Myanmar travel guide
Myanmar Tourism | Myanmar Guide
You're Going to Love Myanmar
An off-the-beaten-track country, Myanmar contains a rich mix of cultural diversity, Buddhist temples, towering gold stupas, and breathtaking vistas and landscapes.
What to do in Myanmar
1. Explore Bagan
Bagan was the capital of Myanmar in the 11th century and around 2,000 temples remain standing across an area of around 26 mi².
2. Relax at Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Beach is one of the best beach resort areas in Myanmar. Situated a few miles from Thandwe Airport, the beach is easily accessible by taxi from the airport.
3. Take a River Cruise
The Irrawaddy River runs through the center of Myanmar and taking a boat ride slowly down the river is a popular activity for visitors. Hop on a cruise that goes from Mandalay to Bagan and watch life on the banks of the river as you drift past.
4. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
This 326 ft tall, golden pagoda towers above the skyline of the city and is one of the world's most famous pagodas, dating back around 2,500 years.
5. Shop in the Markets
Bogyoke Aung San Market is a covered market that is situated in Yangon and which sells a wide selection of goods, from souvenirs and handicrafts from the region to materials and textiles. Enjoy a snack at one of the cafes in the center of the market.
When to visit Myanmar
November to February is the best time to visit Myanmar as the weather is drier and slightly cooler than in the summer months. Temperatures range from 66-88°F.
How to Get to Myanmar
Entry requirements
Travelers from the US, Canada and the European Union need to apply for the eVisa system online before travel for a period of 28 days. Your passport should be valid for 6 months after the day of departure and should have a blank page for the stamp at the airport.
Plane
Yangon International Airport is the main international hub into Myanmar and receives flights from the national carrier Myanmar Airways International as well as other international carriers, such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Budget airlines Air Asia operates out of both Mandalay and Yangon.
Boat
There are a number of cruise lines that stop at the port of Yangon in Myanmar but there are currently no international ferry services that travel to the country.
Popular airports in Myanmar
Popular airlines serving Myanmar
Where to stay in Myanmar
As Myanmar is becoming more accepting of tourism, hotels are starting to pop up. In the larger cities and some of the beach locations, you can find luxury international hotels and resorts. You can also book slightly cheaper rooms in private hotels and guesthouses, which are also more prevalent outside the main cities.
Where to stay in popular areas of Myanmar
Most booked hotels in Myanmar
How to Get Around Myanmar
Public Transportation
Larger cities in Myanmar, such as Yangon and Mandalay, operate public bus routes with tickets costing around 200 MMK (0.10 USD). Other forms of public transport include trishaws and motorcycle taxis. It may be necessary to bargain a bit for a decent fare as they are often inflated for tourists.
Trains
Myanmar's rail system is constantly being upgraded, although it is still often much slower than bus travel. However, fares are cheap with the most popular trip from Yangon to Mandalay (just under 400 mi) costing from around 4,600-9,300 MKK (3-6 USD) depending on class.
Bus
Getting around Myanmar by bus takes less time than by train. Buses range from newer express coaches, which are luxury and air conditioned, to local buses and minibuses, which tend to be less comfortable and a little crowded.
Plane
Flying is often the easiest way to get around Myanmar and there are a number of private domestic airlines that link the main places of interest. Choose from Golden Myanmar Airlines, Air KBZ or Air Thanlwin to get to your destination.
The Cost of Living in Myanmar
The economy of Myanmar is very much cash-based, although credit cards may be accepted in luxury hotels in Mandalay and Yangon. ATMs are becoming more popular in the cities popular with tourists, although there may be fees attached to withdrawals. Grocery shopping is relatively cheap and a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs could cost around 10,247 KHR (6.60 USD). Eating out may be cheaper than buying groceries and will cost around 3,105 MMK (2.00 USD) for a meal per person in a local inexpensive restaurant.