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Myanmar Travel Guide

Is Myanmar’s appeal in its temple-laden skyline, glittering against the late afternoon sky from a lofty vantage point? Or is it the busy streets where smiling locals go about their daily duties? Though the country only recently opened its gates to tourism, it’s no question that it’s always been destined for surreal, elevating explorations. This is beguiling Burma, and it’s waiting for you.

The Highlights

  • Ride a hot air balloon over Bagan

    There are two ways to see pagoda-peppered Bagan: from the ground as you wander through the fertile landscape along dirt-encrusted paths, or from up high on a hot air balloon? If you can spare the time, do both. If you can’t, the views at 10,000 feet are unrivalled and this is a singular experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

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  • Eat your way around Yangon

    Indulging in street food is a quintessential Southeast Asian experience. In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, it’s no different. Alongside its pagodas and festivals is its gastronomy scene that showcases various influences – from India to Vietnam. Ramble through the city, stop at food carts, and feast on hearty soups, unusual snacks and unique stews.

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  • Take a boat ride to Mandalay

    Though Kipling might not be the right person to quote in Myanmar, the Burma-enamoured poet did speak highly of ships on their road to Mandalay. Today, it’s one of the most unforgettable things to do in the country, boarding a boat to Bagan and sailing to Mandalay, the last royal capital, on the Irrawaddy. Amazing views await.

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  • Inle Lake

    It’s hard to contest Inle Lake’s allure. The freshwater lake is as charming as they come, fringed with floating gardens and stilt houses that witness the constant passing of leg-rowing men on wooden fishing boats. If you’re seeking to immerse yourself in Myanmar’s local culture and breathe the country air, you’ve found the right place. Feast on fresh seafood and consider a trek to hilly Kalaw.

  • Kalaw

    Seeking respite from the scorching heat might lead you to Kalaw, one of Myanmar’s charming towns in the Shan Hill country and an old colonial village. It serves as a starting point for many hiking and trekking adventures, but stay in town for just a little while. Stay at a guesthouse, meander through the markets and rub elbows with the locals. This is the ideal place to slip into the slow rhythm.

  • Ngapali

    Not many places can rival the unspoilt coast of Ngapali in the Bay of Bengal just outside of Thandwe. Island excursions and watersports are popular here, but it’s enough to stay grounded. The white sand beaches are perfect for the more laid-back exploits including lazing on the beach, watching local fishermen bring in their catch, visit local markets, and eat fresh seafood to your heart’s content.

  • Mahamuni Buddha Temple

    To the many tourists that roam the grounds of Mahamuni, it’s one of Myanmar’s most famous pagodas. To the devotees, it’s home to one of the only five likenesses of the Buddha. This Buddhist temple, located in Mandalay, is famed for its 13th-foot Buddha image, which is the stuff of legends. It’s also home to six large bronze statues that were looted from the Angkor Wat in the 15th-century.

  • Mingun

    Even hard to impress folks will find it difficult not to be roused by Mingun’s most famous attraction. This little town outside made its mark on the map thanks to Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an unfinished temple whose remains still stand, albeit in ruin. It’s more of a peculiar stop than a religious one. 

  • Hpa An

    From Yangon, head east to Hpa-An, a little village on the bank of Thanlwin River. It serves as a base for many adventures. Visit Saddan Cave, home to a few dozen Buddha statues. Summon a bit of courage and delve deeper until you come out the other side. Next, trek to the top of Mount Zwegabin. The climb is gruelling, but the views are spectacular and a lone monastery is begging to be explored.

The Basics

When to Visit

when to visit

  1. Peak Season

    November to February

    Myanmar is at its busiest during the winter season, which is essentially the country’s driest season. This starts around November and lasts through February when the temperatures in the daytime are bearable and the nighttime temperatures are pleasant. The great thing about Myanmar is that everything is low cost so even in the high season, budget travel is possible. Plus, November is that start of the hot air balloon festivals as well as pagoda festivals so your list of options for covetable experiences is longer. That is if you can bear the heavy foot traffic. If you’d prefer to avoid that, consider the rainy season.

  2. Low Season

    March to May

    March and April might be the worst months to visit Myanmar as the temperatures rise to well above 40°C. However, if you can forgive the heat, mid-April might be fun as you can take part in the annual water fight to celebrate the Buddhist New Year. To really avoid the crowds, come in May when the wet season is only just starting. In fact, if you’re looking to mainly visit Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay, May through August might just be ideal for you as the crowds are thinner and these three dry regions are more bearable. Even consider September or October when it’s cooler, less wet and the leg-rowers at Lake Inle hold their boat festival.

Myanmar (Burma) Tours

  • Visit Responsibly

    Travelling responsibly means respecting the communities, culture and environment of the places you visit. Keep these tips in mind when travelling to Myanmar:

    Go green. Be environmentally conscious on the road by taking short showers; turning off the lights in your hotel room when you leave; and resisting the urge to collect any plants, seashells, or other natural flora.

    Respect cultural differences. Before travelling, read about the local culture and customs – even just knowing the dress code and a few basic phrases in the local language will go a long way.

    Support local businesses. Enjoy a more authentic experience and directly support the local economy by travelling with a local guide, eating in local restaurants, buying from local artisans, and staying in locally-owned and operated accommodations.

    Wherever possible, avoid single-use plastics. Pack reusable items such as your own shopping bags, utensils, a water bottle, and a straw. These items are typically lightweight and compact, and will greatly reduce your consumption of plastics.

    Be conscious of overtourism. Opt to visit the lesser-known regions of Myanmar or travel outside the peak season – you'll likely even get a better deal and won't have all the crowds!

  • Sustainable Tourism in Myanmar

    Wildlife Conservation
    Myanmar is home to many parks and wildlife sanctuaries including Lawkananda Sanctuary, Popa Mountain National Park, Hukaung Valley Wildlife Conservation, and Hlawga National Park, to name a few. In addition to serving as a haven for flora and fauna, these places also give people the opportunity to learn about animals and observe them in their natural habitat.

    Myanmar Start-Up Fights Waste
    With a dual focus on preserving the environment and eliminating poverty via global sustainable development, the Italian non-profit organisation Cesvi created Chu Chu Design (Chu Chu means “plastic bag” in Burmese). This green start-up in Myanmar transforms trash into eco-friendly products. In fact, the local artisans who work at Chu Chu Design convert around 20kg of trash each month into wallets, yoga mat bags, and laundry baskets, etc.

    Green Lotus
    An innovative French/Burmese NGO, Green Lotus promotes sustainable development throughout Asia. In 2013, the NGO’s hard work and lobbying about sustainability paid off with the opening of its first office in Yangon, Myanmar. Among other things, Green Lotus supports pilot projects that promote environmental education in the Irrawaddy Delta and waste management in Yangon.

FAQs about Myanmar (Burma)

  • Do you tip in Myanmar?

    Only ever leave a gratuity if you’re satisfied with the service. Guides may be tipped 10,000 kyats, drivers 6,000 kyat and housekeepers 1,000. Those are for each day of service. 1,000 kyat per bag for bellhops are appreciated, and loose change from your bill should be enough at restaurants.

  • What is the internet access like?

    Internet connection can range in quality, but you should have no problem with day-to-day tasks like emailing or surfing the web. WiFi is available in many cafes, hostels and hotels for free, but outside urban areas, this is not as common. There are many pay-as-you-go mobile data plans available.

  • Is the tap water safe to drink?

    Absolutely not. Stick to bottled water and the complimentary green tea at restaurants.

  • Can I use my credit cards?

    Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Myanmar, although again, cash is still king. Before your trip, call your bank to make sure that your particular card is accepted and so that your bank doesn’t flag your charges as fraudulent.

  • What are the public holidays?

    Public holidays include Independence Day on January 4, Union Day on February 12, Maka Bucha on the day of the full moon of the third lunar month, and Peasants' Day on March 2. There’s also Thingyan on April 13, 14 and 15.

  • What are the toilets like?

    Be prepared to squat and use water in lieu of toilet paper. While many of Myanmar’s toilets and restaurants offer Western-style toilet facilities, the rest of the country still use squat toilets and outhouses. Carry toilet paper with you at all times and throw them in the bin instead.

  • What is the dress code for tourists in Myanmar?

    Myanmar does give travellers a bit of leeway when it comes to the dress code but it’s important to note that it is still a conservative country. Longer bottoms and less revealing tops are preferable. Women should have their shoulders and knees covered when visiting religious sites.

  • Is it easy to get a visa to Myanmar?

    Thanks to its electronic visa system, it’s really easy for citizens of most countries to obtain a visa for Myanmar. It will only take about three days to process and set you back the US $50.
A TRAVEL MAGAZINE BY TOURRADAR