a cab ride should cost. You can set up your Grab to pay with credit or cash. If you choose to pay for your ride in cash upon the completion of the drive, make sure you have a bunch of smaller change, as drivers are known for claiming to only have big bills.

How to get around Myanmar: Night Bus vs. Flying

Is it safe to take night buses in myanmar.

During our trip, we always took a night bus instead of flying. The cost was much lower to take three night buses rather than three flights around the country, and this choice saved us on accommodations for the nights we spent on buses. It was totally safe and there were other travelers.

We arrived the next day after a bus and were a bit tired, but took mid-day naps. That was fine because it’s so hot in Myanmar that you’d want to nap anyway!

Should I take trains in Myanmar?

We did not take trains in Myanmar, but we met travelers who did. Trains are known to be slow and old, and if you wish to take one, you’re signing up for an adventurous experience!

One tip we heard is that if you take a night sleeper compartment bus to avoid the top bunk, as the spiders and insects like to hang out up there, and the space between the ceiling and the bed is rather small. You could be sleeping with a good bunch of wildlife in close reach.

We did ride the Yangon city ‘circle train,’ which is the equivalent of a light rail or above-ground metro. It’s really old, and there’s no AC, no fan, no frills… but it made for a cool thing to do for a morning (until we were done with sweating) and you can see a lot of local life in the outskirts of the city.

Is traveling in Myanmar dangerous or safe?

Traveling in Myanmar is incredibly safe, even if you are traveling solo . In fact, Myanmar is probably one of the safest places we have ever been, where crime is not even a topic that travelers talk about.

We walked in Nyaung Shwe (Shan State) at 4 a.m. after being dropped off our bus there, and no one bothered us. We also were not hassled much at the airport at midnight when we arrived in Yangon. We felt perfectly safe being outside and looking for our Grab taxi.

In Yangon, we did not experience any pickpockets, but we do suggest keeping your bag close to your body and not flashing lots of money in public spaces. Much of the population in Myanmar is poor and as we mentioned in common scams, above, there are people who want to make some money off of innocent travelers.

The only dangerous areas in Myanmar are the off-limits areas, which have already been closed by the government to tourists. These are the conflict areas, but luckily they do not overlap at all with places of interest like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake.

Is there tipping in Myanmar?

Similar to traveling in other Asian countries, tipping is not inherently part of the culture.

Do people tip in Myanmar?

Tipping isn’t required in Myanmar, but it is encouraged when you’re happy with your service. It’s more expected in places that give one of those black booklets when you receive your check. Sometimes, you’ll see that tips are included at a Western-style establishment (upscale or at a hotel) and it’s typically 5%-10%.

Is tipping expected in Myanmar?

We gave tips when the person giving the service least expected it, and it sometimes made their day. You can do this simply by rounding up your bill to the nearest thousand, or handing off a few thousand to your server or hairdresser (in our case) upon leaving.

Should you tip the Inle Lake boat people?

At each stop during a standard Inle Lake boat tour, locals who work for the establishment will help you off your boat so that you don’t fall. We found that most of the time, no one asked for tips, but during our second boat tour, we were asked for tips by a small boy who helped us on and off.

You are welcome to tip these individuals, as a few hundred Kyat is small change to us, and they may appreciate it.

Are there foreigner prices (the “foreigner tax”)?

At times, there is a blatant different price for tourists versus price for locals. This happens often at large religious or national sites.

While it’s frustrating, the logic is that the average Burmese person does not have a lot of money, and in this way, the establishment can make a profit off of tourism and at the same time, allow nationals to be able to access religious and cultural landmarks.

In the case of a famed place like Shwedagon pagoda, this is a religious place where people go daily or weekly, or to which they may make a pilgrimage from far away, and the price should not be a deterrent.

When buying food or items in markets, you will probably be charged the foreigner price, and this is also because the vendor knows you can afford more than the average local — after all, you already traveled from far away to their country! It’s not fair, but if you are already on vacation, chances are you are coming from the luxury of being able to leave your home nation.

What is the currency in Myanmar?

We recommend that you do your research on traveling with foreign currencies before you leave. The currency in Myanmar is the Burmese Kyat/Myanmar Kyat. The currency recently devalued steadily in the past few years, making Myanmar a very affordable place to spend a while.

What are the little stickers on receipts?

We noticed that we received little stickers on receipts. These are for declaring taxes, if you wanted a small refund when you exit Myanmar. We don’t typically collect these taxes unless we make a big purchase. If you spent over $500 at retail stores, you might be eligible to get $50 or so back, when you depart for your next country.

What is the largest bill in Burmese Kyat?

The largest bill in the Kyat is the 10,000-Kyat note, equivalent of $6.54. When going to an ATM, you’ll need to withdraw 200,000 Kyat to have $130.

ATM Fees and Withdrawals in Myanmar

Make sure you have the appropriate credit and debit cards for your trip before you land and use an ATM.

What is the largest withdrawal from an ATM in Myanmar?

The largest withdrawal is 300,000 Kyat from an ATM.

What is the ATM fee in Myanmar?

The bank fee will also amount to fee of 6000 Kyat. Plan accordingly if you plan to pay for everything in cash (night buses, accommodation), and keep this in mind when withdrawing.

Which plugs and outlets does Myanmar use?

While we brought an international converter . Luckily, the hostels at which we stayed during our trip had the standard US outlet we are accustomed to. The voltage in Myanmar is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. We also saw sockets of type C, which is common in Europe. We recommend bringing a converter in case you need one.

Is there ethnic diversity in Myanmar?

While on the surface, people in Myanmar people may seem or look “Burmese,” what’s truly incredible about this country is the ethnic diversity. In addition to Burmese, there are at least 50 ethnic dialects spoken from north to south, along with languages from other countries like Chinese.

In Yangon alone, we noticed people of Indian descent and Chinese descent, in addition to the ethnic Burmese population. This ethnic diversity leads to more diversity in food, language and religion.

What is the Burmese language like?

Before we left, Becca downloaded a Burmese language app to get a preview of what the language is like. If you want to preview the language of where you’ll be traveling, read our tips for learning a new language for travel .

What are the religions in Myanmar?

Religious diversity in Myanmar is incredible to see, especially in downtown Yangon and Yangon’s Chinatown. Here, for example, the density of the population has created city blocks that have both a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple, and neighboring blocks that have a Jewish synagogue and a Muslim mosque.

There are also several Christian churches of several varieties. Around Myanmar, there are tribes and ethnic groups that have animistic beliefs, meaning a belief in spirits (called ‘nats’).

What are the Burmese people’s attitudes toward travelers?

We got the vibe that people wanted to talk with us to practice their English, thank us for visiting their country or to say hi. In one case, one local showed us around to all of his friends at a market and gave us bananas and watermelons, asking nothing in return!

Are locals safe in Myanmar?

We mostly had great experiences as foreign travelers in Myanmar. We were shown an incredible amount of hospitality, with nothing to ask for in return, when interacting with locals.

In being invited by locals to their homes or villages, we do suggest taking some sort of precaution, such as having cellular data in case something is to happen to you or your safety. In our own personal experiences, we were shown nothing but generosity.

How much English is used in Myanmar?

We were pleasantly surprised and somewhat amazed with the widespread use of English in Myanmar. Given, we interacted mostly with individuals working in tourism — hostel staff, bus staff, bar servers and tourism hosts at workshops or stores.

Not everyone speaks English, though, and one thing to keep in mind is that, similar to people in much of Asia, Burmese people will avoid saying ‘no’ or admitting that they don’t understand you at all.

As an alternative, they will answer as best they can, even if a language barrier causes them to miss your question or your point completely. This is to ‘save face,’ and you will encounter this in much of Asia.

Drinking the Water in Myanmar

Can you brush your teeth with the water in myanmar.

We did, and we typically brush our teeth with the water anywhere, but we never swallow any of it. If you have concerns, you can brush your teeth with purified water.

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No. The water source from the tap is not clean in the entire country. There are several options of bottled water that have different treatments for drinking. We didn’t have any issues with the bottled water.

In restaurants and hotels, you can usually find a source to fill a water bottle; in fact, jugs of drinking water are pretty common to see, even in markets.

We had most hostels and night buses provide bottles of drinking water to us upon boarding, or on the nightstands in the room when we arrived.

Travel ‘greenly,’ and re-purpose these bottles by filling them up from large jugs, as to avoid buying new bottles and wasting plastic.

Do I need a travel visa for Myanmar?

Yes, you do need a visa! Be sure to check visa requirements before you travel to anywhere in Asia.

In fact, all travelers from Western countries require a visa. The countries that have their visas waived are mostly within Southeast Asia (Singapore and Thailand, for example) or East Asia.

To get the Myanmar travel visa, apply online and pay the $50 USD fee at the Myanmar tourist visa website .

How fast is the WiFi in Myanmar?

Myanmar does not have such fast WiFi, when compared with other places we’ve been. Of all the cities, Yangon had the average fastest WiFi by far, and Nyaung Shwe had the slowest, but after all, you’re not traveling all the way to Myanmar for the WiFi! Internet in Nyaung Shwe was around 7 Mbps.

Can you work remotely in Myanmar?

Becca tried working remotely in Myanmar, and the best luck was in Yangon in our hostel lobby. We would not confidently recommend Myanmar as a destination for a fast connection to WiFi in order to get work done. There are also sometimes power outages.

If you do choose to get some work done in Myanmar, keep in mind that the time zone is on the half-hour, as it may affect your appointments or calendars. You can also use our remote work tips .

Is there public WiFi in Myanmar?

There isn’t that much public WiFi in Myanmar. You might find WiFi at a mall in Yangon, but it is still less than common in general.

In the hotels that we visited and the hostels that we stayed at, the fastest WiFi that we saw in the country was 15 Mbps. We had some proximity connection issues throughout our hostels. We were always able to connect when we wanted to, but didn’t feel like it was a place that we could work reliably for an extended period of time.

Is there alcohol in Myanmar?

While Burmese people do not have an extensive bar culture, it is possible to drink in Western-style establishments like dive bars, pubs and rooftop bars throughout Yangon. Many hostels will have their own bar as well.

Myanmar has two local brands of beer, which are Dagon and Myanmar Beer. Depending on the bar, you can get imported beers, imported liquors and imported wine.

We did enjoy a visit to Red Mountain Winery to try Burmese wine, which was a treat (especially with the view).

Cocktails are popular, especially those made with rum. Before you leave Myanmar, try a Mandalay sour, made with Mandalay rum and lime.

How can you eat vegetarian in Myanmar?

Our best luck with vegetarianism was with hostel breakfasts! Usually, a breakfast consisted of eggs, fruit, toast, potatoes and fried rice or fried noodles.

We had great luck in eating vegetarian (or vegan, in Becca’s case) with Indian cuisines, especially when we could express in English that we needed dishes free of butter for lactose intolerance.

While we did not delve into any street food, mostly because we don’t consume too much fried food in general, we found that veggie-friendly Burmese dishes were all of the yummy salads, which are often dressed with chickpeas, peanuts, soy sauce and ginger. You can also typically find egg fried rice or egg fried noodles anywhere.

What is the street food in Myanmar?

As mentioned, street food is pretty oily, greasy and fried in Myanmar. Street food in Yangon had a bit of an Indian vibe, right down to the fried samosas or breads we saw being sold on the street. Some street food was completely new to us as well, but we delighted in seeing Asian pears, tiny mandarins, apples, coconuts and watermelons for sale.

Renting scooters, e-Bikes and motos in Myanmar

Renting motorized bikes and scooters was rather easy in Myanmar, and when renting in Bagan, we weren’t even asked for monetary collateral (this was because the rental shop was across from the hostel and instead asked for our room number — honors system — so that we could be tracked down in a worst case if we did not return the scooter).

Most rentals were by the hour or half day, but can be bargained for. We paid 4000 Kyat for three hours, or less, around 3000 Kyat, for taking an e-Bike out for two hours. You can agree on a return time with the shop owner.

Before setting out on a scooter or moto, make sure you have some practice under your belt, as that’s the safe thing to do. As in the rest of Southeast Asia, the local ‘tattoo’ is surely the battle wounds of a fall.

Want to stay insured in case of injury? Get some travel insurance, with World Nomads or SafetyWing before you go.

Renting bicycles in Myanmar

Most hostels or hotels in Bagan and Inle Lake (outside major cities) will have rental bicycles of their own, and these will likely be for free for a very low cost. While it’s very nice that they come as a perk during your stay, the fact is that these bikes are not of the best quality and don’t enjoy such great up-keeping.

We walked around Nyaung Shwe to try to find a better bike situation, and our first experience was trying old slightly beat-up mountain bikes at a shop near Ostello Bello Hostel .

While the price was going to be super low for our day of biking around the lake, the bikes did not seem sturdy and so we forwent this option.

Renting mountain bikes

Our best bike rental experience was at a shop called KKO Mountain Bike Rental on the main road of Nyaung Shwe (Youne Gyi Road).

Here, we bargained a 6-hour rental for two bikes for a total 10,000 Kyat. This seems steep, considering the cost of other things, but we were able to take out new mountain bikes with gears and breaks working properly and even had the luxury of padded gel seats.

What’s the time zone in Myanmar?

Myanmar uses a unique time zone of GMT+6:30, which is EDT+10.5 hours or EST+11.5 hours for daylight savings time in the US.

Myanmar is 30 minutes behind Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and 1.5 hours behind China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Having trouble figuring it out? Check out one of our favorite tools for doing the time zone math easily.

Should you buy gems (rubies, sapphires) and gold in Myanmar?

If you spend even a few hours in Yangon, you’ll see that there are many shops and vendors selling gold and precious stones. You’ll also see this in the silversmithing tourist shops of Inle Lake during your boat tour of the lake villages.

There are lots of other great things to do in Yangon. Learn about all of the best things to do in Yangon !

Some of the prices for stones are very affordable by Western standards, but the catch is that you’ll probably never know the grade or class of the stone you’re getting, if it’s a ‘real’ sapphire or ruby (and not glass or a less-precious softer stone) and if the gold or silver is real.

We looked at the gold and stones for fun, but did not buy anything, for this concern mentioned above. If you are serious about buying gold and gems, we suggest doing your research to work with a reputable agent or a verified wholesaler.

Animals (pets, strays, monastery cats) in Myanmar

Stray dogs and cats.

You’ll find lots of dogs and cats all over Myanmar. Be careful, as some dogs and cats might have fleas or ticks and a very select few may be harmful. We noticed a lot of young puppies and kittens and we couldn’t get enough of the cuteness, but decided not to pet them.

Danger of snakes in Myanmar

Myanmar has a lot of snakes and some can be venomous. Be careful when going off-road in Bagan and in other rural areas. Luckily, we didn’t see any, but heard a lot of stories of people getting close to them or seeing snakes in the road. Yikes!

Large insects and bugs

We found some gigantic crickets and cockroaches (some dead, some alive) — like seriously, these were out of Jurassic Park. They’re seemingly harmless, but keep in mind that big bugs exist and you might see a few here and there.

Where to stay in Myanmar

Accommodation ranges from the basic guesthouse to the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel in Yangon. We chose our accommodation to be the middle of the road: new hostels with modern amenities.

In Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake, there are heaps of places to stay. Interestingly enough, this was not the case even ten years ago in Myanmar, when there was a shortage of accommodations due to the newly-opened tourism in the country.

Hostels in Myanmar

Hostels in Myanmar are a fun and social place to be. We recommend checking ratings and prices on Hostelworld before booking. Some hostels may hike up pricing on weekends or in high season, so if you see a jump in price from one month to the next, that could be why.

What are hostels like in Myanmar?

Hostels had amenities such as WiFi, free included breakfast, hot water (most of the time), helpful 24-hour front desk staff, an “early check-in” room at Baobabed Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake for guests who arrive in the early hours of the morning from a night bus, daily snack tastings, free flow coffee and tea, pool tables, rooftop pools, a cafe or restaurant and daily happy hour. Hostels in Myanmar are an awesome place to be!

When we hostel, we always opt for a private room, ideally with a private bath for convenience. We find that this is a happy medium between having peace and quiet and the benefit of being able to meet and socialize with other travelers, which is always a great thing to do in a new country where everyone can exchange tips, advice and recommendations.

Cheers! If you’re curious about what to bring and what to expect for a long trip, check out guide for how to prepare for a trip abroad !

Here are some items that made our trip seamless:

• The Priority Pass airport lounge membership helped us relax during our layover in Beijing and before our return flight in the Yangon airport.
• Birkenstock sandals were great for sliding on and off when visiting Buddhist religious sites.
• noise-canceling headphones were crucial for the 13-hour trans-Pacific flight to Beijing.
• Our Cabeau travel pillow let us fall asleep on flights and on night buses — those tiny flat pillows don’t make the cut!
• Travel insurance is valuable if you plan on E-Biking or motorcycling because you never know what can happen.
• The Lonely Planet guidebook (get one on Amazon or Bookshop.org ) was great for reading up on history, culture, language and food of Myanmar.
• Our backpack locks with keys ensured our backpacks were secure during those overnight journeys.
• Our quick-dry towels are small and mighty, and came in handy because they dry pretty fast.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Myanmar (Burma)

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Myanmar (Burma). There are 54 trips to choose from, that range from 4 days in length, up to 20 days. The month with the most departures is November, making it the most popular time to visit Myanmar (Burma).

54 Fully Guided tour packages in Myanmar (Burma) with 139 reviews

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Temples and Lakes of Myanmar 10-Day

Hi, I’d like to thank you and your guide Leo for a great tour. I’ll be recommending your company on trip advisor asap, just wanted you to have feedback. Leo was a great guide. Regards, Rod

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Myanmar's Capital, Lakes and Temples 9-Day

I was recommended to use the tour arrangement services provided by this company by a friend who had returned from Myanmar. As a foreigner, my main consideration was to find a reliable agent who could provide excellent service at an affordable price. My friend's personal experience convinced me that this company was the right choice. In fact, I was pleased to discover that my friend's recommendation was spot on. The contact person, Hien Bui, was extremely helpful and patient in accommodating my many rounds of inquiries and changes to the draft itinerary. Highly recommend this company to others.

Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake Highlight Tour

Yangon Well designe Overall Tour was really flexible and kept well to time. It was really well organised. Our only complaint was our tour guide in Bagan but otherwise would highly

7-Day Private Guided Myanmar Classic Tour with Hotel Accommodations

I ordered this trip hopping tour here just a week before the trip. Me and my 6 years old daughter had so much fun there. Julia got us covered through all duration trip, updated our schedule once by my request and helped me to get back my beach shoes (I left them in transfer car the day before). All islands were great, especially Tony ????. Accommodation was great view. I would definitely recommend this agency and Tony specifically for booking a tour with them.

Tailor-Made Top Myanmar Private Trip, Daily Departure

Customized Private Myanmar Holiday with Daily Departure

• Sightseeing

12 Day Tour Myanmar with Beach break

Highly recommended! Thank a lot for such a great trip.

5 Days Ancient Bagan & Culture Mandalay

10 Days Classic Myanmar Highlight Tour

Myanmar - 5 Days Tour

GEMS OF BURMA LUXURY TOUR

Discovering Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Beyond 7-Day

We had a wonderful experience with TourRadar. We did not know anything about the company when we signed up but it was top notch!!!! Guides were great and met us at airport. I would highly recommend!

Golden Myanmar: Yangon, Golden Rock, and Bago Tour 4-Day

We are safely back in South Africa and have almost finished our travel report. A lot of family and friends are interested in our adventures. This trip was really nice and not in the least because of your excellent service and help. Thanks again Dung, we will certainly recommend you.

The Golden Myanmar Tour 7-Day

Great booking and tour agenda fixing experience! I was recommended to use the tour

Tailor-Made Private Myanmar Trip with Daily Departure

What people love about fully guided tours in myanmar (burma).

I was recommended to use the tour arrangement services provided by this company by a friend who had returned from Myanmar. As a foreigner, my main consideration was to find a reliable agent who could provide excellent service at an affordable price. My friend's personal experience convinced me that this company was the right choice. In fact, I was pleased to discover that my friend's recommendation was spot on. The contact person, Hien Bui, was extremely helpful and patient in accommodating my many rounds of inquiries and changes to the draft itinerary. Highly recommend this company to others.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

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

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: Customize a Personalized Trip

The best duration for a first Myanmar tour is 7-9 days, allowing wide-ranging visits, from the remnants of four royal capitals in Mandalay and the tranquil glassy Inle Lake, to the wonders of the ancient ruins of Bagan and the cultural hub of the largest city Yangon. If you have a few more days to spare, consider a trekking trip from Kalaw, or a leisurely holiday at Ngapali beach; or move on to explore Thailand.

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Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days | Best of Burma 5-Day Trip & Tour Packages

If your time is limited, Myanmar itinerary 5 days is still enough to give you a taste of the country’s history, people, and cuisine through the top attractions in the country.

Within 5 days in Myanmar, you can choose either to explore Yangon or to gaze out at the charming landscape throughout the country such as the archaeological sites in Bagan, Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock), Mandalay or Bago city, etc. Whatever you choose, we ensure to give you the finest experience & delight for your Myanmar holiday packages .

Go Myanmar Tours offers the most authentic experience for Myanmar 5-day tour packages, ready-made trips, and travel services for you to choose from. If none of our ready-made itinerary meets your needs, contact us to create the unique 5-day tour in Myanmar that suits you most.

Recommended Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: Yangon – Half-day City Tour Day 2: Yangon – Morning flight to Bagan – Temple Visit Day 3: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Inle Lake Sightseeing Day 4 : Inle Lake – Indein – Fly back to Yangon Day 5: Yangon Departure

A Brief Taste of Myanmar – 5 Days

Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days

Astounding Irrawaddy River with Strand Cruise – 5 Days

Essence of Mandalay & Monywa – 5 Days

Anawrahta Cruise Ship Myanmar Itinerary

Myanmar Discovery – Land of the Hidden Charms – 5 days

Bagan Tours & Day Trips

Myanmar Overture – 5 Days

Scenic Myanmar from Mandalay to Bagan – 5 Days

The Best of Yangon – 5 Days

Virgin Island – Myeik Explore – 5 Days

Yangon – Bagan – Inle Lake Tour – 5 Days

Yangon – Bagan Excursion 5 Days

Yangon and The Surroundings – 5 Days

Yangon Golf Tour & Cultural Exploration – 5 Days

Inle Lake Tours & Day Trips

Yangon Stopover With Inle Extension – 5 Days

Things You Should Know Before Planning a 5 Days Trip to Myanmar

Getting myanmar visa, learning some myanmar basic phrases for your 5-day trip to myanmar.

When is the Best Time for a Myanmar Tour?

Getting Around During 5 Days in Myanmar

Attractions for 5 days in Myanmar 

5 days in yangon – where your dream of myanmar begins.

Bagan - Unlock  the Myth Among 3000 Temples

Kyaikhtio Pagoda (Golden Rock) - Enshrining the Relic of Buddha

Inle Lake - Enjoy an Interesting  Boat Trip 

Bago – Visit the Land of Magical Colors

Myeik Archipelago - Home to Magnificent Sea Life 

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10 amazing things to do in Myanmar

By Marcus Allender

Find the hidden temples of Bagan

The ancient Buddhist temples of Bagan - thousands of them, spread across the plains - are Burma 's answer to Angkor Wat . Hot-air ballooning over them at sunrise is a sensational (and effortless) way to see the temples, which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Few visitors, however, discover the beautiful and largely deserted cluster of temples around Kyaukgu Umin, to the east of the market town of Nyaung U. Our tip: explore it at ground level by hiring a bike for a dollar, or hop into a horse and cart for a slow-paced tour.

Stay at a boutique winery

Beer and whisky, yes. But who knew that Burma had its own vineyards? And surprisingly good wine, too, if you head to the German-run Aythaya winery which was established in 1999 near Inle Lake . Overlooking the hillside vineyard is a tiny boutique hotel, Monte DiVino Lodge, where bedrooms have balconies with views over the estate, best enjoyed with a glass of the local rosé to hand.

Go motorbiking on the road from Mandalay

Zach Benoy is an adventurous American who moved to Burma 10 years ago to start a chicken farm in Pyin Oo Lwin. But he's also a big motorhead and to keep things interesting rents motorbikes and runs dedicated tours out of Mandalay. You can take a self-guided route, or embark on country-wide epics led by Zach or one of his local guides.

Swim in Indiana Jones-style waterfalls

East of Mandalay is the historic town of Pyin Oo Lwin, once a summer getaway for British colonial types. It's still a relaxing place to escape to, and has a sequence of dramatic waterfalls nearby. The pick is the towering Dat Taw Gyaint fall, which has crystal-clear waters to swim in, set by an unusual earthen pagoda and a crumbling, abandoned bridge, seemingly straight out of an Indiana Jones film.

Sail away to Burma's best beaches

Set in the tropical far south of Burma, Myeik (also known as Mergui) is a fascinating port town with winding colonial-era streets. From here you can hop on a boat to the northern islands of the vast Myeik Archipelago, to run wild amid deserted white-sand beaches, tropical reefs and the indigenous Moken people, also known as sea gypsies.

Walk under a mountain to Buddhist caves

Laid-back Hpa An, close to the Thai border, is home to impressive karst mountains similar to Vietnam 's famous Halong Bay - but without the crowds. The highlight is Sadan Cave, a towering place full of pagodas and Buddhas, where you can walk under the entire mountain and take a tiny wooden boat back through the paddy fields. Nearby is Hpa-An Lodge , where you can book one of the 18 stylish teak cottages.

Take a trip to a bizarre drugs museum in Yangon

A fascinating propaganda exercise created by the Burmese generals to show what a good job they were doing fighting the war on drugs, the Yangon Drugs Elimination Museum is a sometimes disturbing, often hilarious and always bizarre treat for those with an interest in how the country is changing.

Wade out to a desert-island restaurant

Burmese seafood is a real experience, and a really special place to sample this is at the country's best beach escape, Ngapali. Make your way to the Pleasant View Islet Restaurant for lovely views of the beach and bay. As it's on an islet, you can wade to the restaurant at low tide and take a rope-propelled boat back at high tide.

Go out with a bang at the Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival

Burma is the land of a thousand festivals, and this one is the most explosively colourful. Once a year in early November, a field outside the Shan capital of Taunggyi becomes the venue for a spectacular hot-air balloon competition. The event becomes more raucous into the night, with drinking, dancing and gigantic balloons laden with thousands of fireworks that sometimes blow up in unplanned ways. So be warned.

Compare tattoos with hill tribes

Inked hipsters have yet to go as far as the hill people who can be encountered in Mount Victoria National Park: some of the women here sport full facial designs denoting which Christian-animist tribe they belong to. The park is quite unlike anywhere else in Burma, with astounding flora and fauna, such as rare orchids and impressive birds of prey. A tailor-made tour with Go-Myanmar.com will uncover other highlights in the area and other lesser trodden parts of the country.

By Hazel Lubbock

By David Annand

By Jasreen Mayal Khanna

The path to Pleasant View Islet Restaurant

A hut perches on stilts above the ground in Karen State, Burma

Pleasant View Islet Restaurant

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

A hot air balloon hung with lanterns at Tazaungdaing Lighting Festival

Inside Sadan Cave, Hpa An

One of Zach Benoy's motorbikes on a tour of the Burmese countryside

A path on the Pleasant View Islet Resort

A sky dome at Hpa An Lodge

The entrance of the Sadan Cave, Hpa An

Sunrise over the temples of Bagan

The view around Hpa An Lodge

A teak cottage at Hpa An lodge, Burma

The stairs leading to Kyauk Gu U Min Temple, Bagan, Burma

A landscape view during a motorbike tour with Zach Benoy

A view of Sadan Cave, Myanmar

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall, Burma

An anti-drugs painting at the Yangon Drug Elimination Museum

Yoma Cherry Lodge, Ngapali beach

A beach in the Myeik Archipelago

Sunrise over the ancient temples of Bagan, Burma

Boutique winery lodge, Burma

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Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: A Complex and Culturally Rich Land

Looking for a Myanmar (Burma) travel guide? Here is everything you need to know before you visit this enchanting destination.

I discovered the beauty of Myanmar on Instagram. This platform can make you travel to exotic places without leaving your home! I had been saving photos from this country as inspiration for over two years, hoping to get there one day.

I instantly loved Myanmar (Burma)! The first place I visited was the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The atmosphere was serene and the site was stunning. I was completely amazed by this beautiful country.

My name’s Ophélie . I grew up in Dunkirk, a city in the North of France by the Nord Sea. I’ve loved travelling ever since I was a teenager.

I remember taking school trips to Germany and Italy and not wanting to come back home. The first trip that really blew me away was to India in 2011. It was so different and so stunning.

I’ve always loved capturing the places that I visit. In the last two years, I upgraded my game by buying a better camera and better lenses. Learning how to edit my pictures and getting better at photography in general has been a priority of mine recently.

Two Weeks in the Majestic Myanmar (Burma)

I stayed in Myanmar (Burma) for two weeks. My itinerary was four days in Yangon where I flew in from France. Three days in Inle Lake , five days in Bagan and three days in Mandalay. I definitely recommend this two week itinerary for any Myanmar (Burma) travel guide.

All the places I visited were so unique and beautiful. The pagodas in Yangon are amazing, Inle Lake is extremely beautiful, Bagan is a gem and Mandalay is full of surprising sites. I even regret not having the time to see more of this country like Ngapali Beach and Hpa-An .

One of my favourite memories was my visit to Maha Wizaya Pagoda at sunrise. This pagoda is located near the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

The atmosphere here is just so tranquil and magical. It transported me to another world! Not to mention the architecture which was stunning: the golden pagoda has many beautiful details on its façade and is very unique.

Inside the Maha Wizaya Pagoda is worth a visit too. It’s as if you enter a fairytale world with an enchanting forest! The place was almost empty and the locals we met were super friendly. I took an amazing photo there of a beautiful sun flare over the pagoda – it’s one of my favourite photos.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: The UNESCO Site of Bagan

Seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Bagan was really amazing. You can still find in the area the remains of 3822 temples and pagodas. Watching the sunrise with the hot air balloons in the sky is quite an extraordinary experience. The sunsets are also spectacular!

I have to say that taking pictures at sunrise with the hot air balloons was quite a challenge. Indeed the balloons move quickly and in unpredictable directions. The best option is to find a not so touristy spot with temples and pagodas in the background. This way the hot air balloons will still be visible.

Unfortunately we didn’t find that perfect photography spot. But we did our best in one of the most famous locations and left with a few good photos.

I had the opportunity to fly over the UNESCO heritage site of Bagan with the company Balloons Over Bagan. It was unforgettable! This was my first hot air balloon ride and I was so amazed by it all.

Not only was seeing all the temples and pagodas from above extraordinary, but I also had this feeling that I was flying like a bird. I highly recommend it!

Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: Top 5 Experiences

Myanmar (Burma) is one of the most beautiful places in Asia . Shining golden temples can be found in every corner of this land and traditional Buddhism still reigns supreme.

There are so many wonderful experiences and things to do here. Below I have outlined some of my favourites that should be included in every Myanmar (Burma) travel guide.

1. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda at Sunrise

This stunning pagoda in Yangon is amazing. The atmosphere here is serene and the architecture is incredible. The huge 99 meter gold-plated pagoda is situated on top of a small hill in downtown Yangon.

Sunrise here is a special time. Sunset is also fantastic when the pagoda is lit up in spotlights. Shwedagon Pagoda is my number one place to visit.

2. Experience Inle Lake on a Boat Tour

You have to do a boat tour on Inle Lake to see the one leg rowing fishermen! They are so skilled and impressive.

Experiencing the floating villages and witnessing how locals grow fresh vegetables in their floating gardens is pretty amazing. The local people here including the fishermen, silk/cotton weavers and the Pa Daung women (long neck women) are all incredible people that you should meet.

3. Discover the UNESCO Site of Old Bagan

Discover Old Bagan and walk in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can still find the remains of over 3800 temples and pagodas. The best way to see Bagan is to take a hot air balloon ride.

Glide gracefully over the thousands of temples at sunrise – taking in one of the most majestic views not only in Asia but the entire world.

4. Explore the Sagaing Region of Myanmar (Burma)

The Sagaing region of Myanmar (Burma) should be included in every travel guide. This area is located South-West of Mandalay so it’s a perfect addition to your itinerary.

Visit stunning places like Mingun Pahtodawgyi (a Buddhist temple with a huge crack on the facade caused by an earthquake) or the white pagoda named Mya Thein Tan Pagoda, also known as the Hsinbyume Pagoda .

5. Check out the Largest Book in the World in Mandalay

Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay is such a surprising monument! Wander around the alleyways of the pagoda and find the world’s largest book.

The book is actually 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. These slabs are inscribed with texts of the Sutta Pitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka – three parts that make up the Tripitaka.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: Favourite Photography Spot

One of the places that surprised me the most in Myanmar (Burma) was the village of In Dein on Inle Lake. You can access this village by boat. Once you are there you have to walk for around 15 minutes in the village to arrive at Shwe Indein Pagoda .

This site is filled with 1054 stupas in many shapes and sizes. Most of them were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. They are in various states of preservation and the people from the village have started to restore them.

It creates a maze that seems like something out of a fantasy world. I loved wandering around here and getting lost amongst the stupas. Shwe Indein Pagoda is a photographer’s dream!

My tip for you: I visited this place in the morning and it was super quiet. But most of the boat tours take the tourists here in the afternoon. So you know when to come to avoid the crowds.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: The Amazing People

All the Burmese people I met were very friendly and welcoming. There is one thing that I remember as a good example of this.

I was having lunch in a restaurant in Nyaungshwe close to Inle Lake and all of a sudden our table and food had water spilled on it from the upper floor after a little incident happened up there.

Not only did the staff of the restaurant replace all of our food, but they also insisted on offering us the whole lunch. I was so grateful and the food was so good that we came back there for lunch the next day.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: Best of Burmese Cuisine

I really loved the food in Myanmar (Burma). It was so varied and tasty! I loved the salads like the tea leaf salad or the tomato salad with peanuts. I often saw curries on the menu of the restaurants I visited. My favourite ones were the pumpkin curries and all the ones with coconut milk.

Shan Rice Noodles are also something you have to try when you visit. Lastly, I ate some delicious dishes in Mandalay especially: Late Kot (hearty rolls stuffed with peas), Tet Ta Yar (100 layers of shallow fried dough with pea sauce) and Mont Pyat Ta Latt (a local savoury pancake). Delicious!

What you Need to Know Before you Go

Everyone wonders what to wear in Myanmar (Burma). Indeed, there is a specific dress code when you’re visiting the pagodas and religious sites. Here is what you have to keep in mind: no shoes and socks, a bottom that covers the knees (so no shorts) and no spaghetti blouse.

You also have to be respectful and keep silent. As you will often walk barefoot, I would recommend you take some wipes with you: your feet will often get a bit dirty.

I am currently writing a few blog posts about Myanmar (Burma), therefore you will find more tips and info to organize your trip on my blog www.limitless-secrets.com .

Thanks for reading my Myanmar (Burma) travel guide!

BY OPHELIE IG: @LIMITLESSSECRETS LIMITLESS-SECRETS.COM

Author:  Ophélie

Ophélie is a French photographer & content creator based in Paris. She's an avid traveller, photographer and foodista. Check out her blog: limitless-secrets.com

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Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)

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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, tailor-made travel itineraries for myanmar (burma), created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2372 USD

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.

9 days  / from 2840 USD

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.

4 days  / from 383 USD

Love Yangon

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

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 (Burma) Tours & Vacations

Our thoughts are with the people in Myanmar, including our own team members, tour leaders and their families. Intrepid is not currently operating any tours in Myanmar.

Please visit our Travel Alerts page for more information. Myanmar’s stunning gold pagodas, ancient towns and forested landscapes are completely worthy of any travel-lover's attention. Despite the current uncertainties, we look forward to once again visiting a family-run workshop in Bagan, learning from a community project in Pakkoku, or simply mingling with villagers in Kalaw. Find out why   Myanmar   is one of the hidden gems of Asia.

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Myanmar (Burma) at a glance

Capital city.

54.8 million

Burmese kyat (MMK)

(GMT+06:30) Yangon (Rangoon)

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Learn more about Myanmar (Burma)

Best time to visit myanmar.

Myanmar has three distinct seasons, with the hottest and driest running from February to May. During this time, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, although relief can be found in the highland areas which, on average, clock cooler temperatures.

The monsoon season runs from May to October, while milder and drier weather usually prevails from October to February.

Culture and customs

With 135 distinct ethnic groups calling Myanmar home (though many still refer to it as Burma), this historically volatile nation comprises a patchwork of customs, traditions and languages. Ethnic groups fall under Bamar, Shan, Mon, Kayin, Kayan, Chin, Kachin and Rakhine.

The majority of people in Myanmar are Buddhist, which has a unifying effect on this diverse country as religion plays an important role in daily life. Buddhist men are expected to take the robe twice in their life, monks are revered and the dress is expected to be modest. Shorts, if worn, should reach the knee and shoulders should be covered. Though Millennials are starting to challenge this standard of dress, everyone still covers up when visiting religious sites. The rest of the population is Hindu, Muslim, Christian or animist.

Regardless of religion, many Burmese mixes their religious beliefs with nat (spirit) worship and are deeply superstitious. Most villages have a nat sin, or shrine, to honor the village’s guardian nat, and you’ll likely see car mirrors adorned with red and white cloths, which are believed to offer nat protection. Astrology is commonly used to find a partner and choose important dates, like weddings, funerals and celebratory events.

About three-quarters of the population live in the country, where poverty is still common and labor is arduous. Families are large and tend to live in thatched huts that lack running water and electricity. Despite these hardships, many country-dwelling Burmese are hospitable, content and quick to call new friends ‘brother’ and ‘sister’.

Food and drink

Burmese cuisine shares many similarities with neighboring southeast Asian countries. Like in Thailand, India and China, rice is the cornerstone of most meals and curries are common, though typically more oily and less spicy. Burmese food generally features more sesame, nuts and beans in the north, and fish paste and sour flavors in the south. Pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots and tea leaves feature prominently in Burmese dishes, as well as fish and seafood from the country’s numerous lakes and extensive coastline.

Historically, the people of Myanmar are not big drinkers and, although this is changing, teahouses are still the go-to place for social gatherings. Recognizable by their small plastic tables and stools that spill onto the street, in addition to tea (which is strong and served with a dollop of condensed milk), many teahouses also offer noodles, snacks and sweets. 

Those wanting a stiff drink can visit a beer station at an open-air barbeque restaurant found in Myanmar’s larger cities. Indian restaurants serving all-you-can-eat vegetarian thali (a selection of Indian dishes served in small bowls, along with roti, rice, chutney and dessert) are also common in large cities, like Yangon and Mandalay, whereas Chinese restaurants can be found throughout the country.

Things to try in Myanmar

1. Laphet (tea leaf salad)

In Myanmar, tea is not just for drinking. Fermented green tea leaves are mixed with sesame seeds, fried peas, fried garlic and peanuts to make this sour snack. Some variations have shredded cabbage and sliced tomato as well.

2.  Mohinga

A fish soup made with vermicelli noodle. Find this popular breakfast choice at teahouses or street vendors in Yangon.

3.  Burmese curry

Milder and oilier than those found in other countries, Myanmar’s version of curry is typically centered on pork, fish, beef or mutton. For the proper experience, order this at a traditional Myanmar restaurant to receive a wide array of side dishes (such as rice, salad, fried and parboiled vegetables, soup and spices) along with your curry.

Geography and environment

Wedged between India and China, this southeast Asian nation also shares its border with Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh and juts out into the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south.

Mountain ranges can be found to the extreme north, west and east in a horseshoe shape.

Rivers run from north to south, ending at coastal plains.

The Shan Plateau, characterized by numerous lakes and canyons, covers the eastern portion of Myanmar, and is where intensive irrigated farming is practiced.

Fruit, vegetables and citrus crops thrive in this region, whereas rice paddies are extensive in the south.

Much of Myanmar used to be covered in subtropical rainforests, but unfortunately less than half of the country is still forested due to logging.

History and government

Early history.

It has been estimated that the land now known as Myanmar has been inhabited since 11,000 BC. Archaeological evidence garnered from burial sites indicates early settlements were largely concentrated near the Ayeyarwaddy River, with agriculture and animal husbandry prevailing by 1500 BC. Later, larger settlements or city states were created by the peaceful Pyu people, who migrated from the north sometime around 1 BC, bringing Buddhism to Myanmar. With the Mon people entering from the south during the 6th century, and sustained attacks from the north occurring up to the 9th century, the Pyu people became absorbed into the general population to shape the face of future Burmese ethnicity. The Bagan Empire ruled Myanmar from 1044 to 1287 and with a burgeoning agriculture and trade economy, was able to build thousands of Buddhist temples, many of which are still present today. By the 13th century, the Bagan Empire had begun to decline due to economic mismanagement and foreign invasion from the Mongols and the Mon people. Myanmar's seesawing fortunes continued for centuries, with war, invasion and changes in rule commonplace over the years.

Recent history

By 1886, Britain claimed Myanmar (formerly Burma) as a province of India, with Rangoon (now Yangon) being named capital. This period of British rule impacted on Burmese society greatly, with the culture, religion, economy and society vastly changing at the hands of the British. The local population saw little of the economic benefits flowing from increased trade and agriculture cultivation, and with many villages being destroyed, this period of history marks a difficult time for the Burmese. World War II saw Burma's movements towards independence grow, and by 1948 Burma was granted independence. Decades of change and political instability followed, with an unstable parliament and several military coups creating uncertainty around the newly Socialist country. Burma seemingly lurched from crisis to crisis, plagued by corruption, inflation and volatility from the 1960s to 1990s. With increasing trade embargoes, protests, sanctions and international pressure, the military government was forced to cease the imprisonment of democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi and instate democracy to the country once again. In the 2015 election, Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party won a majority in both houses of the Myanmar government. In February 2021 the military seized control of the country's governmental structure, removing and detaining previous ministers.

Top 5 temples of Myanmar

1. shwedagon paya.

As one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar, this glittering pagoda located in Yangon is a must-see for travelers wishing to learn about the Buddhist faith and culture in Myanmar. The bell-shaped golden stupa is stunning, while the surrounding statues and satellite shrines provide insight into Burmese culture and mysticism.

2. Dhammayangyi

The largest temple in the impressive Bagan complex, centuries-old Dhammayangyi, features elaborate brickwork, dark passages filled with shrines and serene figures of Buddha. With its construction shrouded in historical mystery, the identity of the architect/builder of this unfinished temple is still unknown.

3. Shwezigon

One of Bagan's most popular pilgrimage spots, Shwezigon is a significant place of worship for many Burmese people. With elaborate, gilded stupas, decorated staircases and golden, ornamental trees, this is one of Myanmar’s most beautiful temples.

4. Mahamuni

Grand columns, bright frescoes, peaceful pavilions, reflective pools and a massive golden Buddha statue combine to make this one of Myanmar’s most visually appealing and interesting spiritual sites. As an active monastery, school for monks and place of worship, expect Bagan's Mahamuni to be busy with daily rituals and yearly religious festivals.

While not the largest or most elaborate temple, Bagan's symmetrical Ananda rises majestically into the sky with a certain sense of grace. Damaged by an earthquake in the 1970s, Ananda has been lovingly restored to former glory and continues to elicit admiration and wonder from both locals and visitors.

Further reading

Festivals and fvents, thingyan (water festival).

For three or four days each April, Myanmar rings in the Burmese New Year by washing away the old year with a water fight of epic proportions. Join in the fun as people across the country use whatever means they have – water gun, bucket, hose, whatever – to douse each other. Come evening, the drenching is replaced with feasting and partying.

Independence Day

The end of British colonial rule is celebrated each January 4th with nationwide fairs, such as the week-long fair at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, and sporting competitions.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights)

As Buddhist Lent comes to an end, people across Myanmar commemorate Buddha’s return from heaven to earth with a dazzling three-day treat for the senses. Towns are transformed as homes and pagodas light up with colorful lanterns and candles. The aroma of fried snacks fills the air as fairs featuring street food and games take over the streets. Fireworks also light up the night sky.

Bagan Ananda Temple Festival

Almost every Buddhist temple throws its own annual festival, but the one thrown by the Ananda temple is particularly large. Part thriving bazaar, part religious ceremony, this two-week event held each December or January includes street food, market stalls, festival games and comedy routines, along with the occasional religious sermon.

Though shopping opportunities aren’t as numerous in Myanmar as they are in nearby countries, most towns have at least one market at its center. Regional specialties to look out for at markets include lacquerware from Bagan, tapestries and puppets from Mandalay and painted parasols from Pathein.

If you are looking to take home a piece of Myanmar, consider purchasing one of these regional specialties – this supports both the tradition and low-income artisans. Keep in mind that bargaining is the norm at markets and cash is the usual form of payment.

Like most countries, shopping opportunities are more numerous in larger cities. Find a glitzy six-story shopping center called Diamond Plaza alongside gold-leaf workshops and stores selling traditional handicrafts in Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital. Visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon for a large selection of luxury items, handicrafts, gourmet goods, clothing and jewelry.

Myanmar is renowned for its jade production, but a keen eye is needed in order to avoid getting ripped off. You also need an official certificate when passing customs, so it’s safest to buy these at more established stores to get a receipt.

Myanmar (Burma) travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What is the current situation in Myanmar?

Intrepid Travel strongly condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar. We halted all trips in Myanmar in 2020 and are currently not operating in the country. Any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travelers, staff and local communities.

Do I need a visa to visit Myanmar?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Why does Intrepid Travel operate trips in Myanmar?

Due to the political situation in Myanmar and the many challenges facing local people, we’ve made the decision to pause our Myanmar trips until later in 2022. We hope that the situation will be more secure and certain then.

In the past there has been a lot of discussion about boycotting travel to Myanmar in light of recent events, but we believe there’s a good deal to be said about continuing our long-term commitment to the country.

We hope that when the time is right, tourism will be able to return. Because the reality is boycotts often impact the wrong people. Diminishing tourism impacts not just the government or military’s bottom line, but also tightens the belts of local families who rely on travelers to purchase their goods.

Travel boycotts also tend to isolate vulnerable people even more and reinforce binary world views. At Intrepid, we believe travel has the ability to be a force of good. To connect people and begin a dialogue between cultures that can propel change. This is especially so in places where censorship restricts the free flow of ideas in the media, resulting in an echo chamber that only an outsider can break.

Why should I travel to Myanmar with Intrepid?

Resuming trips in Myanmar isn't a decision Intrepid made lightly. In 2003, we responded to the call for a boycott on travel to Burma by the then democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party was denied the right to govern the country by the military dictatorship.

After the elections in November 2010, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the subsequent call to end the travel boycott by the NLD, Intrepid was prompted to consider returning to Myanmar (Burma).

By reintroducing our grassroots style of travel, we contributed to improving the circumstances of the Burmese people by way of initiating a two-way exchange. Firstly, resuming trips gave them a chance to interact with visitors from other countries, thus giving a rare glimpse into life and governance in other parts of the world.

Secondly, taking passengers to Myanmar helped to build awareness of the complex issues this country continues to face, as well as positively contributing to the economy.

Unfortunately, the military coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to again reconsider our approach. We’ve paused our trips until later in 2022 and hope that the situation will become more stable and tourism will again be possible.

Is tipping customary in Myanmar?

Locals typically earn low wages, so while tipping isn’t mandatory, leaving porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers a small 5-10% tip is a gracious way to show your appreciation.

What is the internet access like in Myanmar?

Note: this information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Internet can be accessed at most hotels, but be aware, the speed may be slower than what you are used to, particularly in rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Myanmar?

International roaming in Myanmar is now possible with a growing number of mobile network providers. Check with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Myanmar?

Squat toilets are most common in Myanmar, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Street food snack = 500-1000 MMK Bottle of beer in a bar or restaurant = 2000-2500 MMK Banquet in a small, locally-run restaurant = 3000-5000 MMK Dinner in a high-end hotel restaurant = 15,000+ MMK

Can I drink the tap water in Myanmar?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Myanmar. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Myanmar?

Some hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards but Myanmar is largely a cash economy. It’s best to carry cash for purchases.

What is ATM access like in Myanmar?

ATMs are widely available in larger cities, though they can be unreliable. It is not uncommon for ATMs to run out of funds or not work due to power cuts. You may need to try several ATMs before having success withdrawing funds.

It's advisable to still bring US dollars to exchange.

What public holidays are celebrated in Myanmar?

• 4 Jan: Independence Day
• 12 Feb: Union Day
• 2 Mar: Peasants’ Day
• 27 Mar: Armed Forces Day
• 1 May: Workers’ Day
• 19 Jul: Martyrs’ Day
• 2 Dec: National Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas

For a current list of public holidays in Myanmar go to:   https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/Myanmar/public-holidays/

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Myanmar?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Myanmar but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Myanmar a safe destination for LGBTQI-travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travelers visiting Myanmar. Though most locals are tolerant, homosexuality is a cultural taboo and gay and transgendered people are rarely out. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, regardless of sexual orientation. Travelers should be aware that, although it is almost never enforced, same-sex intercourse is legally punishable with up to 10 years in prison in Myanmar.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex  or   ILGA   before you travel.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Myanmar (Burma) Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 89 most popular myanmar (burma) trips. compare tour itineraries from 89 tour companies. 305 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular myanmar (burma) tours.

Yangon City Stay - 5 Days

• Enjoy guided sightseeing around Yangon - visiting Yangon and take in the Botahtaung Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Maha Bandoola Park, Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Tea House and Bogyoke (Scott) Market
• Yangon transport - Live it local day trip with a ferry across the Yangon River, a rickshaw ride and Yangon Circle Line train trip
• Yangon - Make the most of a full day exploring at your own leisure

Highlights of Myanmar

• Bagan - Temple filled plains, golden Shwezigon Pagoda and 13th-century Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi Temple
• Mandalay - Incredible golden Buddha of Mahamuni Paya and spectacular sunset from Mandalay Hill
• Boat trip on Inle Lake
• Salay Village - Active monasteries and mystical Mount Popa
• Pindaya on the shores of Lake Pindaya and its caves containing over 9000 Buddha statues

Essential Myanmar tour

• See the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
• Explore the temples of Bagan.
• Rub shoulders with locals on the boat from Bagan to Mandalay.
• Relax and enjoy the serenity of Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach.

Essential Burma (Myanmar) tour

Burma (Myanmar) explorer

Remote Myanmar tour: Journey into the hills

• Get up close and personal with the tattooed Chin tribes.
• Drive on rural tracks to untouched parts of the country.
• Climb Myanmar's second highest mountain, Mount Victoria (Natmataung).
• Trek in the Shan hills around Inle Lake.

The Ayeyarwady & Myeik Archipelago

Thailand and remote myanmar.

• Navigate through the huge metropolis of Bangkok.
• Enjoy an immersive Thai cooking experience in Chiang Mai.
• Explore Sukhothai Historical Park.
• Take in the colonial remnants of Mawlamyine (Moulmein).
• Trek through beautiful Hpa An.

All Myanmar (Burma) , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Myanmar (Burma)

Small Group Myanmar (Burma) Tours

Timeless Cultures of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia

• Board a traditional boat for a two-day voyage on the Mekong River and experience life in riverside villages
• Attend a shinbyu ceremony during which Buddhist boys, clad in colorful royal clothing, become novice monks
• Walk among the ruins of the Khmer Empire including Angkor Wat and the “jungle temple” Ta Prohm

Glimpse Of Myanmar

• Visit the larger-than-life gold Shwedagong Pagoda in Yangon
• See some of the many incredible temples around the ancient city of Bagan
• Explore Kuthodaw Pagoda, often referred to as “the world’s biggest book
• Take boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River in Mandalay

Glimpse of Myanmar & Singapore

• Marvel at Singapore’s awe-inspiring landmarks

Thailand to Myanmar

• Experience ancient Buddhist traditions when you join Bangkok residents for their daily alms ritual and meet with monks at Wat Pho.
• Head into the forests outside Chiang Mai to visit remote hill tribe villages and embark on a thrilling elephant safari.
• Ascend to the top of an ancient pagoda to watch as the sun sets over the temples of Bagan and visit remote pagodas by horse-drawn cart.
• Enjoy a leisurely 2-night stay on Inle Lake where traditions endure as they have for centuries; this enchanting gem is rarely included on other tours.

Discover Myanmar

• Start and finish your explorations of myanmar in incredible yangon, rapidly developing but still packed with beautiful pagodas, astounding giant buddhas and more history than you can poke a stick at. your leader will show you around downtown, then it's yours to explore.
• Get to know your new travel mates over a welcome dinner at the linkage restaurant, a vocational training social enterprise restaurant that’s part of friends international.
• Tour the ancient city of bagan by bicycle or float high above the spectacle of stupas in a hot air balloon. there are multiple magical ways to have your mind blown here at this astonishing site with its thousands of temples and pagodas.
• There are plenty of opportunities to get in touch with the people and culture in your ample free time. try our urban adventures in yangon, bagan or mandalay for river tours, exploring after dark, local food and community visits.
• Spend a full day waking through the hills and villages of kalaw.

Highlights of Burma

• BURMA - INLE LAKE: The tranquil Inle Lake is located in Burma's Shan State, and is home unique fish species and prolific bird life. Many of the communities who live in villages surrounding the lake are from Burma's various ethnic minority groups, such as the Danu and Bamar people. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, visit nearby monasteries, and look for the distinct woven bags and silk fabrics made in the area.
• BURMA - IRRAWADDY RIVER: Embark on a boat ride on one of the country's most significant waterways, the Irrawaddy River. Stop at rural villages, local pagodas and to see intricate carvings at Kyauk Gu U Min. The river is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, who are under threat from dam construction. The river eventually flows into the Andaman Sea via the Irrawaddy Delta.
• BURMA - LOCAL MARKETS: Experience Burma's local life, colorful produce and fantastic array of local handicrafts in its numerous fascinating markets. Near Inle Lake, frequent a local market where many diverse ethnic minority groups gather, and in Yangon and Mandalay, search for exquisite examples of Burmese lacquerware, fabrics and other eye-catching merchandise. Enjoy interacting with Burma's warm, friendly people as you peruse their wares.
• BURMA - SAGAING HILL: Sagaing Hill, located outside Mandalay, is an important religious center. It is home to numerous pagodas and monasteries amongst its hills, and is a highly picturesque and spiritual place to explore. The site is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, with the buildings spread amongst lush, tropical foliage. Visit a local nunnery, and explore some of the 600 whitewashed pagodas and monasteries.
• BURMA - SHWEDAGON PAGODA: Burma's striking Shwedagon Pagoda has a sparkling golden stupa which can be seen from all over Yangon. It is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Burma. It contains various ancient relics, and you can witness devout locals going about various rituals on their visit. All visitors should remove their shoes before the first step at any of the entrances.

Back Roads Through Burma

• Visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden pagoda
• Visit the famous temples of Bagan by bike.
• Explore the famous Hpo Win Taung caves
• Enjoy the sunset at the Pagoda hills

Best Myanmar (Burma) Tours by Duration

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Top Myanmar (Burma) Attractions & Experiences

Top Myanmar (Burma) Experiences

• Cruising the Ayeyarwaddy, or Irrawaddy, River , which divides Myanmar in half as it flows to the Andaman Sea. Travelers can take a river cruise from Mandalay to Bagan.
• Visiting to Bagan , Mandalay Region  to view the ancient Burmese art and architecture.
• Trekking  the Kalaw, Shan state.
• Lounging on the beach in Ngapali on the Bay of Bengal, the most popular resort town in Myanmar. The best time to visit is November to March.
• Exploring Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay, also known as the Golden Palace.
• Visit the temples, pagodas and stupas of Bagan by foot, bicycle or electric scooter. The famous Ananda temple is here.
• Watching the distinctive leg-rowers and photographing the stilt houses of Inle Lake , one of the top sightseeing attractions in Myanmar.
• Seeing the 1,000-year-old Shwemawdaw Paya, or Great Golden God, in Bago, renowned in Myanmar and worldwide for its glittering gold exterior and diamonds on top. It contains several artifacts belonging to Buddha.
• Gliding in a hot air balloon over an expanse of shimmering gold pagodas, among colorful pink and purple hues at dawn in Bagan. 
• One of the most popular sites for those on a Myanmar guided tour, the Taung Kalat Buddhist monastery is perched atop an extinct volcano plug. Climbing 777 steps to the top for breathtaking views.
• Accepting a warm invitation for coffee, inside the bamboo thatched homes of local villagers.
• Standing awestruck in the presence of the colossal reclining Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda Buddha in Yangon.
• Touring the Shwedagon, or Great Dragon Pagoda, in Yangon. This is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar and a must for any guided tour of the country.
• Bargaining for intricate ruby, sapphire, emerald, and gold jewelry in Yangon's expansive Bogyoke Market.Seeing Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo Zedi - a pagoda that sits atop a huge boulder. Like all the visitors before you, you’ll stand, captivated, wondering how it’s not about to careen off the side of the cliff. Tours that visit Golden Rock involved a five-hour drive from Yangon and a long walk, including stairs.

Myanmar (Burma) Tours & Travel Guide

Myanmar (Burma) Attractions & Landmarks Guide

After opening up to the world, Myanmar (Burma) is now one of the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia . A wonderland of Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries, it can be toured by land or by the Irrawaddy River, which runs through the country from Yangon (Rangoon) to Mandalay. Myanmar hasn't changed much for decades -- yet -- so now is a great time to go.

You think you’ve seen it all in Southeast Asia, until you hear of a country called Myanmar. The crowds and global restaurant conglomerates haven’t yet arrived, and it is still largely untouched by tourism.

Other-worldly and ethereal. Unusual and in ways unique. Timeless yet changing.

Even the name of the country – today Myanmar, formerly Burma --  suggests how this intriguing destination is keeping one foot planted firmly in its past, traditions and ways of life as it moves, tentatively but steadily, toward the future.

Myanmar - The Land of Pagodas

Myanmar is known as “The land of pagodas,” and the visitor soon learns why. No one knows how many Buddhist pagodas, temples, monasteries and stuppas are scattered throughout the county.

What you soon realize is that if at least one Buddhist holy place isn’t within sight at any given time, it will be soon. Whether exploring a vast religious complex or coming upon a tiny roadside memorial, the pervasiveness of the religion that the great majority of people practice is everywhere.

For non-Buddhists an itinerary that includes a seemingly endless array of  religious places may threaten to cause a bit of pagoda overload. But don’t let that thought discourage you.

Some holy places belong on any “must-see list. Many others have their own special appeals. Wherever there is an image of Buddha there are people prostrating themselves, praying, chanting and presenting offerings that range from fruit to flowers, incense to candles.

If the pervasiveness of religion in the everyday life of the people leads one to assume that Myanmar is only about Buddhism, think again. It’s a multi-racial country with interesting cities, fascinating villages, stunning nature and attractions sure to excite and delight. This variety isn’t surprising in an area about the size of France and Great Britain combined.

Temple Etiquette in Myanmar 

Relatively new to the world of tourism, Myanmar may be excited to show off its country and culture, yet this also means dealing with foreigners who don’t understand nor adhere to local customs. Take the time to research Myanmar’s religious customs and traditions, making yourself a better global citizen and being respectful of your destination. 

• Understand that most Burmese citizens are devout Buddhists and be respectful of their traditions when visiting temples in Myanmar. Do not touch a monk’s robes, don’t disturb those who are praying or meditating and wear appropriate clothing at temples and religious sites. You might even try to wear local Burmese clothing, an effort that will be appreciated by Myanmar residents. Look for the Longyi (for women) and the Pasu (for me) as a replacement for pants or skirts. (More on what to wear to a Buddhist temple in Myanmar below.) 
• It’s OK to take photos of stupas, but do not photograph local people without asking permission first. Do not photograph meditating monks. 
• Do not disrespect the Buddha - it’s the law. Residents (and visitors) can be imprisoned for “insulting religion” and “hurting religious feelings.” 

Let’s revisit what to wear and do when visiting temples in Myanmar. This is one of the top Burmese sightseeing activities, so it’s important to be respectful so that foreign travelers continue to be welcomed in this fascinating area. 

• Take off your hat and shoes when entering a temple. 
• Dress conservatively and cover yourself appropriately. Cover your shoulders and knees. Wear long pants, not shorts.
• This should go without saying, but turn off cell phones, take out headphones, speak quietly and do not smoke or chew gum.
• Stay off the Buddha statues and the platforms on which these statues sit. Do not point your feet away from the Buddha. This means - yes - that you should walk backwards as you are exiting and then, when there is a respectable amount of distance between you and the Buddha, you may turn around. 
• Do not point at things or people in and around a temple. Instead, use your right hand, with your palm facing up, to point something out.
• If you’re visiting a temple in Myanmar and a monk or nun shows up, stand up as a sign of respect. Remain standing until their praying or meditation is complete.
• Women, especially, should be aware that they are not to touch or hand a monk any item.

List of Temples in Myanmar

Buddhist temples are one of the main sightseeing attractions in Myanmar…and there are countless ones to see. Add these to your bucket list:

• Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
• Tooth Relic Pagoda, Yangon
• Golden Rock,  Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
• Ananda Temple, Bagan
• Shwesandaw Pagoda, Bagan
• Dhammayan Gyi Temple, Bagan
• Shwezigon Temple, Bagan
• Htilominlo Temple, Bagan
• Mount Popa, near Bagan
• Hsinbyume Pagoda, Mandalay
• Mandalay Hill, Mandalay
• Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay

From Occupation to an Historic Election

Britain controlled Burma from 1824 until the country gained its independence in 1948.   A military junta that took control in 1962 suppressed dissent and allowed the economy to stagnate largely isolated from the rest of the world.

When the ruling generals permitted free elections to take place in 2015, the political party of Aung San Suu Kyi won a resounding victory. She is an activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, but whose advocacy for democracy resulted in her being under house arrest for 15 years until her release in 2010. She now serves as State Counselor and has instituted new freedoms and economic reforms. However, Myanmar’s constitution still gives the military a strong voice in governance of the country.

Since August 2018, there have been continuous news reports about atrocities by Myanmar’s military forces against Rohingya Muslims who live in Rakhine Province.   The Rohingyas originally came from the neighboring country of Bangladesh, and have been viewed as interlopers since they arrived. The unrest is confined to a narrow strip of land along the border with Bangladesh, so it is safe to travel throughout most of the country.

Ancient and Modern Life Meet

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city and commercial center of Myanmar. It boasts the highest number of colonial-era buildings in southeast Asia.

Mandalay was the last seat of Burma’s kings before the British colonization. It’s known as a center of arts and crafts, with different neighborhoods devoted to various trades.

The setting is very different in villages located throughout the countryside, where in many ways people live much as their forebears did. Modest houses made of intertwined bamboo line narrow dusty lanes. Domesticated animals wander along the streets.

Yet even in the tiniest, most isolated hamlets, as elsewhere throughout the country, vestiges of change are emerging from the traditional lifestyle. Cell phones are as ubiquitous as in any major U.S. city. Children of all ages use a smartphone to play games, and it’s not uncommon to see a monk retrieve a cell phone from his saffron robe to make or take a call.  

Wherever the visitor may be in Myanmar, the gradual evolution from traditional ways of life to increasing hints of modernity is one of the most interesting aspects of the country.   The result is an immersion in a rich and colorful past combined with the comforts and conveniences of today.

Top Cultural Attractions in Myanmar 

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is blossoming after 50 years of dictatorship and perfect for small-group guided tours with travelers hoping to explore and experience this region of the world.

Richly satisfying, with its fascinating cultural history and the ambience of a bygone Asian era, the Golden Land, as Myanmar is affectionately called, makes history- and culture-minded travelers delirious with excitement. Read on for the top cultural attractions in Myanmar.

1. Shwedagon Pagoda : Yangon is the biggest city in Myanmar, and the massive, golden Shwedagon Pagoda is its main pagoda. The people of Myanmar are incredibly proud of this top Burmese tourist site, and for good reason.

Enter by way of four separate entrances, then look for the eight planetary posts for each day of the week (two for Wednesday), each ruled by an animal. You’ll likely see Burmese Buddhists, who come here to pray at the post for which day they were born.

Delve further into the history and culture of Yangon with a small-group walking tour. Start at the Shwedagon Pagoda, then venture out toward downtown, past colonial buildings, as you get a feel for the architecture and daily life of the area - your expert Myanmar guide will answer any questions you may have along the way.

2. Inle Lake : Explore serene Inle Lake in a long boat, powered by the region’s famous leg rowers, where your stay might include a hotel on stilts or a visit to the floating gardens north of Nampan. The farmers tend to the gardens as they glide past in their canoes. This is one of the best places to fully immerse yourself in Myanmar’s daily rural lifestyle and traditions. 

3. Bagan Temples : Look for guided Myanmar tours that spend at least a few days in Bagan. Tour the Bagan Temples in the 26-square-mile archaeological zone, exploring the ruins of 2,200-plus Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries.

Ask your guide if it’s possible to see the Bagan temples by motorbike, bike or horse-drawn cart, as the area is quite large. The sunrises and sunsets in Bagan are legendary, and the temples are innumerable.

Expert tip : Look for Bagan temple tours that include a hot-air balloon ride, the very best way to see the temples. 

4. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda : This awe-inspiring pagoda is a must-see in Myanmar and one of Burma’s most sacred Buddhist sites - it clings to the edge of a steep cliff west of Yangon and overlooks the forest of Mount Kyaiktiyo. 

5. Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenandaw Kyaung) : Many visitors to Myanmar include a visit to the Golden Palace Monastery for its intricate, teakwood design, elaborate roof and depictions of mythical creatures, dancers and Buddhist legends.

6. Chaukhtatgyi Buddha : It’s hard to look away from the massive, reclining Chaukhtatgyi Buddha, a top attraction in Yangon. And massive it is, at 213 feet long and 52 feet high - it took from 1899 to 1907 to complete it. Take particular notice of the beautiful jeweled crown.

7. Ananda Temple : Visit Ananda Temple to see one of the most well-preserved examples of Bagan architecture. This popular temple in Myanmar is respected for its delicate stone facades, pyramid structure, gilted woer and original murals. To fully immerse yourself in your Ananda Temple tour, consider an ox-drawn cart excursion, traveling as the ancient citizens once did.

8. Dhat Zoam Doi Pagoda : Take a guided tour of this ancient, hilltop pagoda for insight into the culture, beliefs and traditions of the Khmer people. Your expert guide can also accompany you to Myanmar’s Akhe and San tribal villages. 

9. Mandalay’s Mingun Ruins : Consider a private boat excursion along the Irrawaddy River, observing river life as you glide along and stopping to explore the Mantara Gyi Pagoda (Mingun) ruins. Take note of the huge Mingun Bell, more than 90 metric tons of copper.

Outdoor Travel in Myanmar

Wondering what you can do for outdoor and adventure travel in Myanmar? Active travelers are finally getting the chance to uncover the Golden Land’s many outdoor travel opportunities, from caving to hiking. Your active travel guided tour of the Burmese landscape can be as rugged or low-key as you wish - this is an adventure destination awaiting your discovery.

Here are a few favorite outdoor activities to do when on a Myanmar guided tour : 

1. Hike in the Himalayas . If jagged mountains make your heart swell, look for a Myanmar hiking tour that visits Putao in Kachin State. The admittedly challenging treks in this area are guided by local porters and include meals and accommodations - and they take two to four days to complete. If you’re an avid hiker going to Myanmar, this is for you. 

2. Trek through rice paddies near Kengtung . For trekking on the lighter side, take a walk through the countryside of Pin Tauk, perhaps getting the chance to meet residents of the local hill tribes in the Lahu, Akha and Ann villages. You’ll learn about their customs, dress and daily life. This is a great opportunity to try Shan khao swe, a delicious noodle soup and regional specialty.

3. Hike Mt. Zwe Ka Bin . Another accessible trek is renowned Mt. Zwe Ka Bin, a two- to three-hours climb - you might glimpse a monkey or two on your way up. 

4. Whitewater rafting in Kachin State. Fans of river rapids might consider a Myanmar whitewater trip - check with your tour operator for up-to-date access and availability as the government regulations are in flux regarding this relatively new adventure activity. If you can, raft the beautiful sections of Mula Creek and the Malikha River. 

5. Bike Bagan . With so many temples to see and such a large area to cover, explore Bagan by bicycle. Pedal at sunrise and just before sunset to take advantage of the beautiful light and cooler temperature. Venture out from Bagan on a guided biking tour and visit quiet villages and rice paddies, from Nga Tha Yauk to Set Set Yo. 

6. Rock climb in Hpa-An . Experienced rock climbers will find plenty to do in Myanmar - the Burmese climbing community is really taking off. Look for rock-climbing tours near Mandalay and Hpa-An for the most options for all skill levels.

7. Adventures on the water . Go diving and snorkeling in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago to see rainbow-hued marine life, or book a sailing tour through the islands. Or, head to the southern tip of Myanmar and go sea kayaking on the Andaman Sea. Stop at little islands for a picnic or a hike and revel in the gorgeous ocean scenery.

8. Trek to Inle Lake . Guided hiking tours near Inle Lake bring you to the area’s temples, markets, villages and local tribes. Look for the leg-rowing Intha people, unique to this area.

Cuisine in Myanmar 

One of the perks of visiting a country that has been all but invisible to travelers for the past 50 years is being one of the first to try its distinctive cuisine.

Burmese cuisine has been heavily influenced by South and Southeast Asia and just like in those countries, you’ll find that particular restaurants or food stalls typically specialize in one type of food. Burmese food is more salty and savory than sweet and spicy, and typically involves a lot of side dishes.

And if you love salad, you’ll love dining in Myanmar - you’ll find sour, spicy, even crunchy, salads with just about any ingredient, including rice, noodles, vegetables. 

Try these top Myanmar foods , from tea leaf salad to the unofficial national dish, mohinga. 

1. Tea Leaf Salad : The salad is comprised of lephet (fermented tea leaves), cabbage, tomatoes, deep-fried nuts (more on Myanmar’s fascination with deep-fried food in a moment), garlic oil and chili.

2. Mohinga : Try this favorite Burmese dish for breakfast, as it’s typically enjoyed, or really any time of day or night that you happen to come across it. A broth-based vessel for round rice noodles, it can be topped with lentil batter, hard-boiled egg or - you guessed it - deep-fried vegetables. 

3. Shan Rice : The Shan are one of Myanmar’s main Buddhist ethnic groups and this rice is one of their traditional cuisines. It’s also known as nga htamin (fish rice) in Burmese. Rice is cooked with turmeric, then flattened into a disk and topped with bits of fish and a splash of garlic oil.

4. Curry : So you’ve had curry before, but it’s unlikely you’ve had curry like this. During your guided Myanmar tour, make it a point to dine at a traditional Burmese restaurant, where you can order a meat- or fish-based curry that will then be accompanied by more side dishes than you may be able to eat in one sitting.

Expect tea leaf salad, deep-fried vegetables, soup, rice and dips to be eaten with fresh vegetables. This is the best way to taste the traditional flavors of Myanmar, all in one meal.

5. Deep-Fried Everything : Your culinary tour of Myanmar isn’t complete without myriad deep-fried foods. Just about everything you find to eat in a restaurant, tea shop or on the street is fried in oil, from samosas to spring rolls, breads to noodle dishes. One of the best deep-fried dishes in Myanmar is the buthi kyaw, pieces of gourd that have been battered, then fried - don’t miss it.

Myanmar (Burma) Reviews & Ratings

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Trip to Burma

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Trip to Burma/Myanmar

Myanmar/Burma remains one of the undiscovered mystical places on the planet.

Trip to Burma is our detailed travel guide for travellers wanting to visit Myanmar and explore the Pagodas and Temples in Mandalay and Bagan.

Marco Polo described Burma as “The Golden Land” no doubt inspired by dramatic views of golden pagodas across the plains. It is written he looked out over the temples and saw thousands of golden spires, and almost as many golden Buddhas, as he travelled through it.

The Mavic Pro Drone and the Panasonic Lumix G85 Camera both shoot footage in 4K and are small and compact enough to fit into a backpack. With the Zhyiun-Tech Smooth Q Smartphone Gimbal for our iPhone 7, our basic photography gear is complete so we are always ready to capture images of Myanmar’s Temples and Pagodas.

We were fortunate to have U Sandima, a buddhist monk, who gave us valuable information as he showed us the Mandalay Temples and Pagodas. We chose to travel to Myanmar in the off season … June. Willing to forgo a sunset or two for less people, and a bit of heat and rain for open spaces and quiet, we seem to have hit the best time.

Myanmar is one of the most hospitable countries we have been in and is full of wonderful gentle people.

All the Burmese are full of friendliness with heaps of laughs and smiles. ‘Mingalabar’ their single word of welcome, offers hospitality and good wishes at all times of the day.

Come with us on our trip to Burma and see for yourselves this extraordinary place. We hope this website has allowed us to share this wonderful country with you.

Update April 12, 2024

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Burma (Myanmar)

Travel Advisory January 22, 2024

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

Updated to include information on Civil Unrest, Armed Conflict, Wrongful Detention, Arbitrary Enforcement of Local Laws, Land Mines and Unexploded Ordnance, and 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 these protests by arbitrarily arresting 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 in Burma as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Rangoon. Dependents under the age of 21 cannot accompany U.S. government employees who 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 militia occur 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 in the Yangon urban area. From January to July 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon confirmed an average of fourteen IEDs per month detonated against regime targets in the Yangon urban area, while an average of nine unexploded IEDs were discovered and safely disposed of per month. IEDs used in Yangon urban area tend to be designed for smaller impacts against specific targets. Outside of Yangon, IED attacks against checkpoints and other critical infrastructure have been designed for larger impact.

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

The military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws , including carrying out  random and wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens without due process . U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime.

U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals are not exempt from prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law. 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 Twitter are banned in Myanmar; police have sought bribes from individuals using a VPN to access social media sites even though VPNs are not officially illegal.

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.

Read the Safety and Security section on the  country information page .

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 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.
• 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.  Find a suggested list of such documents here .
• 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.

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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

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 abroad before you arrive in Burma. Inside the country, you will be required to show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate and Negative Test Results are no longer required for the entry. Travelers are still required to show documentation for COVID-19 medical insurance AND a completed Health Declaration Form. The Myanmar Insurance website has additional information.

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 the 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.

Military Travelers: Active-duty U.S. military personnel are not authorized to travel to Burma.

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.

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

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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2 Weeks In Myanmar – The Perfect Burma Itinerary

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 20 June, 2023

The best Myanmar itinerary is typically around 2 weeks and should include a mix of culture and natural beauty that Burma is most famous for.

We suggest you spend your time between the cities of Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, and Kalaw.

Myanmar Itinerary

We planned our Myanmar trip last minute and in the middle of high season, the first week of January. All we had planned was the first two nights in a Mandalay hotel. We literally were researching hotels on TripAdvisor in the taxi on the way to the airport.

Thankfully we found the perfect hotel with Bagan pagoda views right from our room and we booked it right on the TripAdvisor app on our phone. The below Myanmar itinerary starts and ends in Mandalay it doesn’t matter if you go to Bagan first or Inle Lake.

It’s kind of a messy triangle hitting four of the best Myanmar destinations. This mess would also make for an epic Myanmar honeymoon for the right couple.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Myanmar check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

2 Days in Mandalay

Spend at least two nights in Mandalay that way you have one full day to see the nearby Mandalay attractions. Most tourists overlook Mandalay as they don’t realize there are tons of things to do in Mandalay . You can rent a bicycle or walk to many of the sights in Mandalay or join a Mandalay day tour.

We hired a private driver for the day who drove us around for 12 hours for 55,000 kyat that way we could make up our own Mandalay tour and go at our pace. We suggest booking this $70 private car for 10 hours with an English speaking guide. We suggest booking before you’re in Mandalay, you won’t be able to negotiate with a taxi down to this price.

1. U Bein Bridge – World’s longest teak bridge

Get up early and head to U Bein bridge for sunrise, not only is a gorgeous sunrise but very few tourist and instead locals & monks crossing the bridge. The U Bein bridge at sunset is also great but will be packed with hundreds of tourists. We had our driver pick us up at 5:45 am so that we got to the U Bein bridge 20 minutes before sunrise.

Have your driver bring you to Mingun which is an hour’s drive from Mandalay. Mingun 11 kilometers/7 miles up the Ayeyarwady River, there is a 9 am daily Mingun boat from Mandalay for 5,000 kyats and it returns to Mandalay at 1 pm.

Our favorite temple in Mandalay was Mingun Pahtodawgyi , which is famous for the cracks running through it caused by the 1839 earthquake. Within walking distance from Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the gorgeous white  Hsinbyume Pagoda.

3. Mandalay

Head back to Mandalay to check out the Mandalay Palace located inside the moat. If you are up for an adventure you can climb the stairs to the top of the Mandalay Hill or you can take a taxi to the top and then ride the escalator to the summit. We suggest watching the sunset over Mandalay from the top of the hill.

Recommended Mandalay Hotels:

• Luxury Mandalay Hotel $100+   Mandalay Hill Resort  5 star resort located just outside the moat within walking distance several Mandalay attractions.
• Midrange Mandalay Hotel $50-$100  The Link 78 Mandalay Boutique Hotel  4 star hotel in the center of Mandalay with modern rooms.
• Budget Mandalay Hotel  Under $50   Hotel A1  #10 hotel on TripAdvisor is where we stayed located right in the center of Mandalay, great value

Recommended Mandalay Restaurants:

• Bistro on 82nd #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor, small European menu. We highly recommend wiener schnitzel for 15,500 kyat.  Address:  82nd St | between 30 & 31th Street
• NOVA Coffee #1 cafe on TripAdvisor, a popular cafe with great coffee and reasonably priced menu  Address: A/146, 37 Street, Between 79 & 80 Street
• Indian Tadka Mandalay  We found this restaurant thanks to the raving reviews on TripAdvisor where many customers saying it was the best Indian food they ever had. It was pretty darn good, we recommend chicken tiki masala & garlic naan mains for 5,000k.  Address:  63 64 On 27th Street | Between 63 & 64 Street

Ko Fatty Mandalay Private Driver

• Facebook   message him
• P hone:  +95 9 40372 7817
• Email: [email protected]

Our book online with Viator for a 10-hour private car in Mandalay for $70 here .

Related Article: How to get from Mandalay to Inle Lake

5 Days In Bagan

If you are tight on time, you could do a day or two less, but honestly, Bagan is amazing and you’re going to wish you had more time here. More than any other city in Myanmar, Bagan has the most to see and do for visitors.

When traveling to Bagan from Mandalay you can either fly, take the bus, hire a private taxi for $70 , or take a boat cruise to Bagan. We chose to take the boat from Mandalay to Bagan, which took 10 hours but it was really relaxing and scenic. You must book in advance, book online in advance here.  We spent 5 days in Bagan and would suggest at least 3 nights in Bagan as there are over 2,000 temples in Bagan and you’ll need time to explore them.

Related Article: How To Get From Mandalay to Bagan 

As soon as you arrive you’ll realize why we are suggesting spending 5 days in Bagan. Our hotel was right at the edge of New Bagan with amazing pagoda views. We spent the few extra dollars a night to have a pagoda view room in Bagan and it totally was worth it.

Right from our balcony, we could see 10 of the most famous Bagan pagodas including Su La Ma Ni Pahto, Dhamma Yan Gyi Pahto, Ananada Temple, Shwe San Daw Paya, and That Byin Nyu Temple. We really lucked out booking this room for $60 a night on the TripAdvisor app.

1. Rent E-bikes in Bagan

Renting e-bikes in Bagan is a must and it’s the best way to see the best Bagan temples. There are e-bike shops all over and most hotels either have e-bikes for rent or they will have one of the e-bike companies drop one off in the morning and pick it up at night to charge it. Tourists are not allowed to rent mopeds in Bagan but honestly, e-bikes are just the same.

Bagan E-bike Rental Prices:

• 8,000 kyat 7am-7pm
• 2,000 kyat extra to have it dropped off at 530am for sunrise
• 2,000 kyat extra to bring it back after 7 pm

Since we rented two bikes for five days we negotiated a little and get a few of the sunrise charges waived, prices possibly were cheaper in town if we would have shopped around.

2. Get a Bagan Temple Map and go Explore

On your first day in the city pick up a Bagan temple map. Most hotels have free maps and a few e-bike shops sell a more detailed map for 1,000 kyats. We suggest spending one day visiting the temples nearby each main city. You’ll honestly need a day in each part.

We found ourselves spending more time at temples not even on the map. You’ll be literally driving down a road and see a temple in the distance and next thing you know you’re in the middle of the field trying to find a way there.

3. Watch the Sunrise over the temples

One of our biggest Myanmar travel tips is to get up early! Start the morning early because Bagan sunrises should not be missed. Watching the sunrise over the Bagan temples never gets old.

We suggest skipping the temples listed as a sunrise temple or sunset temple as there will be tons of other tourists there. Instead, the day before check out hidden temples off the tourist map. We tried a different place every morning in search of the best Bagan sunrise temple and again in the evening for the best Bagan sunset temple.

4. Hot Air Balloon over the temples of Bagan

One of the best views of the temples in Bagan is in a hot air balloon. Every morning we saw the balloons over Bagan making for some iconic photos. We knew we had to get in a hot air balloon, one morning we woke up at 5 am to jump in a hot air balloon for an unforgettable morning. We soared through Bagan for over an hour with Balloons Over Bagan.

Due to the drone laws in Myanmar, we didn’t bring it with but the photos of Bagan from a hot air balloon were just as good.  Click here to book a hot air balloon over Bagan. Book months in advance the balloons are sold out 4 months in advance due to balloons only running 5 months a year due to winds.

Recommended Bagan Hotels

There are three main hotel zones in Bagan: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U. There are pros and cons to all options. Old Bagan is right in the middle and probably the best location however if you rent an e-bike it doesn’t matter where you stay as you can drive from New Bagan to Nyang-U in 2o minutes. We think New Bagan and Nyang-U have the best restaurant choices.

• New Bagan Hotel: Kumudara Hotel this is where we stayed in a pagoda view room, great pool, walkable to New Bagan restaurants. | TripAdvisor Reviews
• Old Bagan Hotel:  Thande Hotel Bagan  | TripAdvisor Reviews
• Nyanung-U Hotel: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan  | TripAdvisor Reviews 

Recommended Bagan Restaurants

We are only listing the restaurants we personally ate at. There are tons of restaurants that are much cheaper and serve local Burmese food. We have had several friends visit Myanmar and had stomach trouble which ruined their time in Myanmar, so we opt to eat at higher-end places in Burma.

• Nyanung-U: Weatherspoon’s was our go-to place, we ate here 3 times and drove 30 minutes on the e-bikes just to have lunch here. We highly recommend the chicken burger 4,700 kyat and tea leaf salad 1,900 kyats | Read TripAdvisor Reviews
• New Bagan & Nyanung-U:  La Pizza offers tasty wood-fired pizzas, we visited the New Bagan location three times. Pizzas aren’t cheap by Myanmar standards 7,000+ kyat we recommend the pizza with arugula, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan shavings. | Read TripAdvisor Reviews
• Old Bagan & New Bagan:  Be Kind To Animals Moon 1 & 2 the menu is huge and affordable. We ate here several times trying different things every time. We highly recommend guacamole with chickpea chips.  | TripAdvisor Reviews

Related Article: How to get from Bagan to Inle Lake

1 Day In Kalaw

If you are wanting to see a more rural side of Myanmar there is some great trekking in Myanmar. One of the best treks in Myanmar is from Kalaw to Inle Lake. We suggest spending one day in Kalaw to arrange your trek. Treks can be booked the day before there is no need to book in advance.

There aren’t that many things to do in Kalaw so no need to spend more than one day there before heading off on a trek. There are buses daily from Bagan to Kalaw, the journey is about 6 hours. The nearest airport is in Heho about 45 minutes away.

Recommended Kalaw Hotels

• Luxury Kalaw Hotel $100+   Amara Mountain Resort
• Midrange Kalaw Hotel $50-$100  Royal Kalaw Hills Resort
• Budget Mandalay Hotel  Under $50   360 Kalaw Hotel

3-day trek Kalaw

There are a few trekking options in Kalaw, the most popular is the 70 km 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. There is also a 2-day trek to Inle Lake option if a 3-day trek sounds too intense. Another epic trek is the 3-day trek from Kalaw to Pindaya. Both treks have stunning views visiting local Shan villages along the way. Hike through tea leaf plantations and gardens as the path goes up and down.

Most treks are done in groups of 6 but private treks can be arranged for an additional fee. The average going price for the 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is 40,000 kyat a person which includes all meals, accommodation, and a local guide. Don’t forget to tip the guides.

There is a 2-day 1-night trek option. These aren’t as common and shouldn’t be booked online in advance. We suggest booking the 2 days Kalaw to Inle Lake trek on Viator here for $150.

3 Days In Inle Lake

3 days in Inle Lake is the perfect amount of time to check out all the things to do in Inle Lake and just enjoy the lake. Inle Lake is a lot bigger than you think and it takes time to get around the lake.

If you trek from Kalaw you’ll want a day just relaxing doing nothing. There are several ways to get to Inle Lake, it’s about 7-8 hours from Bagan or Mandalay. The nearest airport is in Heho, 45 minutes away. Make sure to check out our complete Inle Lake Myanmar guide .

1. Hot Air Balloon over Inle Lake

One of the best to see the lake is from a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons in Inle Lake are relatively new with only two companies operating. We were lucky to get in a balloon with Oriental Ballooning for a 2-hour balloon ride.

This is was our fifth hot air balloon ride and probably our favorite. We started out low flying over the villages along the lake and the floating gardens. We eventually made it up to 7,000 feet above the lake.

2. Rent Bike in Inle Lake

One day rent bicycles in Nyaungshwe for 1,500 kyats a day and just get lost. We rode our bikes out to Red Mountain winery for a peaceful afternoon taste-testing Burmese wine which was much better than expected. The winery is also a great spot to catch the sunset. Ride bikes to the Htat Eian cave which has hundreds of Buddha statues inside.

3. Inle Lake Boat Tour

Spend a day on the lake on an Inle Lake boat tour. We organized a private lake tour right at our hotel for $35 USD for the entire day. Our driver had a list of places to bring us but we often told him no to places as we weren’t looking to buy any souvenirs. Instead, we had him stop at local random restaurants over the water to have a beer.

4. Watch the traditional Fisherman of Inle Lake

If you are lucky you’ll spot a group of men fishing, Inle Lake fishermen are famous for their one leg fishing style. They have one leg on the boat and the other leg wrapped around the oar rowing. We happened upon a group of fishermen who appeared to be working together throwing the net and slapping their oars on the water to get the fish into the net.

Recommended Inle Lake Hotels

There are hotels spread out all around the lake but the majority of hotels are in Nyaungshwe. Nyaungshwe is where the bus drops off and the “major” town with tons of restaurants. Staying at a hotel located outside of Nyaung Shwe has its ups and downs. You’ll have to take a taxi to Nyaungshwe for dinner and nightlife options HOWEVER you will have gorgeous views of the lake. We choose to stay on the lake, our hotel was a 40-minute drive to town and cost 20,000k each way.

• On the lake : Amata Garden Resort this is where we stayed and highly recommend this 4-star hotel right on the lake with gorgeous views | TripAdvisor Reviews
• In Nyaungshwe : Mingalar Inn this budget 3-star hotel is located right in town within walking distance to everything and is under $30 a night | TripAdvisor Reviews

Recommended Inle Lake Restaurants

Inle Lake has a wide range of restaurant options. We only had 3 meals in Inle Lake and one restaurant was so good we went back again. We highly recommend all the places we ate and are still craving some chicken tikka masala.

• Innlay Hut Indian Food House #3 restaurant on TripAdvisor the best Indian food we have ever had. Get the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and garlic naan.
• One Owl Grill  serves real coffee and breakfast all day. We had their soup, hummus, and fries all were tasty.
• Pub Asiatico Inle has a great rooftop bar with 2,000k happy hour cocktails. The inside restaurant looks straight out of a magazine.

Useful Myanmar Travel Information

$1 USD= 1,300 kyat

Booking Myanmar Hotels

If you are traveling during the high season (November-February) we advise booking a hotel in advance. Myanmar is becoming a popular tourist destination and hotels book up months in advance. Research hotels on TripAdvisor to find one that fits your budget and needs. But, did you know you put your travel dates in TripAdvisor and it’ll give you the best rates on several booking websites? Most hotels you can actually book right on TripAdvisor.

We like having the prices from several websites given to us in one spot. That way we don’t have to search on several different booking websites. You can book hotels and tours right from the TripAdvisor app which makes everything so easy. Like we mentioned before we literally booked our Bagan hotel on the app while we were in the taxi heading to the airport to catch our flight to Myanmar.

Traveling To Myanmar

The cheapest flight to Myanmar will be to Yangon but in this 2 weeks in Myanmar itinerary, we highly suggest flying to Mandalay.  There are direct flights to Mandalay from several nearby Asia destinations. We flew from Chiang Mai Thailand to Mandalay direct for $220 round trip (bags included) on Bangkok Airways, it was a quick 1.5-hour flight.

Apply for your Myanmar eVisa online in advance. We applied a week before our trip and we were approved within 3 days. An email confirmation will be sent to you, just print out your visa and present it at immigration.

If you are traveling around Southeast Asia we highly suggest spending a week or two in Myanmar. Myanmar is changing at a rapid pace and traveling in Myanmar is becoming easier – We suggest visiting sooner than later.

 Have you traveled to Myanmar? What was your Myanmar Itinerary?

Our trip to Myanmar was in collaboration with TripAdvisor but as always our opinions are our own. 

Friday 17th of January 2020

Do you have some names of cheap airlines for travel within Myanmar? Your post sold me.

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Monday 6th of April 2020

You can check out the following domestic airlines within Myanmar: Myanma Airways, Air Bagan, Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay. We have not flown any of them so we can't comment on them.

Saturday 16th of November 2019

awesome post! My boyfriend and i are planning a 3 week trip to Thailand and Myanmar (maybe Vietnam too if we have time) this summer (end of June-early July).

we're not really big into pre-planning our sleeping arrangements, so just curious on whether or not you would recommend we book in advance during the off peak season?

Friday 22nd of November 2019

If you aren't traveling during peak season rooms should be fairly easy to find. However, Myanmar has become more popular quickly leading to accommodation shortages at times. Maybe just before your trip do some internet room searches to gauge availabilities during your dates and make the decision based on that. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 16th of January 2019

do you suggest to change money in advance or take dollars/euros and change it there?

Monday 4th of February 2019

I think you are going to have trouble finding money outside the country. I would suggest taking Dollars into Myanmar, be sure the bills are in good shape and newer than 2006. You maybe be able to exchange Euros in some places, but Dollars are generally better. You can also use ATMs inside the country to withdraw local currency now too. However, be sure to have some cash in dollars in case you have issues with ATMs. Hope that helps - Safe Travels.

Sunday 6th of January 2019

I love your post. I'm planning on going this summer and would like to visit Laos as well. Have you been to Laos and if so how would you suggest I divide my time between the two? I love seeing natural beauty and old architecture (and caves).

Saturday 12th of January 2019

Glad you found us. Yes we have been to Laos too and our opinion we'd spend more time in Myanmar. How much time do you have? Are you going to Thailand at all?

Friday 8th of June 2018

Thank you for your interesting and useful sharing. We are planning to go to Myanmar this July with our 10 years old, would you think the place is safe and enjoyable for children?

I am thinking of skipping Inle Lake and go to Ngapali beach instead after Bagan, any idea on transportation and length to spend in Ngapali beach?

Tuesday 19th of June 2018

Traveling to Myanmar with a child shouldn't be a problem at all. We haven't been to Ngapali Beach in Myanmar so we can't speak from experience. It's a distance away so the best option would be to fly otherwise you'll spend a whole day on the train or bus.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Travel Safety

Is Myanmar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Myanmar is an undiscovered gem of Southeast Asia. A cultural wonderland, a huge mix of ethnic groups, rich history, and stunning nature definitely make it a favourite of ours.

But it’s not complete paradise. There has been a n ongoing,   70-year-long ethnic civil war , the persecution of  Rohingya Muslims,  landmines, bandits, and the  opium trade,  to name the biggest. All of these issues may have you asking yourself, “is Myanmar safe at all?”

It’s ok to be concerned about safety in Myanmar. This is exactly the reason why we have created this insider’s guide on  staying safe in Myanmar. 

There are a whole lot of things that we are going to be covering in our epic guide, from whether it’s safe to visit Myanmar right now(fair question), if you should go there as a solo female traveller, to whether or not the food is safe or not. Our guide will have you covered.

So you may be wondering about the safety of Myanmar in general, or you may be wondering about the state of the healthcare in Myanmar – whatever your concerns may be, we are here to help you travel smart and stay safe so you can get the most out of your Myanmar voyage.

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How Safe is Myanmar? (Our take)

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Long an isolated, off-limits country, Myanmar (aka Burma ) is now open for business.

And that’s good news for you: the ancient temples of  Bagan , crumbling colonial streets of  Yangon,  and the former royal capital of  Mandalay  are all available for you to visit.

And, despite a buffet of  no-go areas  present throughout the country, Myanmar IS safe. Myanmar may not appear safe at times, because of on-going ethnic “issues”, but, as a tourist, these hardly affect you.

Petty theft is almost non-existent. Hassle levels are low. Crimes against tourists are actually  super rare.  Often, the worse that you’ll have to deal with is the occasional overcharging, which is tourists should be used to by now.

People in Myanmar are very friendly and – in most places – refreshingly not jaded when it comes to tourists.

However, you do need to be responsible when you travel…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Myanmar Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Myanmar. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Myanmar.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

Many people arrive or visit Myanmar as a part of a tour, but independent travel is totally doable.  Myanmar is definitely becoming a popular spot for backpackers.

Myanmar is not a model country though, let’s be honest. Poverty and corruption are rife, the military still practically rule the country, and armed inter-ethnic conflicts continue. Myanmar is also the world’s second-largest producer of opium after Afghanistan.

As of February 2021, the situation in Myanmar is a bit precarious. The Military Staged a coup and has imprisoned the lawfully elected government. It is not certain how the situation will play out, for at the time of writing there is rioting, civil unrest and martial law – not the best time to visit.

The grand majority of Myanmar is safe to visit right now, BUT certain parts of the country  AREN’T. We’ve got a full section on that later.

Since independence from the UK in 1948, the internal conflicts in Myanmar have been ongoing as  the world’s longest civil war.

Border areas are tricky. Whilst the Indian border  seems to be ok,   anywhere between Myanmar and China, Thailand or Laos  can be volatile. For example, the  Karin  and  Mon States – on the Thai border – should be approached with caution.

Given the volatile nature of these areas, wandering off on your own or trekking by yourself is inadvisable. Not only are there snakes to deal with, but unexploded ordnance, mines and travelling into differently controlled areas can REALLY get you into serious trouble.

With all these things in mind, we can confidently say that visiting Myanmar is safe, especially once the political situation has improved. As of February 2021, we’d recommend waiting just a little bit longer to book your trip.

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Myanmar, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Myanmar below.

Many travellers backpacking Myanmar will start their route in Yangon, arriving on a cheap flight from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. It’s an incredibly busy place and can definitely be a culture shock, but it’s totally worth the experience. 

One thing we have to note though: watch your belongings! Yangon is known for pickpocketing and petty theft. As long as you keep your eyes open and your valuables close by, visiting the city is pretty safe. But as we mentioned – it’s busy! 

Exploring the city is easy and it’s a fun place to walk around although you may want to catch a cab for longer distances – taxis don’t have a meter and you need to negotiate before getting in, it’s always possible to score a discount. From Yangon, you can head East to the famed Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, West towards Mrauk U, or you can head north to Bagan or Inle.

Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and an important economic and cultural hub. It’s often considered to be the center of Burmese culture, which is why it’s a popular destination for travelers who want to experience other cultures.

This is a city with a rich and intoxicating culture and history that can be incredibly rewarding for travelers. It’s also a famously busy city, so don’t let that dissuade you. Mandalay can seem intimidating at first, but once you arrive, you’ll find incredible religious and cultural sites, friendly people, and an interesting mix of foods.

Bagan is one of the most ancient and archaeologically exciting places in the whole world. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological zone in the world, Bagan lies in the historic Mandalay Region of Myanmar. It goes without saying that this place is overflowing with history, so it’s the best place to visit if you want to dive into the past.

But if you also want to see the modern side of this incredible region, look no further. There are loads of modernised areas with bustling streets and eclectic markets. The region has lots of vast open spaces as well, with the glorious countryside surrounding it. It’s the best place to visit in Myanmar for your fill of culture as well as nature.

With its more laid-back vibe, it’s also one of the safest regions to visit in Myanmar. That being said, it’s still smart to keep your wits about you. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Places to avoid in Myanmar

As we mentioned before, there are plenty of no-go areas in Myanmar. And to make sure you’ll have a safe trip, we’ve listed the worst ones below. That being said, you should always keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surrounding no matter where you are.

The northern parts of Shan State, the state of Kachin above that, Southern Chin , and Rakhine State (home to Rohingya Muslims ) are hectic to visit and sometimes totally off-limits.

Certain towns within these areas, like Hsi Paw in Shan are ok to travel to but, overall, the areas around them are generally not safe. The UK government advises “all but essential travel.”

You can still attempt to visit these areas – just be sure to contact a local agency or expert and check what the situation is like first.

Border areas can be a bit tricky as well, especially when there’s increased military. However, there’s not much to see in that region anyway, so you definitely won’t be missing out. 

It’s important to know that Myanmar isn’t the safest place, so a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will go a long way. If you want to increase your safety during your stay, read on for our insider travel tips. Stick to those and you won’t have a single issue in Myanmar.

Myanmar Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Myanmar is a  land of wonders  with a myriad of interesting sights. And just because there are zones which people say you should avoid, doesn’t mean you should write the entire country off. You can go to Myanmar and have a safe, fun, and definitely memorable trip.

But it’s important to travel smart . That means understanding the culture and social norms as much as the current situation.

• Stay away from any kind of demonstration  – It’s not advised for foreigners to be a part of a political rally as anything can happen at anytime
• Be careful when discussing politics with a local  – you might think that you know about the Rohingya situation, for example, but a local could see it a whole other way.
• Watch out for snakes  – not just when trekking; lesser visited temples in  Bagan  are nice homes for slithery, dangerous snakes, like cobras.
• Traffic can be MORE than a bit crazy  – especially in  Yangon.  Take care when crossing, or even just walking along the road.
• Don’t take pictures of any government buildings  – or police, or military personnel, for that matter.
• When trekking, hike with a local guide  – not just a Burmese person, but an actual local to the area. They’ll know where not to go and be clued up on the local situation, too.
• If you have a tattoo with an image of Buddha…  – cover it up. People are actually deported for not showing respect.
• Don’t walk around flashing your wealth  – crime stats are low, but it’s best to be careful.
• Pack a money belt  – just in case. (You may not have to wear it.)
• Mosquitoes will pester you   – so cover up and use repellent. They can carry the zika virus, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis…
• Careful in monsoon season  – this runs from May to October. Floods and landslides can be pretty bad in this period. The weather could possibly turn into a full-blown cyclone as well.
• And earthquakes too  – it’s not unheard of in Myanmar. Knowing what to do in the event of a bad one is a good idea.
• Pollution can be a problem  – especially around quarries, such as those outside  Mandalay.
• Avoid swimming and wading in freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds  – the parasitic schistosomiasis , also known as snail fever, can be picked up in freshwater sources.
• Learn some Burmese  – also simply called ‘Myanmar.’ The language is not that hard either – it’s all about emphasis, no tonal stuff here.
• If you do have to use dollars somewhere, they HAVE to be pristine  – getting an  Indian Visa  in  Yangon,  for example, requires US dollars. Pristine. Crisp. No stains, no wrinkles, no rips.
• Don’t feed the monkeys  – they’re used to snacks and go mad for them. They can be pretty vicious too.
• Dogs can also be scary  – groups of them can be aggressive. Some of them may have rabies, so keep away.
• Swim in safe areas on the coast  – there can be strong tides, which are bad news even for a confident swimmer.
• Book accommodation ahead of time  – foreigners can only stay in certain places, making it a bit hard to come by in high season.
• Be careful walking around after dark  – streetlights aren’t ubiquitous and hazards can be numerous, especially in towns.
• Don’t be alarmed at red stains on the floor…  – you’ll see this everywhere. Thankfully, it ain’t blood – people chew  betel here, which takes on reddish color when chewed. It’s basically a drug and when you’re done, you spit it out.

We’re all for solo travel because there’s a lot you can get out of it. It’s not just a  challenge for yourself , which is when you grow the most as a person, but it’s an amazing way to meet new people and see the world.

No matter where you travel though – be it Myanmar or Malta – it’s always a good idea to be equipped with a few tips when it comes to travelling by yourself.

• When you’re by yourself,  things CAN get lonely. (It’s just bound to happen.) The best antidote to this is to  socialize.  Not only is it a good way to share travel tips, but you may also make a travel buddy or two.
• The best place to meet people is  a hostel  of course. Find yourself one with good reviews.
• That said,  there aren’t loads of hostels (Though there are quite a few good Mandalay hostels ) . Staying in a family-run guesthouse can be an amazing experience though. Feeling at home is much better than a much more impersonal hotel experience. Trust us.
• Try and blend in. You’ll notice that not many people wear trousers or shorts. Instead, they wear longyi,  which is traditional Burmese attire. A wrap-around skirt sort of thing that both men and women wear. Feel free to wear it as well.
• Getting yourself a  local guide  when you’re going off the beaten track is a great idea. This will help you understand more about the area you’re travelling through as well as Myanmar as a whole.
• Picking up a  sim card  at the airport is a good idea. With this, you’ll be able to use the data for maps, phone your accommodation ahead of time, book restaurants, and all sorts of other stuff. Most importantly though, you’ll be able to  keep in touch with your folks and friends back home .
• Don’t get crazy drunk. Busy places like Yangon are already difficult to navigate and getting blind drunk isn’t going to help the situation much.
• Don’t push yourself too hard.  You don’t need to see every place  and doing so is really going to wear you out. Give yourself days to chill.
• Oh and  Myanmar can get HOT.  Look after yourself in the heat and drink plenty of water . If you’re by yourself, getting heat stroke is not fun at all.

We’d say that Myanmar is absolutely safe for solo female travellers. It’s going to be a trip to remember, that’s for sure.

And honestly? There’s not a lot of hassle or high levels of sexual harassment to watch out for in Myanmar. But because society is still developing, women are still faced with certain limitations. So it’s definitely smart to know how to travel Myanmar like a pro…

• Dressing appropriately is definitely something you should do. Either going for a  longyi  and some sort of blouse, or baggy trousers and a top that covers your shoulders. Tight leggings will stick out.  Look at what the other women are wearing and follow suit. Chances are you’ll get a lot more respect if you’re dressed more like a local.
• Make a few travel buddies. Staying somewhere that has good reviews from other female travellers  is a smart move. Making friends with another woman travelling through Myanmar will allow you some company and be useful for bouncing stories and tips off of.
• We wouldn’t advise going out drinking alone. Not because it’s unsafe but because you probably will get attention. Places like  19th Street (Yangon),  or  beer stations  around the country are quite male-dominated and you may feel uncomfortable alone.
• If you’re travelling on a train, bus, or boat by yourself, we’d recommend  sitting with other women.  Women travelling alone can be seen as pretty odd by Burmese people – it’s just not done. So making friends with some local ladies, or just chatting to other female tourists, is a good way to make yourself more comfortable.
• Find yourself a tour if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. Even if it’s just a  walking tour  of a town or city. This is a  great way to meet people.  Plus you’ll also get to learn more about Myanmar. Win-win.
• Don’t touch monks! Myanmar is a  deeply Buddhist country  and monks are off-limits to women. Even if you’re passing something to a monk, don’t do it directly – just place it within his reach. That’s just the way it is.
• With this in mind, be aware that  you can’t go to certain stupas or religious sites.  Women, for whatever reason, just aren’t allowed in some holy places in Myanmar.
• Stock up on sanitary products before you head out of  Yangon  or  Mandalay . The likelihood is you aren’t going to be finding them anywhere that’s even remotely off the beaten track.

Of course, travelling alone may make you seem ‘odd’ by the local people. But you’re a foreigner – you’ll be odd anyway. And the easy antidote to that is to make some friends, take a tour, or simply to chatting to some local ladies. You’ll have an amazing time.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Myanmar.

Is Myanmar safe to travel for families?

Travelling with children in Myanmar is not exactly  straightforward and probably not that easy.

The main concern? HYGIENE.

Sanitation levels aren’t always top-notch and definitely nowhere near Western standards. Because of this, we wouldn’t really recommend taking  small children  on a trip to Myanmar.

Cleanliness aside, here are some other things to consider when taking your family to Myanmar:

• There are a growing number of family-friendly places to stay which boast amenities for children. But for the most part, accommodation here isn’t really about families.
• Whilst there is a loads of temples to see, especially in Bagan ,  it might also be easy for your kids to get quite quickly  templed out.  This might even happen to you, but for children, lack of interactive museums or anything like that might be a little boring.
• Poverty, especially related to children,  can be upsetting to see. There are kids begging, ladies with babies begging, children working. Just a word of warning.
• Animals, as we spoke about earlier, can be pretty dangerous – some can be  REALLY dangerous.  Make sure your children know the dangers and  keep an eye out yourself.
• Keeping your children out of the sun and  making sure they’re hydrated  is a must since Myanmar gets hot and the heat hits kids more acutely than it does adults.
• When visiting Myanmar with children, we’d honestly recommend getting yourself on some sort of tour. At the very least, you should have some sort of transport organized for the entire trip. That way, there will be  less to think about. 

In general, whilst it’s not going to be the EASIEST place to travel with children, Myanmar is SAFE for children. What you’ll need are a relaxed mindset and some pretty chilled parenting. Travelling to Myanmar with your kids is going to be a real adventure, but we think you’re going to love it.

Is it safe to drive in Myanmar?

Driving in Myanmar is chaotic, not to mention difficult to organize, and we’d say that doing it on your own is dangerous and not worth the stress.

For one thing,  you need to get permission from the government to hire a car.  For another thing, we just wouldn’t say it was safe.

The roads are not in great condition and cities are often just jam packed with cars. Neither have a lot of rules in place.

Though scenic, the road from  Pyin Oo Lwin  to  Mandalay  is not something you’d want to drive. The road itself is precarious with huge dropoffs and cliffs that make you hold your breath.

Drivers recklessly overtake each other as well and blanket the entire route with dust, which doesn’t help the situation much. It’s a thrill, alright, and it’s just not something we’d EVER consider driving ourselves.

After night, we just wouldn’t recommend driving in Myanmar AT ALL. Not knowing the roads, armed bandits, animals in the road. Just not worth it.

If you feel like you need to travel quickly,  just hire a driver. Splitting the price of a private car between you and a few other travellers makes it pretty cost-effective, too.

Is Uber safe in Myanmar?

No Uber here.

There is  Grab,  however. It’s reliable and cheap and a good way to get around  Yangon. 

Just make sure you don’t get  charged twice.  Drivers may demand cash even if you’ve paid credit on the app. A simple complaint to Grab should have your money swiftly winging itself back to you, though.

But generally, Grab is safe in Myanmar.

Are taxis safe in Myanmar?

The taxis are  generally safe  in Myanmar.

By that, we mean that sometimes the taxis can be a little old and sometimes the drivers can be speedy.

At  Yangon International Airport  you’ll be able to get a taxi easily. Hop over to the taxi desk, say where you’re going (give an address) and you’ll get a receipt.

There are plenty of taxis in  large cities.  Hail one and they’ll stop. They won’t necessarily always let you get in – taxi drivers might refuse if your destination is too far out of town.

In addition, get ready to negotiate. Taxis aren’t metered and drivers will set a price according to their whim. If it’s too high, go lower. If haggling doesn’t seem to be working, accept the price or move on.

You can also get taxis  between major towns.  This is basically a  private car.  The guys driving these taxis can range from perfectly fine to maniacs. Private taxis can be arranged through your accommodation. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get an amazing driver.

You can also shop around.  Nyaung Shwe,  a popular spot on  Inle Lake , has many taxi companies on its main street. It’s a great option if you’re travelling as a group since you don’t pay per person, you pay for the trip. 

Is public transportation in Myanmar safe?

Yes, public transport in Myanmar is safe.

For train geeks and people who just like train journeys alike, the trains in Myanmar are awesome. They aren’t exactly top of the range but for the experience alone, these really are a great way to get around the country.

The famous loop train line that runs from central to northern  Yangon  and back again is actually a fun day out. Buy your ticket, sit back, and watch locals hop on and off.

You can also get  buses around cities. Yangon has the best system and boasts a regular fleet plus the  Yangon BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), which is a good way to get around. The buses are  air-conditioned,  which is a lifesaver when it’s boiling. Both of these are safe.

Long distance buses are another way of getting around the country and these range in quality. From luxury night coaches that serve free refreshments and have TVs in the headrests, to not so good buses that have one TV that plays the same Burmese music videos and soaps on loop (if you’re lucky). Riding a bus is always an experience, though.

The best thing to do?  Research.  Companies vary and asking your guesthouse which company they’re using will at least prepare you.

There are also  boats  that you can use. The famous  Ayeyarwady River,  amongst others, allows ample opportunity to get your skipper on. From standard government boats to ultra luxury colonial-feeling cruises, there are a number of ways to get around.

Look ’em up and see where you can go.  Mandalay  to  Bagan  (or the other way round) is a popular route, for example.

In conclusion, public transportation in Myanmar is safe. That’s that.

Is the food in Myanmar safe?

Burmese food has an unfairly  bad reputation.  In reality, there’s plenty on offer that’s going to have most foodies floored and we mean that in a good way. From the peanut zing and soft textures of  shan noodles  to the crunch and bite of  lahpet thoke  (tea leaf salad), all the way to BBQ’d meats – it’s all tasty!

You should get sucked into everything, including the street food –  don’t be scared.  A lot of places look ropey as hell, but, the thing is, everyone eats in them, from locals to other tourists. So sit down with your  si beer  (draught beer) and a bowl of peanuts and wait…

• Food tends to  sit around all day.  The same stuff that gets cooked up for lunch is often what’s on the menu for dinner. Just for the sake of your stomach, we’d say  steer clear of street food in the evenings.
• With this in mind,  food is often oily.  But that’s a good thing: a nice layer of oil in dishes like  curries  usually keeps insects away.
• Try and look for busy stalls to eat at, especially on notorious  19th Street  in  Yangon.  The busier the place, the better and more likely cleaner it is. You may be tempted to sit somewhere that’s completely not busy, but that’s a) no fun b) could be an indicator that the food makes people ill.
• Don’t get too freaked out by the grilled meat. It starts out raw and ends up VERY WELL cooked. This will kill most germs that will give you a dodgy tummy.
• If you’re  prone to a bad stomach  or you’re just not used to Southeast Asian food (and the way it’s cooked), the best way to proceed would be to do some research. Go to places that are tried and tested or are talked about a lot.
• As a general rule of thumb, we would say  eat seafood by the sea, and regular food in the mountains.  Seafood can give you the worst tummy trouble (food poisoning can be dangerous ) and the best way to combat this is to simply ensure it’s fresh.
• If you’re scared of curries, head to  Chinese restaurants.  The food here is cooked hot and fast and will be fine for you to eat.
• Make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS. Take hand sanitiser with you. These seem like  no-brainers .
• Don’t be worried about sitting down at streetside stalls. These are on many corners or on the street and seem to be  permanent fixtures.  You can literally watch your food being cooked just a few feet away.
• Refresh yourself with  cane sugar juice  from the markets. It’s cane sugar, put through a steam-roller type device. They’re perfectly safe and a good energy boost.

Whilst it may not always LOOK safe, the food in Myanmar is safe to eat. You WILL be missing out if you don’t sit down at a  beer station  and try some of the food that’s on offer. Ease yourself in, don’t go too mad, and your stomach and tastebuds will thank you.

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No. Not really. Not at all, actually.

You CAN’T drink the water in Myanmar.

Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal hasn’t been broken. If you find a source of purified water, be sure to fill up your own water bottle to the brim – you never know when the next one will come.

Is Myanmar safe to live?

Myanmar is safe to live in and  a lot of foreigners from all over the world do.  On the whole, Myanmar is definitely an adventurous place to live.

You’ll often get the feeling  you’ve stepped back in time.  People are friendly, there are charming daily markets, and a load of nature to explore on your days off.

Yangon  will probably be the best place to base yourself. That’s down to the other foreigners working and living here, the embassies, and the amount of things you can actually do in the city.

Let’s reiterate: it’s totaly safe to live in Myanmar on a day to day level. You can walk around the cities at night without fear.

What’s not so great is the government.  You’ll have to be ok with living in a country run by a government accused of very recent atrocities and where a pretty brutal military often has the final say. You’ll also have to come to grips living in a country where  civil war continues  in many of its states.

It is a very good idea to do your research on Burmese society and history before you go. Knowing more can’t be a bad thing.

Of course, get on Facebook groups, Google groups (like  Yangon Expat Connections ), and make friends with expats and locals alike.

At the end of the day,  Myanmar is a developing country.  Being fine with everything that comes with that is key.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Myanmar?

Unfortunately, Airbnbs can only be found in the major cities in Myanmar. The government restricts the places where tourists can live a lot, so don’t expect too many options. 

However, if you do score an Airbnb, you can expect super friendly hosts and great hospitality. Renting an Airbnb is perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the country.

The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see. Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if you’re unsure about how to fill up your Myanmar itinerary!

Is Myanmar LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Myanmar is a bit of a tricky destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. While tourists are generally respected, gay locals are facing way more discrimination and oppression. If you’re staying in bigger cities like Yangon, you’ll find a couple of gay bars and a small gay community. In the more rural areas, this will be harder, if not impossible to find. 

Keep in mind that Myanmar is a very conservative and religious country with around 89% of the population practising Buddhism. Public affection is a rare sight, no matter what kind of relationship you’re in. Unless you’re okay with keeping yourself and your partner on the low while travelling through the country, you might not have a super pleasant trip. However, as long as you respect the local culture, you won’t have to face any issues.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Myanmar.

Is Myanmar safe for female solo travellers?

While Myanmar is not necessarily safe in itself, female solo travellers are overall very safe in Myanmar. There is not much sexual harassment, and if you explore attractions with a local guide, you’ll hardly have anything to worry about. Dress appropriately if possible, so you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.

What should you avoid in Myanmar?

These are the things you should avoid in Myanmar: – Don’t participate in demonstrations – stay away! – Don’t share political opinions with a local – Don’t cross the street blindly – Avoid trekking or walking exploring without a guide

What are the most dangerous areas in Myanmar?

These areas are the most dangerous in Myanmar: – The northern parts of Shan State – The state of Kachin Southern Chin and Rakhine State – Any border regions (apart from Indian border)

Is Myanmar safe for inexperienced travellers?

We wouldn’t say that Myanmar is safe for first-time travellers. Mainly because you need to have at least some experience with different cultures, how to react and behave in certain situations and keep your head down if it’s needed. A curious tourist could easily get into real trouble in Myanmar.

Myanmar is a strange case. It can be safe if you come prepared and at the right time. Its military, the  Tatmadaw,  are fighting against and oppressing ethnic groups all over the country. There’s practically a  genocide  happening against the  Rohingya  people, which has been widely condemned across the globe.

Violent crime against tourists and even petty theft are virtually unheard of. You can walk around safely at pretty much any time of the day.

Myanmar is an awesome place to explore, and a lot of the time you will feel like you’re actually discovering Myanmar rather than being on a backpacking conveyor belt. There are tons of place that have yet to become overrun and Burmese people are super, super nice.

The biggest issue is coming to grips with the politics and current events of Myanmar. It may feel weird to be in a country where so much conflict is going on, but you can overcome this dilemma by  giving back to local people. By staying in guesthouses, hiring guides, and working with communities, you can help out in a small way. And that makes it worth it.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Monique MacPhail

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18 Comments

Hi Is there anyone in Myanmar travelling at the moment. I am planning an extensive Far East trip in Jan/Mar and have always wanted to go to Burma. I plan to fly in to Mandalay from Bangkok then fly to Yangon then fly out Any comments from anyone there at the moment ? Cheers Steve [email protected]

Hi, I’m planning to cross Myanmar as part of a trip from Thailand to India at the end of 2023. Do you think it’s doable? Thanks!

I actually did some serious research into this a few years, at the time it was possible, abet with a list of caveats. These included but were not limited too, obtaining the correct visa/permits, using government approved guides, using approved borders open to tourist, not all are. Things are always changing tho, so some current research into this will certainly be required particularly for the Myanmar side, due to the current situation there.

Hi, is it safe to travel to Yangon for business now? Thanks!

Things do seem calmer there at the moment, I would recommend posting on some Myanmar specific forums and looking up some local English language new sources to get a better picture of the current situation.

I am scheduled to travel to Myanmar in the middle of November this year; the “do not travel” notice from the state department scares me, but I understand that tourists, especially Caucasian, have little to fear. I plan to fly from Bangkok to Yangon in the early morning, then travel by car-with-driver to Bagan the next morning around 4 am, then fly from Bagan to Mandalay the following morning, then fly back to Bangkok the 4th day. Your thoughts… 1) safety in November 2022 , 2) WHERE can I find a car and driver for the trip to Bagan, and 3) should I change money to local currency, or just use US $ for everything ?

Hi Michael,

While tourists don’t generally encounter problems travelling in Myanmar, the travel you plan leaves almost no room for problems you might encounter, such as a cancelled flight, road closure or bad weather. If this is all the time you have, I would suggest you go for it, and be prepared with the mindset to basically throw money at any problems you may encounter along the way , to carry out your travel plan. I would suggest bringing enough pristine USD with you so you don’t have to waste time trying to get local currency if you have problems with ATM on the ground.

Can you do an update on this article regarding the current safety of the political situation in Myanmar for travel as of January 2022 once COVID restrictions are lifted?

In any hotel in Yangon, yes, have clean crisp notes but make sure the notes you receive in change are clean and crisp too. When hiring a car / driver make sure the vehicle you have negotiated over is the vehicle that comes and picks you up.

Hello I think you may want to update this article. It is NOT currently safe in Myanmar because of political uproar and this is not the time to be visiting

Yes we have been following the news and this article will be updated as soon as we are able. As I am sure you can appreciate, Safety situations do change quite a lot, quite fast and we can’t possibly keep up date to the minute!

Did you have problems with snakes?? Just curious I’d like to go but I am scared of them

Hi Eimeara, No problems with snakes that I encountered. But it’s one of those things. If you go wandering off piste into long grass and the like, who knows what you may find in there. Stay alert about where you are walking and you should be fine. It is an amazing country and I highly recommend you visit if you can.

Thank you for this excellent informative article. we travel to Myanmar in November and you have given me lots of information to work with

Its a fascinating place, have a great time!

Nice article though. However, the word genocide is quite unfairly exaggerated all around the world. Military operation against ethnic minorities could be, to some extent, true( although the federal military and the ethnic military are teaming up just to continue war for the funds). But the case for Rohingya is completely different. The Rakhine State is rich in culture and history mainly of Buddhism. You will find a lot of thousand years old Buddhist monuments and statues in the region where the conflict occurred. And yet, it’s been claimed the homeland for Rohingya people, who are Muslims.(I bare no ill will to Muslim people). A land with full of historical Buddhist monuments could be homeland for millions of Muslims ? Anyway, this article is an excellent one. Enjoyed that.

wow, wholly informative…except th one thing I needed to know, which pertains to th paperwork for getting INTO myanmar to visit. other than that, amazing article ! I’m psyched

How are you? – Shin ne-kaùn-yéh-là? “Shin ” is used by female. “ne-kaùn-yéh-là” is enough in general

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Myanmar (Burma)

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Areas where FCDO advises against all travel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Kachin State
• Kayah State
• northern and central Rakhine State
• Sagaing and Magway regions
• Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township
• Shan State North
• North Mandalay Region; the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin
• East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Shan State South and East
• Mandalay Region
• Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
• southern Rakhine State
• the rest of Bago region

The conflict is Myanmar is increasingly volatile. The security situation may deteriorate at short notice. Exercise caution, and consider any travel plans carefully.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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