burma travel cost

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Adventure Travel , Myanmar

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Myanmar?

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Travel to Myanmar isn’t possible right now.

Military Coup – February 2021

Cost of travel in myanmar, average daily costs in myanmar, costs of accommodation in myanmar, cost of food and drink in myanmar, myanmar cost planning, pyin oo lywn, myanmar budget tips – pin it.

As of 1st February 2021, Myanmar’s military staged a coup d’etat after the National League for Democracy (NLD) party won the election for the second time. Senior party members, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, were detained in the capital, Naypyidaw. Tanks are on the streets, and lines of communication across the country are down. Civilians are being murdered every day. 

This is not the time to visit Myanmar when the country is in a state of emergency. 

Other ways to keep up to date on the situation:

• On Al Jazeera’s new feed
• BBC World News detailed coverage and background to the events. 
• On-the-ground updates can be found on  Myanmar Now . 

One of the main questions I am asked about my time living, working and travelling around Southeast Asia is, “How much does it cost to travel in Myanmar?” and exactly how much money I ended up spending there in one month. It’s something that seems to be one of the main concerns about travelling here, there since it’s not as trodden as other areas in the region.

In reality, those who shout grand figures are scaremongering (or living in luxury) since Myanmar is not as expensive as you may think.

Myanmar Daily Budget for Travel

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Myanmar – Budget Trip Tips Guide

• Myanmar costs on average of $35 per day, including food and drink.

Travel in Myanmar does depend on the type of traveller you are. Whilst I was happy to crash in a dorm or share a room with a random traveller I met on the bus to split the cost, many preferred the comfort of having a room to themselves or the indulgence that came with the more premium hotels. However, as the latter are government military-owned, it brings in the whole other debate of responsible travel.

• The average cost of a low-budget hotel room in Myanmar is $25.
• A bed in a dorm is approximately $10. 

Food and drink costs will obviously vary from person to person, and whether you can split the costs amongst a group, and it’s likely your alcohol budget will decrease here seeing as there is a distinct lack of night-life in the towns and cities. However, should you wish to unwind, beer is relatively cheap at approximately $2 a bottle.

• Food and drink in Myanmar can fall within a reasonable $10 per day budget.

Myanmar costs can be low when you spend local and your money is also in better hands. As a budget guide to Myanmar, I have listed my main daily costs below to highlight how backpacking travel here can be done just as cheaply as in any other country in South East Asia.

Rough conversations for the Kyat to the dollar when dealing with a transport or tour related transaction is around 1,600 kyat to the dollar (as of the last quarter of 2018). When I was travelling, the exchange rate was around 800-900 kyat to the dollar, and they rounded the conversion to 1 dollar = 1,000 kyat. So, when a room for the night was $25, they typically asked for 25,000 kyats, rather than working to an official exchange rate. I was losing a small chunk each time but ’rounding up’ is typically the way things are calculated here.

Most locals are happy to accept kyat instead of dollars if you are running low, but you will be paying more  – so if the current exchange rate is approximately just under 1600 kyat to the dollar, many will simply round your dollar up to a straight 1,600 kyat.

Generally, all accommodation rates and buses (if booked from your hotel) are paid in dollars, which is the best means to pay where possible. Local transport links and the hire of guides and motos are paid for in Kyat, as is food, drink and local purchases such as street food and at the markets.

For ease of reference, I have converted all Kyat transactions below to dollars. I have also included the names of the guesthouses and hotels I used, all of which I recommend and would use again – single room rates are listed, unless otherwise stated.

The Lonely Planet Myanmar is one of the best guidebooks for Myanmar and was my go-to aid, serving as a good resource for planning and for contacts details to pre-arrange accommodations etc.

READ MORE:   A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling in Myanmar

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Each Myanmar Destination?

Local Trains – One Form of Budget Travel in Myanmar

• $10 (dorm) $25 (room)
• $1.50 

Find hostels in Yangon

Book a hotel in Yangon

• $25 (shared by 2)

Book a hotel in Mawlamyine

• $20 (shared by 2)

Book a hotel in Dawei

• $40 (shared by 2)

Book a hotel in Myeik

Find hostels in Kalaw

Book a hotel in Kalaw

• $12 (single rate)
• $15 (per boat) 

Find hostels in Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)

Book a hotel in Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)

• $20 (single rate) 

Find hostels in Bagan

Book a hotel in Bagan

• $20 (shared by 2) 
• $15 (single rate)

Find hostels in Mandalay

Book a hotel in Mandalay

• $10 (single) $7 (shared by 2)

Book a hotel in Hsipaw

• $7 (shared by 2) 

Book a hotel in Pyin Oo Lywn

The cost of travelling in Myanmar is only as expensive as you make it.

If you are happy to relinquish the need for home comforts, ultimate luxury and grand meals for a few days or weeks, and are willing to embrace living more simply and locally, then travel in the country is not out of reach of the average traveller’s budget.

Some of my best experiences were on local transport and residential street food stalls, and I can’t wait to go back, even if the prices do slightly increase.

Myanmar Tour Costs

Due to time or the fact you want a little more organisation in a country that can be more difficult to navigate in comparison to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam on the more trodden Southeast Asia Path, then you may be considering a small group tour in Myanmar or which includes Myanmar on a longer Asia itinerary. 

I have been travelling with G Adventures for over 15 years, and am also one of their travel ambassadors, so can highly vouch for their services and ethics when it comes to travelling for social good and with a positive social impact on people and place.

Myanmar tour costs can vary depending on how many days, and what extra activities you factor in (on top of what is already included in the itinerary).

The G Adventures tour is a two-week exploration that takes you in a loop between Mandalay and Yangon, including all the major highlights. Keeping money in local hands and supporting community initiatives, this trip includes riding local slow trains and boat trips and experiencing a hill-tribe trek.

This extensive Myanmar trip costs around $1800 and includes all accommodation, some meals, all transportation between each destination, including the internal flight, site visits and guided tours, as well as the hill-tribe trek. 

A budget to factor in if you want extra peace of mind. 

Myanmar Travel Cost – How Much to Budget

Myanmar is an exotic country in Southeast Asia with endless temples and pagodas littering the landscape making it an alluring destination for travellers. And the total Myanmar travel cost to visit this relatively unexplored country is affordable for most. This article describes everything you need to know about how much to budget in Myanmar.

What’s the cost of living in Myanmar?

The cost of living in Myanmar is quite low compared to Western standards, but expensive in comparison to other Asian destinations. The prices in Myanmar are more expensive than in Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Malaysia. And on top of this, there are additional ‘tourist taxes’ in the form of admission fees that foreigners are required to pay.

Don’t let this deter you. Accommodation and eating out are reasonably priced in all parts of Myanmar and it doesn’t cost a fortune to get around . Just expect the little extra fees.

Prices in Myanmar

Now that you have an idea of the relative cost of travel in Burma, let’s break down the costs into transport, food prices, and other expenses.

Transport in Myanmar

Let’s start off by saying that public transport in Myanmar isn’t the most comfortable or reliable way of getting around. You have the option of taking the public bus or hailing a taxi in the cities or towns. Long distance is either via a bus, train, or domestic flight.

Getting Around the City or Town in Myanmar

In the larger cities such as Yangon or Mandalay , you have the option of taking a regular public bus or a taxi. Buses are quite unreliable and it can be almost impossible to find out what the schedule is or where to actually wait for the bus. If you are persistent and are travelling on a tight budget, you can get a single ride for just a few kyat. Taxis, on the other hand, are a little more unpredictable. In Myanmar, drivers don’t use their meter and it’s essential to agree on a price before getting inside. So, how much does it cost in Myanmar to take a taxi?

Well, it depends. In Yangon, it shouldn’t cost for than MKK 4000 to MKK 5000 to get from one place to the other. Most drivers try to charge an extra one or two thousand, but it’s quite rare to find taxis that charge exorbitant prices. The best piece of advice is to ask at your hotel what the price should be and negotiate from that.

A quick warning, most of the taxis are in very old cars that are, well, falling to pieces. And don’t expect to be driving in comfort. There’s no air conditioning and the roads are very bumpy!

Travelling Long Distances in Myanmar

Travelling long distance is affordable if you can endure the long journey.

Regular buses leave the major cities to other parts of the country on a daily basis at all times of the day and night. The cost of a journey can be anywhere between MKK 6000 up to MKK 30000 depending on the distance and type of bus. It’s highly recommended to spend the extra to get a more comfortable bus, especially when the journey takes so long. You should search online to find the bus schedules and book the ticket in advance.

Trains are a popular way to get around Myanmar. However, they’re slower and more unreliable than taking the bus. Trains don’t go to every part of the country making travel more limited and the journey is at the mercy of bad weather and regular mechanical failure.

But, a train journey in Myanmar is very rewarding. If you do take the train, you’re going to be passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in all South East Asia. As you’re sat in the seat, the trains pass over tall bridges through the lush green mountains. The country certainly has some of the best scenic train journeys in the region.

So, how much money does it cost to take the train in Myanmar? The typical price range is between MKK 1000 up to MKK 10000 depending on the length of the journey and the class of carriage. A top piece of advice is to check the schedule at the station a day or two before you plan to travel.

The final way to get around Myanmar is by flying . This is the most expensive option, which lets you travel between major destinations faster. You can search online to find the flights and prices range from $80 up to $130 for a one-way ticket. A popular route for people who aren’t on a budget is to fly from Yangon to Bagan to Mandalay to Inle Lake and back to Yangon.

Food prices

The food prices are comparable to those in other Southeast Asian countries. Expect to get a decent meal with a few drinks at a local restaurant for less than MKK 10000. The daily budget in Myanmar for food and drink shouldn’t be too high. And it’s not very expensive to enjoy the local Myanmar Beer in the bars and restaurants.

The cost of Myanmar Visa

The cost of getting your visa to Myanmar is quite high, especially when you’re familiar to the free visa on arrivals in other countries. When you apply for a visa, it’s a 28-day single entry visa and costs $50. Most nationalities are now eligible for the e-Visa that requires visitors to fill out an online form along with uploading a recent photograph. It’s also suggested that you don’t apply for it too far in advance as the validity varies between just one and three months. Getting the visa is probably one of the biggest things people complain about in regards to money and costs in Myanmar.

Hotel Prices

The hotel prices vary depending on which part of the country you’re visiting and the quality of accommodation. You should be able to find a comfortable place for around $30 per night. Cheaper options are available, but Myanmar isn’t exactly known for its cleanliness and comfort. Most hotels fall into the price range of between $25 and $60 a night. And the level of comfort and quality varies considerably between each one. You should try to get a hotel that has air conditioning at the very least as the temperatures are persistently hot during the day and night.

Other Costs in Myanmar

One of the other major costs to consider when travel budgeting in Myanmar are the endless entrance fees. As a foreigner, you have to pay to enter most pagodas and temples in the country. The Shwedagon Pagoda costs MKK 8000 to enter for tourists and a mandatory five-day pass for Bagan is MKK 25000. You should also expect to be faced with other fees such as a ‘photography fee’ or anything else they can think of.

A Foreigner even has to pay a small entrance fee to go inside some of the public parks whereas the locals don’t. Duel pricing can also be apparent in some parts of the country when it comes to shopping, transport, or pretty much anything else. It happens and you just need to anticipate and go with the flow. After all, in the long run, the amounts are relatively insignificant.

Myanmar Travel Cost Per Day / Daily Budget in Myanmar

The total Myanmar travel costs per day will be around the $50 mark for most tourists (not including long distance transport). If you’re here on a budget, you could probably get it down to around $30 to $40. In comparison, travelling to Thailand or other parts of South East Asia may cost a total of $40 per day to be in relative comfort or as little as $25 on a tighter budget.

Travel Budgeting for Myanmar

So, now that you have a rough idea of how much it costs to travel to Myanmar, let’s break down the costs of what you can expect to pay. We’ve already established that most people can visit for around $50 per day to cover accommodation and living costs. Below are the expected daily travel costs to Myanmar:

Accommodation - $25 to $60 per night Food – Meal for one in a local restaurant with a drink – MKK 4000-8000 Drinks – Local Myanmar beer – MKK 1500 t0 MKK 3000 Bottle of water – MKK 1000 Taxis – MKK 3000 to MKK 10000 (depending on the distance) Airport taxis – Price tends to be fixed and you should search online for information on the different fares. Souvenirs – MKK 1000 up to MKK 10000 Admission fees in Yangon / Mandalay – MKK 300 up to MKK 10000 Admission to Bagan Archaeological Zone – MKK 25000 Long distance travel (for example Yangon to Bagan or Mandalay) using the bus – MKK 6000 to MKK 30000 Long distance trains – MKK 1000 to MK 10000 Domestic flights – Anywhere between $80 to $130

The Bottom Line

Accommodation, food and drink and getting around are affordable in Myanmar. Costs and fees that foreigners have to pay may seem endless but they don’t add up to that much. The bottom line is Myanmar feels a bit pricey if you’re familiar with the travel costs in Thailand and other neighbouring countries. But it’s worth it to experience this mystical travel destination.

Myanmar Travel Costs and Prices: How Much Does Traveling in Myanmar Cost?

Latest update: November 14, 2022

Myanmar has a reputation of being a very expensive travel destination. Let’s start with the good news: That’s bullshit. We spent a month traveling in Myanmar and kept close track of what we spent. Of course, you can drop a lot of money in Myanmar if you stay at luxury accommodations, get chauffeured around by a private driver, and eat nothing but Western food.

But you can just as easily travel through Myanmar on a shoestring as a backpacker.

Public transport is cheap, so is food at local restaurants, and simple accommodation won’t cost you an arm or a leg either.

We took the middle road. We stayed at decent mid-range hotels, often ate at simple restaurants, but every now and again we indulged in life’s little luxuries.

In this post, we reveal how high our travel expenses for Myanmar really were. You’ll also learn everything there is to know about money in Myanmar.

Read all our posts about Myanmar

Paying in Myanmar: kyat or dollars?

Money used to be an extremely complicated affair in Myanmar. Up until a few years ago there were no ATMs in the country and you had to carry around a huge stack of US dollars in cash everywhere you went.

Fortunately, things have changed since then, so there’s no need to lose any sleep over money anymore.

The local currency: kyat

The official local currency is the kyat (pronounced ‘chut’). Working out the conversion rate in your head isn’t all that simple because 1,000 kyat are worth about 70 euro cents.

You’ll probably come across the following bills quite a bit during your time in Myanmar: 50 kyat, 100 kyat, 200 kyat, 500 kyat, 1,000 kyat, and 5,000 kyat.

10,000 kyat notes were also recently introduced and most ATMs dispense them nowadays. We’ve never held a 10,000 kyat in our hands because it’s only recently that they’ve become so widespread.

There are even smaller-denomination bills and coins in circulation. But they’re worth so little that you’re probably not going to be seeing them around. We certainly didn’t.

As you can tell by now, the bills aren’t particularly valuable. The largest common banknote denomination of 5,000 kyat is only worth about 3.50 euros. So get used to the idea of having a huge wad of cash on you all the time.

Your best bet is to do what the locals do: Fold the notes together and carry them around loose in your pocket, the smaller notes on the outside, the larger ones on the inside. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that for safety reasons, we recommend buying this travel security pouch that you can just clip to the back of your waistband.

The second currency: US dollars, exchanging money in Myanmar

For the longest time, US dollars were essential if you wanted to travel to Myanmar. That’s definitely not the case anymore.

Hotel bills or invoices for domestic flights are still issued in dollars, but you can almost always settle them in kyat nowadays. The exchange rates quoted at the hotels were always fair.

Of course it still can’t hurt to carry around a few dollars just in case. But please take note that all bills have to be completely immaculate. Otherwise they won’t be accepted. And when we say immaculate, we’re not kidding around. A slight crease or a dot of ink is enough and no one will take the bill off your hands.

Euros are less common. Even so, you can exchange euros at every bank and quite a few hotels.

Withdrawing money in Myanmar

Nowadays, there’s a dense network of ATMs in Myanmar. In major cities and tourist hot spots you’ll find one on almost every corner. We never had any trouble finding one in smaller towns either.

Annoyingly enough, withdrawals are limited to 300,000 kyat each time. Don’t forget, that’s 60 notes worth 5,000 kyat each! That’s probably the maximum amount of bills that fit through the ATM slot. But withdrawing money several times in a row is no problem.

The drawback is that you get charged withdrawal fees each time. Local ATM providers charge 5,000 kyat per withdrawal, and some machines even charge 6,500 kyat. Add to that the fees charged by your home bank. That means you’ll end up paying a considerable amount on fees with all those withdrawals.

Our tip: We always take the two credit cards with us on our trips that allow us to withdraw money for free.

Paying by credit card in Myanmar

Paying by credit card is becoming increasingly common in Myanmar. We were able to pay our hotel bill by credit card almost everywhere we stayed. There were never any additional fees.

You can use your credit card to pay at travel agencies and good restaurants.

Our Myanmar travel expenses

That’s all the general information about money in Myanmar we have for now. So let’s get down to the numbers. How expensive is traveling to Myanmar without a package deal and what can you expect to pay when you get there?

Our entire travel expenses in Myanmar

We were in Myanmar for a total of 33 days. But we’ve gone ahead and calculated the costs for a time frame of 28 days, or four weeks, to give you a better idea of how much it costs to stay in Myanmar for 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

The following costs are always for the both of us: Cost of 28 nights’ accommodation: 1,002 euros / approx. 36 euros per night Cost of food and drink: 392 euros / approx. 14 euros per day Costs for admission fees: 96.60 euros Costs for 5 guided tours: 173 euros Cost of transport: 374 euros Total travel expenses: 2,038 euros

We spent about 2,000 euros for four weeks. If you apply our budget to a two-week trip, it should cost you about 1,000 euros, or 1,500 euros for 3 weeks – and don’t forget, that’s for two people. You can’t really call that an expensive destination, can you?

OK, we admit it, we cheated a bit… There are two major expenditures we didn’t count. But they’re not exactly representative and they’d only skew the numbers here unnecessarily.

We spent 660 dollars on our balloon ride over Bagan and splurged on a private driver for the trip from Mrauk U to Bagan to the tune of 400 euros.

To help make our costs even more transparent, we’ll break them down even further.

Cost of hotels in Myanmar

As we mentioned earlier, we stayed at reasonable mid-range hotels with a private bathroom, comfortable beds and air-conditioning. We paid an average of 36 euros per night for that.

But since October isn’t quite peak season for traveling, keep in mind that hotel prices might be a bit higher during the main season from November to February. Even so, these numbers should give you a rough impression of the average cost of accommodation.

If you want to spend even less and are satisfied with a lower level of comfort, then you can get a budget hotel or hostel room starting at around 20 euros. And if you want a bit more luxury, you have to calculate a bit extra.

If you’re planning a trip to Myanmar, please make sure to read our post on where to stay in Myanmar first. Because that’s where we talk about all the places we stayed at in greater detail and tell you which hotels we highly recommend and which you should give a wide berth.

Here’s a quick overview of the prices:

Wai Wai’s Place in Yangon / 47 euros Kanbawza Hinthar Hotel in Bago / 36 euros The Eternity Resort at the Golden Rock / 40 euros Galaxy Motel in Hpa-An / 21 euros Cinderella Hotel in Mawlamyaing / 45 euros Holly Hotel near Yangon Airport / 52 euros Prince Hotel in Mrauk U / 43 euros Motel Zein in Bagan / 33 euros Hotel 8 in Mandalay / 23 euros Night Sweet Hotel in Mandalay / 25 euros

Cost of food and drink in Myanmar

In the beginning we still tried to make the effort to keep close track of what we spent on food and drink. But since we averaged out at around 20,000 kyat (14 euros) per day and we’re a bit lazy by nature anyway, we stopped counting at some point.

Breakfast is included at all hotels, so we only had to buy something to eat for lunch and dinner.

Here’s a brief overview of common prices for food and drink in Myanmar: Bottle of water (1 liter): 200-500 kyat (15 to 35 cents) Bottle of beer at a restaurant (0.65 liters): 2,000 to 3,000 kyat (1.40 to 2.10 euros) Simple, local meal at a restaurant: 2,000 to 4,000 kyat (1.50 to 3.00 euros) Western food at an upscale restaurant: 6,000 to 12,000 kyat (4 to 9 euros)

Costs for admission in Myanmar

Many of the historical sites charge admission. But all in all, prices are very reasonable.

We paid the following admission fees in Myanmar (prices per person): Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon: 8,000 kyat (6 euros) Sule Pagoda in Yangon: 3,000 kyat (2 euros) Bago: 10,000 kyat (7 euros) Golden Rock: 6,000 kyat (4 euros) Kawgoon Cave in Hpa-An: 3,000 kyat (2 euros) Mrauk U: 5,000 kyat (3.50 euros) Bagan: 25,000 kyat (17.50 euros) Thanboddhay Pagoda in Monywa: 3,000 kyat (2 euros) Mandalay Hill: 1,000 kyat (0.70 euros) Mingun: 5,000 kyat (3.50 euros)

That makes a total of just about 50 euros per person.

Normally we would have also had to pay an admission fee of 10,000 kyat (7 euros) per person for our visit to Amarapura and Inwa. But the ticket office was closed when we got there, so we didn’t have to pay.

Some attractions also charge you for a photo license, but the 200-300 kyat fees don’t really make much difference to the overall costs.

Costs for guided tours in Myanmar

Now and again, we indulged in the luxury or hiring a guide or a driver to explore the sights. It isn’t all that expensive and it’s definitely worthwhile, at least once in a while.

We went on the following tours in Myanmar: Tuk-tuk tour through Bago (4 hours): 15,000 kyat (11 euros) Tuk-tuk tour in the area surrounding Hpa-An (10 hours): 25,000 kyat (18 euros) Tour by car of the area surrounding Mawlamyaing (4 hours): 35,000 kyat (25 euros) Tour by car from Mandalay to Monywa (8 hours): 115,000 kyat (80 euros) Tour to the Chin villages from Mrauk U (10 hours): 57.000 kyat (40 euros)

We shared the trip to the Chin villages with another couple. We did all the other trips on our own.

Cost for transport in Myanmar

The costs of getting from one town to the next in Myanmar aren’t particularly high. We tried out almost every mode of transportation available on our trip (bus, train, boat, plane, taxi), so we got a pretty good idea of how much things cost.

Train from Yangon to Bago: 1.000 kyat (0.70 euros) per person Bus from Bago to the Golden Rock: 7.000 kyat (5 euros) per person Bus from the Golden Rock to Hpa-An: 7.000 kyat (5 euros) per person Bus from Hpa-An to Mawlamyaing: 1.000 kyat (0.70 euros) per person Bus from Mawlamyaing to Yangon: 10.000 kyat (7 euros) per person Flight from Yangon to Sittwe: 145.000 kyat (100 euros) per person Car from Sittwe to Mrauk U: 65,000 kyat (45 euros) for two people. We shared the car with another couple and split the costs four ways. Private driver from Mrauk U to Bagan: 350 euros for two people. In theory, the car could easily fit two more people.

Cost of bus tickets

Bus tickets are cheap in Myanmar. Surprisingly enough, the price difference between normal buses and luxury buses is minimal. Our bus from Mawlamyaing to Yangon was a real luxury vehicle with just three huge seats per row and an entertainment system in each seat. The tickets for this bus cost only about 2 euros more than for a normal bus.

Make sure you book a ‘2+1’ bus ticket when you book your trip. 2+1 refers to the number of seats per row and means that there are only 3 seats in a row.

On the typical tourist routes between Yangon , Mandalay , Inle Lake, and Bagan , you rarely pay more than 20,000 kyat (14 euros) per route. Buses definitely offer the best value for money in Myanmar.

Cost of train tickets

Train tickets are even cheaper than bus tickets, but we’d only recommend train travel for the most foolhardy adventurers. A short trip is certainly an experience, but we’d definitely recommend the taking the bus for longer journeys.

We took the train from Yangon to Bago. The two-hour trip cost 1,000 kyat (0,70 Euro) per person in the first class (upper class).

Cost of domestic flights

Domestic flights are the fastest way to get from A to B in Myanmar. We booked a domestic flight from Yangon to Sittwe and paid 115 dollars per person.

That’s also about the normal rate for a domestic flight. Depending on the route, the flights always cost around 100 dollars (+/- 30 dollars), regardless of whether you book well in advance or one day before the flight.

Cost of taxis

In city traffic, you have the choice between taxis, tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and maybe even an ox cart.

A taxi ride in Yangon costs between 2,000 kyat within the city and 7,000 kyat from the city to the airport or bus station. Prices are similar in every city, and we were never quoted an inflated price.

Cost of renting mopeds and bicycles

In many parts of Myanmar, you can rent a scooter and explore the area on your own. This shouldn’t break the bank either.

We paid the following prices:

Scooter in Mandalay (8 hours): 8,000 kyat (6 euros) E-bike in Bagan (1 day): 8,000 kyat (6 euros) for two people, 6,000 (4 euros) kyat for one person Bicycle in Mrauk U (1 day): 2,000 kyat (1.40 euros)

Gas is also very cheap in Myanmar and costs less than 50 cents per liter.

Prices for private drivers

Private drivers are relatively expensive in Myanmar. We paid 350 euros from Mrauk U to Bagan, but not many drivers go that route so we were paying a premium. We spent 14 hours in a relatively new car with two drivers who took turns at the wheel. That puts the high price in perspective a bit.

It’s not just the fuel costs and the driver you have to pay for after all. The car also costs a pile of money and you mustn’t forget that the tourist season only lasts for about 5 months. Drivers have to earn most of their yearly income and pay off the car in that short span of time.

You don’t pay as much for less demanding routes of course. Costs usually run up to about 150 to 200 euros per day.

Cost of flights to Myanmar

The cheapest option to get from Europe to Myanmar is a flight with Emirates including a stopover in Dubai. Depending on the season and the booking period, it costs between 500 and 1,000 euros per person. Costs of other flights to Myanmar are comparable to those of flights to other countries in the region.

Emirates always lists the best price on its website. That’s really convenient because it saves you having to scour through fare comparison sites.

Emirates flight search

Except for the connection offered by Emirates, there aren’t that many options for a fast and cheap to flight to Myanmar.

It’s easier if you’re already in the region. Flights from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Yangon with Air Asia start at just 30 euros.

How much it costs to travel to Myanmar – our conclusion

Myanmar is definitely not an expensive destination. No idea where this misconception comes from, but it just isn’t true. We got by on a budget of about 70 euros per day for the two of us without having to cut back on anything at all.

And if you really wanted to, you could easily travel through Myanmar for half that price. So from now on, excessive travel costs is no longer an excuse not to visit Myanmar.

What experiences have you had with travel expenses in Myanmar? Did you think it was an expensive country? Please let us know in the comments below!

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How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Myanmar?

How cheap is myanmar and how much does it cost to travel in myanmar.

Travelling can be expensive so its good to keep track of expenses and make a budget. I tracked my spending so I can share with you how much it can cost to travel in Myanmar.

When I was researching online, Myanmar was listed as one of the most expensive countries is South East Asia, most people recommending a daily budget in Myanmar of $30-$50 per person per day. This seemed like a lot of money, especially when I would read the neighboring, more touristy country, Thailand would cost $20-$40 per day. Though, my daily Myanmar budget came to a lot less than expected in the end, showcasing the perfect backpacking affordable destination of Myanmar.

Book Cheap Transport In Myanmar: 12.Go Asia

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Myanmar?

The cost to travel in yangon, day 1 – yangon.

Flying into Yangon late at night my first major cost was my Visa. I had previously applied online and was approved for an e-visa at a cost of $50.00 I also picked up a sim card on arrival which gave me 4gb of data for $8.50 At the airport, I took a fixed price taxis to downtown Yangon accommodation $6.00 Staying at the Backpackers Bed & Breakfast for $10.00 per night including free breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $74.50

Day 2- Yangon

Free breakfast from backpackers

Visited Shwedagon Pagoda and somehow managed not to pay

Lunch (Jam buns from corner store & soft drink) $0.70

Ferry to Dala Township $2.20 return

Two hour tuktuk tour split between four people of Dala Township $2

Dinner at Golden Duck Restaurant (fried rice, Japanese tofu & soft drink) $5.20

Staying at the Backpackers Bed & Breakfast for $10.00 including free breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $20.10

Day 3- Yangon

Lunch at 999 Shan Noodle $1.50

I needed an adapter plug as I did not buy one before I left New Zealand $2.90

Half a watermelon $0.20, which I did not pay for as friend did

Bracelet purchased from a small boy who should probably be in school, not sitting in the back of a truck $0.70

Dinner is back to Golden Duck Restaurant again (fried rice & soft drink) $2.90

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $18.00

Day 4- Yangon

Lunch at Rangoon Tea House (three samosas & watermelon juice) $5.00

Purchased a lock for my bag $1.50

I take the circle train around Yangon which is painfully long $0.15

I find a mini mart and purchase a dinner of cup noodles, cake and a soda $1.80

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $18.45

Day 5- Yangon

Free breakfast at hostel

Went back to the mini mart and brought more noodles for lunch & dinner $1.80

Night bus to Bagan $13.50

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $15.30

The Cost To Travel In Bagan

Day 6- bagan.

Shared a taxi from the bus stop to the accommodation $2.20

Paid the Bagan entry fee $20.00

E bike hire from sunrise to sunset $5.00

Purchased a pair of pants to wear around to the temples $3.70

Buy a coconut $0.70

Lunch at A Little Bit of Bagan (egg & avocado sandwich & soft drink )$3.60

Dinner at A Little Bit of Bagan (pizza & soft drink) $4.00

Staying at the Royal Bagan Hotel for $13.50 including free breakfast.

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $52.70

Day 7- Bagan

Had a late breakfast which was included in the accommodation cost.

Dinner at Weatherspoons (lemon & lime juice, pasta & chips) $7.40

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $20.90

Day 8- Bagan

E bike hire from sunrise to sunset $6.00

Bottled water $0.20

Dinner at A little Bit of Bagan (egg & avocado sandwich, chips & soft drink) $7.30

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $27.00

Day 9- Bagan

Free breakfast from accommodation

Late lunch at Shwe Ya Su Restaurant (pizza & lemon & lime juice) $5.50

Purchased noodles and water at corner store $0.80

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $19.80

Check Out How To Explore The Temples Of Bagan!

The Cost To Travel In Mandalay

Day 10- mandalay.

Bus to Mandalay $7.00

Purchased water $0.40

Ate the leftover noodles purchased yesterday for dinner

Staying at the Four Rivers Hostel Mandalay for $14.00 including free breakfast.

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $21.40

Day 11- Mandalay

Felt sick today so did not do anything

Dinner at Nova (mozzarella sticks, grilled cheese sandwich & a pot of tea) $11.60

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $25.60

Day 12- Mandalay

Day tour organised through hostel to monastery, pagoda, local school, Sutaungpyei Pagoda, ava township and U-Bein Bridge $6.50

Lunch at a random side of the road restaurant- fried rice & soft drink $3.30

Snack purchased soft drink and chips- $0.60

Took a short boat ride across to Ava/Inwa township $0.90

Daily expenditure: $25.30

Day 13- Mandalay

Shared taxi to the airport to catch flight to Thailand $2.90

Lunch at airport café (chips, cake and a pot of tea) $7.40

Daily Cost In Myanmar: $10.30

How Much Does it Cost To Travel In Myanmar?

Myanmar budget vs myanmar costs.

How I Book Cheap Transport In Myanmar: 12.Go Asia

How To Save Money When Traveling In Myanmar

• Book hostels with free breakfast
• Check out whether those hostels also include free water
• Share transport with other people, hostels should have a board to put your name down on
• Organised tours online can be expensive, try do it yourself or see if your accommodation offers anything
• One of the many awesome facts about Yangon is how affordable it is to get around by taking taxis!
• You can haggle with street vendors, but me, nor anyone I was traveling with ever did, we felt like prices were too cheap in Myanmar

All prices are quoted in USD.

LIKE IT? PIN IT! Want more Myanmar inspiration? Check out….

• EXPLORING DALA TOWNSHIP, YANGON, MYANMAR
• THE COST OF TRAVELING MYANMAR
• THE BACKPACKERS TRAVEL GUIDE TO BAGAN IN MYANMAR
• TOP THINGS TO DO IN YANGON, MYANMAR

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, this means if you click on it and purchase something I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Though, as always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

47 thoughts on “ How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Myanmar? ”

Do you still need to show money pf $10,000 upon filing for e-visa?

Hey Ren I have traveled Myanmar twice, both on an e-visa and didn’t have to provide proof of funds.

Hello. Tasha thank for answering my question and it’s great to know about it. Thank you so much 😌

Very very good and complet. Yangon in 3 days?! Yes!?… Do you recommend the same hostels?

Thank you for sharing your trip in detail. Im about to book a trip there though not sure where to go just yet. I will be leaving in 8 days though. Thanks again.

Hey Maderson. I think it depends on your travel style. This was my first solo trip and I definately traveled too slow. Try make the most out of overnight buses. Yangon has changed a lot these days and I wouldnt recommend longer than 2 nights. Try get to Bagan for the temples and Inle Lake for nature. Then you could end flying out of Mandalay.

We found Myanmar to be cheaper than expected too! Especially as we weren’t drinking or eating much after I was blighted with the worst food poisoning of my life in Yangon. Fruit and white rice doesn’t cost very much hehe. I guess for solo travellers there isn’t a lot of dorm situations, but we were splitting a private room anyway so were paying around $10 a night each for accommodation – and everywhere was a/c which was nice!

Oh no food poisoning is the worst, but you’re right it does help you save money haha! Wow $10 a night is an awesome price, especially with a/c!

Love this guide! I’m planning my birthday trip to SE Asia and have pinned this for research as the time gets closer!

Awesome! Where are you planning on going in South East Asia?

Very helpful to see that cost breakdown. One question — were you staying in dorms or private rooms for those prices?

In dorm rooms :) They were honestly some of the best hostels I have ever stayed in, wasn’t expecting that from a country still fairly new to tourism

Love to read this helpful detailed lists. Thank you for taking the time to share this. Will be verry useful!

It actually seems like it was extremely cheap! I wonder where they got the idea that it’s more expensive than other countries ?

The only thing I found more expensive when compared to other SE Asian countries is accommodation, but in my experience they were much better quality

This will be so helpful for my upcoming trip to Myanmar. I’m looking forward to watching sunrise in Bagan! Nice photos btw :)

Oh you will love it! Wish I was back there, enjoy!

Bookmark for this blog…it will come handy.

What a great guide! It looks like you did a lot and looks very affordable! Myanmar is on my list so I will definitely keep this guide handy

Yeah its an amazing country! You need to visit before it becomes the new Thailand and is overwhelmed by tourists

Myanmar is such an incredible country and it is very doable on a budget! This is a great post and full of really helpful information :)

Thanks for writing this! I find that there aren’t that many good articles around with top tips for Myanmar. Besides those 3 stops are there any other places on the backpacker route that you’ve heard would be worth visiting in Myanmar? :)

No worries! I recommend visiting Lake Inle, unfortunately I did make it to there, but it is along the main backpacking route and very accessible. In all honesty I spent to long in places, could’ve fit Lake Inle in as well if I had planned a little smarter. I will be publishing a Myanmar itinerary as well so keep an eye out for that :)

I do cost breakdowns as well and never thought to summarize it like this. Great idea!

Wow this is a great budget! This too is how I prefer to travel. I look for the less expensive hostels that include breakfast. Heck sometimes I even sneak a little sandwich or something from breakfast. If you think about it, you really can save when you travel. Overall, a spending less than $4 for almost 2 weeks is amazing!

Haha thats an amazing little trick! I guess you can easily wrap it up in a napkin and sneak it out! Will have to try that

Looking through the food you ate and I’m wondering are you vegetarian? I didn’t see any meat options in your break down. I love this – budgeting is key and I’m pleased with how easy it is to spend little and have fun at the same time!

Yeah I am vegetarian :) I found the majority of the street food in Myanmar was meat orientated which is why I ate at restaurants as they provide more options.

Such a great idea to write a practical and detailed breakdown of your trip! It just shows that you can still get good food on a budget (I love fried rice and noodles haha). Also you got me jealous with the pictures of hot air balloons!!!!

Thanks! Yes I love them as well and its so cheap! The sights in Bagan are amazing!

Never thought of visiting there. I like your breakdown of cost. Cool to find places with affordable food cost. Nice pics

I’m so desperate to visit Myanmar and it’s nice to know you can do it on a budget too! Looks like you still had a very full trip and managed to capture some incredible experiences ?

Oh its such an affordable country! It was amazing and I am sure you will love it when you visit one day

Loved it! Thanks for such detailed breakdown and tips! And I loved the pictures with hot air baloons! Great view for free ;)

Such a great breakdown, super helpful tips. It’s so great to know you can travel to great places really cheap.

Great tips and I love the breakdown! You took some lovely pictures :)

Nice very detailed post! Nice work! Love your pictures too!

Super useful itinerary! I visited Yangon a while ago but sadly I was on a tight schedule so I didn’t get to explore wider Myanmar. Hope to go back again though – such a beautiful country!

Yangon is still a beautiful place and at least you got a small taste of Myanmar :)

I’m still on the fence on where to go for a month in winter, I need somewhere cheap and was thinking of Myanmar but then was debating between Costa Rica (so expensive though) and Sri Lanka, but seeing that Myanmar is actually not that expensive, I might actually plan my trip there! :D

Yeah its super affordable, just depending where you are flying from the flights may not be so cheap. With a month you could also explore the amazing beaches in Myanmar or even pop over to the neighboring Thailand. I have been to Costa Rica as well, though they all sound like awesome options and I would for sure have a tough time deciding

Love how detailed this is! Really informative and a good guide for a trip to Myanmar.

Thanks, glad you found it informative :)

Wow.. What a very detailed itinerary with tips! ☺ i was born and raised in Southeast Asia (Philippines) but i never had a chance to visit Myanmar. I will read your blogpost again when I decided to travel Myanmar. Thank you again ?

Awesome! I am yet to visit the Philippines, but defianetly one day I will, it looks like such an amazing country! Thanks

Myanmar is on my bucket list. This is really useful information for when I plan my trip! Thanks for the post!

No worries, its a beautiful country and I am sure you will have a great time

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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.

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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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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.

Popular Guides

• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Myanmar

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

Things to See and Do in Myanmar

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

Myanmar Travel Guides

The Incredible Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

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

Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Ways to Get Around Myanmar

Getting to myanmar:.

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

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

Transportation:

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

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

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

You can also compare  prices here .

When to go To Myanmar

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

Where to Stay in Myanmar

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

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

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

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

What to Pack for Myanmar

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

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

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

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Myanmar Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

Myanmar Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock of Myanmar

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Cost of Travel in Myanmar (Burma)

Burmese Kyats

Myanmar uses Kyats (pronounced more like “chets”) currency. As of July 2019, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 1,510 MMK (Burmese Kyats).

The most effective means of obtaining money in Myanmar is to exchange US Dollars at one of the many money exchangers in Yangon.

USD are widely accepted for official things like accommodation and transportation. For day to day necessities like food, it's important to exchange USD into Kyats .

Note : Don't exchange money in the airport as the government offers an absurd exchange rate. One can pay for a taxi from Yangon Airport to the city center using USD and then exchange money with one of the dealers in the Central Market at a decent rate.

There are NO ATM's in Myanmar, so it's necessary to carry enough USD in cash to cover expenses for your entire trip to the country.

Don't rely on the internet. For my entire stay in Yangon, internet access throughout the city was down. I guess it's an on and off thing, but when it is functioning, the speed is not what anyone would call “fast” anyways.

Table of Contents

Accommodation

Transportation, going out / drinking, sample cost of attractions in myanmar (burma):.

• Total Cost Per Day: 

Foreigners are not permitted by the government to stay at local people's homes, and hotel/guesthouses must have the proper licensing. The biggest city of Yangon has a few accommodation options for foreigners, but they aren't as cheap as much of SE Asia.

Here are some sample accommodation costs:

• Double fan rooms: around $8 – $14, I paid $13 (20,000 MMK) per night (split with a friend) at the Golden Smiles Inn in Yangon.
• The cheapest dorm beds go for $5 (7,500 MMK).
• Nicer hotels run $30+ per night for a double room and are often government run.

Street in Yangon

Many central places in the city are accessible by a short walk. If you need to get to further locations around Yangon town, taxis are quite cheap.

• Taxi: The fare from the airport to the center of town is officially $10 (15,000 MMK). In the city, I took a cab from the center to Thiri Mingalar market for $1.25 (2000 Kyats), maybe 10 km outside of the city.
• City Bus: Fun and always driving at max speeds, the bus touts even push people off and on to stop faster, less than $0.25 (200 Kyats) per ride.
• Back of Truck: You might see some interesting things in the back of the small trucks, 200 kyats per ride.

Rest of Country

• Yangon to Mandalay: $35 (53,000 MMK) in an upper-class seat, $15 (23,000 MMK) for just a normal chair
• Yangon to Bagan: $30 (45,000 MMK) for a first class seat
• Yangon to Mandalay:
• Yangon to Inle Lake:

Typical cuisine in Myanamar

The cost of food in Myanmar is what one could label as extremely affordable.

It's so cheap in fact that I continuously fed myself for entertainment for the duration of my trip and loved everything I sampled.

• An awesome selection of street food meals can easily be purchased for  $0.50 to $1 (500 – 1,500 Kyats) per plate.
• A step above at nicer street food restaurants including whole grilled fish costs around $1.50 to $2 (2,500 – 3,000 Kyats) per person.
• 1 L bottle of Water: $0.25 (300 kyats)

Drinking Tea in Myanmar

The most popular form of going out at night is to sit on the streets on 10-inch stools and sip on pot after pot of tea. The best night experiences I had in Yangon, Myanmar didn't involve alcohol, but tea on the side of the road with a football match on television.

Beer is available (not everywhere) at the cost of around $1 (1,600 Kyats) per bottle.

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

• Shwedagon Pagoda: $5 (7,500 MMK) entrance
• Bagan Temples: $10 (1,500 MMK) entrance

Football Match at Night

Total Cost Per Day:  

There's a $10 (15,000 MMK) exit fee upon leaving Burma at the airport which needs to be paid with a crisp clean bill!

Last Updated on July 3, 2019 by Adam Cheshier

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology , he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @migrationology .

Wednesday 27th of January 2016

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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.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Myanmar (Burma)

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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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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Myanmar Travel Guide: 15 Things You Should Know

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

Get prepare for the necessary documents

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

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

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

The Must-go tourist spots in Myanmar

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

Ancient capital of Bagan

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

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

Shwedagon Pagoda

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

Mergui Archipelago

Do not overspend the travel budget

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

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

What to avoid in Myanmar

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

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

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

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

The finest time to visit Myanmar

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

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

Get to know Myanmar culture

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

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

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

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

Is Myanmar a safe destination?

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

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

Budget in Burma

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

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

Knowing about Myanmar’s Kyat

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

Kyat – Myanmar currency

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

A place to stay in Myanmar

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

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

What to eat in Myanmar

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

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

Laphet Thohk – most popular Myanmar food

Travel between places in Myanmar

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

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

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

Common scams in Myanmar

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

How to stay in touch

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

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

Keep in touch with the Embassy

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

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

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Amelie Nguyen

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

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Myanmar Tour Cost: How Much Does it Cost to Travel Burma? (Detailed Version)

Since recently, Myanmar (ex-Burma) became a noteworthy travel destination that emerged from a long period of turmoil. As a result, related travel expenses remain a mystery for the vast majority of visitors. Whether traveling Myanmar is affordable or expensive, we elaborate further.

Planning Your Budget for a Myanmar Tour

Searching for average prices for a trip to Myanmar on the web tends to be misleading. You may be under the impression that the tour is on the expensive side, at least for Southeast Asian standards.

Online sources indicate that the daily budget for Thailand, for example, is between $20 and $40 (USD). As for ex-Burma, the references place daily costs between $30 and $50 per person, on average.

In truth, a lower budget than that could cover you for a Myanmar tour. To make it so, you may need to modify your lifestyle while there. So, let's see how you should plan your budget for a trip to Myanmar .

Food Cost in Myanmar

Dining in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar shouldn't break the bank, unless, of course, you intend to. Frugal travelers could do with a $10 budget for food per day with ease. If you wish to indulge yourself while traveling, though, you can still make it with up to $20 per day for eating and drinking.

Note that alcoholic beverages inflate this cost the most. So, if you avoid drinking intoxicating drinks and are budget conscious, you can get away even with several USD per day for food.

Some approximate costs for meals and drinks in Myanmar are:

Accommodation Expenses

Accommodation options vary to a large extent in Myanmar, just like everywhere else in Southeast Asia. Therefore, you can spend a fortune or barely more than for an average meal per room, depending on your habits.

Naturally, the accommodation costs can, and will, vary from one place to another. For example, for the price of a hostel in one place, you can stay at a mid-range hotel in another. You also need to note that the hotel and other deals fluctuate depending on the season, as everywhere else. If you travel in Myanmar anywhere between November and April, rooms and dorms will be more expensive than the rest of the year.

Also, note that some accommodation providers close during the low season (May-October) due to the monsoon (rainy) season. Consequently, you should check in advance the availability if you go to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar during the off-season.

For some approximate rates in top destinations, please refer to the table below.

Transport Costs

In simple words, transport options in the Republic of Myanmar are diverse in form and convenience. Accordingly, they range from very affordable to moderately pricey. For long-distance journeys between destinations, you can choose between bus, train, and flight services.

Generally speaking, you should find traveling by bus the most affordable means of transport in ex-Burma. Trains tend to be a bit costlier while flying (surprise, surprise), is the most expensive transport option.

Regarding buses, you may have a choice between local and VIP vehicles. The price difference is usually a few bucks. Unless you have a low amount of money with you, you should always choose VIP buses for long-distance journeys.

For a bus ride between Yangon and Mandalay, for instance, you should spend around $12. Local buses should save you some money. From Yangon to Bagan, the price of a bus ride is similar. As for a bus journey from Bagan to Mandalay, it costs around $7.

Traveling from Yangon to Mandalay by train could set you back anywhere between $12 to $30. Between Yangon and Bagan, the railway journey costs between $15 and $25. Up to $13 for a train journey between Mandalay and Bagan should cover you.

As for flying, plan around $100 and over to get between top tourist destinations in Myanmar in one direction. Unless you don't hurry or travel on the budget, traveling by airplane should prove the most worthwhile transport option here.

Attractions Budget

Having Asian food, enjoying the local hospitality, and traveling the countryside of Myanmar are good reasons to visit this friendly Southeast Asian country. If doing these activities is lunch, the top attractions of the nation are dessert.

Noteworthy tourist attractions dot the countryside of Myanmar. However, you can find the majority of those within several hours by car away from Yangon and Mandalay. Of course, other top tourist points of interest, such as Mrauk U and Ngapali Beach, are worth the time and effort.

To visit most attractions of Mandalay, you need to purchase a $10 combined ticket valid for one week. While you are around, don't miss Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery, featuring teak resembling gold and elaborate carvings. Mandalay Palace and Mandalay Hill are other top attractions nearby.

Bagan Archaeological Zone comprises hundreds of temples in a forested environment. To visit the zone, you need to possess the ticket that costs 25,000 Kyat (roughly $17 in February 2020). The ticket is valid for five days, which is enough for touring the top tourist destination of Myanmar.

For visiting Inle Lake, you will need to pay 15,000 Kyat (around $10). The entry fee to Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is 10,000 Kyat (approx. $7). The price of visiting the Mrauk U temples is 5,000 Kyat ($3,5).

Shopping Expenses

Shopping in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a cherry atop a cake. Before you consider buying a Buddhist statue, know that the export of these items may be illegal. As for unique items, you may consider adding the following products to your Myanmar souvenir collection:

•Sand paintings are fine handicrafts popular among travelers. Besides murals, they may depict scenes of the everyday lives of the locals. The price of these fantastic artworks is typically around $15. •Gemstone paintings are other spectacular works of art ideal for decorative purposes and gifts. Made of rubies and jades, for the most part, these masterpieces cost a couple of USD. •Burmese tapestries are much more than the name implies. These fine art items reflect the local culture and comprise various materials, such as gems, glass, silver threads, and cloth. Artists typically choose Buddhist scriptures' tales for depiction. •Also, think about taking lacquerware home from ex-Burma. The price of these outstanding practical and decorative items is $10 and above.

What Currency Can You Use in Myanmar?

The short answer to this question would be the Burmese Kyat and the American Dollar. Albeit this may sound weird, you would be better off paying in USD whenever and wherever possible. That's because the locals round up to the higher amount.

At the time of writing this article, the official exchange rate was around 1,450 Kyat for $1. If you pay in the local currency, the vendor would likely round $1 up to 1,500 Kyat. When paying in USD, you should hand over banknotes without tears, creases, or other "deviations." Otherwise, the locals would reject them, most probably.

Besides USD, you should exchange Singapore Dollar (S$) and Euros (EUR) in Myanmar with ease. Note that you get more favorable rates when exchanging larger bills than smaller ones. Banks and airport exchange offices are the best places for money exchange.

The economy of Myanmar is primarily cash-driven. Therefore, you should have cash when touring the republic of the union. As for ATMs, these are available in areas visited by travelers. Elsewhere, you will have a hard time finding those.

MasterCard and Visa cards are an acceptable payment method for a growing number of businesses. Be aware, however, that certain providers may charge you an added fee to cover the transaction expenses.

So, it stands that Myanmar can be an expensive destination, but only if you choose it to be. However, you can have a great experience, without anything essential missing, for a daily budget of $30 or so.

If you prefer an efficient way of transport between distanced places, airplanes will inflate the total expenditure. But, if you spend with care, even then you can keep the average daily costs at around $50.

With that in mind, can you really call Myanmar expensive for travelers?

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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.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Prices of Tours to Myanmar

• Package Tour Options
• Typical Tour Costs
• The Best Tours
• Budget Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Other Types of Tours

Are group tours to Myanmar worth it?

Is a group tour cheaper than solo travel to myanmar.

• Group Tours vs. Indepenent Travel in Myanmar

How far in advance should I book my tour to Myanmar?

How many people are in group tours to myanmar, how much time do i need for a group tour to myanmar.

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Curious about the diverse range of tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.31 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 15 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 4 days, while the longest is 20 days. When it comes to physical activity , tour options are organized as easy, relaxing, and moderate, with a majority being easy tours. For travel styles , you'll find tours classified as family and honeymoon, with most of them being family. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 39 tours, you can rest assured that Myanmar has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

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How much do organized tour packages to Myanmar cost? Are tours expensive?

Analyzing the comprehensive list of available tours, you'll easily find a range of fantastic choices to suit your travel preferences. Considering the financial aspect, the average daily price for tours in Myanmar stands at a highly reasonable $214 per day . Taking a broader perspective, the overall average cost of all tours amounts to $2,243 , derived from meticulous data analysis of 39 captivating tours. It's worth noting that the lowest-priced tour starts at an enticing $471, while the most extravagant option reaches a remarkable $6,166.

• Tours to Myanmar range in price from $471 to $6,166, based on data from 39 tours.

How much should I pay for a tour through Myanmar?

This table shows the range of guided, organized, and all-inclusive tour prices that visit, start in, or end in Myanmar. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for an organized tour, this table breaks down the costs by price range.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. Price costs can also vary by group size, amenities offered, transportation type, promotional sale prices, and addons not inlcuded in the base prices.)

Prices for the Best Tours to Myanmar

What are Myanmar's top rated tour packages? And how much do they cost? These tours are the highest rated tours by previous guests.

By only looking at the absolute best and highest rated tours (the top 25% by guest rating), a wide range of terrific options in Myanmar are offered. Based on data from 10 tours, the average daily price for the highest-rated tours to Myanmar is a very reasonable $159 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,469 . The cheapest tour is $497, and the most expensive tour is $2,654. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.31 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a the highest-rated tour to Myanmar, these are some terrific options.

What are the best tours to Myanmar?

These are the highest rated tours from previous customers.

12 Day Tour Myanmar with Beach break

Discovering yangon, bagan, mandalay and beyond 7-day, 5 days golden rock & southern discovery, prices for the best budget tours to myanmar.

Considering only budget-friendly tours, the array of tour options available in Myanmar is diverse. The average daily price for budget tours stands at a very reasonable $196 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 3 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $1,486 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $471 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $2,025. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 0 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best budget tours to Myanmar?

Burma legend adventure: private tour, myanmar - 5 days tour, 4-day myanmar pilgrimage - private tour, prices for the best luxury tours to myanmar.

By only looking at the luxury and comfort category of tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Myanmar. The average daily price for luxury tours to Myanmar is a very reasonable $216 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,280 (based on data from 27 tours). The cheapest tour is $497, and the most expensive tour is $3,590. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.34 out of 5 stars.

What are the best luxury tours to Myanmar?

Prices for in-depth cultural tours to myanmar.

When we look at this type of tour, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Myanmar. The average daily price for in-depth cultural tours to Myanmar is a very reasonable $200 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,381 (based on data from 24 tours). The cheapest tour is $471, and the most expensive tour is $6,166. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.76 out of 5 stars.

What are the best in-depth cultural tours to Myanmar?

Prices for family tours to myanmar.

For these tours, in Myanmar you'll discover plenty of fantastic family options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $200 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $2,146 , based on data from 23 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $497, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $3,020. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.09 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Myanmar and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best family tours to Myanmar?

Prices for active adventure tours to myanmar.

For this specific type of tour, the array of tour options available in Myanmar is diverse. The average daily price for active adventure tours stands at a very reasonable $138 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 5 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $921 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $497 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $1,200. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 3.27 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best active adventure tours to Myanmar?

Golden myanmar: yangon, golden rock, and bago tour 4-day, myanmar sampler 5 days.

Although planning an independent trip is feasible in Myanmar, the details of the logistics and the potential complexities of transportation usually make booking a tour here an appealing alternative. With these factors in mind, most travelers discover that the expense of a tour in Myanmar is a wise investment. Delegating the details of transportation, accommodations, activities, and dining to professionals guarantees a hassle-free experience, freeing you up to fully immerse yourself in the trip so you can relax.

You can find many situations where tours in Myanmar are more cost-effective compared to an independently planned trip. The affordability of a tour depends on factors such as the destinations covered, level of luxury, and duration. Each tour and independent trip is unique, but tour providers often offer competitive prices that match the luxury level of an independent trip with the same amenities. On average, a tour in Myanmar costs $214 per day, with many tours priced below this average, although some are higher. Prices for tours in Myanmar range from $471 to $6,166. When comparing costs with independent travel, it's important to consider that guided tours typically include accommodations, transportation, guides, meals, tickets, and even more. To accurately compare prices, it is essential to understand the inclusions of a tour package and thoroughly research the costs of independent travel in Myanmar.

Group Tours vs. Independent Travel in Myanmar

For many travelers, it is a hard decision whether to travel with an organized tour package or to plan a trip independently. Organized tour packages are a great way to travel in Myanmar in 2024 or 2025 because a variety of great deals and sales are now available. Also, because guided tours tend to be all-inclusive, they will provide great values on accommodations, transportation, entry tickets, food, and other travel necessities. You'll also have the benefits of knowledgable guides as well as the peace of mind that you don't have to plan out the entire trip. On the other hand, traveling independently provides more flexibility and control over your travel plans instead of the fixed schedule of a tour package. You can shift your schedule and budget around as needed. Also, it's easier to get closer to local cultures and visit those harder to reach destinations that tours usually don't visit.

What are the benefits of a package tour to Myanmar?

Traveling with a tour provides a multitude of advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the convenience of having all the details sorted out for you. From arranging transportation to securing accommodations and planning activities, everything is taken care of, allowing you to have a worry-free experience. This means you won't have to stress about finding suitable places to stay, figuring out logistics, or potentially missing out on any important sights. Additionally, most tours offer all-inclusive pricing, giving you a clear understanding of the total cost of your trip before you depart. The beneifits of a tour are

• knowledgeable guides
• comfortable amenities
• not having to plan
• reliable service and schedule
• fixed budget
• meeting other like-minded travelers
• eliminating risks

What are the benefits of independent travel in Myanmar?

The advantages of independent travel include freedom, control, and flexibility. When you travel independently, you have the freedom to decide where to stay, which attractions to visit, when and where to eat, and how to navigate the destination. Taking charge of these choices also gives you greater control over your budget, schedule, itinerary, and the level of luxury you desire during your trip. Other benefits include:

• in-depth cultural opportunities
• off-the-beaten-path destinations
• flexible schedules
• flexible budget

To ensure your spot on the tour to Myanmar, it is recommended to plan and book well in advance, preferably a few months or more prior to the departure date. While it is not uncommon for many people to reserve their tours up to a year ahead, our experience indicates that booking around 6 to 9 months in advance is typically adequate. It is essential to consider that numerous tours get fully booked ahead of time, so early booking guarantees your place on the trip. Moreover, booking early can result in significant cost savings, as tour companies often offer early booking sales and discounted prices. However, it is important to be aware that some tour companies may occasionally offer last-minute discounts for tours that are not fully booked. Nevertheless, waiting for last-minute discounts entails the risk of missing out on a spot if the tour reaches full capacity.

When it comes to tours in Myanmar, group sizes can range from as small as 4 to as large as 70 people, with an average group size of 15. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that the size of the tour does not necessarily correlate with its cost or overall experience.

Most organized tour packages to Myanmar typically last around 8 days, although the duration can vary. Tours can range from 4 to 20 days, or even longer. It is important to note that longer tours may be more expensive initially, but their cost per day tends to decrease. Additionally, longer tours offer the opportunity to visit multiple destinations at a comfortable pace, making them a worthwhile investment.

Where do group tours go in Myanmar?

A visit to Myanmar wouldn't be complete without experiencing the allure of Rangoon, Bagan, Mandalay, Sagaing, Bago, Mawlamyine, Monywa, and Pyin U Lwin, which serve as excellent representations of the beauty and charm of the country.

What tour and travel companies offer packages to Myanmar?

Plenty of companies are offering package tours to and around Myanmar, but not all of them are the same. Some of the companies are large international operators that have solid reputations. Other companies are smaller and offer more unique and locally-based insights into the country. With larger companies, tours are rarely cancelled and customer service is generally high. With smaller companies, you're more likely to have a trip that gives you more local and personable experiences.

The companies offering the most tours in Myanmar are Legend Travel Group , Agate Travel , Asia Focus Travel , Good Life Myanmar Travel , and Realistic Asia . All of them tend to offer quality trips with high guest ratings.

What is the best tour company offering trips to Myanmar?

When it comes to tours in Myanmar, Indochina Today Travel takes the top spot with their highly-rated tour packages. Their dedication to quality service and captivating journeys has won them plenty of accolades from previous guests.

More Information

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Myanmar , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Myanmar , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Myanmar , The Best Adventure Tours to Myanmar , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Myanmar , The Best Cultural Tours in Myanmar , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Myanmar , The Best Budget Tours to Myanmar , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Myanmar for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rangoon or The Best 10-Day Tours from Rangoon for more package tour options.

And for more information on Myanmar, see Myanmar Travel Costs and Myanmar Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

9 Must-Visit Destinations in Myanmar (Burma)

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Imagine visiting a place where the locals smile warmly when they see you, where you can freely explore beautiful and well-preserved ancient temples, and where you can live like royalty on a modest budget. Where you can visit bustling cities, pristine beaches, and remarkable floating villages. Where as soon as you leave, you begin dreaming of going back.

You can stop dreaming because this place does exist – it is the country of Myanmar, formally known as Burma. And out of the 60-ish countries we’ve visited up to date, it remains our absolute favorite. We originally visited in 2013. Then, we made a return trip in 2018 and found that not all that much has changed.

We’re sharing our favorite destinations in the beautiful country of Myanmar to help you plan your upcoming vacation!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Myanmar Travel Basics

Things to know before you go.

• The currency of Myanmar is the Kyat . At the time of writing, the exchange rate was 1,514 Kyat to $1 USD.
• You’ll need to apply online for a visa prior to arriving in Myanmar . The cost is $50 for a standard 28-day visa and $56 to get express approval within 24 hours. They require that you upload a color photo that you can easily take yourself. Be sure to print your visa approval letter and onward flight itinerary prior to departing for the airport!
• Learn a few Burmese phrases to help you get around! “min-ga-la-ba” is “hello” and “thank you” is “chay-tzoo-bah”.
• Land crossings into Myanmar are limited for foreigners. You can cross from Thailand but will need to obtain a permit to cross from India. Crossings from Bangladesh, Laos, and China are not permitted. The Mae Sot/Myawaddy crossing is the most popular. It is also close to two popular tourist destinations – Golden Rock and Hpa-An.

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Myanmar Betel Nut

While in Myanmar, you’ll notice that many Burmese people, especially elder ones, have red-stained teeth. This is the result of a lifetime of chewing betel nut. It is a stimulant and is used for much the same reason as chewing tobacco. Unfortunately, it results in a dark red saliva. It stains not only your teeth but pretty much every surface in Myanmar due to people spitting constantly.

Betel nut is prepared by wrapping areca nuts in betel leaves and slaked lime paste. ‘Chunnam’ is used to stick it all together – the resulting bundle is referred to as ‘paan’ – confused yet?

Thanaka Face Cream

It’s impossible to miss the yellow designs on everyone’s faces in Myanmar. To make thanaka, they grind the wood of the thanaka tree into powder. Then, they add a small amount of water to create a yellow paste.

Burmese women have been wearing thanaka for over 2,000 years due to both its cosmetic appeal and many additional benefits. It has a pleasant smell somewhat akin to sandalwood. It serves as sun protection and provides a cooling sensation on the skin which is quite welcome in the intense heat.

Safety in Myanmar

Not only is the country incredibly safe, but you’ll find the people willing to help without expecting anything in return. They are just genuinely happy and helpful as a culture. We found that most did not request a “tip” for being helpful as many people in other countries have become accustomed to.

Sadly, there has been a deadly conflict going on in the north of Myanmar for decades. It’s a complicated religious war that involves Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists on the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The fighting has worsened recently and it is the most intense that it’s been since the 1960s. However, the conflict is concentrated in specific areas where foreigners are not allowed to visit. As such, you should have nothing to worry about in terms of safety.

Some people feel that by traveling to Myanmar you’re supporting a government that is involved in ethnic cleansing and has a poor humanitarian record. We believe that the people of Myanmar are good-hearted. As such, boycotting tourism has a much bigger impact on the individuals living in the country than it does on the government officials or military involvement in the war.

Best Time of Year to Visit Myanmar

Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate and has three seasons; cool, hot, and rainy. The rainy season lasts from June until October. Although, the period of June to August experiences the heaviest and most consistent rainfall. The hot season is from March until May with average temperatures around 100 F. The cool season of November to February is the most pleasant time to visit. However, it’s also the most popular with tourists.

Budgeting for Your Trip to Myanmar

The tourism infrastructure in Myanmar has been steadily increasing. As such, you can find food and hotels that fit any budget. Hotels range from $20 USD per night for very simple, no-frills rooms. The luxury resorts range to over $100 USD per night. Similarly, you can stick to eating street food and eat for less than $10 USD per day. You can find very expensive, upscale restaurants that cater to foreigners.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Myanmar

Regardless of the time of year that you visit, Myanmar is going to be hot and humid. Pack lightweight, breezy pieces that cover your shoulders and knees so that you have no issues entering the pagodas. Plus, Burmese men and women wear “longyis.” These are essentially floor-length skirts. Women rarely show their shoulders, so you’ll get fewer stares if you are covered up.

These comfortable travel dresses will be perfect for your trip to Myanmar!

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Getting to and Around Myanmar

More than likely you will fly into Yangon to begin your Burmese adventure. Mandalay has an international airport as well but it is smaller and flights are generally more expensive. Domestic flights are a cheap and easy way to get around if you are short on time.

While the buses have improved over the years, it’s difficult to figure out what buses are true “VIPs.” You’re better off booking directly at the bus station. That way you can confirm that the bus has air conditioning and that they won’t be putting stools in the aisles to squeeze more people in.

9 Must-Visit Destinations in Myanmar

1. yangon, myanmar.

Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar. It’s also the one that changed the most since the country opened its doors to foreigners. Boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and gourmet restaurants are popping up all over the city. It is also the most popular spot for ex-pats to take up residence as it is a hub for commercial business. It also has the largest international airport in the country.

Three days in Yangon is enough time to see the highlights of the city. But, you may enjoy yourself so much that you want to stay longer. Be sure to spend an evening wandering around the  Shwedagon Pagoda . Not only because of how beautifully it is lit up at night, but also because you won’t have to worry about scalding your bare feet on the pavement in the afternoon sun.

Make sure you spend an evening on 19th street in Chinatown. It’s the local hot spot for street food and cheap draft beer!

Getting to Yangon:  Yangon has an international airport and most people fly into and/or out of this city. It is also centrally located in the country so many bus and plane routes go through here. It is relatively easy to find buses to the major tourist destinations from Yangon.

Where to Stay in Yangon:  Hotel G not only has super modern rooms with plenty of amenities, but it’s also home to the most popular bar in Yangon! With nightly drinks and food specials, you’ll find yourself in this watering hole regularly.

Where to Eat in Yangon: 999 Shan Noodle House is nothing fancy but they serve the most delicious Shan noodles in the city!

2. Mandalay, Myanmar

The actual city of Mandalay is not nearly as interesting as the area surrounding it. If you do decide to stay in town you can head to the Mahamuni Buddha Temple at 4 am. There you can witness the ceremonial practice of a monk lovingly washing the face and brushing the “teeth” of Buddha.

You can also check out the Snake Pagoda . It is the home of three divine pythons that are walked and bathed every day at 11 am.

And the most popular spot to watch the sunset over the city is from atop Mandalay Hill. It is where hordes of Burmese children will gather around you to practice their English. You’ll have fun answering their questions for a while. But, after 15 minutes or so, you should probably find a clever way to sneak off.

Once you’ve had your fill of city life, check out the surrounding area. Hire a driver to take you the two hours to Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall.

The hike to the falls is downhill and will take you about 45 minutes. The hike out is a steep and sweaty climb back to the top. But that, as well as the ladies who will follow you to try to take you to four nearby waterfalls, are both totally worth the hassle once you catch of glimpse of this magnificent waterfall. Spend a few hours wading in the swimming hole with the locals.

You can also hire a driver to check out the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda and the massive unfinished stupa, Mingun Pahtodawgyi. The Hsinbyume Pagoda has gained recent notoriety from people walking across the wavy walls for the perfect Instagram shot. But the Burmese people would never in a million years walk on the walls of any temple. You shouldn’t either. You can get a great photo here without disrespecting the site.

Both are on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River, about six miles northwest of Mandalay. Arrive around sunrise. It helps to avoid the hordes of tourists that descend on the area via boat every day around 10 am.

Check out our other favorite things to do in and around Mandalay here !

Getting to Mandalay: Mandalay has a small international airport but it is generally more costly to fly there from outside of Myanmar. Domestic flights are cheap and there are several buses that run from Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake.

Where to Stay in Mandalay: Bagan King Hotel is centrally located and offers quaint rooms with darling touches (like the old-fashioned phones in every room). Plus the staff is super friendly and you get a free cocktail at the rooftop bar every evening!

Where to Eat in Mandalay:  Check out the list of our favorite tea shops here !

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3. Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

Ngapali is the most popular beach in Myanmar and has plenty of accommodation and restaurant options to suit any budget. You can find a variety of stunning bungalows that open right up to the beach. The best seafood in the entire country is here.

Spend your days relaxing on the beach or by the pool. For your evenings, watch the sunset at one of the many restaurants while munching on the fresh catch of the day.

And when you tire of lounging, hire a boat and a guide to take you on either a snorkeling or spearfishing trip. You’ll leave early in the morning and they’ll provide you with all of the gear you’ll need. The water is warm so no need for a wetsuit. If you manage to catch something while spearfishing, there are plenty of beachfront restaurants that will fry up your catch and serve it with yummy sides!

And if you happen to visit Ngapali during the  Thadingyut Festival of Lights  (the date changes every year), you’ll find all of the pagodas in town are lit up with hundreds of candles and the streets are filled with fireworks!

Getting to Ngapali Beach:  Getting to Ngapali Beach is no easy feat. The fastest (but most expensive) option is to fly to the Thandwe Airport. If you opt for a bus, the trip from Yangon will take about 12 hours.

Where to Stay in Ngapali Beach: Amazing Ngapali Resort  is situated right on a beautiful beach and offers large rooms and a spectacular pool.

Where to Eat in Ngapali Beach: Sunset View Beach Bar and Restaurant serves up fresh and delicious seafood and is the perfect place to watch the sunset in the evening.

4. Ngwesaung Beach, Myanmar

If you are looking for a less populated beach with equally as soft sand and warm water, then head six hours west of Yangon to Ngwesaung (also spelled Ngwe Saung). It’s not nearly as developed as Ngapali so hotel and restaurant options are limited. But, there are several small gems in this quaint town that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of electricity (Ngwesaung currently runs entirely on generators).

Rent quad bikes and cruise down the beach to Lover’s Island. There you can wander around this small, jungle-like landmass (that is sadly littered with trash from locals picnicking). And be sure to enjoy the sunset at Kyauk Maumghnama Pagoda. They are twin pagodas that are sitting atop massive boulders right on the beach.

Spend your days lounging by the pool. For your evenings, watch kids play soccer while the sun sets over the ocean. You’ll never want to leave this tranquil paradise!

Getting to Ngwesaung Beach:  Several buses depart daily from Yangon directly to Ngwesaung. Be sure to do your homework before selecting a bus. If you end up on one that doesn’t have air conditioning, it will be six of the most miserable hours of your trip!

Where to Stay in Ngwesaung Beach:  Eskala Hotel and Resort  offers large rooms with comfortable beds and air conditioning. The pool is lovely and you’ll want to spend every afternoon cooling off in the refreshing water while sipping cocktails.

Where to Eat in Ngwesaung Beach:  There are several fantastic restaurants in the area but Garden Breeze was by far our favorite. The seafood is amazing and the prices are so reasonable!

5. Hpa-An, Myanmar

Located about 170 miles east of Yangon is the small town of Hpa-An. It is just starting to gain notoriety on the backpacking circuit.

One of the best things to do in Hpa-An is to climb Mount Zwegabin where a monastery and a large golden pagoda sit at the very top. In the recent past, the monastery allowed foreigners to spend the night, sleeping on a mat among the monks. But unfortunately, that practice is now strictly forbidden.

The hike is extremely difficult, especially in the heat of the day, so it is best to start early in the morning. Plan on spending about three hours climbing to the top if you take the “scenic route” from Lumbini Garden and then take the shorter but steeper way down. And expect your knees to take a few days to recuperate. The monastery also has a restaurant selling vegetarian food, snacks, and water which believe me, you’ll need.

There are a few lovely day trips you can take during your stay that aren’t nearly as grueling. You can either rent a motorbike for a small fee or hire a driver to take you on a tour of the caves in the area while waiting for you to explore each.

Sadan, Yathaypyan, and Kawgon Caves are the most popular to visit and they are full of Buddhas and pagodas. Bring your shoes with you to Sadan Cave as you can walk all the way through and take a small wooden boat under the mountain. You can walk the remainder of the way back to the entrance to create a loop.

Take another short trip outside of town to check out Kyauk Kalap, a pagoda set at the top of a very unusual rock in the middle of a man-made lake. Sadly, it is usually under construction due to its instability but it is still a beautiful and unique area to spend an hour wandering around.

Getting to Hpa-An:  You can easily catch a bus from Yangon to Hpa-An and back again. It will take about five hours to get there and the bus will stop a few times for food and bathroom breaks.

Where to Stay in Hpa-An:  If you are on a budget, Hotel Glory is reasonably priced and centrally located but offers no frills. Keinnara Hpa-An is significantly more luxurious and is surrounded by a stunningly beautiful landscape but is quite a ways out of town.

Where to Eat in Hpa-An: Wadee Restaurant has delicious local dishes at reasonable prices. You’ll want to eat here every night while visiting Hpa An!

6. Bagan, Myanmar

The 26-square-mile area that was once the capital of a powerful ancient kingdom filled with over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries, is now one of Myanmar’s top destinations for tourists to visit. These beautiful structures were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries but due to various natural disasters, only about 2,200 temples and pagodas have survived to this day.

The best way to get around Bagan is to wake up before sunrise (as the sun reaches scorching temperatures by midday and shade is minimal), rent an electric motorbike, and cruise around the interweaving dirt roads, stopping at every pagoda that catches your eye.

If you want the best bird’s eye view of the region, book a sunrise air balloon ride but keep in mind that they don’t operate year-round.

As of January 2018, visitors are not permitted to climb the temples of Bagan. Formally, this was the most popular way to watch the sunrise and set over this expansive and beautiful landscape. There are still a few places where you can climb high enough to get a nice view.

As of May of 2018, the best places we found for sunrise and sunset in Bagan were:

• Temple 843 ( GPS: 21.1547353, 94.8807665 ) appears to be officially open as there was even an official-looking person there checking for Bagan Archaeological Zone Tickets
• A temple with a narrow staircase leading to the roof at GPS 21.148057,94.871913
• 2nd temple with a narrow staircase at GPS 21.156784, 94.867959
• An old monastery with easy access to the roof at GPS 21.1865945, 94.8827724
• A tall mound surrounded by temples at GPS 21.1820687, 94.8697476

If you have a bit of extra time in Bagan and grow weary of viewing ancient pagodas every day, hire a driver to drive you an hour and a half to a slightly more entertaining pagoda. Mount Popa is an extinct volcano and the popular Popa Taungkalat monastery sits on a rocky outcrop on the slopes of the volcano. The views from the top are incredible, but it’s the journey to get to the top that is the most entertaining.

There are 777 steps to get to the top and in Myanmar tradition, you must leave your shoes at the bottom and make the climb barefoot. But these particular stairs are full of pesky monkeys that are pooping all over the floor, jumping on people, and trying to steal anything that you aren’t clutching tightly.

Locals are working hard to clear the poo with wet mops which actually turns it into a slippery, sloppy mess. Witnessing all of the visitors being attacked by monkeys while sliding around in wet poo is worth the trip all on its own.

Getting to Bagan:  Bagan is one of the major tourist destinations in Myanmar so you can easily find domestic flights as well as regular buses. If you aren’t on a specific schedule, there is a lovely boat ride from Bagan to Mandalay and vice versa that takes about 12 hours and offers beautiful scenic views along the way.

Where to Stay in Bagan:  If you’re wondering where to Ananta Bagan Hotel is a must while visiting the area! You’d be hard-pressed to find such an amazing hotel at such a reasonable price with so many extra amenities. It offers a gorgeous pool, inexpensive massages, free breakfast, free beers in the mini-fridge daily, motorbikes for rent, sun hats as gifts, the list goes on and on. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bagan , then look no further!

Where to Eat in Bagan: For the best vegetarian food in all of Bagan, be sure to check out  Khaing Shwe Wha . But don’t order too much – they love bringing out complimentary dishes on top of everything you order!

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7. Mrauk U, Myanmar

Mrauk U (pronounced “mrau-ooo”) is the second most famous archaeological site in Myanmar so it is similar to Bagan but without the hoards of tourists. It is also far more difficult to get to as it is located in the northern Rakhine State.

The lack of tourists isn’t the only difference between Mrauk U and Bagan, the pagodas are also quite different. Those in Mrauk U have thick walls built of stone, rather than brick, to withstand fierce winds. And they are also smaller and newer than those in Bagan.

The landscape is also different between the two. Mrauk U has small villages, rice paddies, and many grazing animals interspersed between the old pagodas. You’ll more than likely have the entire enormous area all to yourself with far less hassle than Bagan.

Another must-see visit while in Mrauk U is the Chin Village where there are still a few remaining tattoo-faced women. You can easily find a guide to take you on a day trip and they will take you to several of the villages where you will see the women going about their daily chores.

Many of them will stop what they’re doing to chat with you (via your guide translating) about their tattoos and why they have them. Some will be selling their wares and others may ask for a small donation. If you feel so inclined, bring medicine or soap or simply give cash, they really appreciate it.

Getting to Mrauk U:   The easiest way to get to Mrauk U is to take a domestic flight from Yangon to Sittwe and then either hire a private boat or take the passenger ferry to Mrauk U. Hotels in both Sittwe and Mrauk U can arrange the boat service for you.

Where to Stay in Mrauk U:  The tourism infrastructure in Mrauk U is still rather lacking so hotel options are limited. Golden Mrauk U Guest House has modest but clean rooms and is reasonably priced.

Where to Eat in Mrauk U:  Kaung Thant serves up simple but delicious Burmese food at great prices.

8. Mount Kyaiktiyo and the Golden Rock

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda or as it is more widely known, the “Golden Rock” is a giant rock covered in gold leaf. It is precariously balanced on the top of a hill in Southern Myanmar. It is so precarious, in fact, that you can actually gently rock it back and forth (if you are a male that is). Buddhists believe that a single hair from Buddha’s head is keeping this massive rock from careening down the hill and into the village below. It is the most sacred site in all of Myanmar.

There are two ways to get to the Golden Rock. The first is to catch a ride in the back of a crowded pickup truck that transports people up and down the steep mountain road from Kinpun. The second is a 7-mile religious pilgrimage hike that is far less popular (and far more scenic). You’ll pass by plenty of small tea shops selling snacks as well as friendly locals who will point you in the right direction if you get turned around.

There are several hotels near the pagoda. We recommend you book one so that you can see how spectacular the rock looks when it lits up and glows gold at night. The area is busy with people praying or milling about until the wee hours of the morning.

Getting to the Golden Rock:  From Yangon, you can take either a train or a bus to Bago and then a mototaxi to Kinpun. If you’re planning on doing the hike, you’ll want to spend a night in Kinpun so you can get an early start. You can also have your hotel store your bags so you can pack light and then pick your luggage up when you return the next day. If you want to visit the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda on a day trip, you can hire a private car to take you directly from Yangon to Kinpun (and back again) and then catch the pickup truck both up and down the mountain.

Where to Stay Near the Golden Rock:  Although not rated particularly well, Kyaik Hto Hotel is pretty much the closest you can sleep to Golden Rock without simply pulling out a blanket and sleeping under the stars. Remember that you’re paying for the location, not the amenities.

Where to Eat Near the Golden Rock:  There are a few stalls selling food in the area or you can opt to eat at one of the hotel restaurants.

[irp posts=”5275″ name=”19 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Prior to Traveling Abroad…”]

9. Inle Lake, Myanmar

Inle Lake is located about 210 miles west of Bagan. It is probably the second most popular tourist destination in Myanmar. The lake is where the men use their feet to paddle fishing boats. Although it is now mostly done as a show for tourists, it is quite a balancing act. Expect to give them a small tip if you snap any photos.

The lake is home to approximately 70,000 local Intha people who live in floating villages and tend to floating gardens. The most popular attraction in the area is hiring a private boat driver for the day. They can take you on a tour of the lake and the surrounding area. Your boat driver will take you to all of the main attractions in the area so no need to plan your route in advance. But plan on leaving before sunrise for the best light.

If you have extra time in Inle Lake you can also try a cooking course or rent a bicycle. Or maybe cruise around the countryside. Red Mountain Winery is a popular stop along the way. Your guesthouse can provide you with rental information and a map of the highlights of the area.

Don’t miss the Kakku Pagoda nearby which contains over 2,000 stupas!

Getting to Inle Lake:  You can fly into and out of the Heho airport (HEH) which is about 30 miles outside of the town of Nyaung Shwe. A taxi from the airport to Inle Lake will take around 45 minutes. There are also regular VIP buses from Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon.

Where to Stay in Inle Lake:  You’ll find the ViewPoint Ecolodge to be the perfect home during your stay in Inle Lake. The rooms are charming, the food is delicious, and the staff is all so welcoming.

Where to Eat in Inle Lake:  Along your bicycle tour, be sure to make a lunch stop at Bamboo Hut . The setting is divine and they serve delicious and authentic Burmese cuisine.

We hope you have a wonderful visit to the beautiful country of Myanmar!

Want more help planning your trip? Check out our favorite travel guides and books about Myanmar!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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Myanmar Tours & Vacation Packages | Top 10+ Burma Trips

Stepping out of a fragmentary past into a new era of hope and optimism, Myanmar (Burma) is an epic land where thousands of different feelings, landscapes, temples, and people are rolled into one. It’s huge, and looks like a hundred countries. Probably because there are 135 ethnic groups, each with its own way of doing things. Expect to be overwhelmed by radiant cities of gilded temples, enlivened by the unspoiled natural landscape, and humbled by the warm smiles of friendly villagers. Even after a lifetime in Myanmar, there would still be more to see, taste, discover, and experience. Take a trip back in time to discover peaceful pagodas, sacred sites, ancient towns, and monasteries of Myanmar.

Go Myanmar Tours is operated by a local operator in Myanmar & Asia. With over 18 years of experience in the Burma tourism industry, Go Myanmar Tours delivers a variety of Myanmar tours & travel packages for individuals, families, and groups of all sizes. We also work with you to create a unique Myanmar tour to suit your specific interests and preferences.

Myanmar is Safe to Travel Now!

At Go Myanmar Tours, your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. Our Myanmar travel packages are meticulously crafted to avoid any regions experiencing instability. Rest assured, our dedicated team closely monitors the situation, keeping you informed about local conditions and safety updates every step of the way.

However, it's important to note that there are still disturbances confined to specific border regions. These areas will not be included in our Myanmar tour packages, and we strongly advise against traveling to these regions!

Happy 18th Anniversary of Go Myanmar Tours

YEAR EXPERIENCES

CUSTOMIZED TRIPS

EXCELLENT REVIEWS 

HAPPY GUESTS

Join the celebration as Go Myanmar Tours joyfully marks 18 years of spreading happiness through enchanting journeys across Myanmar's mesmerizing landscapes. With every passing year, we've woven a tapestry of joy, shaped by the smiles of our cherished travelers. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for the valued partnerships and the joyful wanderers who have been the driving force behind Go Myanmar Tours' success. 

At Go Myanmar Tours, we hold firm to the belief that travel isn't just about exploration; it's also about safeguarding the destinations for future generations. We aim to offer fulfilling Myanmar tour experience while nurturing both the environment and local communities.

Our mission is to offer Myanmar travel package that advocate for eco-conscious behaviors, championing local conservation initiatives, and facilitating cultural exchanges that honor and embrace our planet's diversity.

Go Myanmar Tours - Where The Myths Reveal

Easy Burma Trips Planning

• Speak 1-1 with a dedicated Myanmar Travel Expert
• Free Inquiry - Promptly Response - Consistent service - Seamless itineraries
• We share commitment to quality & the delivery of authentic Myanmar tour packages

Local Expert Customizing

• Over 18 years of experience in tailoring Myanmar vacation packages
• Hand-picked accommodations with thorough scouts
• Your time, your pace - No limited change, without charge

Authentic Myanmar Tours

• We want you to go home with amazing stories about your Burma trips
• Unlock the real Myanmar, local insights
• Visit local families, rural farmers, and experience local life

Outstanding Reviews

• Tripadvisor Hall of Fame for eight years in row (2015 to 2023)
• Thousands of customers chose us each year including Celebrities, M.I.C.Es, TV Shows

Myanmar Tour Packages by Themes

Myanmar Tours by Destination

Yangon Tours

The Much-Mythologized City

Bagan Tours

The Holy Land of Temples & Pagodas

Inle Lake Tours

The Home of Remarkable Waterside Villages

Mandalay Tours

The Heart of Burmese Rich Tradition of Culture

Top 8 Myanmar Tours & Vacation Packages

Real Myanmar – 15 Days

Colorful Myanmar – 8 Days

Grand Myanmar Discovery – 20 Days

The Trail of Myanmar – 10 Days

Myanmar Serenity Tour – 11 Days

Authentic Burma Tour – 7 Days

Myanmar in Style – 9 Days

Myanmar Beyond the Surface With Strand Cruise – 12 Days

Extend Your Myanmar Trips

Multi-countries Tours

A Glance of Southeast Asia Tour – 22 Days

Highlights of Vietnam & Myanmar Tour – 20 Days

The Best of Cambodia and Myanmar – 14 Days

What You Will Receive with Go Myanmar Tours

Personalized Burma Trips

Traveling with a private guide and driver helps you do whatever you want, whenever you wish with the freedom to change any plans.

Expert Myanmar Tours Planning

With in-depth knowledge of Myanmar, our Travel Experts tailor each experience to your preferences to ensure you can make the most of your time away.

Local Guide for Burma Tours

Our Myanmar tour packaeges unlock details that you may have overlooked with insider information only a private and local guide can offer.

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Each booking with Go Myanmar Tours includes invincible support, in case anything comes up & if changes to your itinerary occur, you’ll receive live updates via Whatsapp or emails

Excellent Based on 100+ Reviews

Our sincere thanks for all your efforts, leading to what has to be the most exciting trip we have ever enjoyed. I would highly recommend Go Myanmar Tours for my friends and all travelers in the world...

The Myanmar tour package is affordable and possibly the most reasonable one. Personally I think it was one of the best holidays we had as a family. I fully love this country and the Myanmar local tour operator...

Our local Myanmar tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us free time to explore on our own at our own pace. Through each destination, their love and enthusiasm for their country inspired us a lot..

We’ve finished our 10-day Burma trips and want to share with you how amazing and memorable experiences we gain during our journey. All in all, Yangon was great, Mandalay is beautiful, Inle Lake is really a treasure of nature...

We have just come back home safe from the 19-day Myanmar vacation package. It was truly a long and memorable journey. We realize that it was outstanding due to your hard work on our itinerary...

We have our own private tour guide in each city with a very clean car & pleasant driver. Soe Win was mine in Mandalay. He was very enthusiastic and helped us to understand the culture, the people & the history of Myanmar.

All of the guides are beyond our expectations. They were friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and very helpful with elderly people. Each of our guides was patient and they worked to make sure to please everyone...

The Myanmar tour itinerary you created for us was great. It gives us enough time for sightseeing and discovering the temples and people without being rush. The accommodations you chose for us were lovely...

Brief About Myanmar

Capital: Naypyidaw Currency: Burmese kyat (MMK) Population: 54.8 million Language: Burmese Religion: Buddhism Timezone: (GMT+06:30) Yangon (Rangoon) 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) Dialling Code:  +95

Things You Should Know Before Myanmar Tour Packages

• Best Time to Visit Myanmar
• Culture & Customs in Myanmar
• Geography & Environment
• Food & Drink
• History & Government
• Festival & Events
• Top 5 Temples of Myanmar
• Health & Safety

Myanmar vacationers are in for a captivating journey as they navigate the country's three distinct seasons, each with its own allure. From February to May, the nation welcomes travelers with its hottest and driest season, where temperatures can soar to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there's relief to be found in the higher altitudes, where cooler temperatures offer a more comfortable experience.

During the monsoon season from May to October, Myanmar transforms into a lush paradise. Don't let the term "monsoon" mislead you; this season is relatively mild, with refreshing rains nurturing the landscape and providing a unique perspective of the country's natural beauty.

From October to February, Myanmar takes on a different persona, offering a dry and mild climate that's perfect for vacationers. This period provides an excellent opportunity to explore the country comfortably, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's the ideal time to immerse yourself in the heart of Myanmar's culture, from its bustling markets to its serene pagodas, all set against a backdrop of clear skies and gentle breezes.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a nation characterized by its rich tapestry of history and diversity, with over 135 ethnic groups calling it home. This mosaic of cultures weaves together a vibrant array of traditions, customs, and languages, forming the very heart and soul of this historically volatile country.

For those embarking on a Myanmar tour, this diversity becomes the backdrop to a truly immersive and enriching experience. You'll have the opportunity to explore the various ethnic groups, each contributing its unique identity to this cultural treasure trove. Whether you're trekking through the Shan hills, visiting Bagan's ancient temples, or witnessing the distinctive traditions of the Chin and Kayan communities, you'll be treated to an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Religion plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of the Burmese people, particularly Buddhism, which is the predominant faith. The influence of Buddhism unifies this Southeast Asian nation, with its spiritual customs and practices deeply ingrained in the lives of locals. A Myanmar tour allows you to witness the significance of Buddhism as you visit sacred sites, interact with monks, and partake in religious rituals.

Beyond Buddhism, Myanmar is a tapestry of other religious beliefs, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and animism. On your journey, you'll encounter the rich tapestry of faiths that coexist harmoniously in this diverse land.

Superstition is another facet of Burmese culture that you may encounter during your tour. Many Burmese blend their religious beliefs with the worship of "nat," spirits believed to inhabit the land. These spirits are honored in village shrines, known as "natshin," and you'll witness their influence on the daily lives of the locals. Astrology, too, plays a significant role in Burmese life and culture, impacting decisions about everything from personal relationships to important life events.

About three-quarters of the population resides in rural areas, where life is challenging, marked by widespread poverty and limited access to modern amenities. During your Myanmar tour, you'll have the chance to visit these rural communities, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people who readily welcome you as "brother" or "sister." This deep sense of community and contentment in the face of adversity adds a layer of authenticity and connection to your journey.

In summary, a Myanmar tour is an opportunity to not just witness the beauty of the country's landscapes and ancient sites but to become a part of its rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and faiths. It's a journey that offers a profound understanding of this extraordinary nation and its people.

Nestled between two colossal neighbors, India and China, Myanmar, a Southeast Asian gem, unveils its geographical splendor - the perfect canvas for unforgettable Myanmar tours. Its borders extend to embrace Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh, and as if to embrace the majestic waters, it stretches forth to the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to the south.

The country's terrain is a testament to nature's artistry, and Myanmar tours allow you to explore this captivating landscape. To the north, west, and east, a protective horseshoe of majestic mountains cradles the heart of Myanmar, concealing ancient secrets and tales of cultures past. These imposing peaks give way to a river that meanders gracefully from north to south, finally embracing the coastal plains, like a tranquil sigh of relief - a river journey that awaits your discovery.

As one ventures into eastern Myanmar, on these guided tours, they are greeted by the enchanting expanse of the Shan Plateau, a land of captivating beauty. Here, intensive irrigated agriculture thrives, a vibrant tapestry of fruits, vegetables, and citrus orchards, painting the landscape with a riot of colors and flavors. Myanmar tours let you taste the bounty of this region while you delve into the local way of life. Paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see, yielding sustenance and livelihood to countless communities, and your tour experiences can bring you closer to the heart of this agrarian lifestyle.

Myanmar's natural wealth was once adorned by the lush cloak of subtropical rainforests, but the echoes of logging have left their mark. Still, the wonder of Myanmar's landscapes continues to thrive. A journey with expert guides on Myanmar tours will reveal the evergreen charm of this land, where nature's grandeur remains alive and accessible for those who venture to explore its breathtaking diversity. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of its rivers, the majesty of its mountains, or the cultural vibrancy of its cities, Myanmar tours offer an unforgettable voyage through this captivating nation.

Burmese cuisine, with its rich tapestry of flavors and influences, offers a delightful journey for the palate - an experience that can be wonderfully intertwined with Burma tours. Sharing similarities with neighboring Southeast Asian countries, as well as India and China, it weaves a culinary narrative that reflects the diversity of the nation.

At the heart of Burmese meals, like in many of its neighbors, lies rice, the staple upon which most dishes are built. Curries are a common sight but with a distinct Burmese twist – they are not overwhelmingly oily or overly spicy. These curries offer a harmonious blend of flavors, emphasizing the natural essence of the ingredients. When you embark on Burma tours, you'll have the opportunity to explore these flavors through traditional dining experiences.

Diving deeper into the culinary traditions, you'll find a regional variation in the south, characterized by the use of fish paste and a penchant for sour flavors. Pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots, and the unique addition of tea leaves feature prominently in Burmese cuisine. The abundance of seafood from the country's lakes and extensive coastline infuses freshness into many dishes, and your Burma tour will provide a window into the local food markets and the preparation of these dishes.

Burmese cuisine is also known for its innovative use of ingredients. One standout example is the tantalizing "Rafetto," or Tea Leaf Salad. This refreshing dish is made from fermented green tea leaves and combines the zesty notes of sesame seeds, fried peas, fried garlic, and peanuts. Some variations even include shredded cabbage and tomato slices, making it a symphony of textures and flavors. On your Burma tour, you can savor this delightful dish and learn about its cultural significance.

Another beloved choice, especially for breakfast, is "Mohinga." This is a comforting fish soup with vermicelli, frequently savored in Yangon's coffee shops and by street vendors. It's a warm and hearty way to begin the day and an essential experience during your Burma tour.

Burmese curries, while milder and less oily than their counterparts in neighboring countries, are a culinary highlight. They typically feature pork, fish, beef, or mutton, each crafted with meticulous care to bring out the best of the ingredients. A traditional Burmese restaurant experience extends beyond just the curry; it encompasses an array of side dishes, from rice and salads to fried and cooked vegetables, soups, and an assortment of condiments. This symphony of flavors complements the curry, creating a balanced and satisfying meal, and your Burma tour guides can recommend the best places to savor these culinary delights.

For those in search of a refreshing pause, "ochaya," or teahouses, are the epicenters of social gatherings. Recognizable by their small plastic tables and stools, teahouses are scattered along the streets, serving not just tea but also a variety of delights, from noodles and snacks to sweets, often served with condensed milk. These teahouses are an integral part of the culinary and social fabric of Myanmar, and your Burma tour may include visits to these local gems.

To indulge in a stronger drink and savor an open-air barbecue experience, travelers can head to the "Beer Station" in Myanmar's bustling cities. For fans of Indian cuisine, particularly vegetarian thali, the big cities like Yangon and Mandalay offer a wealth of Indian restaurants serving all-you-can-eat thali, a selection of Indian food served in small bowls with roti, rice, chutneys, and desserts, which can be a delightful change of pace during your Burma tour.

A journey through Myanmar's culinary landscape during your Burma vacation is a sensory delight, offering a wonderful sense of place and a deeper connection to the country's rich cultural tapestry. From the delightful tang of tea leaf salad to the comforting embrace of Mohinga and the complex flavors of Burmese curry, each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, inviting travelers to savor the tastes of this enchanting nation as they embark on unforgettable Burma tours.

The early history of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a tale of ancient civilizations and cultural transitions dating back to 11,000 BC. The land was inhabited by early settlers, with archaeological evidence suggesting that these early communities were primarily concentrated along the Ayeyarwaddy River. Around 1500 BC, agricultural and pastoral activities began to take root, marking the advent of organized settlements.

The peaceful Pyu people played a pivotal role in the region around 1 BC by establishing larger settlements and city-states. They were instrumental in bringing Buddhism to Myanmar, a significant cultural and religious development.

However, the social fabric of Myanmar underwent further transformation with the migration of the Hmong people from the south in the 6th century and recurring attacks from the north throughout the 9th century. These events led to the absorption of the Pyu population into the broader community, shaping the identity of the future Burmese people.

One of the most notable chapters in Myanmar's history was the rise of the Bagan Empire, which reigned from 1044 to 1287. This period was marked by prosperity, especially in agriculture and trade, allowing the empire to construct thousands of Buddhist temples, many of which still stand today as iconic landmarks.

As the 13th century approached, the Bagan Empire started to decline due to factors such as economic mismanagement and invasions by the Mongols and Hmong. This marked a turning point in Myanmar's historical trajectory, as wars, foreign invasions, and shifts in power became recurring themes over the centuries.

Moving into more recent history, Myanmar fell under British rule in 1886, becoming a part of British India with Rangoon (now Yangon) as its capital. The British colonial period significantly influenced Burmese society, introducing changes in culture, religion, economy, and society. However, this period was also marked by hardship for the Burmese people, as many experienced little economic benefit from increased trade and farming, and villages were often destroyed.

Myanmar's quest for independence gained momentum during World War II, ultimately resulting in its independence in 1948. What followed were decades of political instability, characterized by an unstable parliament and several military coups, which created turmoil in the newly established socialist state.

For much of the 1960s to the 1990s, Myanmar faced a series of challenges, including corruption, inflation, and political volatility. The country seemed to lurch from one crisis to another, while trade bans, protests, sanctions, and international pressure mounted.

In 2015, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party secured a majority in both houses of the Myanmar government, marking a significant turning point toward democracy.

However, in February 2021, Myanmar experienced another political upheaval as the military assumed control of the government, detaining and dismissing former ministers. This event has cast a shadow over the country's recent history and underscores the complex and tumultuous nature of Myanmar's journey toward stability and democracy.

Myanmar is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations and festivals, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking Myanmar experiences, be it through tours, trips, or vacations.

Thingyan (Water Festival): In April, as Myanmar ushers in the Burmese New Year, the country comes alive with the exuberant and watery celebration known as Thingyan. It's the perfect time to plan your Myanmar adventure. During this festival, the old year is symbolically washed away as the nation transforms into a massive water battleground. People from all walks of life join in the fun, armed with spray guns, buckets, hoses, and whatever they can find for playful water fights. As the sun sets, the festivities evolve into lavish parties, offering a dynamic experience for those enjoying Myanmar tours or vacations.

Independence Day: On January 4th, Myanmar commemorates its Independence Day, marking the end of British colonial rule. This event can be a focal point of your Myanmar journey. National fairs and celebrations take place, including the week-long fair at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon. Sports competitions and cultural events further enrich this significant day in Myanmar's history as the nation celebrates its independence.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights): Travelers on Myanmar tours or trips during Thadingyut are in for a sensory feast. Celebrated as the Buddhist Lent season concludes, the entire country is illuminated with colorful lanterns and candles, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere. Houses and temples come alive with these lights, while the air is filled with the enticing aroma of fried snacks from street food fairs. Fireworks light up the night sky, making Thadingyut a captivating experience for those exploring Myanmar.

Bagan Ananda Temple Festival: For those seeking unique experiences during their Myanmar adventures, the Ananda Temple Festival is a must-attend event. Held for two weeks in December or January, this festival combines the energy of a bustling market with the solemnity of a religious ceremony, offering a blend of experiences for travelers. Market stalls, street food delights, carnival games, and occasional religious lectures make this festival a well-rounded cultural experience during your Myanmar journey.

Myanmar's festivals and celebrations are a reflection of the country's rich heritage and cultural diversity, making them an integral part of your travel experience in Myanmar, be it through tours, trips, or vacations. These events provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together, immerse themselves in Myanmar's traditions, and partake in the joy, vibrancy, and unity that define these remarkable celebrations.

Myanmar tours provide an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the country's rich heritage and spirituality, exploring captivating cultural and historical sites that offer deep insights into Myanmar's culture.

Shwedagon Paya Temple: Situated in Yangon, the Shwedagon Paya Temple is a highlight of Myanmar tours. This temple stands as one of the holiest sites in the country and offers a profound window into Burmese culture and the depths of the Buddhist faith. Its golden bell-shaped stupa is a breathtaking sight, and the surrounding area with statues and satellite shrines adds to the mystical experience.

Dhammayangyi Temple: Located at the heart of the ancient Bagan complex, the Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest and most notable temple in the area. It is celebrated for its exquisite brickwork, dark passages adorned with shrines, and pure Buddha images. The mystery surrounding its construction, with the identity of the architect or builder unknown, adds intrigue to your Myanmar tour.

Shwezigon Temple: Among Bagan's renowned pilgrimage sites, the Shwezigon Temple is a testament to Myanmar's rich cultural heritage. It features exquisite gold stupas, ornate stairways, and golden ornamental plants. This temple is not just a beautiful structure; it holds great significance for the Burmese people and is a place of spiritual devotion.

Mahamuni Temple: Another key stop on a Myanmar tour is the Mahamuni Temple, a place that embodies spirituality and serenity. The temple boasts large pillars, vibrant frescoes, peaceful pavilions, a reflective lake, and a colossal golden Buddha statue. It's an active monastery and a site of worship, providing a unique glimpse into Myanmar's spiritual life through its daily rituals and annual religious festivals.

Ananda Temple: While not the largest or most ornate temple in Bagan, the Ananda Temple is truly awe-inspiring. It has been lovingly restored to its former glory after suffering earthquake damage in the 1970s. The temple's symmetrical design exudes elegance, and its historical significance and religious devotion make it a lasting symbol of Myanmar's cultural and spiritual identity.

Myanmar tours offer travelers a chance to explore these remarkable sites, each with its own unique story and a special place in the cultural landscape of this enchanting nation. From the golden grandeur of Shwedagon Paya to the enigmatic allure of Dhammayangyi Temple and the spiritual devotion at Mahamuni Temple, a Myanmar tour is a journey of discovery and wonder.

While shopping opportunities in Myanmar may not be as abundant as in neighboring countries, most towns boast at least one central market. These markets offer regional specialties, making them an enticing aspect of a Burma trip. For example, you can discover exquisite lacquerware in Bagan, tapestries and puppets in Mandalay, and painted parasols in Pathein.

When considering souvenirs to bring back from your Burma trip, it's worthwhile to opt for these regional specialties. Purchasing these items not only allows you to take home a piece of Myanmar's culture but also supports traditional artisans and low-income communities. Keep in mind that haggling is common in the market, and cash is the preferred mode of payment.

As is typical in many countries, shopping opportunities tend to be more abundant in major cities. During your Burma trip, you might explore Diamond Plaza, a glitzy six-story shopping mall in Mandalay, often nestled amidst gold leaf workshops and stores selling traditional crafts. Mandalay, known as Myanmar's cultural capital, offers a wealth of shopping experiences. In Yangon, make sure to visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, where you'll find a wide range of luxury goods, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and connoisseurs. These urban hubs provide a delightful shopping backdrop for your Burma trip.

Myanmar is renowned for its jade production, and your Burma trip might lead you to these prized gemstones. However, it's crucial to exercise caution to avoid purchasing counterfeit or low-quality items. To ensure a smooth experience when returning home, official certificates are required when passing through customs. It is advisable to buy jade and other precious stones from reputable stores that can provide you with the necessary documentation and receipts, adding peace of mind to your Burma trip.

Go Myanmar Tours takes the health and safety of our travelers seriously and goes to great lengths to ensure that travel is safe, enjoyable and enjoyable for everyone. All travelers are advised to check with their governmental or national travel advisory authority for the up-to-date information before your departure

Myanmar Travel Blog & News

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Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Myanmar (Burma)

If you are wondering about what are the most beautiful places to visit in Burma in 2020, here is the list of top 10 best Myanmar tourist attractions as one of [...]

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We are acknowledged

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

Update April 12, 2024

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Burma (Myanmar) Travel Advisory

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.

Travel Advisory Levels

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