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Burma (Myanmar)

Travel Advisory January 22, 2024

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

Updated to include information on Civil Unrest, Armed Conflict, Wrongful Detention, Arbitrary Enforcement of Local Laws, Land Mines and Unexploded Ordnance, and the “If You Decide to Travel to Burma” section.

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

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

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

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in Burma as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Rangoon. Dependents under the age of 21 cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in Burma.

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

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

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including in the Yangon urban area. From January to July 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon confirmed an average of fourteen IEDs per month detonated against regime targets in the Yangon urban area, while an average of nine unexploded IEDs were discovered and safely disposed of per month. IEDs used in Yangon urban area tend to be designed for smaller impacts against specific targets. Outside of Yangon, IED attacks against checkpoints and other critical infrastructure have been designed for larger impact.

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

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

U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals are not exempt from prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law. Local law enforcement officials may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for speaking out or protesting against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime. Facebook and Twitter are banned in Myanmar; police have sought bribes from individuals using a VPN to access social media sites even though VPNs are not officially illegal.

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

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

If you decide to travel to Burma:

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

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

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

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

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

Embassies and Consulates

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

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to Burma.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Since the February 2021 coup, Burma’s military regime controls travel to, from, and within Burma. To enter Burma, you must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and a valid visa. You should apply for your visa at a Burmese Embassy or Consulate abroad before you arrive in Burma. Inside the country, you will be required to show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate and Negative Test Results are no longer required for the entry. Travelers are still required to show documentation for COVID-19 medical insurance AND a completed Health Declaration Form. The Myanmar Insurance website has additional information.

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

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

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

Burma has a  visas-on-arrival program  for certain business travelers. The program is available only to those with a formal letter of invitation from a business registered with the Burmese Ministry of Commerce, NOT to tourists.

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

You can get information about entry requirements as well as other information from the  Embassy of Burma’s  website. The Embassy is located at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Telephone: 202-332-4350. The Permanent Mission of Burma  to the UN is located at 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021.

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

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

Safety and Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disaster Preparedness

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

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

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

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Burma, dial 119.

COVID-19 Testing:

Testing is available at the following locations: 

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

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

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

Ambulance services are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further health information:

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

Travel and Transportation

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

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

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

Roadside assistance and ambulances are generally unavailable.

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

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

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

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

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

For additional travel information

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

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

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Trip to Burma

• Helpful Stuff

Trip to Burma/Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Your Myanmar Vacation

With a Myanmar vacation package, you can forget about the hassle of planning and simply focus on experiencing everything this thrilling destination has to offer. Planning an itinerary for your trip to Myanmar? Start with cities like Mandalay , Bagan and New Bagan . Expedia is a one-stop shop when it comes to organizing your Myanmar vacation. From accommodations and flights, to activities and rental cars, we know how to create a travel experience like no other.

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in myanmar, shwedagon pagoda.

Learn about the local history of Yangon with a stop at Shwedagon Pagoda. Stroll along the lakeside in this culturally rich area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Inle Lake during your travels in Nyaungshwe. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's sunsets.

Sule Pagoda

Learn about the local history of Yangon when you take a trip to Sule Pagoda. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Things to Know Before Traveling to Myanmar (Burma)

Updated on April 26th, 2024

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

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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) Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

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

Yangon City Stay - 5 Days

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

Highlights of Myanmar

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

Essential Myanmar tour

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

Essential Burma (Myanmar) tour

Burma (Myanmar) explorer

Remote Myanmar tour: Journey into the hills

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

The Ayeyarwady & Myeik Archipelago

Thailand and remote myanmar.

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

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

Small Group Myanmar (Burma) Tours

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

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

Glimpse Of Myanmar

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

Glimpse of Myanmar & Singapore

• Marvel at Singapore’s awe-inspiring landmarks

Thailand to Myanmar

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

Discover Myanmar

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

Highlights of Burma

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

Back Roads Through Burma

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

Best Myanmar (Burma) Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Myanmar (Burma) Tours by Price

Top Myanmar (Burma) Attractions & Experiences

Top Myanmar (Burma) Experiences

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

Myanmar (Burma) Tours & Travel Guide

Myanmar (Burma) Attractions & Landmarks Guide

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

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

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

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

Myanmar - The Land of Pagodas

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

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

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

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

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

Temple Etiquette in Myanmar 

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

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

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

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

List of Temples in Myanmar

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

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

From Occupation to an Historic Election

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

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

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

Ancient and Modern Life Meet

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

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

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

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

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

Top Cultural Attractions in Myanmar 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor Travel in Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuisine in Myanmar 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar (Burma) Reviews & Ratings

I enjoyed the trip.

I enjoyed the trip and would say that it was the best of the 3 we have done so far

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I loved the beach extention at the.

I loved the beach extention at the end. It's really great to end an every day program trip with 2 full days to relax. There were a few lunches included which I highl...

I loved the beach extention

I felt extremely safe and was happy to walk.

Good standard of hotel, breakfast on every day and a huge variety of experiences and sights...what more could you expect. Also once out there food and souvenirs wer...

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10 amazing things to do in Myanmar

By Marcus Allender

Find the hidden temples of Bagan

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

Stay at a boutique winery

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

Go motorbiking on the road from Mandalay

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

Swim in Indiana Jones-style waterfalls

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

Sail away to Burma's best beaches

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

Walk under a mountain to Buddhist caves

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

Take a trip to a bizarre drugs museum in Yangon

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

Wade out to a desert-island restaurant

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

Go out with a bang at the Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival

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

Compare tattoos with hill tribes

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

By Hazel Lubbock

By David Annand

By Jasreen Mayal Khanna

The path to Pleasant View Islet Restaurant

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

Pleasant View Islet Restaurant

Caitlin Morton

Lauren Burvill

CNT Editors

María Casbas

A hot air balloon hung with lanterns at Tazaungdaing Lighting Festival

Inside Sadan Cave, Hpa An

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

A path on the Pleasant View Islet Resort

A sky dome at Hpa An Lodge

The entrance of the Sadan Cave, Hpa An

Sunrise over the temples of Bagan

The view around Hpa An Lodge

A teak cottage at Hpa An lodge, Burma

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

A landscape view during a motorbike tour with Zach Benoy

A view of Sadan Cave, Myanmar

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall, Burma

An anti-drugs painting at the Yangon Drug Elimination Museum

Yoma Cherry Lodge, Ngapali beach

A beach in the Myeik Archipelago

Sunrise over the ancient temples of Bagan, Burma

Boutique winery lodge, Burma

Myanmar (Burma) Tours & River Cruises

• Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar Travel Tips & Guide

• Yangon -  This city is the arrival/ departure point for most Myanmar excursions, and features the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda, adorned with plated gold and crowned with over 400 diamonds.
• The Pagodas of Bagan -  Once you've climbed to the top of one of these ancient pagodas, you'll have a terrific view of the expansive archaelogical site where thousands of pagodas were built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
• Mandalay -  In this lively town, you will witness the beating heart of the Burmese culture, home to bustling steets and neighbored by the ornate hills of Sagaing.
• Ayeyerwady River -  Cruise along Myanmar's largest and most important river as you are acquainted with the country's unique art, architecture, and culture.
• Myinkaba & Traditional markets -  Here, you will get to know the typical Burmese flavor, as you explore an aromatic market of vegetables, herbs, and traditional food.
• The Floating Gardens -  At Inle Lake, you will have a chance to bike around town or kayak through the floating gardens and stilted villages.

Best Time to Visit Myanmar

Favorite myanmar destinations, history of myanmar, glimpse into myanmar culture.

• While Myanmar is the formal, official name of the country, it is also common to hear it referred to as "Burma." The two are often used interchangeably.
• Along with the United States and Liberia, Myanmar is one of the last remaining countries that does not use the metric system.
• Myanmar is considered a land of pagodas, many of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
• Since rice is one of the major agricultural products of this coastal nation, seafood, rice, and vegetables form staple parts of the cuisine.
• Buddhism is the primary religion throughout Myanmar.
• A very common natural mix called "paan" is a betel leaf, areca nut and sometimes tobacco combo that Burmese people use to keep their energy up.
• The famous "long-neck" indigenous group is native to Myanmar.
• Thanaka powder, which comes from ground bark, is used as a facial cosmetic for both men and women and can help prevent wrinkles and act as a sunscreen.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel FAQs

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Travel to Burma (Myanmar): The complete guide

Here’s all the information you’ll need to take on a trip to Burma, Myanmar: here we will refer to it as Burma, just as the locals call it, being a bit adverse to the recent name forced on it by the military junta in power.

We’ll cover visas, travel insurance, security, transportation, hotels, internet and telephone; together with a bunch of advice for best planning your trip and avoid running into problems.

How to get a visa

Do you need help to get your visa for Myanmar ? Click here to see the agencies that we recommend!

If you want to visit Burma you’ll need a visa . Also, if you move for work or other necessary reasons to a controlled access zone, you’ll also need a special permit.

The application for a Burmese Tourist visa can be gotten through the embassy or online through the official Ministry of Immigration site , not more than 90 days before your expected date of entry.

You will need:

• a passport that is valid for at least six months after your expected arrival date in the country
• a digital color photograph sized 4.8 x 3.8 cm to upload during the application process
• a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB) for payment

A tourist visa costs 50 American dollars and lasts 28 days for one entry . The online procedure provides for the release of a letter that allows for the procurement of a visa on arrival. For a “Visa on Arrival” an additional payment is required, so the first online payment does not represent the entire cost necessary to access the country. For a tourist visa the following procedure is always necessary; only the Business Visa can be entirely performed upon arrival (or online with the application letter like above, at the cost of 70 Dollars).

Warning : entrance for tourists carrying eVisas are only admitted in the following airports Yangon (Yangon International Airport) , Mandalay (Mandalay International Airport) , e Naypyidaw (Nay Pyi Taw International Aiport) . If though you enter into Burma by ship or land, you can only apply at the embassy for a visa.

These are the addresses for the Burmese embassy and consulates in US and UK:

Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union Myanmar, New York Address: 10 East 77th Street, New York, NY. 10075 Website: www.mmnewyork.org E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: +1 (212) 744 1279 Fax: +1 (212) 744 1290

Consulate General of Myanmar in Los Angeles

Address: 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1590, Los Angeles, CA 90010 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (+1) (213) 387-0043 / 1 / 0 Fax: (+1) (213) 387-0042

Embassy of the Republic of the Union Myanmar Washington Address: 2300 S Street. N.W Washington, DC 20008. website: www.mewashingtondc.com E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (+1) (202) 332-3344, (+1) (202) 332-4250 Fax: (+1) (202) 332-4351

Embassy of the Republic of the Union Myanmar London Address: 19A Charles Street, W1J5DX London Website: www.myanmarembassylondon.com E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] Telephone: (+44) 020 7148 0740, (+44) 020 7499 4340 Fax: (+44) 020 7409 7043

A visa through the consulate is less expensive. You’ll need two photographs and a filled-out form. I recommend that you consult the site before applying to verify possible variations.

If you’d be interested in learning how you can visit other countries in Southeast Asia, here you’ll find information on Laos .

Alone or with others

Burma doesn’t allow extreme freedom of travel , although officially the rigid restrictions once imposed have greatly been relaxed. There are a ton of services geared toward tourists and means of transport that travel the route of principal sites, but any deviation from the beaten path is subject to “Spartan travel”. In one way, the flow of tourists is still channeled into the “permitted” zones: though certain transfers can easily change into travels of hope instead of pleasant escapade.

In addition, while drafting this guide, all regions (called States) of Burma presents access restrictions ; some in particular are still prohibited to foreigners, especially among states on the border with Thailand And China (Kachin, Shan and Karen) and the world-famous Golden Triangle all in the state of Shan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently renewed their alert even for the areas of Rakhine and Chin states on the border with Bangladesh. In all these areas series social problems exist, to the point that attacks continue to decimate the population and tarnish relations and the peace of ethnic groups that live here. For an updated list of permitted zones, check the official site of the Burma Ministry of Tourism under the heading: Tourist Information > Permitted Areas.

The country is socially secure as far as the beaten paths go and there aren’t any communication difficulties since the majority of those who orbit around the tourism industry speak English, sometimes French or another language. Again, outside these areas it gets more complex. The cost for services, which are still few in this country compared to the growing demand, is extremely high if your basis for comparison are the other countries of Southeast Asia.

I just want to remind you that Burma is a country with a dramatic social gap; this increases the risk of popular discontent and social problems, so even if, as I just mentioned, it’s a secure place, a tourist will do well if they use good sense to avoid small-time crime .

Planning through a travel agency will save you the time necessary to search for hotels and arrange transfers. Agencies usually recommend a classic route that I’ll now outline for you: a tour organized on your own isn’t all that different. You need to know that through the local hotels you can easily organize all internal transportation, perhaps with a couple of days in advance to be sure to find a place. The exception are the planes: those need to be booked well in advance because they fill up at the speed of light.

The most popular tours and itineraries

Below is a list of some of the most popular routes and the approximate price of a tour (for a complete tour in a small group not including luxuries):

Classic Burma

This type of tour is the most popular, and consists of comfortably visiting the most interesting areas of the country.

• Duration : 14 days
• Approximate price : 1,700 USD/person
• Route : Yangon (including the visit to Kyaiktiyo), Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Yangon.

Click here for more information on this route

Burma from Thailand

Due to the country’s poor international communication systems, it is very common for people traveling to Burma to take advantage of the trip to also visit Thailand. This route is designed so that you can combine the two visits, including a hike to see the rice fields and the natural beauty of Southeast Asia.

• Approximate price : 1,500 USD/person
• Route :Chiang Mai (Thailand), Kengtung (including hiking), Inle Lake, Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon, Bangkok (Thailand).

Burma for avid cyclists

One of the best ways to visit a country like Burma is to do it by bike. This route is designed so that you can follow various routes via this form of transportation.

• Duration : 13 days
• Approximate price : 2,800 USD/person
• Route : Yangon, Nyaungshwe, Inle Lake , Heho, Pindaya, Mandalay, Myingyan, Popa Hill, Bagan, Yangon.

Do you want more? Click here to view more tours in Burma and Southeast Asia

Travel insurance and medicine

Travel insurance is necessary and fundamental in a place like Burma where, for anything more serious than a minor incident, the advice still remains to head to Bangkok. So, make sure also you’re covered for any travel outside the borders of the country you’re going to, such as repatriation for more delicate situations.

Here you’ll find very useful information for choosing travel insurance.

In the big cities (Mandalay, Yangon and Naypyidaw) you’ll find hospital, whereas in the smaller regions there are clinics. The biggest problems are supplies and obviously the level of hygiene.

It is always good to travel with enough of a supply of medicine to handle first aid yourself , or the little problems that come with travel in tropical climates: from heatstroke to sunburn, to insect bites and mild allergic reactions. What I absolutely recommend are intestinal disinfectants, at least an wide spectrum antibiotic and anti-mosquito lotions.

In Burma there are still problems with medicinal counterfeiting , so for good reason you’ll want to leave space for a complete health kit in your suitcase, so as not to have to fight off the painful collateral effects.

Vaccinations

I recommend that you get or renew, if necessary, the DPT vaccine (diphtheria – whooping cough – tetanus), polio, typhus, hepatitus A & B. If you need more detailed information you can find it in the Burma section of the wwwnc.cdc.gov/ , the portal cared for by the Center of Decise Control and Prevention (CDC).

The best way to tackle a trip to southeast Asia, especially in Burma, is to book a consultation with a doctor and competent ASL. Also because information about vaccinations and correct behavior while traveling, change in relations to the phase of tropical climate that holds the possibility, although quite rare, of the outbreak of an epidemic. The remote areas, in fact, barely receive adequate subsistence and if you decide to adventure outside of your traditional itinerary you must absolutely leave informed and prepared.

Internet and telephone

Internet in Burma clearly has problems. Connection is very slow to the point of being practically unusable. Skype is extremely hard to use even in hotels.

The telephone roaming situation in Burma is continually evolving. When I traveled, not all international telephone companies had arrangements with local providers. So the best advice would be that in the event that you want to exclusively use your international number, check far enough in advance with your mobile telephone provider about which conditions apply. Near the borders, I can tell you that the two biggest Chinese telephone companies, China Mobile and China Unicom , work perfectly (with roaming enabled).

It’s also possible to get a local telephone card to get around some of these snags, although they don’t work all that well outside of major cities. In fact, at the time of my trip, even instant messaging was limited. Nevertheless, it’s an evolving business that in the past two years has gone from rigid government control to a timid form of free market. The major operators are currently MPT (government), Ooredoo and Telenor.

At the airport and in the cities you’ll find small shops on every corner, but SIM cards are even sold on the street: in the first case, bring your passport with visa attached. Prices are similar; you’re best off checking on the coverage for your specific itinerary and the guaranteed speed of navigation.

In Burma, as in Thailand, the use of internet is controlled and the information is filtered so that people can’t have access to information “dangerous for the country”. Here some of most popular website that are blocked occasionally (or filtered): Yahoo! Mail, MSN Mail, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook and Google’s Blogspot. In order to avoid this problem, you can always get a VPN !

Money, ATMs and credit cards

In the big cities you won’t have trouble finding ATMs and banks. In smaller towns, they are much less numerous and you’ll have to ask at your hotel where to find them. Mid-range hotels and higher generally have a POS but charge a percentage to use them. Clearly, forget about paying with a card in small restaurants and also for transportation.

The currency used is called Kyat , although dollars are normally accepted, but…there’s a but. It is indispensable, necessary and unavoidable that any American dollar bills you wish to use on Burmese soil are new and unmarked. It’s even better if you have the new version of the dollar. A dog-ear, a crumpled edge, smudged ink, a tiny hole the size of a pin, are all reasons for banks and stores to categorically refuse to accept the banknote, both for the 100 or 1 dollar bills. They won’t change them for you except in certain rare agencies that are a bit shady, where they have shamefully high exchange rates.

If you have an imperfect banknote, try right away to pawn it off on someone. In certain situations they might not nitpick that much or simply have worse vision than you do…But, you should absolutely not risk saving it for last and depending on this exchange in order to survive on Burmese soil!

Regarding credit cards: in my personal experience, traveling with a Chinese card Union Pay, we never had any problems. The card almost beats out Visa & Mastercard; when in trouble, Visa has substituted Union Pay. Regardless, bank machines are not so widespread and sometimes don’t work even if they look to be in good condition or have the company sticker on it. You might want to change a part of your money into dollars before leaving so that you don’t run into any unpleasant situations.

Remember not to run short on Kyat or dollars because some reservations, or trips, or payments are explicitly required in one or the other.

Methods of transportation

Burma has all methods of transport: train, plane, bus of various sizes and even boats on the heavily trafficked waters of the great Irrawaddy.

There are no direct flights from most countries; the most popular route includes at least one stop in Bangkok. Internally, Burma is serviced by several local companies, many of which are run by the “government”: this is a choice you’ll also be faced with when it comes to hotels, since much of this industry is in the hands of the military ruling class, which has been tarnished by the (numerous) blows of the State and recent decades and all the rest. For those wishing to travel ethically, this is a detail to keep in mind: if on one hand traveling by air is extremely convenient and useful to cut down travel times, on the other hand you’ll probably be contributing to those who to this day have taken advantage of the local population.

All airlines have a website where it’s possible to book flights if you don’t want to go to an agency, and they are Air Mandaly , Yangon Airways, KBZ, Asian Wings e Air Bagan .

Warning! Don’t expect new and professional airports… Aside from international terminals, domestic airports are small, the runway is a mess of concrete with holes and cracks, and formalities are handled manually (with passenger lists crossed off in pen). Just to be clear: Burma is the only country I’ve traveled to in southeast Asia where the unloading of baggage takes place at the exit in front of passengers’ feet. In reality apart form this folklore-type aspect and the miniature airplanes, air travel was rather peaceful (though expensive).

This is the least recommended method of transport since the timetables are unpredictable and delays are the order of the day. Moreover the equipment is often pretty bad. On the other hand, they are particularly used by locals, so if you’re looking for a vacation immersed in the typical experiences of a place, this is a marvelous way to experience that.

Transport on wheels

The method you’ll find easiest to use if you want avoid air travel are the buses: from short rides to long overnight crossings, it’s worth opting for the slightly more expensive companies to be sure you have air conditioning on board and can count on a departure close enough to the schedule. Also very widely in use are the minibuses with 7-10 places, that cram people in until the very last seat: it’s recommended that you arrive early enough so that you don’t have to sir on one of those small folding seats that are very uncomfortable in the middle of the aisle. This is also the most popular method for getting from the airport to the center of town.

When it comes to renting a car, in Burma foreigners are not allowed to do so. You can however reserve a driver and private car for even somewhat long rides.

Cities offer taxi service. A basic rule: set your price before getting in . Equip yourself with the hotel’s business card as soon as you arrive, since may taxi drivers don’t know any English aside from hello and thank you and what number.

Water is the most popular means of transport for the Mandalay-Bagan connection on the Irrawaddy River . You’ve got two choices, a fast boat or a slow one: it’s a long and difficult trip to deal with if you don’t love the sun, so keep this in mind when you’re buying a ticket. You should book your boat trip well in advance because the best times go quickly. You can book at the boarding points or at your hotel for a small mark-up.

Bicycle and electric bike

For moving around the city and other areas, I personally used a bicycle: the cities aren’t so big and the traffic is relatively light (even if it’s a bit unregulated). Alternately, there are electric bikes of Chinese manufacture that infuriate in Bagan.

As was mentioned just a little bit before, the tourism business is for the most part in the hands of those of the military junta. If this is a theme that interests you, I can’t help but recommend you consult the elaborate guide by Routard that is selected and verified.

The biggest problem with lodging in Burma is that they sell out quickly. Supply is not commensurate with demand especially in high season. So you should book well in advance,at least for Lake Inle, which is a very popular destination that is only moderately served. As far as budget goes, there’s something for everyone.

On Agoda.it you can find the best prices even for hotels listed by Routard. Don’t expect a working internet connection or particularly chic rooms if you stick to the 3 star category. Hotel staff usually speak English; to register you’ll need your passport. Someone may ask to check your visa, so keep it safe but within arm’s reach.

Click here for a list of hotels in Burma.

The classic itinerary

• Yangon : the ex capital, is a city that conserves a buzz difficult to find elsewhere in Burma. Shwedagon Pagoda is a majestic spectacle;
• Bagan : is a mythical place, and enchanted valley that is slowly giving in to the commercialization of its beauty. It should be crossed silently up until sundown, seeking to dodge the crowds;
• Lake Inle : a lake inhabited by the ethnic Intha who have populated it with stilts and floating gardens; the appeal is on the water, but also the surrounding mountains;
• Mandalay and its environs : is the other large city in the country, from here some of the peaceful revolt movements led by monks have begun; it is a more laid-back center than Yangon, but just as interesting and rich in history. In the surrounding areas, Inwa , Sagaing and Mingun are a taste of Burmese Buddhism.

In addition to these classic sites that you can visit from north to south, there are other areas that are often included in itineraries:

• The coastal region. or the state of Rakhine : here there are breathtaking beaches (like Ngapali Beach ) and one of the richest and least cared for archaeological sites in the nation, Mrauk-U ;
• The southeast, or Bago , Mawlamyine and the Golden Rock : are areas marked by a noticeable spirituality, among these the Golden Rock attracts many local pilgrims and the largest reclining Buddhas in the world.

What to bring

Here are recommendations regarding what to bring, or not to forget:

• A flashlight: if you decide to use a bicycle or take a walk at night outside of the main arteries of the big cities, public lighting is nonexistent; this is an object you’ll prefer to always keep in your bag, dear friend;
• Those famous perfectly formed dollars: maybe I already told you?
• A multiple adapter: in Burma there is a great variety of plugs; in general European cellular battery chargers fit with Burmese plugs; rather, you might find yourself in a room with just a single working outlet, so I recommend a multiple plug for support;
• Mosquito repellent: transmitted sicknesses reoccur after the monsoon rains; an adequate mosquito and tropical insect repellent will save you a ton of trouble;
• Sunblock: use it copiously;
• Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off: entrance to any temple you will visit prohibit wearing shoes; so no difficult laces to open and close because after the third visit you’ll lose the will to live; I don’t recommend flip flops because on Burmese streets I saw everything from half dead mice to used syringes. Be very careful!
• Hotel business cards: this is the first thing to get once you arrive at any sire, you can save yourself from a full-out “lost in translation” experience.

Click here for more advice on what to put in your backpack.

Figuring out when would be the best time to visit Burma is first of all tied to the climate: the majority of Burmese territory is tied to the monsoon rain cycles. Besides the discomfort of a river of water falling from the sky, there are evident consequences on the most delicate balance of health that the torrential rain undermines. Moreover, it’s right in these periods that the Anopheles mosquito reoccur.

The best period coincides with the winter, up until February. And I can guarantee you that by February the sun begins to beat like a jackhammer and get ready for temperatures that reach even 40° in April, before the beginning of the rainy season.

You should also adopt (still) a certain caution during periods in which the nation faces times of political tension. Finding yourself in Yangon or Mandalay in the middle of a protest in a land where the military junta still lay down the rules can’t be very pleasant. The best solution is to consult the Foreign Ministry website specifically for travelers , and the Myanmar Ministry of Tourism website in the Latest News or Tourist Information section.

Good sense and cultural issues

A visit to Burma requires a basic preparation of the rules of conduct to follow. If you’ve been to Thailand , for example, then you’ll know the customs associated with Buddhist temples; but in Burma they’re more conservative in other things. Here is a list of rules for the responsible traveler:

• Monls are not to be touched, especially if you’re a woman;
• Children are not to be touched on the head;
• Entering temples, you need to take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance; it’s preferable to also take off your socks, but I never saw anyone hassled for that (beware of the flooring!);
• Inside a temple, feet should never directly face the statues, so usually women sit sideways and men kneel down;
• You should never point, neither with your finger and especially not with your feet;
• Clothing should always be decent, especially for women; even shorts down to the knee are not looked upon kindly. I solved this by always putting on a longy, the typical Burmese skirt;
• Public displays of affection of any nature are not permitted among couples on the street, not even shaking hands;
• You must treat authorities and officials respectfully;
• Be very discreet when taking photos; pregnant women, women and children while they bathe should never be forgotten;
• Learn to greet and thanks others by copying Burmese customs;
• Drug use and prostitution are severely punished; in country serious problems persist regarding the transmission of venereal diseases.

Food and drink

First of all you should know that tap water is not drinkable . Only think bottled water. During my trip I normally used running water for showering and brushing my teeth; if you’re afraid, you can always fall back on bottled water for teeth brushing.

Although Burmese cuisine is simple and exquisite, composed of fresh and tasty ingredients, the food also suffers from a lack of safety. The best advice is to avoid anything not cooked, but unfortunately various delicious offerings, such as the local tomato salad (with peanuts!), are served raw. Choose safer restaurants frequented by groups of tourists, or if you adventure into local places, avoid raw food at that point.

Don’t forget to try at least once the typical Burmese buffet : a table of little plates of various delicacies, accompanied by a classic pot of rice. All this in an “all you can eat” format for a great price.

If you’re not a fan of tofu, the Burmese version will convert you! Local tofu is made from chickpeas and is cooked in truly tasty ways.

If you’re looking for a little night action, you’ll definitely find it in Mandalay and Yangon. However, as far as other places go, a walk after dinner is the most you can hope for. If you’re fortunate you might run into a group of local housewives, but usually both girls and women aren’t allowed any type of worldly life (not even alcohol, and little Betel).

Fraud, rip-offs and bargaining

The greatest recommendation for dealing with taxi drivers is that you need to fix a price before leaving, as has already been said.

You can run into counterfeit goods any time you look into precious stones and metals , to indigenous artifacts or lacquer : in all this, Burma is very rich and tourists often given in to the temptation. With stones and metals, there are authorized vendors that provide a certificate of acquisition. For local artifacts, in the markets of Yangon and Mandalay there are vendors who consider themselves each more serious than they other: here objectively it is a question of competence.

Finally, lacquer: the general rule is that outside the production labs, they’re all junk. If you don’t care that much about the purity of the material, then buy it from the local markets. The price compared to true manufacturers of lacquer, which takes an eternity to be modeled, has an abyssal difference.

When it comes to buying longy, obviously imports are the rage. There it is more than a question of quality and design of the cloth, local goods are few and I would say almost impossible to find. You can bargain, especially in the markets, but don’t expect the flexibility of Chinese vendors.

Particular signs

The three things you’ll notice as soon as you arrive in Burma are everyone wears a skirt, all men have red teeth, all women have yellow cheeks.

These are unique and distinctive traits of the local culture. First of all, the longy , the Burmese skirt, a long strip of cloth whose designs differ between men and women (for men they come in little squares). For women, they close it in front by wrapping it into a type of tube: fresh but with limited movement. Men instead close it like a wallet with a double fold and a knot in the front. Don’t watch if they need to re-knot because they don’t use underwear…

If you notice an incalculable number of red spots on the ground, these are the tracks of betel , this tremendous vice of chewing the leaves of this tree that wraps a strip of lime enriched by tobacco and other natural aromas. It is a vice on par with tobacco, producing a large quantity of saliva…red saliva… and in the long term it corrodes the teeth of those who chew it.

If the men are red, the women are gold. They tint their cheeks with a paste obtained from the root of thanakha , which is first of all a fine cosmetic, but also serves to protect the skin from the burning sun. In fact, children are often covered in it.

Yes, it’s a particularly colored and golden world, and the Burmese are very beautiful despite the deprivations that many have been subjected to. There’s an incredible serene dignity in that nation, that will strike you just as it has all those who have been there before you.

So have a good trip, and if you’re looking for other information or just want to share your opinion, leave a comment below!

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Hi Rita, Thanks for your ultimate guide for traveling Burma! I am going to take a trip in Burman next week and It is exactly I need to know.

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

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

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

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

Recommended Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days

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

A Brief Taste of Myanmar – 5 Days

Myanmar Itinerary 5 Days

Astounding Irrawaddy River with Strand Cruise – 5 Days

Essence of Mandalay & Monywa – 5 Days

Anawrahta Cruise Ship Myanmar Itinerary

Myanmar Discovery – Land of the Hidden Charms – 5 days

Bagan Tours & Day Trips

Myanmar Overture – 5 Days

Scenic Myanmar from Mandalay to Bagan – 5 Days

The Best of Yangon – 5 Days

Virgin Island – Myeik Explore – 5 Days

Yangon – Bagan – Inle Lake Tour – 5 Days

Yangon – Bagan Excursion 5 Days

Yangon and The Surroundings – 5 Days

Yangon Golf Tour & Cultural Exploration – 5 Days

Inle Lake Tours & Day Trips

Yangon Stopover With Inle Extension – 5 Days

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

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

When is the Best Time for a Myanmar Tour?

Getting Around During 5 Days in Myanmar

Attractions for 5 days in Myanmar 

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

Bagan - Unlock  the Myth Among 3000 Temples

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

Inle Lake - Enjoy an Interesting  Boat Trip 

Bago – Visit the Land of Magical Colors

Myeik Archipelago - Home to Magnificent Sea Life 

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Myanmar (Burma)

Warnings and insurance.

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

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

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

Areas where FCDO advises against all travel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

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

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

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

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

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

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Myanmar (Burma) Itineraries

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Myanmar is a large country, and you could spend months here and still not see everything. At a bare minimum, seven days would provide just about enough time for a whirlwind tour of the “big four” sights of Yangon, Inle Lake, Mandalay and Bagan. With more time on your hands you’ll be able to work some farther-flung possibilities into the mix.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Myanmar (Burma), created by local experts

10 days  / from 2372 USD

Old World Myanmar

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

9 days  / from 2840 USD

Myanmar Family Adventure

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

4 days  / from 383 USD

Love Yangon

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

Recommended Myanmar itineraries

If you are planning your travel to Myanmar yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

Mount Popa, Myanmar

Myanmar Itinerary 1 - Roads less travelled

With Myanmar becoming ever more popular as a tourist destination, would-be travel renegades are having to try a little harder to get their off-the-beaten-track fix. With a little advance planning, and by avoiding the corners of “The Kite”, you could max out your visa without seeing a single tour bus.

1. Tanintharyi Region

Head down to Myanmar’s deep south, whose abundance of beaches and islands are becoming easier to explore.

An enjoyable stopover on the slow road from Yangon to Mandalay, with ancient Pyu ruins, the towering Shwesandaw Pagoda and one of central Myanmar’s best night markets.

3. Meiktila

This little-visited crossroads town has a beautiful lakeside setting, a clutch of quirky temples and stand-out street food.

Those staying in Kalaw or Nyaungshwe often make a day-trip to see Pindaya’s wonderful Buddha-filled cave – trump this by staying the night in this wonderfully chilled-out town.

Inspiration for the town of Kyauktada in Orwell’s novel Burmese Days , Katha’s backstreets are dotted with atmospheric colonial buildings; the 1924 tennis club still hosts matches today.

6. Indawgyi Lake

Kayak across or bike around Myanmar’s biggest lake to seldom-visited villages and Shwe Myitzu, a golden pagoda that floats above the water’s lapping waves.

Discover Kachin State’s wild side in the thickly forested Himalayan foothills outside this remote far northern town.

Myanmar Itinerary 2 - The grand tour

Myanmar’s default itinerary follows a vaguely kite-shaped route around the country, taking in the “big four” with a visit to the Golden Rock – the kite’s string – as an optional side-trip from Yangon. Many travellers are happy to spend the duration of their entire 28-day visa in these places alone.

The country’s largest city, home to the stupendous Shwedagon Pagoda, with its huge clusters of gleaming golden spires, as well as one of Asia’s most perfectly preserved colonial centres.

2. Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)

Join local pilgrims on a night-time walk up Mount Kyaiktiyo, at the summit of which sits a golden, apparently gravity-defying boulder.

The most enjoyable way to reach Inle Lake is on a two- or three-day hike from this relaxed – and occasionally chilly – mountain town.

4. Inle Lake

Take a boat trip around spectacular Inle Lake, which features “floating” villages and farms, and a truly photogenic cast of locals.

5. Mandalay

Markedly more relaxed than Yangon, Myanmar’s second city also has its fair share of sights and restaurants, and is the best place in the land for local-style entertainment.

Quite simply, one of Southeast Asia’s must-sees – catch sunrise or sunset from one of its thousands of temples.

Myanmar Itinerary 3 - Ethnic minorities

The chance to see colourfully attired minority folk is one of Southeast Asia’s major tourist draws, and Myanmar is no exception to this regional rule. The national government does, of course, have something of an axe to grind with certain groups, but the danger zones are all off-limits to travellers.

The startling limestone karst scenery around Hpa-An is home to the Kayin, resplendent in their distinctive striped longyi.

Much of Chin State remains off-limits to travellers, though you can get an easy sampler of Chin culture on a boat trip from Mrauk U – the tattoo-faced old ladies hereabouts are particularly photogenic.

3. Myitkyina

Catch the colourful Kachin National Day celebrations way up north in multicultural Myitkyina.

4. Kyaukme and Hsipaw

Head for the tea-swathed hills north of these two towns, where Shan-dominated valleys give way to tea-growing hills tended by the Palaung, crisscrossed with great trekking routes and peppered with homestay opportunities. Hsipaw itself is a laidback town offering a taste of Shan culture.

5. Inle Lake

Myanmar’s most easily accessible minority folk live around Inle Lake – most notable are the long-necked “giraffe” women of the Padaung group, though those trekking here from Kalaw, or visiting the umpteen local markets, will also see pockets of Pa-O and Danu.

6. Kengtung

A small Shan State city surrounded by Akha, Lahu and other colourful ethnic groups, yet almost entirely tourist-free – and even more tempting now that restrictions have been lifted on the nearby Thai border.

The Rough Guides to Myanmar (Burma) and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Myanmar (Burma)

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

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

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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About Myanmar Tour Packages

The complex history of Myanmar on one hand, a demography influenced by neighbours such as India, China, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand on the other, and you have a perfect recipe for a land steeped in culture, rich in ethnicity and endowed with sights that goes from breathtakingly natural to the intricately man-made. There are several Myanmar tour packages , but only a few that do justice to its unique topography and tradition which leans heavily on its ethnic values. Whether it is Yangon (formerly Rangoon), one of its largest cities you are exploring or smaller regions like Bagan or Sagaing, the one thing you will come across is the trishaw plying down the city streets aside from horse and bullock carriage in the more rural part of the country. Encounter a tea drinking culture that is a nod to its British colonial custom, experience the local fascination for chewing betel nut, but in everything you do in Myanmar, authenticity is guaranteed.

As you plan your Myanmar trip , ensure you round up some of these sites.

The former capital of Myanmar and also its largest city, Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon is the starting point of many a holiday in this country. It is home to Myanmar’s most evocative monument, the Shwedagon Pagoda aside from a scattering of colonial-era buildings, believed to be the largest concentration in the whole of South-east Asia. You have vestiges from the Mughal era as well as from British Burma when the British had taken over Yangon in the First Anglo-Burmese War between 1824 and 1826. A landmark of Yangon you simply cannot afford to miss on your Burmese holiday.

A cultural destination of sorts, Inle Lake is known for its old-world floating villages, shrines, handicraft workshops. Located in the Shan State, Inle Lake is a freshwater lake and also among the highest at an elevation of 2900 foot.

Bagan with its more than 3000 temples spread out over its plains are a sight to behold. With its newly-awarded World Heritage status, it is swinging in the league of most important things to do in Myanmar . You have here temples that go back all the way from the 11th to the 13th centuries and are still in use after their restoration, as Bagan is among the country’s significant places of pilgrimage. It has some truly incredible sunset-viewing points and its share of crowds. But to steer clear of it, you can take a bicycle ride to explore some of its temple ruins, or even better, get the most vivid perspective aboard a hot-air balloon, an extremely popular activity with tourists to this destination of Myanmar.

Myanmar’s second largest city, after Yangon, it lies on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. Founded by King Mindon in 1857, it was Burma’s last royal capital before it was annexed by the British in 1885. It was in this period that the city grew both culturally and commercially despite the growing importance of Yangon in British Burma.

Make a day trip from Mandalay to this holy site for Myanmar Buddhists, Sagaing. An erstwhile royal capital for a brief four years, Sagaing promptly made a name for itself for its spiritual pursuits and for being the centre for Buddhist traditions. Backed by low-lying hills, several of whose peaks are crowned by white and golden stupas, Sagaing makes for a visual treat. You can also visit its cave monasteries such as the Tilawkaguru, home to a stunning lineup of cave paintings in the whole of Myanmar.

Around 300 kilometre southeast of Yangon, Mawlamyine is an important seaport and the largest city in the Mon State. Being an erstwhile capital of British Burma, this beautiful port city is studded with architectural pieces from the colonial era by way of colossal churches and buildings aside from an array of hilltop temples and a bustling harbour life. There are some gorgeous tropical islands surrounding this port city and caves and villages bringing forth the flavour of the Mon culture dominant here. In this part of Myanmar you will not be jostling for space with other tourists.

About 200 kilometre northeast of Mandalay, Hsipaw in Shan State of Myanmar is a colourful town teeming with historical and cultural relics. Not just that, the city is known for its scenery, its strenuous but rewarding treks, its elaborate countryside and a site called ‘Little Bagan’. Its location on a river further lends it its uniqueness, where boat rides and stopping by at various vantage points are a norm. Besides, the train journey from Mandalay to Hsipaw is believed to be one of the world’s most beautiful, and if you get a chance to take it, do not miss it. Head to Myauk Myo to browse brick stupas and monasteries, unmissable among them are the Bamboo Buddha Monastery and Madahya Monastery made of teak. Little wonder, the place has earned itself the nickname ‘Little Bagan’. Go hiking, soak up the force of the Nam Hu Nwe waterfall, climb Sunset Hill, there is so much to do in this Burmese town.

Nearly a 5-hour drive from Mandalay, Kalaw creates the perfect Himalayan ambience for upcountry treks and stay with the local folks who are as quirky as the land. As you set out on a hike through forests, trails and fields, you will cross villages such as Pa-O, Danu and Taung Yo. There are roads connecting Kalaw with Inle Lake.

A little lake in the shape of a heart, a quick motorbike ride away from the nearby town of Rihkhawdar, is of immense spiritual importance to the Mizo folk on both side of the Myanmar-Indo border. The setting is picturesque with its blue waters, emerald fields of paddy, forest-covered hills. The Rih Lake has several ancient traditions associated with it, as per Mizo lore, it is a gateway to heaven. But to the modern day travellers it is a quaint picnic destination, what with the waters ideal for a swim and shores for lounging under a bright sun and taking in the atmospherics. Weekends are especially busy here; come on a weekday if you wish to have the entire place to yourself.

About 91 kilometre east of Yangon lies the Bago region of Myanmar known for its reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha which was rediscovered in 1881 after the destruction of Bago in the 18th century. This breathtaking statue is 180 foot long and 53 foot high and was commissioned by the Mon king, Mgadeikpa from the 10th century. You get a sense of the sheer size of the structure from the length of Buddha’s little finger alone which is 10-foot long. Over the years some improvisations have been made to restore and beautify the superstructure. Look up the murals at the rear of the statue to see how the Mon king got around to building it. Find out why the statue of Avalokiteshvara, a Mahayana Buddhist, was installed near the head of the reclining Buddha. To the north of Shwethalyaung, don’t miss the Japanese war cemetery, Kyinigan Kyaung.

Located in the southern Chin State, this is Myanmar’s third highest peak at an elevation of 10,016 foot. A part of the Nat Ma Taung National Park, it is a gorgeous mountainside of rhododendron jungles that spring up with delightful red, white, pink and yellow blossom from October to February. You can scale up Mount Victoria’s twin summits and return in a matter of two to three hours, easily accessible from the town of Kanpetlet. Though there is a severe lack of public transport in this area and you would need an experienced guide to help you navigate the trails winding up the mountain. However, Mount Victoria becomes inaccessible in the monsoon months between May and October.

Translating into the ‘Shrine of the 80,000 images’, this pagoda was built by the Rakhine kings in 1535. An extremely complex shrine with a scattering of stupas of different sizes surrounding a central stupa. This central structure is two-tiered and has thick walls and windows, and has been restored, quite hastily, over the centuries. Adjacent to the southeastern stairway of the temple is the greatly researched Shittaung Pillar, a 10-foot structure of sandstone brought in by King Minbin. Keep about a few hours at leisure to study the various features of this temple complex, its intricate reliefs, the engraved stone slab, the cave hall and other intricate features that bring in as many tourists as historians to Mrauk U.

Best time to visit Myanmar

Choose the drier and cooler months between October and March to visit Myanmar. However, you should be wary of the fact that this is in fact the peak tourist season and hence heavy crowds at most temples and shrines. Avoid visiting all areas around central Myanmar such as Mandalay and Bagan between March and May since these are the peak summer months and the day temperatures soar over 40 degree Celsius, making it extremely uncomfortable and humid for sightseeing and exploration on foot. The night temperature in the hilly areas and the highlands can be low, making the evenings relatively chilly. Pack accordingly depending on where you are travelling. The monsoon season between May and October is also decent for travelling around Burma, even the crowds are thinner.

How to reach Myanmar

There are direct flights from Kolkata to Yangon which takes about 2 hours to complete the journey. You can travel aboard IndiGo, the national carrier, Air India, or Maxair, from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to the Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar. There are flights in the evening and at night, and the journey between the two destinations is a non-stop one. There are other airlines like Thai Airways, AirAsia, Malindo Air and China Eastern among others that come with a stopover or two before dropping you off in Yangon. The journey time can be upwards of 10 hours to 13 hours depending on the route of the airline and its layover hub.

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Myanmar Tour Packages FAQs

Q. Are there direct flights from New Delhi to Yangon? A. There are no direct flights from New Delhi to Yangon, however, you can take a connecting flight from here with a stopover in Kolkata before arriving in Yangon. Though, from Kolkata you have direct flights which take approximately 2 hours to get you directly from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to the Yangon International Airport. Airlines operating direct flights between Kolkata and Yangon include Maxair, IndiGo and Air India . Q. What is the currency of Myanmar and where can I get it changed? A. The currency of Myanmar is called Burmese Kyat, with 1 Burmese Kyat equivalent of 0.050 Indian Rupees. It is predominantly a cash-based economy, but dollar bills get accepted at top hotels and restaurants. But you can change your money at ATMs that are spread out across the length and breadth of the country, with a withdrawal fee of K6500 and a per transaction withdrawal limit of K300,000. But in extremely remote places, these ATMs are usually out of order, so it is best for you to rely on your cash reserves. The local banks KBZ and CB are open between 09:30 am and 03:00 pm on all days except Saturdays and Sundays, and both these banks accept Visa and MasterCard and charge K6500 per transaction for your overseas card. You need to pay in cash for running your everyday errands whether it is using the trishaw, buying a meal, taxi ride, bottle of water and so forth. Q. What is the time difference between India and Myanmar? A. Myanmar is one hour ahead of India. It falls in the GMT+6:30 time zone. Q. What is the visa procedure for a holiday in Myanmar? A. While you do need a visa to travel to Myanmar, you can even do with an eVisa to visit the country. The eVisa, however, limits you to visiting destinations like Yangon, Mandalay and Nap Pyi Taw International Airports. The eVisa allows you a stay of a maximum of 28 days in Myanmar and it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits only single entry in the country. Q. Which is the ballooning season in Bagan? A. It is hard to picture the gorgeous temple town of Bagan without the hot-air balloons crowding the skies. An iconic symbol of the region, any visit to Bagan is incomplete without taking in a bird’s eye view from a hot-air balloon. The season kicks off from early October and runs till mid-April, a fairly long window for you to plan your holiday accordingly in Myanmar. Choose a sunrise flight and watch the domes of the temples shrouded in mist pierce out of the wilderness. Usually you are taken quite close to the stupas to let you get a better glance at its detailing. Q. What is the dress code to visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon? A. Visitors need to adhere to a strict dress code at the Shwedagon Pagoda. You are not allowed to wear skirts, short pants or dresses above your knees inside. In case you are coming in from elsewhere and are not appropriately dressed, you can hire a longyi or a full-length dress for K3000 at the entrance. Q. What is the best time to visit Inle Lake in Myanmar? A. Inle Lake’s location in the higher altitude makes it a favourable spot even in the peak of summer because the average temperature hovers around 30 degree Celsius. In the cooler months of December, January and February, the night temperature can plummet to about 10 degree Celsius. In this cold season, you need to bring along a jacket or at least a layer of woollens. Q. What is a good hiking destination in Myanmar? A. Mount Victoria at an altitude of 10,016 foot above sea level, in the southern Chin State, is an ideal destination for a hike in Myanmar. The region forms a part of the Nat Ma Taung National Park and is known for its rhododendron forests that blossom between October and February and covers its slopes in shades of red, pink and white. The hike up the summit of Mount Victoria and the return journey to the nearby town of Kanpetlet takes about three hours. Make sure you take an experienced guide with you on the trek. Q. How is the internet service in Myanmar? A. Most hotels and some big restaurants have a Wi-Fi service, though not much can be said about the speed. Usually, all across the main cities of Burma, the internet can be painfully slow, while the remoter regions fall out of coverage area. Q. Is English widely spoken across Myanmar? A. Burmese is the official language of Myanmar and most widely spoken. But of foreign languages, English is the highly accepted and promoted one across its schools and tourist centres. So, you can get around in English in the major cities of Myanmar, but in the further reaches the locals speak their own dialects or indigenous languages.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Travel Safety

Is Myanmar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

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

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

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

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

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

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How Safe is Myanmar? (Our take)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places to avoid in Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Myanmar safe to travel for families?

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

The main concern? HYGIENE.

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

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

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

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

Is it safe to drive in Myanmar?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Uber safe in Myanmar?

No Uber here.

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

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

But generally, Grab is safe in Myanmar.

Are taxis safe in Myanmar?

The taxis are  generally safe  in Myanmar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is public transportation in Myanmar safe?

Yes, public transport in Myanmar is safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the food in Myanmar safe?

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

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

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

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

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No. Not really. Not at all, actually.

You CAN’T drink the water in Myanmar.

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

Is Myanmar safe to live?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Myanmar?

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

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

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

Is Myanmar LGBTQ+ friendly? 

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

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

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

Is Myanmar safe for female solo travellers?

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

What should you avoid in Myanmar?

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

What are the most dangerous areas in Myanmar?

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

Is Myanmar safe for inexperienced travellers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monique MacPhail

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18 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Michael,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Its a fascinating place, have a great time!

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

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

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

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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.

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!

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 !

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!

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.

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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Don’t Travel To These 19 Countries According To The U.S Travel Advisories

Posted: May 4, 2024 | Last updated: May 4, 2024

Traveling can be an eye-opening experience, but it’s essential to stay informed about the safety of potential destinations. The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories to help travelers make safe choices. As of early 2024, here’s a list of 19 countries with a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, complete with brief descriptions of the reasons behind the advisories:

Myanmar (Burma)

Political unrest and military control make Myanmar a dangerous destination, with reports of civil conflicts and violent crackdowns on protests.

Heightened tensions and risks of terrorism and kidnapping. U.S. citizens face risk of arrest and detention in a politically volatile environment.

Ongoing armed conflict and terrorism significantly endanger personal safety. The country also faces a severe humanitarian crisis.

Afghanistan

Security concerns due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest are prevalent, making travel extremely risky.

Terrorism and armed conflict continue to present serious risks to visitors throughout the country.

Heightened tensions from military conflict and potential harassment against foreigners make Russia a risky travel destination.

South Sudan

Ethnic violence, civil unrest, and crime severely impact security, making travel highly dangerous.

Risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and piracy are high, with no effective government control in many areas.

Threats of terrorism and armed conflict make Mali a hazardous location for travelers.

Central African Republic (CAR)

Active armed conflict and serious civil unrest create a perilous environment for visitors.

Burkina Faso

Terrorist activities and violent crime have increased, significantly compromising safety.

Political instability and increased rates of kidnapping and crime make Haiti a particularly dangerous destination.

Political unrest and the risk of wrongful detentions amid heightened security measures pose risks to foreign visitors.

North Korea

The risk of detention and the strict laws of the regime pose extreme risks for tourists and other travelers.

Political and economic instability lead to serious risks of crime, unrest, and detention of foreigners.

Ongoing conflict, terrorism, and displacement of civilians continue to make travel to Syria extremely dangerous.

Civil war and terrorism significantly endanger travelers throughout the country.

Military conflict with Russian forces, particularly in the eastern regions and Crimea, presents grave dangers.

Political turmoil and military conflicts make Sudan a risky destination for travelers.

Source: The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

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Myanmar (Burma) Tours & Holidays

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. When the time is right, 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. Any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.

Our Myanmar (Burma) trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

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 up to 40 degrees celsius, 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 honour 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 labour 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 neighbouring 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 flavours 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 centred 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, characterised 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 travellers 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 events, 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 Yagon, 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 colourful 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 centre. Regional specialities 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 centre 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 jewellery.

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 travellers 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 travellers 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 travellers, staff and local communities.

Do I need a visa to visit Myanmar?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. 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 violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar, we're not operating in the country and have no plans to run trips there in the near future

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. 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 travellers, staff and local communities.

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 mobile/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-travellers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travellers 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. Travellers 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 travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling 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 travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

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 mobilise 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