road travel in myanmar

The ultimate guide to drive in Myanmar (Burma) for tourists

Driving in Myanmar (Burma) comes with its own unique set of regulations, vehicles requirements and permits. Before planning your trip, it is important to understand all the rules and regulations. All foreign nationals are required to obtain an international driver's license from their home country before heading to Burma. Additionally, you should ensure that your vehicle is compliant with all government regulations, including correct registration documents, valid insurance policies and periodic maintenance checks. Lastly, you may need to apply for certain type of permits depending on what kind of road you take and how long your journey will be. Knowing the rules ahead of time will make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable drive in Myanmar.

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Road rules in Myanmar (Burma)

Essential tips for tourists planning to drive in myanmar, renting a car in myanmar, popular roads and destinations, helpful resources.

If you're a tourist planning to drive in Myanmar, it's important to understand the road rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some of the essential rules you should know:

• Drive on the right side of the road : In Myanmar, approximately 90% of imported cars have right-hand drive with the steering wheel positioned on the right side. The country also follows the standard priority-to-the-right rule, where vehicles going straight and turning drivers must yield to those going straight through an intersection.
• Keep a valid driving license : Foreigners are allowed to drive in Myanmar if they hold a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a Myanmar driving license. You may need to present your IDP to the authorities if asked.
• Wear a helmet : If you're riding a motorcycle or scooter, you must wear a helmet at all times. This rule is strictly enforced, and failure to comply may result in a fine.
• Follow the speed limit : The speed limit in Myanmar is generally 60 km/h on urban roads and 80 km/h on highways. However, there may be specific speed limits in certain areas, so be sure to look out for signs.
• Give way to larger vehicles : In Myanmar, larger vehicles such as buses and trucks have right of way over smaller vehicles. Be prepared to yield to them when necessary.
• Don't drink and drive : Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Myanmar, and the penalties can be severe. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or use a taxi service.
• Use your headlights : If you're driving at night, it's important to use your headlights to see and be seen. Make sure your lights are in good working order before you hit the road.
• Keep your documents handy : You should always carry your IDP or Myanmar driving license, passport, and vehicle registration documents with you while driving. You may need to present these to the authorities if asked.
• Beware of pedestrians : Pedestrians don't always have the right of way in Myanmar, so be cautious when driving in areas with heavy foot traffic. Look out for people crossing the road and be prepared to stop if necessary.
• Stay alert : Driving in Myanmar can be challenging due to the condition of some roads, the behavior of other drivers, and unexpected hazards such as animals on the road. Stay focused and alert at all times to avoid accidents.

By following these rules, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Myanmar.

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Tourists planning to drive in Myanmar should take the time to prepare your vehicle and yourslves for a safe journey. When preparing your vehicle, it is important to ensure that all parts of the car are up to date with regular maintenance checks, including oil changes, tire rotations and brake inspections. Additionally, you should make sure that your car is stocked with essential items like a spare tire, jack, jumper cables and other necessary tools.

Safety tips do drive in Myanmar include following the speed limit at all times and understanding different types of road signs along the way. Be aware of any local laws you need to follow such as one-way streets or additional restrictions on certain roads. Lastly, familiarize yourself with navigation systems such as Google Maps which can be used offline in case you lose internet connection while driving.

Navigating Burma's road signs can be daunting due to the differences between languages and symbols. To make sure you don't get lost or veer into unknown territory, look out for well-known landmarks or large signboards near gas stations or road intersections. Additionally, having a good overview map may come in handy if you experience any difficulties navigating the roads. By being mindful of these simple tips, tourists will be able to enjoy their drive through Myanmar without straying from their route!

Renting a car in Myanmar can be a great way to explore the country while having the freedom of your own vehicle. It is important to remember that renting a car is subject to local laws and regulations, so it is best advised to familiarize yourself with all the necessary procedures before embarking on your journey.

The first step when renting a car in Myanmar is obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). This permit allows you to legally drive in the country for up to three months and must be shown together with your home country driving licence at any road check. After getting the IDP, you need to contact a local car rental company or agency who can provide vehicles for hire. The rates vary depending on type of vehicle and insurance policies, but the cost ranges anywhere between US$30 - $100 per day. Some rental companies also provide drivers at additional costs if required.

When collecting your rental vehicle, make sure that all essential documents such as insurance papers, registration documents and driver’s licence (both foreign and IDP) are present; this will ensure smooth operation during your trip in Myanmar. Lastly, always remember to stick to local rules and regulations while exploring Myanmar by car. Enjoy your journey!

Read all about Myanmar travel guide for tourists .

Myanmar is a beautiful country with many scenic routes and amazing destinations to explore. One of the most popular roads for travelers is the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, which offers stunning views from start to finish. You can make stops along the way to visit some of Burma's must-see sites such as ancient pagodas, temples, and markets. Other famous destinations include Mogok, Inle Lake and Bagan - each offering its own unique experiences.

For those looking for a more adventurous drive, try venturing off the beaten path to rural villages where you can immerse yourself in traditional culture and see local wildlife. Along the route, you'll find plenty of opportunities to take photographs of spectacular landscapes or observe locals participating in daily activities like fishing on the lake or picking fruits in their gardens. No matter what journey you decide to take, there are countless attractions that will create unforgettable memories during your stay in Myanmar!

Planning a road trip in Myanmar can be daunting, but there are plenty of helpful resources to make your journey easier. A great place to start is with online maps that provide suggested routes and other important information such as local attractions, traffic conditions, and places to stay overnight. Additionally, you can find blogs and websites which contain comprehensive guides written by travelers who have already explored the country.

It is also beneficial to download an offline version of your preferred navigation system in case you lose internet connection during your drive. Other useful tools include apps for tracking fuel consumption or finding cheap petrol stations if needed. Lastly, it can be helpful to join social media groups that discuss traveling in Myanmar - here you can ask questions and receive advice from those who have been before. By having access to these resources before hand, you will be better prepared for your trip!

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Myanmar has a sub-tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures. The hot season (Feb-May) is very warm, with an average of 32°C. The rainy season is split per region: rainy southwest monsoon (May-Oct) and relatively dry northeast monsoon (Oct-Feb).

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Why is Myanmar worth visiting?

Myanmar, or Burma, is a must-visit destination for those looking for incredible scenery. Chockfull of incredible nature, such as mountains, waterfalls, rice fields, and white beaches, comes beautifully together with thousands of Buddhist temples dotted around the country.

Is Myanmar cheap to visit?

Overall, Myanmar is a cheap place to visit. However, accommodation costs can run up quickly, more than in other Southeast Asian countries. Expect to spend about $50 a day, including budget accommodation and restaurants.

Can I drink tap water in Myanmar?

Unfortunately, tap water isn’t safe to drink in Myanmar, especially for tourists. Because of this, stick to purified water that you can get from most stores and supermarkets. For a better, eco-friendly option, bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter system or fill up at restaurants with filtered water.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Myanmar?

To enter Myanmar (Burma), you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a valid visa. This visa allows you to travel as a tourist for 28 days and must be arranged before entering the country. You can do this at a Burmese consulate or apply online for an eVisa.

What language do they speak in Myanmar?

The official language in Myanmar is Burmese. During colonial times, English became the official language. Still, Burmese continued as the primary language in all other settings, spoken by the people of the plains and in the hills (as a second language).

Do I need travel insurance for Myanmar?

Travel insurance is your safety net for all your travels, allowing you to enjoy your holiday in Myanmar with peace of mind. From unexpected medical expenses to lost luggage, it ensures a worry-free trip. Note: Foreign travelers must present printed proof of travel insurance covering COVID-19 on arrival in Myanmar.

Is Myanmar safe?

While Myanmar is generally safe for tourists, it’s important to remember that the country currently has ongoing political conflicts with regular protests, civil unrest, and sometimes violence. Because of this, exercise caution when traveling in Myanmar.

What power plug type does Myanmar have?

Myanmar has five different plug types: types A, C, D, G, and I. Plug Type A has two flat parallel pins, C has two round pins, and D has three round pins in a triangle pattern. Stay connected by bringing an adapter to plug into the electricity.

Why do people love Myanmar?

Myanmar is a country full of fascinating history, culture, and nature, turning it into a more popular destination. Full of ancient temples, pagodas, wild deserts, and a new society, it’s opening itself up to the world despite its struggles.

Travel in Myanmar

As the largest country in Southeast Asia , Myanmar remains one of the least visited in the region. With its many beautiful golden temples dotted across the lush countryside, it’s often referred to as the Golden Land, offering a peaceful travel destination. Travel past the bustling city of Yangon, visiting Inle Lake , and heading into the misty mountains after. From beaches to thousands of Buddhist temples, those are only some of the best places in Myanmar worth a visit.

How to Plan Your Trip to Myanmar

Use our Myanmar travel guides to plan the perfect trip! Explore lush rice paddies and powerful rivers in hidden gems like Hpa An . Or, visit one of the many stunning temples in Bagan , admiring all the different pagodas and one of the best things to do in Myanmar . 

Check out our complete Myanmar itinerary or browse our informative travel guides.

Best Time to Visit Myanmar

Myanmar has different climate zones that all experience different weather throughout the year. It’s warm, humid, and wet in Myanmar, but temperatures vary per region and season. Due to its coastal location, the country sees two distinct monsoon seasons. However, showers usually happen in the afternoons/evenings, leaving plenty of time for beach bumming and exploring in the mornings.

Hot season (Feb-May): With average temperatures of 32°C, this is the warmest time in Myanmar. Especially on the coast with high humidity, it feels very warm. However, it’s generally a bit cooler in the northern mountains or around areas like Bagan . The warmest and rainiest part of the country is Mandalay , and Kachin is the coldest. 

Rainy season (May-Oct): This period sees the most precipitation (about 2,500 – 5,500mm of rain). Especially in coastal areas and southwestern regions around the Ayeyarwady Delta, see the typical Southeast Asia weather , with warm temperatures and more risk of tropical cyclones. The central ‘dry zone’ is more or less protected by mountains and sees less rain. 

Cool season (Oct-Feb): This is a relatively cool and dry monsoon season, with about 500mm to 1000mm of rain each year, mostly in the northeastern region. This makes it a good time to visit the beautiful white sand beaches like Ngapali Beach , one of the best places to visit in Myanmar.

Most people visit between November and February, but a visit in the months before or after (green seasons) is also a great time.

Coastlines and Beaches in Myanmar

Myanmar’s coastline, largely undiscovered, is full of pristine beauty. Journey down the Bay of Bengal and stop at Ngapali Beach , a serene jewel with palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters. Venture further down, and you’ll reach the untouched Myeik Archipelago, where crystalline emerald waters surround hundreds of secluded islands. This coastal paradise remains a hidden gem with unspoiled beaches and world-class diving locations. 

The beaches of Myanmar, with their raw and untouched beauty, are the perfect place to escape to. Whether you’re looking to relax on the white shores of Ngapali or are hoping to go beach-hopping, everything is possible.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Myanmar

Myanmar’s cuisine, culture, and religion all come together in a beautiful collection of traditions. The food and culture will quickly leave you in awe of Myanmar as you travel through the country. Travel here is fulfilling whether you’re backpacking , touring, or with an organized group.

Cuisine: With diverse spices, the Burmese have a very flavorful cuisine. Try popular dishes like ‘mohinga’, a fragrant fish noodle soup, or ‘laphet thoke’, a fermented tea leaf salad that typically brings people together. Meals are a communal experience, so don’t skip joining the locals in their teashops, where they gather for aromatic teas and snacks. 

Culture : From the ancient temples of Bagan, where thousands of stupas grace the horizon, to the astonishing gold Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar’s culture lies in its traditions. Traditional puppetry, dance, and music performances show the country’s artistic heritage. This, together with a warm welcome and smile

Religion : Myanmar embraces religious diversity, but Buddhism, predominantly Theravada, is practiced by the majority. Mandalay’s Mahamuni Pagoda and Bagan’s Ananda Temple are just a few of the revered sites. However, Christianity, Islam, and indigenous faiths are also followed. 

Why You Should Travel to Myanmar

Having only opened its borders about 10 years ago, Myanmar is full of mystery and remains somewhat of a hidden gem. As the largest country in Southeast Asia, it’s full of beauty, from the white sand beaches to the jungle-covered mountains and lush paddies dotted with beautiful golden temples. 

There are many incredible things to do in Myanmar , whether it’s climbing up to the top of a grand Buddha or lazing on the most beautiful beach in Asia. Visit the astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda and other tranquil spots on your Myanmar itinerary , and experience the kindness of the locals.

Safety and Travel Advice in Myanmar

The locals of Myanmar are some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met, and traveling is usually safe. Nevertheless, it’s always good to stay up-to-date about recent events in the country before your Myanmar vacation . As of right now (2023), the Myanmar military still has forced control of the country (since 2021), causing civil unrest and many (sometimes violent) protests. Travel to Myanmar is, therefore, not currently recommended.

!!! Some areas are under a state of martial law, and others, like Yangon, have curfews or stay-at-home orders. If you do travel to Myanmar, ensure you’re always aware of local rules and restrictions. Visitors should be extra vigilant and avoid all demonstrations/political gatherings.

Natural disasters: There are very few natural disasters in Myanmar, though the rainy season (May-Oct) does coincide with the typhoon season in Southeast Asia. During this time, mountains are more susceptible to landslides and rivers to flooding. Register your trip with the embassy to receive emergency updates during your Myanmar travels .

Crime and safety in Myanmar : Besides the current political conflicts, Myanmar is generally safe. Petty crime like pickpocketing or purse-snatching does occur, but there are no accurate records of violent robberies. Take care of your belongings by carrying them securely with you, and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. 

There have also been reports of scams involving gems and jewelry where merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices. Don’t buy gems or minerals from an unlicensed source.

Learn more about travel safety

Landmines: Due to Myanmar’s turbulent past and present, the threat of landmines in rural areas is high, especially close to the borders. Some areas are marked with signs, but that’s not widespread. Be extremely cautious if you’re traveling off main roads in these particular areas.

Traffic: Road travel in Myanmar can be challenging. Roads and vehicles are often in poor condition, especially during the rainy season when roads and bridges sometimes become impassable. Travel by road outside major cities like Yangon and Mandalay is restricted, and traffic regulations aren’t always enforced. Try traveling only during the day, wear a helmet (often have to buy one), and ensure you have travel insurance.

Outdoor activities: If you’re doing any swimming, boating, or diving on your holiday in Myanmar , always exercise caution and consider your safety. River and sea transport don’t always meet international safety standards, and during the monsoon season, heavy rains can cause flooding. Check with local guides where it’s safe to swim, many beaches have a strong undercurrent and riptides. Only undertake adventure sports with a well-established and reputable company that has insurance. 

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your trip to Myanmar is getting travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or unforeseen accidents, travel insurance gives you peace of mind. This ensures you have a smoother and worry-free experience. 

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When to Visit

Getting around, local transport, where to visit and how long to stay, take a balloon ride in bagan, with a tour guide and a private car, where to stay, where to eat, how much does it cost.

Myanmar has eased its travel restrictions from May 15, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Myanmar now as long as you're fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival.

A visit to Myanmar (Burma) can be a magical experience with its stunning landscapes, spectacular archaeological sites and special cultural traditions. The following guide may help you develop your plans for visiting Myanmar.

Begin in Yangon and move on to Mandalay. Then visit Bagan, with its amazing pagoda complex. Relax at Inle Lake, before departing from Yangon. This is the 9-day highlights program. Between October and April, a 3-day supplementary trip to Ngapali Beach, after Inle Lake, would create a perfect tour conclusion.

It's always a good idea to avoid the intense heat and high humidity periods of weather when considering a visit to Myanmar. The period from November to February is the ideal time to travel.

Dry Season — November to February

The tourist season starts in early October and peaks between December and February. At this time of year, temperatures rarely rise above 32°C (90°F) during the day, making exploring the archaeological sites comfortable and interesting.

The beach at Ngapali is a perfect place to relax during this time. There will be great pressure on hotels and other travel services in the tourist destinations. It's advisable to make reservations at least a few months in advance.

The price is much higher in the dry season, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Hot Season — March to May

The heat builds steadily from the beginning of March, and the temperatures will exceed 40°C (104°F) by the end of the month. As temperatures are really high, outdoor exploration can be rather challenging.

The Myanmar New Year is celebrated nationwide in mid-April. If you visit around then, you will see crowds of people playing music, dancing, and throwing water over each other, and you can enjoy a carnival atmosphere.

All domestic flights are fully booked during the Myanmar New Year, so it's not easy to buy a ticket.

Wet Season — June to October

The rains start in May and by June the monsoon storms sweep into the country. Humidity is quite high during this time and the wettest months are July and August. Temperatures are hovering around 30°C (86°F).

Beach resorts at Ngapali will be closed and flights to the area reduced to one per week. At times of heavy downpours, road travel can be difficult with road blocks caused by flooding. Flights are sometimes diverted, causing delays.

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Most visitors arrive in Myanmar at Yangon International Airport or Mandalay International Airport.

Visitors from Europe, America, or Australia need to transfer at some Asian cities, such as Bangkok and Singapore, as there are no direct flights from those regions. These two cities are served by most major international airlines, so it's easy to make connections.

The following cities also hold direct flights to Yangon: Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kolkata, Dubai, and Doha.

From Bangkok to Yangon

There are about 20 flights a day from Bangkok to Yangon and the average flight time is 1 hour.

The following airlines provide direct flights to Yangon: Myanmar Airways International, Myanmar National Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways. It will typically cost about US$100–150 for a single, one-way fare.

Good deals are often available on low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia and Nok Air, for just US$50.

The most convenient way to travel around Myanmar is by air, which could save the most of your time and provide a comfortable experience. If you have more time, a cruise along the Irrawaddy River will be a good option, as it allows visitors to get a real taste of life on the river.

The train and bus are not recommended because they are slow and uncomfortable. For example, to reach Mandalay from Yangon, it takes about an hour by plane, 7 hours by car, and 15 hours by train.

Domestic Flights

Domestic routes are mainly operated by seven airlines: Air KBZ, Air Bagan, Air Mandalay, Asian Wings Airways, Yangon Airways, Golden Myanmar Airlines, and Myanmar National Airlines. Most airlines fly small planes, such as an ATR 72, which can seat up to 78 passengers.

Online booking is available on any of the airlines' websites, but the process is far from seamless. It's recommended to purchase tickets via a travel agent for the same price as the published fare.

The flights sometimes change, so you should have prior notice of changes, especially timings. If you have booked via an agent, he or she will inform you of any changes and help with the new itinerary.

Do note that most airlines share codes with other airlines, which means they may regroup passengers from different flights onto one joint flight if there are not enough people.

The ticket prices of different operators are much the same, because they fly at a similar time and on the same route. The single, one-way fare for key routes costs about US$70 to US$120.

We often book flights with Air KBZ for our customers because its service and schedules are more convenient.

Road Travel

Traveling by bus is slow and bumpy for long-distance journeys. The schedules of most long-distance services start in the evening between 4pm and 10pm, traveling overnight with stops at cafés along the road every two hours, so don't expect much sleep. Passengers will arrive at their destination early in the morning.

In large cities, such as Yangon and Mandalay, the long-distance bus stations are far from the downtown areas. Tickets are sold from counters at the bus stations or via local agents. The cost depends on the length of your journey, usually between US$10 and US$20.

Rail Travel

Traveling by train is a little more appealing, as it provides scenic views and the chance to mingle with locals. Trains are less reliable and slower than buses. Delays often happen, so there will be changes on arrival and departure times.

Tickets can be purchased at the railway station ticket offices and it usually takes a long time. Fares are much more expensive than on buses and foreigners need to pay in dollars at a higher rate, about five times as much as the locals.

Cruising the Irrawaddy

Traveling by boat provides a more relaxing way to experience the timeless charm of the country. The most popular route is the one between Mandalay and Bagan on a 2-day cruise, which usually leaves in the morning.

If you take a luxury cruise, you will sail along the more scenic stretches of the river, which include some interesting stops at riverside villages, such as a pottery village to see the pottery making process.

Guests on luxury cruisers are treated to spacious and well-furnished cabins, delicious meals, swimming pools, and a good observation deck to see beautiful views over the water.

Larger cities in Myanmar offer a variety of transportation, such as buses, taxis, hire cars, motorbikes, trishaws, and horse-drawn carts. Public transport is poorly resourced, so most visitors tend to rely on taxis and hire cars.

Buses of all types run the streets of main cities in Myanmar. As most vehicles are dilapidated and filled with the locals, taking a bus can be crowded, airless, and uncomfortable. There are few English route maps, so it's hard to know where to get off.

Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down in the streets of big cities, such as Yangon. Some taxis are air-conditioned, but most are not.

There will be taxi service information outside the airport and the fares are fixed. It's easy to call a taxi to take you to a central hotel if you don't book a pick-up service.

Remember to negotiate the price before getting in a car. If you think the driver is insisting on an excessive price, try to find another one to negotiate with.

Private Car

Private cars with drivers can be hired via tour agencies or hotels. Given the itineraries, they will arrange the car and ensure the driver knows where you want to visit.

Most of the cars are imported from Japan so the steering wheel is on the right side. The price starts at about US$60 per day.

Horse-Drawn Cart

Horse-drawn carts operate widely at archaeological sites, such as Bagan and Ava. It provides a relaxing way to explore the ruins and countryside. It's fun to drive all the way through the woods and sandy lanes.

Taking a small boat is the best way to visit Inle Lake. Getting on a boat, you will be taken to several sites on the lake. Some of the highlights include the floating gardens, local markets, and pagodas. The boats can be arranged by the hotels.

If you want to see the sunset views over U Bein Bridge or the Irrawaddy River, a private boat trip lasting for several hours is also a good option.

How many places you can visit depends on the time you have available. With 9 days, you can see the highlights of Myanmar by visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. With 12 days, you can have two free days relaxing on the beach of Ngapali or can combine Bangkok with Myanmar.

The following itinerary is designed to give you some inspiration when considering what to see in Myanmar. We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries. Your trip will be arranged according to your particular interests.

Day 1 Yangon

Day 2 yangon.

Morning: Colonial District – National Museum – Yangon Circular Railway

Afternoon: Bogyoke (Scott) Market – Shwedagon Pagoda

Day 3 Mandalay

Morning: Domestic flight to Mandalay

Afternoon: Mahamuni Buddha Temple – Shwenandaw Monastery – Kuthodaw Pagoda and the world's largest book – Mandalay Hill to watch a sunset

Day 4 Mandalay

Morning: Mahagandayon Monastery

Afternoon: Inwa – U Bein Bridge to watch a sunset

Day 5 Bagan

Morning: Domestic flight to Bagan

Afternoon: A boat trip to see the sunset over the Irrawaddy River

Day 6 Bagan

Morning: A hot-air balloon ride – Shwezigon Pagoda – Ananda Temple

Afternoon: Horse-drawn cart sightseeing – Shwesandaw Pagoda to watch a sunset

Day 7 Inle Lake

Morning: Domestic flight to Inle Lake

Afternoon: Inwa – A boat trip to see the sunset over Inle Lake

Day 8 Inle Lake

Morning: A boat trip to see the floating gardens – Five-day market – Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery

Afternoon: Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda – Indein Pagoda Complex

Day 9 Yangon

The sight of hot-air balloons drifting serenely over the plains of Bagan has become an iconic image. Most balloon rides start a few minutes after sunrise, offering an unrivaled perspective over the vast plains, from the thousands of temples to the Irrawaddy River.

After an hour drifting through the air, passengers may land next to a pagoda, on a sandbank, or in a field. This magical flight can be the experience of a lifetime and something really special to share with your friends. Add this to your bucket list.

A local guide will help you make the most of your time. The guides in Myanmar are truly considerate, reliable, and flexible. They are passionate about sharing their culture and lifestyle and will take good care of every visitor.

We recommend you stay with one guide throughout your trip in Myanmar, rather than having different guides in different cities. You will have a more comfortable experience by doing so.

A private car and driver is necessary in such a country, the infrastructure of which is poorly resourced and the public transport is unreliable. The driver will have your itinerary and take you there. You don't need to work out the maps to know how to get to the sites from your hotel or to find a restaurant.

Temperatures are hovering around 30°C during the day, so it will be a relief when you get in an air-conditioned car and are being driven around. It also facilitates a more flexible experience.

The cost per day is about US$90 for the guide and the car plus driver.

A wide option of accommodation is available in Myanmar, from low-budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay are business hotels with high standards of facilities and service, but they are characterless.

Alternatively, some resort hotels in Inle Lake and Bagan are more appealing, as they make the most of their spectacular situations, with special building materials and beautiful views of lakes or temples.

One night in a 3-star hotel costs about US$60 per room and a 4-star hotel costs about US$120–160 per room. The 5-star hotels usually start at US$200 per room per night.

The price of all types of hotel in Myanmar is much higher than other Southeast Asian countries due to the shortage of rooms, especially in high season.

There is a variety of dining options in Myanmar, from local food to Western food, Thai food, and Chinese food. Some tasty snacks are sold by vendors on the streets, while authentic Burmese food is served in some traditional restaurants, which are often built from wood.

Dining at your hotel is also a good option with different kinds of food being provided. You will have a chance to see the Burmese classical dance or an interesting puppet show at the same time. The dining place is well-decorated for clients to enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere.

The main dish can be chosen from beef, pork, chicken, fish, prawns, and squid. The common staples are steamed rice, fried rice, and fried noodles. Italian food, such as pizza and pasta, is also available in the tourist resorts.

Prices for meals vary between restaurants. You can expect to pay less than US$5 for a simple meal. Usually US$10–20 is enough for an elaborate meal.

Only opened up in 2010, Myanmar still remains relatively untouched and represents today how the other Southeast Asian countries were 30 years ago.

The cost of the trip is the highest among the Southeast Asian countries, but the unique experience is worth the price. The mid-range cost is about US$200 a day. This price includes a private day trip, one night in a 3-star or 4-star hotel, and a decent meal.

Visit Myanmar with Asia Highlights

We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.

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• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 16-Day Myanmar In-Depth Tour with Irrawaddy Cruise
• 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour: Myanmar - Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia - Thailand
• How to Get Around Myanmar by Air - Internal Flights
• Myanmar Weather in January - What to Wear and Bring
• Myanmar Weather in February - Lots of Sunny Days
• Myanmar Weather in March - From the Cool to the Hot
• Myanmar Weather in April - the Hottest Month
• Myanmar Weather in May - Beginning of the rainy season
• Myanmar Weather in June - the Rainy Season
• Myanmar Weather in July - Rainfall Reaches its Peak
• Myanmar Weather in August - Heavy Downpours
• Myanmar Weather in September - Monsoon Rains Let up
• Myanmar Weather in October - Rainfall Decreases
• Myanmar Weather in November - Dry and Cool
• December Weather in Bagan - The Peak Travel Time

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The Ultimate 2-Week Myanmar Itinerary for first timers

Ravishing temple landscapes, balancing fishermen and lush rice fields. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is truly the gem of South-East Asia , as it still remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The country only opened its borders to foreigners in 2012 and although it has been rapidly developing its tourist infrastructure, it’s not overrun by tourists yet such as neighboring Thailand. This all adds to the charm and rawness of Myanmar, as you can still experience its authentic culture and traditions as if you were stepping back in time. The local people are absolutely heartwarming and no doubt Burma’s natural beauty will mesmerize you from the moment you arrive. We created this 2-week Myanmar itinerary based on our experiences, so you can discover the best of what this intriguing country has to offer. 

Are you planning a journey to this magical country and don’t know where to start? This 2-week Myanmar itinerary will take you along the main highlights , including all the must-sees on your first time visiting. From the temple-filled plains of Bagan, the floating villages of Inle Lake to the former royal capital of Mandalay, and the largest stupa in the world. For every destination on the itinerary, we carefully selected the best places to stay throughout Myanmar , where to eat delicious local food and all the information you need to travel in between. In the end, we also give you some more destination options in case you would like to extend your itinerary.

*  Disclosure:  This Myanmar Itinerary contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Overview of the 2-Week Myanmar Itinerary

As Myanmar isn’t as fully developed for tourism yet in comparison to Thailand, you will notice that traveling the country takes more time. The distances between the destinations are long and the infrastructure isn’t very efficient. You will have to count on full travel days to get from one place to another. That’s why we suggest counting on at least 2 weeks for the following Myanmar Itinerary. If you have more time to explore the country it’s possible to add extra destinations to your planning , for which we added suggestions at the end.

2-Week Myanmar Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Mandalay
• Day 2 – 4 | Explore Mandalay , the former royal capital
• Day 5 | Travel from Mandalay to Bagan by boat
• Day 6-7 | Go temple hopping in Bagan , home to over 2000 temples and pagodas and famous for its sunrise hot air balloon rides
• Day 8 | Day trip to Mount Popa , a monastery perched on top of a volcanic mountain
• Day 9 | Travel to Inle Lake by minivan through Burma’s mountainous area
• Day 10-11 | Explore Inle Lake and its floating villages by long-tail boat
• Day 12 | Travel from Inle Lake to Yangon
• Day 13 | Explore Yangon , Myanmar’s largest city, home to the world’s largest stupa
• Day 14 | Visit Yangon and departure

Myanmar has something to offer for everyone, from historical sights to tropical beaches. You can easily add it to any Southeast Asia travel itinerary, as it’s easily reachable from big cities like Bangkok or Singapore. We flew into Mandalay from Bangkok, Thailand, which is only a short flight away. We started our 2-week Myanmar itinerary in the northern city of Mandalay and worked our way to the south. As both Yangon and Mandalay have an international airport , you can easily flip this Myanmar itinerary and do the route in reverse.

READ MORE | The Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List | What To Pack & Wear

Myanmar Itinerary Day 1 – 4 | Mandalay

Sitting on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is considered Myanmar’s spiritual and cultural heart. Besides being the second largest city, it’s also known as the last royal capital of the country . Mandalay is a lively city with many stunning attractions that you definitely don’t want to skip on your itinerary. Often tourists overlook Mandalay, not realizing there are plenty of things to do. There is definitely enough to keep you busy for days, so we suggest spending at least 3 days here . 

Most of Mandalay’s beauty is situated outside the city center. Venture out to one of the surrounding villages such as Ava, Amarapura, or Mingun which is known for its stunning white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Cross the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world and over two centuries old. The city is also home to numerous stunning temples and palaces. You definitely don’t want to miss Mandalay Palace with its gorgeous golden architecture. Find yourself at the watchtower and climb the spiral staircase to get a beautiful view of the surroundings. The best way to end the day is by hiking to the top of Mandalay Hill and watching the sunset over the pagoda’s scattered landscape .

Best things to do in Mandalay

Mandalay Palace | The last royal palace built by the Burmese Monarchy. The complex houses dozens of buildings, including throne halls, audience halls, the watchtower, a library with Buddhist scriptures, and a tooth relic building.

Shwenandaw Monastery | This 19th-century monastery definitely stands out from the typical golden stupas that you can find all over Myanmar. It’s made fully out of teak wood and characterized by intricately carved decorations on its exterior and interior. Originally the monastery was part of the palace, but it was relocated when Mandalay was declared the new capital in 1857.

Kuthodaw Pagoda | Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, you can find the white Kuthodaw pagoda, also known as “the world’s largest book”. It comprises hundreds of shrines containing 729 inscribed marble slabs with Buddhist scriptures. On the grounds, you can also find the beautiful gilded Sandamuni Pagoda.

Mandalay Hill | For this sight, you will have to make a small effort, but oh so worth it. After a small hike, you will reach the top of Mandalay Hill which gives you a beautiful view over Mandalay. The best time to come here is for sunset when you can watch the cotton candy sky color the stupa scattered landscape of Mandalay. 

U Bein Bridge | This is the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. This place is absolutely lovely for either sunrise or sunset. You can enjoy a stroll across the 1200 meters long bridge crossing the Taung Tha Man Lake. You can also get a rowing boat and enjoy the views from the lake.

Best things to do around Mandalay

Sagaing hill.

You can find this green hill on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River. Sagaing Hill has a high concentration of Buddhist monasteries and pagodas scattered all over the hill.  It is an important place for meditation and Buddhist study. Among them, you can find the beautiful U Min Thonze Pagoda, known for its 45 large Buddha images lined up in a crescent row in the main hall. The 17th-century Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, one of the largest stupas in Burma built in Sri Lankan style. And the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes.

We advise combining Sagaing Hills with a visit to the small island of Innwa. You can reach the island by ferry, and once you get to shore you can hop on one of the horse-drawn carriages to explore the place. This ancient capital has many religious landmarks dating back to the 14th century. The main highlights are Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and Bagaya Monastery which is also fully built out of teak wood. But above all, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some untouched nature as well as some authentic local atmosphere.

Make your way across the river with a ferry to the northern town of Mingun for a half-day trip. Here you can find the photogenic white Hsinbyume Pagoda with its distinctive stone waves that became an Instagram hotspot. You might have seen pictures of people posing on the arches, but please avoid doing this out of respect. Burmese people would never crawl on the walls of a temple. Further down you will also find the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, not as photogenic but it has an interesting historic background. It was meant to become the largest stupa, however, left unfinished and shows several cracks caused by an earthquake in 1839.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Mandalay

Budget accommodation in mandalay.

Ostello Bello Mandalay | This hostel checks all the boxes if you are on a budget. Not only does it have the perfect location near the main attractions within the city, but it’s also close to many restaurants. The hostel has spacious dorm rooms and private rooms available, equipped with all the necessary facilities. Further, it features a large common area with a restaurant and bar as well as a roof terrace, making it a great place to meet other travelers. Laundry service is available and excursions are arrangeable. Free breakfast is included and a friendly staff, making this one of the most popular hostels around.

Book a room at Ostello Bello Mandalay during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Mandalay

The Home Hotel | Only a short walk away from Mahar Thatkyarthiha Pagoda, this accommodation provides clean and cozy rooms, including a continental breakfast. Further, you can find a bar, and they have an ATM available as well as a currency exchange is possible.

Book a room at The Home Hotel during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Mandalay

Rupar Mandalar Resort | This beautiful hotel offers an outdoor pool as well as a spa and wellness center. There are three onsite restaurants available serving a mix of Burmese, Thai, and European food. Upon arrival, guests receive a happy-hour voucher and can enjoy a 15-minute Thai massage. All the rooms of the property have a garden view, some of which come with a balcony and seating area.

Book a room at Rupar Mandalar Resort during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Where to eat in Mandalay

Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant | This is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Mandalay. Not only does it have a lovely setting, but the food is also absolutely delicious. Usually, in Myanmar, you order a curry (whatever you prefer from lamb to fish or chicken) and you will receive a range of complimentary side dishes with it, all kinds of little bowls with different kinds of vegetables. Lovely staff and delicious food for a very affordable price.

Aye Myit Tar Myanmar Restaurant | This brightly lit restaurant is the perfect place to get authentic Burmese cuisine. You will definitely not leave here with hunger because of the abundance of side dishes you receive when ordering a curry. A wide range of curries to choose from, and they all come with sides of vegetables, sauces, soup, and rice. The staff is extremely friendly here and will make sure you will leave nothing but satisfied.

Super 81 | If you want to mix things up, this place offers a variety of Asian cuisine, mostly Chinese-inspired. You can choose from two types of menu, the BBQ menu or the Asian à la carte menu. Expect big portions for a very reasonable price. The restaurant has 3 floors, of which the ground floor seems to cater mostly local community. On the first floor, you can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room and at the top, you have an open-air rooftop terrace.

How to get around Mandalay

As Mandalay is quite a hectic city we wouldn’t recommend hiring a motorbike to get around. Also, the distances to the sights outside the city are pretty far. It’s more cost-efficient to get a tuk-tuk or order a Grab (similar to Uber). For trips to Sagaing Hill and Amarapura, we advise to hire a driver for the whole trip that can take you back. We made the mistake of only having a driver drop us off and it was pretty hard getting back to the city (we joined a truck transporting goods). It’s possible to hire a private driver for the day for around 55,000 kyats (~€25).

How to get from Mandalay to Bagan

Next stop on the itinerary after Mandalay is Bagan. You can either fly, take the bus or train, hire a private taxi or cruise the Irrawaddy River by boat . We chose to take the boat option, which is a unique and scenic experience. The relaxing boat ride takes around 10 hours, but along the way, you can enjoy delicious food & refreshing drinks while soaking up the beautiful views of the countryside. During the trip, they even make a stop at a local village where they show you all kinds of craftsmanship. You can also enjoy some entertainment on board, where they explain more about Myanmar culture and traditions such as Thanaka paste and how to wear a longyi. It’s best to book this boat ride in advance, for which prices go around 50,000 kyats (~€22).

If you opt to take the JJ Express bus , the ride will take around 5 hours given the current conditions of the road. The journey will cost around 12,000 kyats (~€5). Another travel option is taking the train, which takes around 8 hours and for which tickets vary in price, 5,000-14,000 kyat (~€2-7). The fastest way to travel between the cities is by hiring a private driver. They can bring you in 4 hours, this, however, will drive up the cost, to around 250,000 kyats (~€110).

Myanmar Itinerary Day 5 – 8 | Bagan

Exploring the magical temple plains of Bagan is the highlight of most travelers on their Myanmar itinerary. Bagan is one of those places that makes every travel heart beat faster. Once it was the capital of the ancient Pagan kingdom with over 10’000 Buddhist temples, pagodas & monasteries. Now it’s one of the most popular travel destinations in Myanmar. Most temples were constructed around the 12th century, however, only 2200 survived and many got destroyed due to natural disasters.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest archaeological zone in the world with 50 square kilometers and is home to more than 2000 temples . Waking up early is a must-do when in Bagan, to be able to witness the sunrise over the temples that reach as far as the eye can see. Spend your day on an e-bike exploring the region, wandering around the magnificent stupas and pagodas. If you are feeling adventurous you can go up on one of the many balloon rides that Bagan is known for. This bucket list experience will without a doubt be unforgettable!  3 days should be sufficient to experience the magic of Bagan and even include a day trip to Mount Popa.

IMPORTANT | Be aware that on arrival at Bagan, you will have to pay an entrance fee for the archeological site. The cost is 25,000 kyats (~€12) and entitles you to 3 days of touring the temple site.

Best things to do in Bagan

Temple tour of bagan.

The best way to explore the plains of Bagan is by renting an electric motorbike . Simply cruise around on the sandy roads, lose yourself in between the temple sites, and make a stop by whatever pagoda catches your eye. Bagan can be divided into four areas, Nyuang U, Old Bagan, New Bagan, and the Central Plains. If you don’t want to miss any of the major temple highlights we suggest dividing these areas over your two days. 

IMPORTANT | Always carry your Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass with you.

Most hotels have free maps for their guests available and e-bikes for rent. We mostly explored in the morning for around 4 hours, then went for lunch and head back to the hotel for some relaxing at the pool in the afternoon. Before sunset, we would head out again on our e-bike to do some more exploring. It’s better to avoid the temples around noon as it gets scorching hot out there with little to no shadow.

Must-see pagodas and temples in Bagan

• Ananda Temple
• Gawdawpalin Temple
• Dhammayangyi Temple
• Sein Nyet Sister Temples
• Sulamani Temple
• Htilominlo Temple
• Thatbyinnyu Temple
• Thambula Temple
• Su La Ma Ni Pahto Temple
• Shwe San Daw Paya
• Law Ka Ou Shaung Pagoda
• Shwezigon Pagoda, the only golden pagoda in the Bagan area

Bagan Sunrise & Sunset

If you think about Bagan, no doubt you have seen these unbelievable pictures of its temples at sunrise with a cotton candy sky in the background. The best moment of the day to admire the stunning temple sites during sunrise and sunset. Not only to avoid the burning sun but you can also witness the epic views of the hot air balloons going up behind the temples . So set your alarms at least an hour before sunrise, hop on your e-bike, and head out for a magical sunrise. It’s best to map out the temple area or viewpoints you want to go up front because it’s very easy to get lost in the dark. Some hotels also arrange mini-buses for sunrise that drive you to a viewpoint.

The most popular Instagram pictures you might have seen online show people on top of pagodas watching the sunrise over the landscape. As of 2018, visitors are forbidden to climb the temples due to conservation reasons. So please respect these rulings to preserve these gorgeous temples. Bagan has foreseen man-made viewing hills instead located all over the area. A really popular viewing spot in Bagan that offers exceptional elevated views over the pagodas is the Nyaung Lat Phet Viewing Mound . After enjoying an incredible sunrise, you can drive to the marketplace of Nyaung Oo , where you can get a glimpse of the daily Burmese lifestyle.

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the temple landscape

The best way to experience a bird’s eye view of the Bagan temple landscape is by booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride . Do keep in mind that these balloon rides don’t operate all year round, and only run between November and April. So make sure to check the official balloon ride season before planning your Myanmar Itinerary. You can book a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan in advance , to make sure you have a spot. Most balloon rides are fully booked in advance (at least 4 months). We actually passed on this experience and chose to admire the view of the balloons surrounding the temples from the ground. But if you do decide to jump on a balloon, you will have to put an alarm at 5 AM and count on at least €200 for an hour balloon ride.

A day trip to Mount Popa

We counted in 3 days for Bagan on our Myanmar Itinerary as we suggest making a day trip to Mount Popa . Believe me, this is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. Mount Popa is known for its impressive Popa Taungkalat monastery perched on top of a 657-meter-high volcanic mountain . It’s quite a sight to see from in the distance, and even more of an experience to climb to the top. Just be aware of the hundreds of temple monkeys that you will encounter on the way to the top.

It is 777 steps via a staircase that will bring you to the top of Mount Popa, a beloved pilgrimage. As most of the time with temple sites, you have to remove your footwear before entering, meaning you have to do the climb barefoot! The place can be easily visited on a half-day tour from Bagan, however, if you want to make it even more memorable you can also spend a night at Mount Popa Resort . This was on my bucket list for so long, as you can admire Mount Popa from the resort’s grounds.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Bagan

Bagan has three main hotel zones, namely: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U . Old Bagan is the most historically rich part of the city and you will be located right between the temples and pagodas. However, if you have an e-bike it doesn’t matter that much if you are located in some of the other parts. Most of the best restaurants can be found in New Bagan and Nyaung-U areas. New Bagan has more budget accommodations and Nyaung-U is a great location for visiting temples on the outskirts. So it all depends on your budget and preferences.

Budget Accommodation in Bagan

Bagan Wynn Hotel | This budget-friendly hotel is located in the Nyaung U. The accommodation features an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful garden, and a fitness center. The rooms are modern and clean, with all the necessary amenities and some of which come with their own balcony. Guests can enjoy a continental and Asian breakfast, which is included in the rate. There is also a restaurant available on site, serving both Asian and European cuisine.

Book a room at Bagan Wynn Hotel during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Bagan

Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel | Set in the heart of the Nyaung U region, Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel offers a wonderful swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden and terrace to relax. Most of their rooms are separate cottages, all equipped with the needed amenities and air conditioning and a balcony with a garden view. Every morning guests can enjoy breakfast and choose between a buffet, a la carte, or continental.  The property also features a restaurant that serves American and Chinese cuisine.

Book a room at Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Bagan

The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate | Located in old Bagan, this pristine hotel offers temple views straight from its garden. The perk of staying in this area is that you are in a central location close to most sights. The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate features an outdoor swimming pool with relaxing sun loungers to relax, as well as a spa and wellness center. The elegant rooms have wooden floors and furniture, with windows looking over the garden. An American breakfast is served daily, which can be enjoyed in the French garden or in their onsite Ananada restaurant.

Book a room at The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Where to eat in Bagan

Weather Spoon’s | This was our go-to place for lunch, absolutely cozy and delicious! We can advise you to try out their pumpkin curry, papaya salad, and the traditional tea leaf salad is a must in every Myanmar Itinerary.

Khaing Shwe Wha | Delicious vegetarian restaurant, with some amazing curry options, as well as salads and fruit juices. A wonderful atmosphere, thanks to the warm and charming hospitality of the staff. You will want to come here for an authentic Burmese cuisine experience.

How to get around Bagan 

The best way to roam around the many pagodas of Bagan is by renting an e-bike . These can only reach a top speed of 50 kph (30 mph) and are very safe to drive. So don’t stress too much if you didn’t have much prior experience with scooters. At the end of the day, you will have to return them so they can be charged up for the next day. Most hotels have e-bikes for rent for their guests, otherwise, you can practically find them on every street corner for around €7/day. Discovering the Bagan plains by e-bike was definitely one of our favorite adventures in our Myanmar Itinerary. If you don’t feel like exploring the archaeological sites on your own, most hotels can also organize for you to join a guided tour. 

How to get from Bagan to Inle Lake

Your best option to get from Bagan to Inle Lake is by bus. You will mostly see the VIP mini-vans from JJ Express doing this route and they can pick you up at your hotel. The vans are spacious and comfortable, however, this route is rather bumpy. Tickets go between €12-€18, and the duration of the drive is around 8-10 hours. You can book tickets in Bagan City or online . There is the option to take the overnight bus, and with their VIP ticket, you will be provided blankets, pillows, and refreshments. However, we wouldn’t recommend the overnight drive on this road, as you likely won’t be able to sleep. 

Myanmar Itinerary Day 9 – 11 | Inle Lake

Explore the gorgeous untouched nature and peace and quiet that Inle Lake has to offer. It’s the second-largest lake in the country, located in the Nyaung Shwe region of Shan State. As it’s surrounded by hills, temperatures tend to be lower, making it the perfect escape from the heat of Bagan. Explore the picturesque floating villages with bamboo stilts houses , home to the local Intha people. The lake is known for its characteristic, traditional fishermen, the ones who use their feet to paddle the fishing boats. These days it’s all more for the show, nonetheless still a spectacle to see. 

Rent a private boat driver for the day who will take you along local markets, impressive pagodas, and monasteries, all with the breathtaking backdrop of the lake. You can witness locals working in their floating gardens, weaving colorful scarves, and creating all kinds of handicrafts. Another option is to cycle around the lake to witness local life . End your day with a delicious glass of wine while watching the sunset at the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery. We recommend spending at least two full days at Inle Lake to explore all that this area has to offer. If you have more than two weeks on your Myanmar Itinerary, you can add the three-day trek from nearby Kalaw all the way to Inle. 

IMPORTANT | Upon arrival at Inle Lake you have to pay the entrance fee of 15,000 kyats (~€6,5).

Best things to do in Inle Lake

Inle lake boat cruise.

The main highlight of visiting Inle Lake is of course exploring the waters by boat. Usually, you can book a private boat guide through your stay (around €40 for an entire day), who will pick you up at your hotel in the early morning. You can expect to spot the iconic fishermen on the lake , famous for their one-leg fishing style! These days this practice isn’t so common anymore and it’s done mostly for tourists but still impressive to see. The boat will take you along all the highlights around the lake.

You will pass by the floating villages, such as Maing Thauk Village , where you have the chance to see locals in their daily lives. Learn more about their culture, including the Long Neck tribe, as well as their handicrafts such as weaving. Further, you will also stop by the beautiful Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Jumping Cat Monastery . At the monastery, you will be surrounded by many cats that apparently can do all kinds of jumping tricks (I guess we missed the show). You will also have the opportunity to make a stop for lunch at one of the stilt houses in the floating village.

Visit Indein Village

Combined with the boat cruise above you can request the guide to bring you to the Indien Village in the afternoon. This isn’t always automatically the case, be sure to ask to add it to your boat tour. You don’t want to miss this unique sight on your Myanmar itinerary, so we heartily recommend making a small detour. It’s a village located at the end of a narrow creek off Inle Lake. To reach this impressive sight you will first have to walk a long ‘hallway’ staircase which is flanked by colorful stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs. In the end, you will reach the cluster of thousand of Buddhist stupas in all kinds of terracotta colors .

A half-day trip to Kakku

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make this trip ourselves (due to bad weather), but Kakku is supposed to be an absolute hidden gem . It’s about a 2.5-hour car journey away from Inle Lake in Shan State hillside, for which you can book a driver from your hotel. This ancient monument is supposed to be well worth the drive, as you will see rows upon rows of 2500 stupas spread over a square kilometer . The oldest stupas date back to the 16th century, with more and more added over time. A mix of pale pink and bright beige stupas are lined up alongside buddha statues. The entrance to the sight is around 4500 kyats (~€2).

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Inle Lake

There aren’t many hostels to choose from in the Inle Lake region, but overall there are plenty of wonderful guesthouses, homestays, and luxury hotels to be found. Most are located in Nyaung Shwe, the township closest to the lake. Here you will find an abundance of restaurants, little shops, and tour offices. Many luxury resorts can be found scattered around the lake itself.

Budget Accommodation in Inle Lake

Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel | This lovely hotel located in Nyaung Shwe offers spacious bungalows with their own private bathroom and terrace. Its great location is a peaceful retreat from the center of town, which is only 10 minutes away by foot. A delicious breakfast is included in the rate, with an a la carte or continental option and you are welcomed by a super-friendly staff. The property also features a shared lounge and bar, as well as a restaurant serving American cuisine. Free bikes are available for its guests and boat rides can be arranged at very reasonable prices.

Book a room at Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Inle Lake

Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort | Located only 15 minutes from the floating market, this resort built on stilts on the lake is a peaceful retreat. Rustic-style rooms with a classic wooden interior and a private balcony from where you can soak up views of the lake. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, spa center, and meeting facilities. There is a tour desk available that can organize sightseeing trips. On-site, you can also find Ann’s restaurant which serves a selection of both European and traditional Asian dishes.

Book a room at Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Inle Lake

Villa Inle Boutique Resort | This hotel is located on the eastern side of the lake near Maing Tauk village. A great alternative if you prefer to be more secluded from Nyaung Shwe. Villa Inle features classic wooden Myanmar-style villas that overlook the beautiful lake. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and all the needed amenities. The resort has a restaurant and bar on site that serves Italian, and traditional Myanmar cuisine, as well as Shan dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients from the resort’s organic farm. Further, it also offers facilities such as a pool, massage treatments, and spa, and activities such as fishing and cycling.

Book a room at Villa Inle Boutique Resort during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Where to eat in Inle Lake

Bamboo Hut | For outstanding traditional cuisine we recommend this small family-run restaurant. We had a lovely lunch here at a very affordable price. Here we suggest trying out the typical tea leaf salad and one of the curries. The serene location is surrounded by green nature and the staff is incredibly welcome.

Paw Paw | Cute little restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. The food was absolutely tasty here and again at a really affordable price. What we absolutely loved is the fact that the restaurant supports an amazing cause. Namely, the profits go to funding the education of local women. It’s also possible to join a cooking course here.

Golden Moon Restaurant | Great stilted restaurant on the lake, this is where our boat guide dropped us off for lunch.  It’s a great place to have a bite while you are exploring the pagodas and the floating villages. While enjoying one of their delicious dishes, you should try a fish dish here, you have a wonderful view.

How to get around Inle Lake

If you are staying in Nyaung Shwe, you will be able to walk to the main attractions in the town. For exploring the lake itself, you will have to arrange a long-tail boat trip . Another option to experience Inle Lake and its quaint villages on the water’s edge is by renting a bicycle or a scooter. You can find several rental places in Nyaung Shwe, however, most hotels and guesthouses provide free bicycles for their guests. Usually, it will cost you around 1500 kyats (a little over €1) for a bicycle for a whole day. If you prefer a more comfortable way of getting around, you can ask your hotel to arrange a private driver.

How to get from Inle Lake to Yangon

The most cost-efficient way to travel between Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) and Yangon is by taking the night bus. The journey takes around 12 hours and there is a choice between either VIP class (JJ Express) or a local bus. The VIP sleeper buses are comfortable and in excellent condition . The local bus is more affordable but stops more frequently and takes longer (15 hours on average). Depending on the class, the bus ticket costs between 17,000- 33,000 (~€7,5-€15). You can book tickets online via 12GoAsia.com or locally.

If you are short in time on your Myanmar itinerary, there is also the option to take a flight . The nearest airport is Heho (HEH) which is located 45km from Inle Lake and flights to Yangon (RGN) take around 1,5 hours. We paid around 100 euros per person (with Myanmar National Airlines) and on top of that airport transfer. Be aware, Heho Airport is probably the smallest airport you will ever see. It looked more like one big hall and the plane takes practically off right in front of the window. Once at Yangon, you can get a Grab car with the app, which will cost you around €5.

Myanmar Itinerary Day 12 – 14 | Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in the country. The chaos that welcomes you upon arrival can be overwhelming at first, but the former colonial city is packed with incredible sights. The most important attraction is without a doubt the Shwedagon Pagoda, the largest pagoda in the world . This spectacular golden pagoda alone is already a reason to visit Yangon. Throughout the city, you can find monuments from every religion, from Hindu temples cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues. A great way to experience the city is by taking a round on the famous circular train.

Walking through the city of Yangon feels like stepping back in time, with architectural gems from the colonial era . On the other hand, it’s the place that changed the most since the country opened its doors to foreigners. These days it doesn’t fall short on trendy cafés, rooftop bars, boutique hotels, and fascinating museums . The colorful streets of downtown Yangon are packed with delicious street food stalls and markets. As the city can get hectic once in a while, some lovely green parks and lakes are the perfect reprise to balance it out. Two nights are the perfect amount to see the major highlights of the city and to experience its hustle and bustle. 

Best things to do in Yangon

Shwedagon pagoda.

The most famous landmark in Yangon on your Myanmar Itinerary is this impressive pagoda. It’s known for its 99-meter-high golden Zedi in the center of the temple complex. However, there are many other shrines and Buddha statues to admire surrounding the main centerpiece. Allow yourself at least a few hours here to admire all the intricate detailing. You will also see many locals and monks here performing their rituals and prayers. The pagoda is the most sacred one in Myanmar and supposedly houses a few Buddha relics. You will get the most magical experience around sunrise or sunset when you can see the golden temple gleaming in its colorful hues. Keep in mind that when entering a temple site you have to cover your knees and shoulders. Leave your shoes at the entrance and remove your hat. The entrance fee to the complex is  11,000 Kyat (~€5).

Yangon’s Pagodas

More beautiful pagodas that are worth a visit are Sule pagoda , a smaller variant of the Shwedagon. This 2300-year-old pagoda has a dome structure topped with a golden spiral and is believed to enshrine a strand of hair of Lord Buddha. Swe Taw Myat Pagoda , which is said to be constructed to enshrine a sacred Buddha tooth relic. 

Yangon Circular Train

A great way to get a glimpse into local life is by taking the Circle Line Train . The circular train takes a loop of the city’s outskirts and takes around three hours. Tickets cost only a couple of cents and you can board at whatever station is near your accommodation. 

Downtown Yangon

There is no better way of exploring a new city than by roaming its streets. The downtown area is the perfect place to see locals in their daily life and experience street food stalls and markets . The scents of herbs, the honking of cars, and merchants trying to sell their trinkets will trigger all your senses. Around here you will find many places to try out local food such as the famous Shan noodles or Mohingya rice noodles , Myanmar’s national dish. Head over to Pandosan Street for that photogenic heritage architecture. You won’t be able to put your camera down with the myriad of heritage buildings featuring art galleries, tea shops, and cute boutiques.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

If you are looking to score some souvenirs to take home, this huge bazaar with its countless colorful stalls is the place to be. The historic market of Bogyoke Aung San sells all kinds of Burmese handicrafts , Thanaka paste, and colorful longyis. At the same time, you can pick up a snack or fruit if you are feeling hungry.

Kandawgyi Lake

Also known as Royal Lake, is the perfect place to end the afternoon. It’s within walking distance from Shwedagon Pagoda and features a beautiful lake surrounded by gardens and lovely bars by the waterside. At the heart of the park, you will find the impressive Karaweik Palace, a golden floating restaurant.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to Stay in Yangon

As we only planned two days in Yangon on this Myanmar Itinerary, we recommend staying in Downton Yangon. This way you are within walking distance to the main highlights of the city and nearby many restaurants and bars. If you prefer to stay in a more remote located resort away from the hustle and bustle of Yangon City, you will find nice hotels around Inya Lake. 

Budget Accommodation in Yangon

HOOD Hostel | This hostel is ideally located near many well-known sights, delicious restaurants, and the railway station. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage for its guests. All the rooms come with air conditioning, some even have a balcony, and breakfast is included. The staff is friendly and helpful with booking bus tickets and giving practical advice. This place is great to meet other travelers and is conveniently located for backpackers.

Book a room at HOOD Hostel during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Yangon

Hotel G Yangon | Conveniently located with excellent food options nearby in a great neighborhood. Most attractions are within walking distance, making this accommodation a great base for exploring during your two days in Yangon. The contemporary rooms have a trendy design with all the needed amenities. The vibrant hotel has a lovely sun terrace from which you can enjoy the views of the city. Other facilities provided are a fully equipped fitness center, a cozy communal lounge, and an in-house bar and restaurant. At the restaurant, you can savor a wonderful breakfast, but it also offers the possibility to have lunch or dinner. 

Book a room at Hotel G Yangon during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Yangon

Governor’s Residence, A Belmond Hotel | This gorgeous property is set amidst a dreamy garden, making this colonial-style hotel the perfect escape from the bustling city. Governor’s Residence features a wonderful swimming pool and even three dining options, where you have the choice between local, Asian and European cuisine. Guests can enjoy quiet time in the library, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or even join one of the complementary bicycle tours. The comfortable rooms have wooden flooring, furnished with teak decor and with attention to detail.

Book a room at Governor’s Residence, A Belmond Hotel during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Where to eat in Yangon

As Yangon is the industrial and commercial center of the country, you will find many international cuisine restaurants and fine dining places around. So if you fancy something else after all the local cuisine during the journey, you will have no problem finding something to your liking. For the best street food, head over to 19th Street in downtown Yangon where you can find a myriad of delicious places.

Jana Mon Ethnic Cuisine | If you want to try something unique, you have to come to this place that serves ethnic Mon cuisine. They work mostly with fresh vegetables and all kinds of herbs, so perfect option for vegetarians. We recommend trying the stuffed okra and the Mon soup! Most dishes can be customized and you can choose fish, prawns, pork, or chicken.

999 Shan Noodle House | One of the most famous places in town, especially for their delicious Shan noodles. This place closes at 7 pm, so go there for lunch or an early dinner.

Wai Wai’s Noodle Place | Affordable and authentic place where you can find both vegetarian and meat options, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Try out their signature Shan Noodles or one of their classic Shan Curries. We also absolutely loved the interior and atmosphere of this place!

Rangoon Tea House | If you are fancying a break from all the heat and bustle of the city, take a coffee or tea break at this eclectic tea house. We passed by here almost on a daily basis for an afternoon tea break, savoring one of their Myanmar teas with a slice of cake. We also enjoyed lunch here once, they serve a mix of Burmese dishes with an international twist. 

How to get around Yangon

As Yangon can be quite a hectic city, we wouldn’t advise you to get around on a scooter or bike. The easiest travel mode is by getting a ride via the Grab App , which is like Uber. If you are staying in downtown Yangon, most of the popular sights are within walking distance. 

Options for extending your Myanmar Itinerary

If you prefer to speed up the tempo or you have more than 2 weeks on your Myanmar Itinerary, you can add the following destinations to your route.

Kalaw Trekking

This is a popular trek between Kalaw and Inle Lake which usually takes two days. The hike takes you through incredible vistas of Myanmar’s hillside country where you can watch farmers work their rice fields, stop by local villages and see children playing at traditional schools. You will be able to spend the night at a local traditional home and join a family for dinner.

This small village is located 200km north of Mandalay and is a beloved base for trekking as well. A popular way of getting there is taking the scenic train ride , which along with Sri Lanka ’s famous train ride is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. From Hsipaw you can do multiple-day trekkings to the beautiful green lush region of Shan State. By staying at a local homestay you will learn more about local life and its traditions.

A few hours east of Yangon you can find the small town of Bago. You can get there by two-hour train ride which will cost you only 1000 kyats. It’s a wonderful place to experience a mix of Myanmar’s culture, food, and religion . There are many temples and pagodas to explore as the city holds an important historical value. Bago’s main attractions are two giant reclining buddhas, Kyaik Pun Pagoda & Shwemawdaw Pagoda. This place is a nice stopover if you decide to go see the Golden Rock.

Kyaiktiyo pagoda

Better known as the Golden Rock, one of Burma’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries . This sacred boulder is a massive golden stone on the edge of a cliff with a small pagoda on top. This pagoda supposedly enshrines one Buddha’s hair. It’s a major place of worship surrounded by burning incense and devotees chanting. Kinpun, the base of the Golden Rock, is a 3,5 hour’s bus ride away from Bago, which will cost you 7,000 kyat (~€3,5). 

Scenic views of limestone mountains, natural pools, and venturing into caves. Hpa-an is a small area in the southern part of the country. As it’s located further away, not many tourists find their way here (yet). The ones that take the journey will be rewarded with picturesque vistas of green rice fields and a rocky landscape . The most impressive attraction is hiking to the top of Mount Zwekabin which gives you a panoramic view over the fields with its river bends and villages. Explore the area on a scooter, as there is much to discover. The journey from Kinpun (Golden Rock) to Hpa-an takes 3,5 hours by bus and will cost you around 7000 kyats (~€3,5). 

Ngapali beach

White sandy beaches with coconut trees. Ngapali, one of the most famous beaches of Myanmar , is the perfect place to unwind at the end of your Myanmar itinerary. We didn’t have the chance to go there ourselves, but many people claim it’s one of the most paradise-like beaches in Asia . Although the most famous beach, it doesn’t have the same amount of visitors as those beaches in Thailand. Currently, Ngapali isn’t that easy to reach yet. It takes take quite some time & effort by bus. Traveling by plane is probably the easiest and fastest way to get there.

We hope this 2-week Myanmar Itinerary helped you out. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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Myanmar Travel Route – Sandy Roads and Mystic Colors

We arrived in Myanmar without a lot of expectations. We didn’t read a lot as we wanted to get an own, genuine picture. We just saw a couple of great pictures of hot air balloons over Bagan. Now, after we spent 12 days in Myanmar we can tell – Myanmar is so much more than that. Watching sunrises on mountains, trying to communicate with lovely locals and chasing the balloons in Bagan. The following article will go beyond what we saw and showcases a great Myanmar Travel Route.

14-Day Myanmar Travel Route

• Yangon – 1 night
• Hpa An – 3 nights
• Inle Lake – 2 nights
• Temples of Bagan – 3 nights
• Mandalay – 2 nights

Arriving in Yangon

Most visitors enter the country in Yangon , which used to be the capital. So did we. The hostel we spend the first night offered an airport pick-up service for $10. Consequently, we got welcomed with a sign, our names were written on.

It’s always more relaxed getting picked-up at the airport than getting a taxi yourself. Of course, it’s a tiny bit more expensive but worth it from my perspective.

Driving through the chaotic traffic in Yangon we felt that we weren’t really in the mood for big city life. But after checking in, receiving a refreshing welcome drink and a shower we explored the city and had a visited the golden Shwegadon Pagoda.

Good to know: From the airport to the city centre it can easily take up more than an hour, depending on traffic.

We had a great dinner at Pansuriya, bought a sim card and got some rest for the next day. The next morning we left to the Aung Minglar Bus station with an Uber and waited there for an hour (or so) until the bus to Hpa-An left.

Good to know II: Aung Minglar bus station is further north than the airport, so the drive can take 1-1.5 hours.

In the bus, everybody smiled at us and it was a shame that we couldn’t communicate with the locals. They made the impressions as they would have had gazillion questions, so we just smiled back.

Beside some cheesy Burmese movies and an annoying wind chime the bus ride was comfortable. The bus driver drove in a decent speed and people have been very friendly. As soon as the bus stopped in a rural area you feel that Myanmar is not Thailand! It might have been Thailand ten or fifteen years ago. Vast areas of the beautiful country are undeveloped and toilets (for example) don’t have western standards, but who’d expect that! So, the adventure goes on.

As we travelled on a budget, we chose the bus, which is recommended for people who also want to save some bucks. If you want to make the most of your short time in Myanmar you can also fly to a couple of airports. 

Hpa-An – More to see as you might think first!

The town Hpa-An itself is not particularly beautiful but it has something about it what we really liked. We recommend you rent a scooter (handy if your hostel offers scooter rental) to explore your new neighbourhood.

In our Myanmar Travel Route we went on top of Mount Zwegabin enjoyed the first light of the day illuminating the picturesque valley and visited unique Buddhist temples around the town.

On top of that you can eat like a king! The area has some extremely good restaurants you shouldn’t miss out on! More on that and on our hike up Mt. Zwegabin you can find here:

➳ Hpa-An in Myanmar – Smiling Monks on Mount Zwegabin

Hpa-An is no tourist hotspot and most ‘famous’ travel routes don’t pass by. On the one hand that’s great as you can explore Hpa-An without tourist crowds, the negative aspect is that it is harder to get to it and continue to your next stop.

Inle Lake – Witness floating villages

In our Myanmar Travel Route, we would recommend going to Inle Lake after Hpa-An.

You now have two options on how to get from Hpa-An to Inle Lake. First, you can ask in your hostel or hotel if they would be able to arrange a bus (likely to be an uncomfortable minivan) or you get a local bus back to Yangon and from here with a larger, more comfortable bus to Inle Lake. As well as that there are travel companies in town you can check out and compare.

On the one hand, mini vans are not really recommended as they packed and the drivers often drive like lunatics. On the other hand, going back to Yangon can be tiresome. If you decide to go back to Yangon to catch a second bus to Inle Lake, be aware! The bus will arrive with delay in Yangon, almost for certain. That was the reason why we decided in favour of the minivan.

Arrived at the Inle Lake you will witness floating villages and inhabitants spending their whole life on the water. You can book boat tours and explore the unique setting and get a sense of the life here.

Photo by Mega Caesaria on Unsplash

Different providers offer multiple tour options such as half-day, day or even two-day trekking or cycling trips. As well as that you can visit the Red Mountain Winery for a half day. Once you arrived at the Inle Lake you will spots these offers quite often or book them online in advance.

For a boat tour across the lake, you can either ask local fishermen and agree on a price as well as do organized tours in groups. All that depends on how you want to travel and on the time and budget you have.

Deciding on  accommodation at Inle Lake you have two options. Either you can stay in quite costly accommodations around the lake or in the next town called Nyaung Shwe , where also the busses arrive.

Besides the floating villages of the Inle Lake, the area also has temples you need to see. Some of them, such as ancient Kakku Pagodas have a surreal setting where great pictures are almost for certain.

Best Restaurants at Inle Lake

No stay is perfect without good food, that’s for sure. As everywhere in Myanmar you will find great restaurants at the Inle Lake and the town of Nyaung Shwe. Recommendations here are the following three:

Paw Paw Restaurant | One Owl Grill | Bamboo Hut

Bagan – Explore the ancient temples with your scooter

After you left the Inle Lake with a bus you will reach Bagan after a couple of hours.

Everything about Bagan is special . The sandy, dusty roads in and around the town, the scenery while watching the sunrise and the sunsets that color the temples in a magical orange.

After your two days at the Inle Lake, you will roughly spend three to four nights in Bagan, depending on your time and interest in temples. The area is huge and it needs time to orientate and to explore the area.

The best thing while traveling is the app Maps.me! An offline map where you can easily mark things you want to see. An absolute must have while exploring the temples of Bagan.

Normal scooters are, in contrast to Hpa-An, not allowed for tourists anymore. But there are e-scooters , which are as good and the great thing – they are quiet! You can rent them everywhere in town or at your hostel for around $3 per day. They are great fun and a great way to explore the temples in the morning, search for shelter in the midday heat and grab some food after watching the sunset.

Important to note is the following: The government closed most of the temples for climbing in January 2018! Yes, that’s sad, you are right. We have been upset about it as well once we figured it out. But there are still certain ways how to get views.

A lot of rumors are around but nobody exactly knows why temples are getting closed. Beyond that, the government might re-open certain temples again. But, again, nobody knows for sure, so ask around once you arrived in Bagan.

You might ask yourself where to get a great view of the hot air balloons, where to stay and what to eat in Bagan. We are working on a dedicated article, that will summarize everything you need to know in your time, Bagan! In the meanwhile, feel free to reach out to us !

In our time in Bagan, we stayed in the Myanmar Han and loved it here! It is located a few kilometers outside of the partially busy town but easy to reach with the scooter. It also offers multiple shuttles, the price is unbelievable and the pool is great. Highly recommended! Check it out !*

Mandalay – Two days beside a beautiful river

In and around Mandalay there are various things to see. One of the most famous spots certainly is the white Hsinbyume Pagoda that looks like coming straight from a fairytale. It is located ten kilometers northwest from Mandalay and should be on your list when in the city.

Beyond that, you should also think about a boat trip to explore everything from a different angle. Morning cruises upriver to Mingun, for examples, are a certainly unique experiences during your Myanmar Travel Route.

For Myanmar-standards quite touristy and extremely pretty is the longest wooden bridge in the world. Here you want to arrive before sunset to witness the breathtaking light mirroring in the river. If you want to get an even better view, almost on your own, our tip would be to arrive a little early, organize a boat trip (ask a local fisherman) and look for a great spot to watch the sun sinking into Mandalay’s river.

If you follow our tour and you are in Mandalay you should consider one more thing. The train ride that passes the Goke Hteik Viaduct , a railway trestle in Nawnghkio, western Shan State in Myanmar 100 km northeast from Mandalay. If you aren’t afraid of heights, certainly a train ride you will do once in your lifetime. The bridge is up to 200m high and 600m long and connects the two towns of Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio. Check it out!

Travel Tips Myanmar

Some things are handy to know beforehand and the following paragraph summarizes a few of those.

First, Myanmar is a big country! Transportation will mostly take up an entire day and takes longer than anticipated!

Second, in Myanmar, you will travel a lot by bus, which is affordable and on average good, especially night busses from JJ Express. Burmese people really like aircon, so pack a hoodie and perhaps a small blanket. This is more comfortable and keeps you warm at night.

The third tip from my side is to refrain from taking minivans . They are normally packed with people, stop a hundred times, drivers don’t speak a word English and often drive like lunatics (at least we made this experience). You will be on the save and more comfortable side spending a couple of dollars more on a bigger bus.

Don’t spend too much time in Yangon . One day is fine as the incredible country a lot more to offer.

A fifth tip is that you should plan to spend enough time in Bagan . Every angle is spectacular and while driving around you will find marvelous places where you want to watch a sunrise or sunset. Don’t rush!

Speaking of sunrises! Finally, I would like to point out the sunrise on Mount Zwegabin! Not only this but exploring the area around Hpa-An is extremely worthwhile. Recommended to check that out!

What You’ll miss when following our Myanmar Travel Route

As said before this was a suggestion of a travel route for Myanmar. As in every trip, time plays a crucial factor. Often, we are not able to spend enough time to see everything we want to in a foreign country. Same with Myanmar in this case. For transparency’s sake, I want to point out what you would miss when you do the above-mentioned trip.

The Golden Rock

The Golden Rock aka the Kyaikto Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site and located northeast from Yangon. If you have one day more, it is easy to stop by on your way from Yangon to Hpa-An. As we, unfortunately, didn’t have the time, we decided not in favor of the impressive golden monument but it certainly would have been great to see.

Ngapali Beach

We heard great things about Ngapali Beach and certainly would have visited in our time if we wouldn’t have had so much beach and surfing on our plan in Indonesia, where we traveled next. If you did not plan a lot of beaches and you also like sandy toes, try to make it here. Crystal clear water and powdery beaches are waiting for you.

Photo by Ko Ko Win on Unsplash

Hopefully, this post brought across that we fell in love with this country. It has a bit of everything and it felt like traveling in time. For me, it was important to also point out stops to which we didn’t make it to offer a holistic picture of Myanmar. Now, it’s your turn. You need to decide which stops you liked most and book flights.

This was our Myanmar Travel Route, if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment.

Still looking for Wanderlust?

➳ Myanmar calling and you want to visit an often forgotten city in Myanmar? Off to Hpa-An to climb Mount Zwegabin !

*Affiliate Link: When you book, we receive a small commission. Without extra costs for you, obviously.

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Hi 🙂 I just read your article and i must say it’s fantastic! We’ll be in Myanmar for July.. i heard it’s not time for the hot air balloon? And one more question, from Bagan, did you went back to Yangon to fly out? We’re planning to go to chiang mai after myanmar.. any idea would help.. Thank you so much God bless

Hey Monica, Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, you are right. That’s not the right time for hot air ballooning, as the season is over. Yes, we flew out of Yangon but in our case to Singapore. Should be easy to fly to Chiang Mai (most likely via Mandalay in Myanmar). In general, we always prefer taking the bus but in this case flying seems to be the more feasible option. Have a great time.

Cheers, Ani

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Myanmar essentials: planning your Burma trip

Jan 13, 2016 • 5 min read

As Myanmar (also known as Burma) continues to open up to the outside world, more travellers are venturing to this fascinating country.

Myanmar is undergoing a rapid transition following historic elections in 2015 and it can be difficult finding the latest information on what to expect when you visit. Here is a brief rundown to help you plan your trip.

Before you go

It is possible for citizens of 100 countries to apply online for a tourist e-visa via Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population website ( evisa.moip.gov.mm ). It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you travel.

Accommodation

The massive increase in visitors since sanctions were lifted in 2012 has stretched Myanmar’s tourist infrastructure to the limit. There is a shortage of hotel rooms in major destinations such as Yangon and Bagan , though many new hotels are being built. Accommodation in Yangon fills up as far as a month in advance, particularly if it is a place listed in a guidebook. It is not impossible to roll up and find a room, but it can be difficult and stressful and you will likely end up paying more than you want. Most places can be booked online now, so it’s worth reserving your room as soon as you can. It is essential to book ahead during high season (November to March).

In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. But don’t rely on the local monks being able to help you out.

Myanmar is no longer the cheap destination it once was, so make sure you adjust your budget accordingly. In particular, prices for even basic accommodation have risen dramatically. In tourist hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dingy, no-frills room.

Banks and ATMs

Over the last few years, ATMs that take international cards have started appearing throughout Myanmar, meaning that travellers no longer have to carry hundreds or thousands of US dollars in cash around with them. You can find ATMs even in relatively remote destinations like Hsipaw and Mrauk U. KBZ and CB Bank have the most reliable ATMs – they accept both Visa and Mastercard, and charge a fee of 5000 kyat (around US$4) per transaction. It’s also possible to receive international cash transfers via Western Union.

Currency and cash

Myanmar is trying to encourage both locals and visitors to use the local currency – kyat – rather than US dollars, which was the preferred currency until 2012. As of the end of November 2015, only banks and official moneychangers are able to change dollars, although how rigidly that will be enforced remains to be seen.

Despite that, and the presence of ATMs, it’s still worth bringing some US dollars with you, preferably in smaller notes, as they can be useful if you’re stranded without access to an ATM. Make sure your US bills are immaculate and printed no earlier than 2006, or you may not be able to exchange them. It’s also easy to change Thai baht in Yangon and Mandalay .

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted mostly only in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, usually charging a small fee, for purchasing flights.

Keeping in touch

It’s easy and cheap to buy a SIM card in Yangon and Mandalay that will enable you to make calls and access the internet.

Online access has improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm – most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it for free – and the internet is now spreading to more remote locations. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and power outages can make using the internet a frustrating exercise.

In places open to foreigners, Myanmar is relatively safe, with very little crime. Still, you should take the usual precautions of using hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. As in most Buddhist countries, foreign women travelling in Myanmar are rarely hassled on the road as they might be in India, Malaysia or Indonesia. However, there have been a few reports of sexual harassment.

No-go zones

Most government advisories warn against travel to parts of  Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to conflict between the government and various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar . These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and far from the major tourist destinations.

Accurate information on conflicts and closed areas can be difficult to come by. Check your government’s advice prior to travel, and ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree travel forum is a good source of news from travellers on the ground.

Getting around

Unless you fly, all travel in Myanmar takes time (it's a nine-hour bus trip from Yangon to Mandalay, for example). Buses are almost always faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy – you might consider taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are also an option for some routes; the Mandalay–Bagan service is popular among travellers.

Yangon International Airport is the main hub for domestic flights, and there are a number of services linking the main centres of the country. Local airlines include Air Bagan ( airbagan.com ) and Myanmar National Airlines ( flymna.com ). Note that it is cheaper and easier to book domestic flights via agencies once you are in Myanmar.

There are no international car-rental agencies, but most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan – as well as guesthouses and hotels elsewhere – can arrange cars and drivers.

Etiquette tips

• Myanmar is emerging from decades of isolation, and as such it is more conservative than nearby countries. Many people still wear traditional dress – the longyi for men, the htamein for women, both sarong-like garments. You rarely see anyone expose their knees or shoulders, and you will make everyone more comfortable if you follow suit.
• Money is handed over and received with the right hand, while the left hand loosely supports the right arm.
• Never use your feet to point at a person or thing.
• A smile always goes a long way, as does knowing a few words in Burmese.

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Tailor Made Holidays, Group Tours, Cultural, Leisure and Adventure Travel in Myanmar

Road Trips in Myanmar

Planning a road trip in Myanmar could be fun!   It involves choosing your destinations, number of days you want to spend at each places and then get a vehicle that suits for your group. You can also bring your foreign registered vehicles and we can take care of all permissions required and compulsary services you need, see details here .   We can help you tailmore made your road trips, contact us with your detailed requirements.

Below are jsut our sample tour packages for road trips in Myanmar.

Myanmar Cross Borders Road Trip 1

11 nights 12 days (India border to China border)

Moreh/ Tamu - Kalay - Monywa - Mandalay - Bagan - In Le Lake - Hsipaw - Lashio - Mu Se/ Jaegao - Ruili

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Myanmar Cross Borders Road Trip 2

11 nights 12 days (India border to Thai border North)

Moreh/ Tamu - Kalay - Monywa - Mandalay - Bagan - In Le Lake - Taungyi – Khun Eain Village – Kentung – Tachileik/ Mae Sai

Myanmar Cross Borders Road Trip 3

13 nights 14 days (India border to Thai border South)

Moreh/ Tamu - Kalay - Monywa - Mandalay - Bagan - In Le Lake - Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Hpa An - Myawaddy/ Mae Sot

Myanmar Cross Borders Road Trip 4

13 nights 14 days (China border to Thai border South)

Ruili - Jaegao/ Mu Se - Lashio - Hsipaw - Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay - Bagan - In Le Lake - Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Hpa An - Myawaddy/ Mae Sot

You can also explore the rest of our site for tour ideas, inspirations, extensions, our services and offers. Contact us for tail-made requirements for your holiday in Myanmar.

The Best of Myanmar: The Full Itinerary

03/03/2020 by Kristin Addis 27 Comments

This post was originally written by Ryan Brun for BMTM in 2014. While much of what he wrote is still true and remains in this post, I visited again in 2020 and have updated the post as well as added in new resources and spots to see. Enjoy! -Kristin

Myanmar isn’t a Southeast Asian country that is often on travelers “must see” lists, or planned for their great backpacking adventure. Which is a shame, because Myanmar is one of the most culturally preserved and exciting destinations in Asia.

Why isn’t Myanmar on everyone’s “must do” lists?

It honestly wasn’t on my list until I was invited by a friend. Before traveling to Myanmar, I didn’t know anything about the country except about how it was closed off from the world up until about a couple decades ago.

After backpacking through a large portion of Myanmar during their annual Thingyan Festival, I can without a doubt declare Myanmar as my favorite country in Southeast Asia.

Myanmar is a captivating and exciting country for many reasons. From floating villages, to valleys of ancient temples that beat out Angkor Wat, to multi-day jungle treks into mountain tea picking villages.

Ready to go yet? Awesome. Here’s my itinerary on the best of Myanmar, from where to go to what to do from my own personal experiences, and a few key tips and tricks to know before you go:

Yangon ( former capital city of Rangoon ) is the highest populated city in Myanmar, and most likely where you will arrive. It’s the country’s bustling economic capital filled with colonial-era buildings mashed up against modern high-rises and Buddhist temples.

On arrival, Yangon can feel just as overwhelming as a city like Bangkok or Jakarta, but take a deep breath, settle into a hotel, and go for a wander. Here in Yangon you’ll get to experience the everyday lives of Burmese (people of Myanmar) who are usually too busy to try and surround you with goods to sell, but are happy to flash a smile. Explore the old and new of a fast growing city, and enjoy Yangon’s endless opportunity for street photographers.

Stay:  Hotel Shwe Yee is perfectly situated walking distance from Shwedagon Pagoda and has great breakfast!

Most of the accommodation will be centered around the market streets and Chinatown area, and this is a great place to eat for your first night as you take everything in. 19th and 20th Street are the hotspots, and though it can be crowded and a bit funky smelling, there are plenty of restaurants to have a big meal with ample people watching.

Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda)

Shwedagon Pagoda  is the most sacred temple in all of Myanmar, and a popular pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that this golden pagoda and complex was built more than 2,500 years ago, which theoretically would make it the oldest Buddhist temple in the world.

Colonial Markets

I love walking through markets – you can get a real sense of life in a country there. Especially when nobody bothers you! These sprawling, ornate ironwork markets date back to British rule almost 100 years ago and will be a good escape from the heat as well as the best place to buy clothes, bags, and other trinkets if you need anything. Bonus, the vendors don’t chase you down like many other markets.

Quick Tips: Eat eat eat! Yangon will have the most diverse selection of food in Myanmar. Book accommodation ahead of arrival , hostels and hotels fill up fast, especially during holidays. Yangon will be the best place to get toiletries and supplies so stock up. Get a SIM card here if you want one (they are easy to find, and the airport has reasonable prices.)

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and Golden Rock

East of Yangon is one of the top three most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda  is a massive golden rock barely balancing on the edge of an 1,100 meter tall mountain with breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle valley ( and a heart-pounding ride to the top ). To get to the pagoda, you’ll need to head out early in the morning and take a bus to Kinpun village. From there you will be packed into the back of a truck with monks and Burmese locals.

If you feel up for the challenge, you can hike the entire way to the top from the village which will be a 5+ hour trek through jungle and mountainous terrain, but it’ll be the ultimate way to experience the pilgrimage. Once at the top, buy a golden leaf and stick it onto the boulder (only men are allowed to do that)…just don’t be the one who finally pushes it over the edge!

Note from Kristin: Women are not permitted to touch the rock but are permitted in the outer courtyard. I don’t even have to tell you how I feel about that!

Stay:  This hotel is 30 minutes away from the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. There are also a few hotels located at the foot of the pagoda that are a lot more expensive.

Inle was one of the most beautiful towns I visited in Myanmar, which is hard to choose because many are. But, let’s just say, it was the most lush. About 9-10 hours north of Yangon by bus sits Inle Lake, a sprawling and beautiful natural contrast to Yangon tucked into a valley surrounded by green hills. It is a network of canals, irrigation waterways, farms, and a giant freshwater lake. It’s a perfect escape after experiencing the bustling city life of Yangon.

Boat Ride through the Floating Villages

Once in Inle Lake, the most known attraction is the floating villages. It is essentially a neighborhood on stilts, where locals live in huts built above a network of marsh and grass waterways. Take a boat and see what life is like living on the water and relying off of food farmed in the grassland or fished. The scenery itself is beautiful, and it’s relaxing sitting in the canoe cruising through the maze of houses watching children climb from one house to the next to wave you along.

Table of Contents

About an hour and 45 minutes from Inle, you’ll find the pagoda forest of Kakku. Though it’s a long drive, I found that it was totally worth it to get away from the tourist center of Inle and enjoy this gorgeous temple complex almost all to myself. More on how to get there and avoid the crowds here .

Trekking to Inle Lake

If you’re trekking and outdoor inclined like myself, hit Kalaw first and do the 3-day trek to Inle Lake that takes you through valleys and small villages where you’ll stay each night, experiencing rural Myanmar life. The cost is low, the views are spectacular, and the trek is life-changing. No hot showers, no electricity, no internet, just pure experiences with the nicest people on earth? Sign me up!

Quick Tips: Inle Lake is one of the more popular destinations so it’s good to book accommodation ahead. Just outside of the town limits, there is a vineyard and winery that’s worth a visit after a bicycle ride around the country roads.

Stay:  Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel  is an amazing value for the money, and the staff is so nice!

Bagan was one of my favorite experiences during my time exploring the country. Whether you hit Bagan before or after Inle Lake, it is still a must see when visiting Myanmar. Considered the Angkor Wat of Myanmar ( but I think it’s better ), Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and valley of more than 2,000+ ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries, which included the golden era of Burma in the 11-12th century time period. During the summer months while I was there, the valley is arid and covered in rust-colored red sand, but in the monsoon season becomes a vibrant green jungle climate.

Temple Raiding

At times, we were surrounded by hundreds at the largest temples, and at other times, completely alone to crouch and crawl through narrow passages of empty temples. Rent a scooter or bicycle and cruise around to some of the 2000+ temples around Bagan – but there’s no way you’ll see them all! Get adventurous and go down some of the dirt roads to the smaller temples where you’ll find yourself alone to explore, living out your Indiana Jones or Lara Croft fantasies. Scooters can be rented for $5-$10 a day and will make it much easier than bicycles to explore.

Quick Tip: From late 2019 it’s no longer possible to climb any of the temples or pagodas for a sunrise or sunset overview. For the best places to catch sunrise and sunset these days, check out this post by Kristin.

Hot Air Balloons over Bagan

Now that the temples are closed, what’s the best way to get that awesome overview? Jump in the hot air balloons ! Just before sunrise you can take a ride up in a hot air balloon and see the entire valley change from purple to gold with ancient temples as far as the eye can see silhouetted against the horizon. The cheapest and best-reviewed ride we’ve found can be booked here .

Stay : You can get amazing balloon sunrise and sunset views at the  Aureum Palace Hotel , though it’s a pretty penny. To stay right in the heart of Old Bagan, I loved the  Hotel @ Tharabar Gate .

In central Myanmar, Mandalay is the second largest city in the country, and a good place to launch from for almost all activities and destinations. From Mandalay, you’ll be able to reach Inle Lake, Bagan, and Hsipaw in the far north. Since it’s another large metropolis, Mandalay will have plenty of delicious places to eat and a decent nightlife scene, with a couple swanky bars overlooking the river.

U Bein Bridge

I’m sure you’ve seen the photos of silhouetted monks walking across a long bridge with a fiery orange sunrise. That, my friends, is U Bein Bridge. By far one of the best sunrises I’ve ever experienced ( and I think it will be for you as well ), U Bein Bridge is the world’s oldest and longest teak wood bridge. I would have stayed there all day, but by 9am, it was swarmed with people, so make sure to arrive early! Just before sunrise, the monks follow the call to prayer and all walk across in their crimson robes to the temple across the river.

Mandalay Hill and Mandalay Fort

Get ready to break a sweat. I was panting by the time we reached the top, but it’s worth the long walk up to Mandalay Hill to the temple perched at the top for an incredible view at sunset ( and one helluva stair climb ).  In the city center and surrounded by a large moat, Mandalay Fort is worth checking out.

All the Temples!

Mandalay has an abundance of stunning temples, pagodas, and stupas to check out in and around the city. Check out the ancient capital, the amazing Hsinbyume Pagoda, and more. The best way to see it all is by car. You can find out more here .

Stay:  Hotel Yadanarbon was in a great location, has a rooftop pool, and an amazing breakfast!

Oh Hsipaw, how I miss those days. Mountains all around, trees that grow out of temples, lush farmland, waterfalls, and the best tea you’ll ever have — sound good? Hsipaw is the main township of the Shan State, and is located 200km northeast of Mandalay, perfect for anyone needing an escape into the outdoors. This will be the main destination for anyone wanting to do some serious multi-day trekking and to explore more untouched Myanmar in remote mountain villages.

We rented bicycles while in Hsipaw and explored for a couple of days. Though it can become quite hilly and rugged outside of town, every road you go down will have something fascinating to see. Don’t miss the ancient temple complex and check out the stupa that has a tree growing out of it. Watch young monks play games, wander the vibrant fruit and vegetable markets, and relax by the river.

Goteik Viaduct and Train to Hsipaw

For someone who is obsessed with train travel, I had to do what is said to be one of the greatest train journeys in the world. This, above most else, should be on your list of must-do’s in Myanmar. Along the 12 hour journey, you’ll also cross the Goteik Viaduct, considered a world masterpiece in engineering and at one time the world’s longest viaduct bridge at 2,260 ft long (and currently the highest in Myanmar at 335 feet!).

The old train to Hsipaw is a clunking and captivating journey that leaves Mandalay before dawn and takes you up mountains by zig-zagging its way forward and backwards, then down into lush valleys of rice and soy fields. Over 100 years old, it’s a technological marvel of its time period, and the coolest mode of transport to get to Hsipaw.

Quick Tips: Purchase tickets at the train station days before, and try to get first class seats for 2,000 kyat ($2.00). We could only get second class seats, and 12 hours on wooden benches is doable but brutal.

Hiking to Mountain Tea Villages

Hiking in the countryside was one of the best excursions we did in Myanmar. On the 2-3 day trek you’ll meet rural farmers, tea pickers, and even rebel soldiers who are happy that you are experiencing their small world and sharing their everyday life. Don’t worry, even the soldiers were the nicest people I’ve ever met. Plus, the tea leaves there are said to help with longevity in life, so drink away!

We stayed in a small traditional hut and ate home cooked meals with a local family, and I drank some rice wine with soldiers ( shhhh ). Our guide, Ax Sai, was extremely knowledgeable, spoke English very well, and even took us to some secret waterfalls after a scorching day of trekking.

Quick Tips: Wear a hat, sunscreen , and bring extra bottles of water and snacks. And proper shoes! Pack things like peanuts or apples that won’t go bad in the heat. Look for Ax Sai, he’s awesome.

Myanmar has a beautiful coastline with white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. As an added bonus, there are no buckets, all-night parties, nor fire dancers, which kill the peaceful ocean vibe for me! Ngapali is one of the loveliest beaches, though there are many down south worth checking out. You can read more about Ngapali here .

BONUS: Thingyan Festival

Thingyan Festival, or the New Year celebration for Myanmar, will most likely be one of the craziest experiences of your life. Thingyan is Myanmar’s biggest holiday and a Buddhist celebration for the purpose of washing the previous year’s sins away and beginning the new year with a clean spirit. With millions of gallons of water.

From  my experience at Thingyan , it lasted the full week and there was no escaping the chaos. It’s fun, but it’s also exhausting, and after a few days you’ll probably lock yourself inside. Luckily I had goggles after taking on the Rickshaw Run in India to protect me from the blasts to my face.

Quick Tips: Book accommodation and transport WAY in advance – everything sells out. Get a waterproof bag for money and phones. Don’t carry your DSLR, it’ll get destroyed. Remember, it’s their holiday and there is no escaping it, so have fun and don’t get mad. Bring goggles, they are a life saver (especially from eye infections). And buy the biggest damn water blaster you can find!

Arrival & Getting Around

Before Myanmar relaxed its tourism policies, getting visas for the country, let alone most everything else, could be a huge hassle. SIM cards used to be thousands of dollars, banks were scarce, and much more of the country was closed off to travel. Luckily it’s become much easier now to travel to. I found it actually easier than a lot of other countries I’ve visited.

eVisa: For your Myanmar visa you’ll want to apply for the eVisa, which takes a couple of days to process, and after approval, you will receive a government issued letter to print and show on arrival. There are only a few countries that don’t need to do this, but if you’re from the USA, be sure to apply for one and double check that all of the information is correct. I found out the hard way that being even one day off on your passport expiry date can mean being denied boarding for your international flight.

Buses:  This was how Ryan mainly traveled through Myanmar. There are fancy VIP buses that are cheap and much comfier than much of Southeast Asia, with reclining seats, blankets, and snacks offered. Now that there is a main highway that runs from Yangon all the way to Mandalay, the road north isn’t too dicey.

Train:  I only got to ride the train in Myanmar once, but it was my favorite way to travel. Train travel is another good option and can be taken from Yangon all the way north to Hsipaw with transfers. My recommendation from experience is to book a 1st class ticket on the train which won’t be much more expensive, and it’ll save your back and bum from a lot of pain. I know from experience.

Private Taxi:  During our time in Myanmar, we mainly took buses when we could find them, but occasionally had to hire a private taxi to drive us to the next destination because nothing else was available. These drivers have nice cars with air-conditioning, but can be quite the speed demons even on roads with sheer cliffs dropping off the side. Our driver had to stop to hose off the breaks because they were smoking. A private taxi will run around $40-$65 for a full day drive to another city.

Flights: Much of Myanmar is accessible via air travel these days, particularly for Mandalay, Yangon, Bagan, Inle, and Ngapali. I flew  Air KBZ  and thought it was great.

Myanmar isn’t quite the wild east of Asia anymore because the country’s relaxed tourism policies are spurring growth, but it was one of the most authentic cultural experiences I’ve had. Getting around Myanmar is much easier than it was even 3 years ago, and if you prepare before arriving by having visas and accommodation sorted, you won’t run into many hiccups. With infrastructure improvements, WiFi and 3G/4G available almost everywhere, and banks in every town, there’s not much difficulty in getting around.

But I can’t forget the best part. The most memorable aspects of Myanmar are the people . Always smiling, displaying unending generosity, and not once did I feel I was trying to be scammed from every direction. This, combined with the culture and fascinating places to visit, made it my favorite destination in Southeast Asia. And it’s bound to become your favorite as well.

About the Author

Ryan Brown is a corporate escape artist with a severe disdain for the mundane, an adrenaline junky, and a hammock addict. On his adventure travel blog,  Lost Boy Memoirs , he shares his misadventures getting lost around the world through personal memoirs, photos, and videos. His mission is to experience cultures first-hand to break down barriers and to inspire YOU to escape your comfort zone. Not all who are lost need to be found.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that any booking you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we have stayed in and experiences that are priced right and well-loved.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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05/27/2017 at 12:57 am

How long did you stay!?! I like to take my time, so wondering if a month is enough or if I should plan for longer! 🙂

10/26/2017 at 8:36 am

I stayed for 10 days, much of it was soaked by Thingyan water festival. A month would allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, and pick a spot you’d love to spend most of your time in!

05/27/2017 at 6:24 am

Thanks for the post Ryan!! I’m currently travelling around SEA and I wasn’t sure about going to Myanmar but after speaking with others I have definitely been swayed into visiting. I love catching trains too so I’ll be sure to check the train to Hsipaw out. Thank you for all the info.

10/26/2017 at 8:37 am

Hello Steph! Glad I could sway you into traveling through Myanmar. Did you ever make it through the country? And did you take trains for most of it?

Ijana Loss says

05/28/2017 at 1:15 am

Great information! Myanmar hasn’t really been on my radar, I guess that cause exactly like it says in the article, it’s a bit more off the path than Thailand, Laos, etc. But typically those turn out to be the best places 🙂

10/26/2017 at 8:41 am

Happy to give you the information you need Ijana, hopefully you get out to Myanmar and tell us all about it! Definitely off the beaten path but that’s exactly what I love about it too!

Nitin Khanna says

05/29/2017 at 4:22 am

Love the information provided by you. As I didn’t know about Myanmar. But after your article I am going to add into my bucket list. Great Writing Skills.

Cheers! Thanks!

11/07/2017 at 7:00 am

Thank you Nitin for the compliment, and I hope you have added it to your bucket list for sure. Make sure to tell us when you go!

12/05/2020 at 5:10 pm

Jeric Danao says

06/02/2017 at 3:52 am

I’m a Filipino and have always admired south east asian countries, from their mountains to their highlands, from cities – urban and rural – to provinces, Myanmar is definitely a place to go to. I couldn’t describe it any better than you do. Really appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing this! Makes me wanna go back to them good old days.

11/07/2017 at 7:01 am

I’ve heard there is PLENTY to see in the Philippines though, and I’m aching to go and trek the jungles. Happy you liked the article and shared your thoughts! Maybe you should revisit your travels there sometime?

06/12/2017 at 9:24 am

Hi, i would like to know how much did you spend approximately per day?

Thank you in advance,

Ikam Acosta says

06/15/2017 at 7:19 am

I have a few friends who have been to Myanmar and loved it. It’s definitely on my to do list. I love the pictures you took. Really captures its beauty

Ikam Acosta

11/07/2017 at 7:03 am

Where did your friends visit in Myanmar Ikam? You have to at some point, it’s already on my list to revisit! Thank you for the compliment about the photos I really appreciate that.

TwoTravelTheWorld says

06/15/2017 at 11:39 am

Myanmar is on our RTW trip in November and we can’t wait to discover its temples and landscapes. We don’t know yet if we are going to see it from north to south or the other way but thanks for all those advices. It will definitely help us crafting our road map. Take care. David & Kro.

11/07/2017 at 7:05 am

Hey David and Kro, looks like November is here! Have you planned out your trip to Myanmar yet? i personally loved the north but all of it was incredible. Excited to see where it takes you!

The Open Route says

09/07/2017 at 6:46 am

Bagan is amazing! I agree it’s best to explore the pagodas and temples on two wheels. It’s faster that way plus you can discover other temples that are at par with popular ones. We were there around May, and it was raining most of the time. We also missed the hot air balloons, but we’re lucky enough to catch the sunrise and sunset.

11/07/2017 at 7:06 am

Ahh well if it was rainy season then you had the chance to see it in full bloom? I’ve been dreaming of visiting while the valley is lush and green!

10/26/2017 at 8:35 am

Hello Jade, apologies for the delayed reply! You absolutely must get over there now, my favorite Southeast Asia country. I’d say 7-10 days would be ideal to see most of these sights and destinations while being able to properly take it in.

Veronica says

10/30/2017 at 12:16 pm

Oh..I’m happy to see you wrote about Myanmar, which is my native land!!! There are many other amazing and interesting places to visit like Chin State hiking and Virgin Islands of Mergue!!! Please visit again to my native land for further visits. I’ll definitely take you there!! Warmly welcome from Myanmar Xoxo <3

11/07/2017 at 7:07 am

Hello Veronica, I may just have to take you up on that offer because I want to return to Myanmar next year. The Chin State hiking sounds wonderful, and I want to do much more hiking next year!

Byron Hartzler says

04/21/2018 at 6:30 am

Sometimes people view Myanmar as an off the beaten path country. Sure its emerging, but still in comparison to SE Asian neighbors, much of it is still to be explored, keeping off the beaten path because of decades of civil war. I live in a fringe area, trying to create opportunity further out, because even though Bagan & Inle are great, some of the most beautiful and untouched areas still are largely undiscovered. Like Lashio, the city beyond Hsipaw, which is great for trekking, but Lashio has some of, if not the best waterfall experiences in SE Asia, but nobody knows about it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I have a social enterprise adventure guide company called Myanmar Adventure Outfitters, and with recent moronic moves by Myanmar’s government, many locals who are gaining new opportunities through tourism could see those opportunities fade, so please read Ryan’s article, keep coming, because the people you may want to hurt by boycotting this country are not the ones who will hurt, its the average locals.

Image Earth Travel says

11/11/2018 at 10:42 am

Spent a month in Myanmar back in 2014 and absolutely loved it – so much to see there… Sadly, areas near Hsipaw were closed due to Shan Rebels and government troops fierce fighting.

Ashlea says

04/30/2019 at 6:01 am

I’m glad this amazing country is getting the recognition it deserves! I spent nearly 1 month in Myanmar back in 2013 and have been itching to get back since.

Bagan is absolutely incredible and so much fun (Angkor Wat in Cambodia paled in comparison to Bagan for me). It was so much fun jumping on a electric bike every day and exploring. But my absolute favourite thing was that at the smaller temples you had to find the ‘key holder’ who would unlock the temple and maybe show you a secret staircase to climb to the top for amazing views. Indiana Jones eat your heart out!

Great list of the must-see highlights for your first trip to Myanmar.

Nway Kaz says

07/08/2019 at 11:12 pm

I loved Myanmar when the first time I came here. A nature place without many building or useless stuffs.

I’m planning to visit Myanmar again in 2020, can’t wait for it. If anyone want to join me, please let me know as well!

Harry Tumeric says

07/17/2019 at 9:12 am

Great that you put Bagan in your itinerary. Some important thing to note is “Temple climbing is now banned at Bagan”.

Tourrkub says

12/20/2019 at 3:31 am

Thanks for a great article.

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Burma (Myanmar) Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Burma (Myanmar).

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Burma.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Burma.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Burma take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Burma.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Burma. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Burma, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Burma. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Burma, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Burma. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Burma include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Burma. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Burma’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Burma. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Burma may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Burma, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Burma (Myanmar) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Latest update

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict.

Myanmar (PDF 430.75 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 192 (Yangon General Hospital).

Call 199 or contact the local police.

Advice levels

Do not travel to Myanmar.

Do not travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict.

See Safety .

• Explosions and other security incidents occur in Yangon and frequently in other parts of the country. Attacks are unpredictable in their location and intensity. Attacks may be planned against locations frequented by foreigners, including public spaces and civilian infrastructure, such as hotels and serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, schools, petrol stations and supermarkets. Minimise movement, especially on anniversaries and national days of significance. Monitor media for updates. We advise you to read the ' Full advice - Safety - Security situation and Armed conflict sections ' for more information.
• Since the Myanmar military assumed control of the country, there's been a significant increase in the level of violence, with many deaths and injuries. There have been widespread detentions, including of foreigners. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention.
• There are active conflicts between armed groups and security forces across many States and Regions, especially in the northwest and southeast of the country. Armed groups operate along Myanmar's borders with China, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh and India. This includes official border crossings. There are also unmarked landmines and the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). If you choose to travel to these areas despite the risks, carefully assess the security situation, including curfews and travel restrictions.
• If, despite our advice, you remain in Myanmar, you should stay at home during curfew hours and follow stay-at-home orders. Avoid using any routes through known traffic checkpoints and any travel adjacent to regime-affiliated businesses and government buildings. Monitor the media and keep in close contact with friends and family. The economic and business environment remains unpredictable. The Australian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited.
• Heightened security arrangements are in place for Australian officials. Australian officials follow protocols for staff movements and use enhanced security measures, including for travel outside Yangon.
• There've been a number of cases where foreign nationals have been trafficked into Myanmar (either directly into Yangon or via a neighbouring country) and forced to work in online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. Exercise caution concerning offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical facilities in Myanmar are severely stretched by the security situation, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice. Medical evacuations may be delayed or not possible. Talk to your travel or insurance provider. Be particularly cautious if you have an existing medical condition.
• Medication sold in Myanmar can be fake. Ensure you have enough legal medication for the duration of your stay.
• Common insect-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Consider taking anti-malarial medicine. Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date before travel.
• Many animals in Myanmar carry rabies. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Don't feed, pat or tease dogs or monkeys. Get medical assistance immediately if an animal bites or scratches you.
• Polio is a risk. Hepatitis-A and typhoid also occur. If you're staying for more than four weeks, carry proof of your polio vaccination. Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis are common. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Myanmar authorities often don't tell consular staff about Australians they've arrested, detained or deported. If you're arrested or jailed ask to contact the Australian Embassy immediately.
• A 2010 conscription law has come into effect following an announcement by the military administration. If local authorities consider you to be a citizen of Myanmar, you may be required to serve in the armed forces. The length of service can depend on criteria such as age, occupation, and whether there is a state of emergency. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. You may not be exempt from this law if you are an Australian-Myanmar dual national holding an Australian passport.
• Myanmar has strict communications laws, including laws being considered to prohibit the use of VPNs. Financial or criminal penalties may apply. Don't post negative comments about individuals or Myanmar on social media.
• Myanmar has strict religious laws. It's illegal to take religious materials in or out of the country without approval. Preaching or handing out religious material without approval is also illegal. There's also a law against 'insulting religion', including mistreating images of Buddha. Cover any Buddha tattoos. People in Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions. Don't wear shorts or sleeveless tops, especially at religious sites. Always remove your shoes and socks before entering a site.
• Customs rules are restrictive. Seek prior permission to import drones or radio equipment. Drones have been seized by customs officials and tourists have been arrested for operating drones. There are also strict rules about exporting gems, antiques and images of Buddha. Check items are legal before you buy them.
• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty. Same-sex relations and adultery are illegal. Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military personnel or sites.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• If you decide to travel to Myanmar despite our advice, there are international flights to and from Yangon and Mandalay. Book directly with airlines or through your travel agent.
• You must stay in registered hotels and guesthouses. Register your address with immigration authorities if you're staying more than 90 days. Inform the authorities if you change hotels or will be away from your address.
• The military administration restricts travel in parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings. The Australian Embassy's ability to provide consular service, including in an emergency, may be extremely limited. States and regions of Myanmar are affected by armed conflict. If you intend to travel, check the restricted area list with local authorities. Carry your passport or Foreigners Registration Card. Officials may ask to see it.
• Driving cars or motorbikes on an Australian or international licence is illegal. Apply for a local licence through the  Road Transport Administration Department (Burmese) .
• Don't drive in the countryside at night, including on the Yangon–Naypyitaw–Mandalay highway and National Highway 1 linking Yangon and Mandalay. There are reports of attacks on these expressways. Don't leave the scene of an accident. Public transport, including buses, boats and trains, fail to meet international safety standards. Fatal accidents have occurred, especially on overnight trips.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Yangon .
• Our ability to provide consular services in Myanmar may be limited.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Security situation.

The Myanmar military assumed control of the country and declared a state of emergency on 1 February 2021. There has been a significant increase in violence, with many deaths, injuries and arrests. 

There have been widespread detentions, including of foreigners. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention. Do not take photos of protests, and military personnel or sites.

Martial law is in place in areas of Myanmar, including some areas of Yangon. Avoid townships under martial law. Exercise caution if you need to be there.

A curfew is in place from 1am to 3am in the Yangon region. Curfew timings may differ in other regions and may change at short notice. Daily internet outages, restrictions and regular power outages may occur unexpectedly in Yangon and other parts of the country. 

Heightened security arrangements are in place for Australian officials. Australian officials follow protocols for staff movements and use enhanced security measures at all times, including for travel outside of Yangon. 

There are disruptions to basic services, including banking, communications, power and public health. Have arrangements in place for your essential needs. Services such as transport, travel and fuel may be affected.

If, despite our advice, you choose to remain in Myanmar, you should minimise movement and stay at home during curfew hours. Follow stay-at-home orders. The economic and business environment remains unpredictable. The Australian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited.  Maintain heightened security awareness , monitor the media, and keep in close contact with friends and family.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (or 1300 555 135 if calling from Australia). 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Armed conflict

There are active conflicts involving armed groups and security forces across Myanmar. Explosions and other security incidents targeting security forces occur within Yangon and in other parts of the country. Attacks have resulted in civilian and military casualties and are unpredictable in their location and intensity.

Attacks may be planned against locations that are also frequented by foreigners such as hotels, apartments, restaurants and public spaces.

Armed conflict includes:

• active fighting between armed groups
• targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hotels and serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, schools, petrol stations and supermarkets
• use of artillery, mortars and surface-to-surface missiles
• improvised explosive devices and unmarked landmines
• civil unrest, violence and abductions
• attacks on days of national significance
• aerial bombings and air strikes from helicopters and fixed wing aircraft

If despite our advice, you choose to travel to higher risk areas:

• minimise movement and plan your trip carefully including communications
• find out about local information such as curfews and travel restrictions
• stay on main highways and in urban areas, noting even these may be dangerous

The use of Improvised Explosive devices (IEDs) and attacks has occurred across most parts of the country. Most IEDs and attacks have targeted military and government buildings, police stations and military-affiliated businesses. The public remains at risk, including in urban areas. 

Security forces are present in urban areas, including Yangon, which increase around days of significance and visits of regime and foreign officials. Checkpoints and barricades with armed security personnel are common and road/bridge access can change without notice. To the extent possible, avoid using any routes through known traffic checkpoints and any travel adjacent to regime-affiliated businesses and government buildings.

Rakhine and southern Chin State

Armed conflict between armed groups and military forces is occurring in northern and central Rakhine.

Risks to civilians due to the conflict have included being kidnapped, detained and killed by armed groups and killed or injured in clashes and artillery and air strikes, including in Sittwe. Telecommunications have been cut in northern and central Rakhine, and road links to other parts of Myanmar have been severed due to ongoing fighting. Armed groups have used explosive devices in Rakhine State, including on main roads. Travellers have been kidnapped from public buses and ferries. Familiarise yourself with local curfews and travel restrictions.

Fighting between rival ethnic groups, and between armed groups and Myanmar security forces in Shan States has increased since October 2023. The fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement. Civilians including foreigners have been attacked along main roads, displaced, and killed or injured by landmines.

Kachin State

Kachin is also affected by conflict. Since the coup, there has been an influx in troop numbers and violent clashes. Civilian infrastructure, including roads and bridges, are often cut off or targeted for attack.

Kayin and Kayah States

There is conflict and violence across Kayin and Kayah states with increased troop numbers and violent clashes. Myanmar military forces have regularly employed airstrikes and heavy artillery. Numerous attacks have occurred in urban areas, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings, health centres, and civilians. There is a large, displaced population in both states. Access is unpredictable, with numerous roadblocks and checkpoints. Many roads are completely cut off due to ongoing fighting. Telecommunications, electricity and internet connectivity disruptions occur regularly across the southeast of Myanmar.  

Sagaing, Magway and Chin States

Conflict and violence is ongoing across Sagaing, Magway and Chin States affecting urban areas and resulting in large numbers of civilian displacement. Instances of violence and attacks are unpredictable in location, scale and severity. Internet and communication services are heavily restricted in some areas. Security forces are actively monitoring road and transportation routes and often restrict movement.

Mon State and Tanintharyi Region

Conflict in Kayah and Kayin has spilled over into Mon and Tanintharyi. Roadblocks and checkpoints are present, and there is an increased military presence and conflict in select townships. Internet connectivity disruptions occur regularly. 

Myanmar’s Border Areas

Security along Myanmar's large border varies. Armed groups operate in border areas including at land border crossings. Several border crossings remain closed.

Terrorist and anti-regime attacks in Myanmar, carried out by a range of actors, have targeted government buildings, including military-affiliated regime schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping centres and public transport.

Since the military takeover, the incidence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and attacks has increased and resulted in a highly volatile environment where violence occurs across the entire country. While security forces or administrative elements appointed by the ruling council are the primary targets, civilian-used infrastructure and public spaces may be targeted. There is a high threat of clashes between armed groups and the military in major urban centres and the threat to the public remains high.

To stay safe:

• take official warnings seriously and follow local instructions
• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the news for any new or emerging threats

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case there's a secondary attack.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Civil unrest and political tension

Protest activity is infrequent but can occur randomly. Protests and organised assemblies of people are not permitted. National dates of significance may see rallies and silent strikes and there's a higher likelihood of opposition attacks, including:

• Independence Day (4 January)
• the anniversary of the 2021 coup (1 February)
• Armed Forces Day (27 March)
• Martyrs’ Day (19 July)
• the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (8 August)
• the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks (26 September)

These events often see an increase in police and security forces presence in Yangon and elsewhere. Tensions may be heightened. Exercise caution and:

• minimise movement and avoid all political gatherings and protests
• avoid areas cordoned off by security forces, areas of known or possible unrest, facilities and vehicles linked to security forces and the military administration
• don't take photographs of rallies, the military or police
• follow instructions of local authorities, including stay-at-home orders, and curfews
• monitor the media and other news sources for possible unrest
• be extra careful around public holidays and other important dates and events such as elections

Be alert to rapid changes in restrictions, including on the use of communication devices and VPNs.

Crime rates in Myanmar, while once lower than other countries in the region, have dramatically increased since the coup. Economic pressure may increase the crime rate further.

You could encounter:

• petty theft

To help protect yourself against theft:

• pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in ways that make them harder to snatch

When using credit cards or ATMs:

• avoid exposed locations – choose ATMs in banks and shopping centres 
• check for skimming devices before use
• protect your PIN
• monitor your bank records

Report any theft straight away to local police. See  Local contacts

Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear 'too good to be true'. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Myanmar (either directly into Yangon or via a neighbouring country) and forced to work in online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. Some victims have had their passports confiscated and been held for ransom.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

Reporting indicates that kidnapping has increased in Myanmar since 2021, especially in rural areas where criminal groups engage in a range of illicit activities. Criminal kidnappers target a range of victims for financial gain. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.  

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:  

• Kidnapping  

Climate and natural disasters

Myanmar can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• severe storms
• earthquakes

The monsoon season is from May to October, bringing:

• widespread flooding , including flash floods

Disruptions to services are likely during severe weather events, including:

• electricity
• communications

Cyclones can happen between April and October. Confirm the location of your local shelter as soon as possible.

Check the  Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology  for news on conditions.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur in Myanmar.

Past earthquakes have damaged major cities in Myanmar, including Yangon and Bagan.

Myanmar's exposure to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely.

If there's a natural disaster:

• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter areas affected by flooding, landslides or other natural disasters without advice from local authorities
• know your hotel's evacuation plans
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media, other local news and the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities

Travel insurance

If you choose to remain in, or travel to, Myanmar despite our advice, make sure you have comprehensive  travel insurance  for the duration of your stay. 

Confirm what your policy covers, including activities, care, and health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel where the travel advice is 'do not travel'.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need
• arrange appropriate medical supplies

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Counselling services

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (HealthDirect Australia)

Health risks

Medical facilities in Myanmar are severely stretched, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice. Medical evacuations may be delayed or not possible.

Some  COVID-19  restrictions continue to apply in Myanmar, including on entry into Myanmar. Stay-at-home orders have been used in the past to curb transmission.

You can find  information on COVID-19 in Myanmar  on the Ministry of Health and Sports website (Burmese). 

If authorities assess you have COVID-19, you may be required to isolate at home or be quarantined at a local facility.

Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases

Check the  Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health and Aged Care) if you chose to travel to Myanmar despite our advice.

Make sure you're up to date with recommended vaccinations, including  polio (Department of Health and Aged Care). You may need a booster.

Speak with your doctor. If you're not sure if you're vaccinated for polio, ask. Also check your need for vaccines for:

• hepatitis A

Insect-borne diseases

In many areas, insect-borne diseases are widespread. These include:

• dengue fever
• chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you leave Australia

HIV/AIDS  is common in Myanmar. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Rabies  can be fatal. It's found in various animals in Myanmar.

Never feed, pat or tease dogs or monkeys.

If a dog, monkey or other animal bites or scratches you, get treatment as soon as possible.

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common and include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get urgent medical help if you think you have food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Myanmar. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Get advice from a  Myanmar embassy or consulate  on quantity restrictions that may apply.

Be aware that medications for sale in Myanmar are often fake.

More information: 

• Medication  

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in Myanmar is extremely limited, particularly outside Yangon. Hospitals have closed or ceased providing services at short notice.

Avoid any surgical procedures, including dental work. Unclean medical instruments can cause infections such as:

Emergency medical care, including ambulances, is often not available. An ambulance service (often without a paramedic) is attached to most private hospitals. Each has its own phone number.

Private hospitals may not be able to accept foreign patients. You may need to pay cash up-front before receiving medical treatment.

If you become seriously ill or experience a major injury, a medical evacuation may be delayed or not possible. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws should you choose to travel to, or remain, in Myanmar despite our advice.

In February 2024, the military administration announced a 2010 conscription law would be enacted. If local authorities consider you are a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to serve in the armed forces. The length of service can depend on criteria such as age, occupation, and whether there is a state of emergency. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. You may not be exempt from this law if you are an Australian-Myanmar dual national holding an Australian passport.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Myanmar authorities don't always notify consular staff about Australians arrested, detained or deported from Myanmar. If you're  arrested or jailed , ask to contact the Australian Embassy immediately.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

• Carrying or using drugs

Traffic accidents

It's illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Drivers involved in an accident with another vehicle are usually detained if there are injuries. A driver involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault, regardless of what happened. Authorities are likely to detain the driver.

Legal cases to resolve traffic disputes can be long. They can affect your visa status. Drivers often expect a cash payment to settle the matter at the time of the accident.

You could be charged costs for injuries or damaged vehicles. The embassy can't help you negotiate. However, they can give you a list of lawyers who may be able to assist.

Myanmar has the death penalty for serious offences, including murder, treason, and drug-related crimes.

These activities are illegal in Myanmar:

• engaging in same-sex sexual acts or adultery
• taking photos of military personnel or sites
• entering or leaving Myanmar with religious materials without Customs approval
• preaching or handing out religious materials without written approval
• 'insulting religion', including mistreating images of Buddha - if you have a tattoo of Buddha, keep it covered
• defaming or threatening someone using a telecommunications network
• operating drones around sensitive areas such as, government or religious buildings

It's also illegal to:

• rent a private home if you're on a tourist visa — tourists must stay in registered accommodation
• drive a car or motorcycle without a valid local driving licence
• leave the scene of a road accident
• drink alcohol in public places such as parks, religious buildings or compounds

Don't post negative comments about individuals or Myanmar on social media.

Customs laws on banned imports and exports can be unclear and change without notice. Ask a Myanmar embassy or consulate  about the latest rules.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

Myanmar doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can provide if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

People in Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions.

Standards of dress and behaviour are modest.

It's considered offensive to touch or pat anyone on the top of the head.

Respect local customs and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts in Myanmar, especially when visiting religious sites. It may cause offence.

Always take off your shoes and socks before entering religious sites.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You need a visa to enter and stay in Myanmar. Entering without a visa can result in a prison sentence.

Contact the nearest Immigration Office to extend your visa if you intend to lengthen your stay in Myanmar.

If you choose to travel, despite our advice, you can obtain further information and apply for a tourist or business visa at your nearest  Myanmar embassy  or the  Ministry of Immigration and Population  website.   

The Australian Embassy is not able to support individual visa applications.

You can't use e-Visas at seaports. 

Be aware of unauthorised websites that claim to offer e-Visas. Some websites will provide a genuine visa for an extra fee, but others are fake.

Be careful about using links in emails or other websites to access the official site. Use official Myanmar government services to arrange your visa to avoid being scammed.

The local government strictly controls travel to parts of Myanmar, including through visa conditions. Authorities have deported or detained Australians for visa offences.

You should maintain a valid visa at all times.

If you overstay your visa, authorities won't let you leave until you pay a fine. You might also be:

• blacklisted, so you can never return

If you break other visa conditions, authorities could arrest or deport you.

Meet your visa conditions at all times.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border requirements

Ensure you have a valid visa prior to travel and meet Myanmar's entry requirements. The Australian Embassy cannot support your request to board an incoming flight.

The following entry requirements apply:

• you'll be subject to a thermal screening conducted by the airport health authorities upon arrival to Myanmar. You'll need to meet the cost of testing, isolation and medical treatment costs, including COVID-19, during your stay in Myanmar. 
• if you develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during your stay in Myanmar, you must report to health authorities

Confirm entry requirements directly with your nearest  Myanmar Embassy or Consulate  and the Ministry of Health and Sports, as quarantine protocols are subject to change at short notice.

Departing Myanmar

There are international flights departing Yangon and Mandalay. Book directly with airlines or through your travel agent.

Border crossings

Travel to or from Myanmar by land border crossings can be unpredictable. Crossings can be opened or closed without prior notice.

Since November 2016, foreigners have not been allowed to travel to the Muse (Shan State)-Ruili (China) border crossing.

See  Safety

Other formalities

Staying in myanmar.

You must stay in registered hotels and guesthouses.

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register your address with immigration authorities. You must also obtain a Foreigners Registration Card.

Let Immigration know if you change hotels or will be away from your registered address.

Customs regulations are restrictive. Officials limit what you can bring into the country.

Declare foreign currency over $US10,000 or equivalent when you arrive and depart Myanmar. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you could be jailed.

Customs authorities are sensitive about some communications equipment such as:

• radio equipment

If you don't declare restricted or banned items, customs may confiscate them. You may be able to collect undeclared items when you leave the country.

Strict rules control the export of:

• Buddha images

If you plan to take something home, check it's legal before you buy it.

• Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
• Customs Department (Myanmar Customs Department)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Office on 131 232
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK).

Cash is widely used. Foreign currency is sometimes refused because of people using fake notes.

A limited number of shops and businesses accept US Dollars as payment. Notes with pen marks, folds or tears, and old notes are often refused.

Other foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are rarely accepted.

It's illegal to exchange foreign currency except through authorised money changers. Find official money changers at Myanmar's international airports and in banks.

The banking sector has experienced widespread disruption, with many banks closed and some ATMs out of operation. Restrictions are in place regarding the use of foreign currencies, including using foreign currency bank accounts and limits on the amount of USD that can be held in cash. Ensure you comply with requirements.

There are daily and weekly limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs. Plan your travel accordingly. Some ATMs accept international cards. 

Ask your bank if your card will work in Myanmar.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at:

• restaurants

You should confirm before travel if intending to pay for hotels or restaurants with a credit or debit card. Vendors often charge additional fees for credit or debit card transactions.

Some businesses will not accept international cards, e.g. Mastercard, Visa or American Express.

Frequent electricity will not accept international cards, e.g. Mastercard, Visa or American Express.

International money transfers to Myanmar may be restricted.

Local travel

The military administration controls travel within parts of Myanmar, including to and from land border crossings.

If despite our advice you plan to travel within Myanmar, check movement restrictions with local authorities. Visit the  Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population  website for a list of restricted areas.

A curfew is in place across Myanmar. Stay at home during curfew hours.

Movement restrictions, including stay-at-home orders, curfews and quarantines, may be imposed at short notice (see  Safety ). Monitor the media closely. 

Australian Embassy staff need to seek approval to undertake official travel within Myanmar. This may affect our ability to provide consular assistance.

Landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

Unmarked landmines and IEDs make parts of Myanmar dangerous. These devices are used in:

• areas of conflict
• near borders
• city and urban areas

Landmine locations may not be marked. Stay on established roads.

Myanmar New Year and Water Festival

Myanmar's Water Festival (Thingyan) and New Year is celebrated in April each year. There's an increased risk of road accidents due to:

• drunk drivers
• overcrowded vehicles

In past years, crime has increased during the festival. Pay attention to your personal security.

Many services close down for Thingyan, including:

• supermarkets
• government offices

Roads are sometimes closed in Yangon and other regional centres. Plan ahead.

Identification

Travellers are often asked to show their passport and visa to authorities. This often occurs:

• for domestic air travel
• for train travel
• when staying at hotels

Foreigners who stay in Myanmar for more than 90 days have to show their Foreigners Registration Card.

Local safety standards

The safety standards you might expect of service providers are not always met. This applies to:

• transport and tour operators, including for adventure activities

Operators may not provide suitable safety equipment. Maintenance and safety standards may be poor or non-existent.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Internet and telephone services

Communication services in Myanmar are restricted in many parts of the country.

Internet services are available but are unreliable outside cities and large towns. Restrictions on internet access apply, including to social media and messaging applications.

The phone network is also unreliable and limited outside of cities and large towns.

You can send and receive text messages only from some Australian mobiles to mobile phones inside Myanmar. Many travellers buy a local pre-paid SIM card. 

If you're subscribing for urgent travel advice updates by SMS, ensure you can receive text messages on your phone number.

The military administration has in the past, suspended telecommunications services in response to the security situation without prior notice . 

Driving permits

It's illegal to drive cars or motorbikes using an Australian or international driving licence.

You must have a valid Myanmar driver's licence.

You can apply for this through the  Road Transport Administration Department Myanmar .

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Myanmar than in Australia.

Roads in Myanmar are dangerous because of:

• traffic congestion
• aggressive driving practices
• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• people and livestock on the road
• lack of street lighting

Roads in mountainous border areas can be particularly poor. Many drivers in regional areas don't use their headlights at night.

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. However, both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles are used throughout the country. This adds to the dangerous driving conditions.

Australian Embassy staff are advised to avoid travelling by car in the countryside at night. This includes travelling on the Yangon-Naypyitaw-Mandalay highway and National Highway 1, linking Yangon and Mandalay. There are reports of attacks on these expressways. 

Military and immigration checkpoints on roads are common, including in Yangon and other major cities.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers you
• get a local licence
• become familiar with Myanmar traffic laws
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Companies that hire motorbikes often don't supply helmets. Most helmets bought locally don't meet Australian safety standards.

Always wear a helmet.

Registered taxis have red licence plates and are easy to find.

Agree on the fare with the driver before your trip.

Take extra care if using taxis at night. Availability of taxis are limited near curfew. Allow adequate time to return to your accommodation prior to curfew.

Many taxis are in poor condition.

Registered rideshare services operate in Yangon.

Public transport

Public transport  doesn't meet international safety standards. This includes:

Fatal accidents have occurred, especially at night.

Search and rescue resources are very limited.

Domestic airlines may sometimes implement travel restrictions due to the security environment. Changes to travel protocols and flight availability may occur at short notice.

The safety record of domestic airlines is not available. There is no data about how well local planes are maintained. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety.

Airlines operating in Myanmar sometimes use aircraft from outside their own fleet. When this happens, passengers are not told in advance.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Myanmar's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer or

Call 192 (Yangon General Hospital) or an international clinic.

Medical assistance, including during emergencies, may be limited during curfew hours.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Check the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Yangon. Our ability to provide consular services in Myanmar is extremely limited.

Australian Embassy, Yangon

Vantage Tower 623 Pyay Road Yangon, Myanmar Phone: (+95) 1 230 7410 Fax: (+95) 1 230 7425 Email:  [email protected] Website:  myanmar.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australian Embassy in Myanmar

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Myanmar?

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Transportation in Myanmar

• By River Boat

For many years, transportation in Myanmar stagnated due to a lack of upkeep. Few flights and even fewer airports kept domestic airfares expensive, and buses and trains were slow and uncomfortable, with few stops between vast stretches of countryside.

The situation has improved vastly from just a decade ago, with more travel options between Myanmar's top destinations bringing prices down and cushiness levels up.

When planning your Myanmar itinerary , you can choose from one of the following transportation options that can take you from destination to destination within the country. Pick the one that meets both your timetable and your budget—you'll have plenty of options to choose from!

Traveling in Myanmar by Plane

Most tourists in Myanmar arrive by one of the nation's three international airports: Naypyidaw Airport in the new capital, Yangon International Airport in the old one, and Mandalay International Airport (Myanmar's biggest) in the former royal capital.

Booking a Ticket

Myanmar's major domestic carriers allow online bookings on their sites. You can choose from Golden Myanmar Airlines , Mann Yadanarmpon Airlines , Myanmar Airways , Myanmar National Airways , and Yangon Airways .

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to get around Myanmar—it's also one of the priciest. Consider the major transport route between Yangon and Mandalay: high-season one-way flights might cost up to $110 and take 1 1/2 hours to complete, compared to the train between the two cities that take up to 16 hours to complete, but cost upward of $50 for an upper-class sleeper, or $15 for the lowest class available.

Key Airports in Myanmar

The following airports travel directly to (or close to) Myanmar's primary travel destinations.

• Yangon International Airport (RGN): A major international and domestic flight hub, for access to Yangon, city sights like Shwedagon Pagoda , and southern Myanmar.
• Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Myanmar's second established international gateway and domestic flight hub for the country's center.
• Bagan-Nyaung-U Airport (NYU): Fly here for access to Old Bagan and its temples .
• Heho Airport (HEH): Main air gateway for travelers to Shan State—including the hiking town of Kalaw, the rustic town of Pindaya, and the massive Inle Lake .
• Thandwe Airport (SNW): Closest airport to Ngapali Beach—tourists to this top Myanmar beach regularly travel from Yangon during the high season.

Significant routes, like Yangon-Mandalay and Bagan-Yangon, fly all year round. The same can't be said of flights to or between smaller airports, which may be canceled in the lean season.

Traveling in Myanmar by Train

With some 6,200 miles of rail laid out from north to south, Myanmar's train network reaches major destinations through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country—though the travel experience may be slower and bumpier than other alternatives.

Travel Classes

Depending on your budget, desired comfort level, and availability on the rail line, train passengers can choose from one of the travel classes listed here, sorted from the cheapest to the most expensive.

• Ordinary class: the least expensive class crowds you together with locals and their baggage on bare wooden benches
• First-class: only one step up from ordinary class, offering cushioned wooden benches
• Upper-class: provides larger cushioned seats
• Standard sleeper: private compartments with two- and four-berth arrangements in separate sleeper carriages; only available on Yangon-Mandalay and Mandalay-Myitkyina routes
• Special sleeper: private compartments with own separate entrance, toilet, sitting and sleeping areas; only available on Yangon-Mandalay and Yangon-Bagan routes

Buying Tickets

The Myanmar train system has no native online booking service—third-party sellers like 12Go have stepped in to fill the breach—so buying passage at the departure station remains the surest way to get a ticket. You will need to show your passport to purchase a ticket.

Ordinary and first-class tickets may be purchased one day in advance, upper-class tickets three days in advance, and sleepers a week in advance. Book these as early as you can, doubly so if your trip coincides with major Myanmar holidays .

Tickets may cost anywhere from 1,000 kyats (around 75 cents) to 12,750 kyats (around $9), depending on the travel class and route. Prices will be charged in Myanmar kyat, with foreigners enjoying the same rate as locals. You'll be assigned a seat number, whatever class you buy, so you're guaranteed a reserved seat.

Popular Train Routes

These slow but scenic train rides take you to some of Myanmar's top sights (if you have time to spare).

• Yangon-Mandalay: the most popular route on the network connects Myanmar's two biggest cities. Cars are clean and air-conditioned (unlike the rest of the system). Expect a 15-hour trip; an upgrade will shorten the journey to by six-plus hours by 2023.
• Thazi-Kalaw-Inle Lake: Disembark at the Thazi station of the Yangon-Mandalay line, then board another train that heads to Taunggyi in 11 hours, passing by Kalaw and Shwe Nyaung (gateway to Inle Lake)
• Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin-Hsipaw: The most gorgeous landscapes in Myanmar unfold on this route, passing Shan State's hills and some terrifying hairpin bends before running over the soaring Gokteik Viaduct. The trip takes 10-15 hours from end to end.

If riding on any of these routes, prepare for the long haul: pack a blanket, pillow, and a cache of food and water for your trip. Train compartments can be dirty and smelly; the bathrooms can be an ordeal.

Traveling in Myanmar by Bus

The VIP bus experience in Myanmar manages a nice balance between air travel's high cost and train travel's lack of creature comforts. For fares about a tenth of a plane ticket covering the same distance, travelers can sleep in relative comfort on an air-conditioned overnight bus.

Keep in mind that the experience is all relative: the air conditioning can be near-Arctic, and the Burmese music videos blaring on the bus TV may be lacking all volume control. But the bus may offer your only affordable travel option for specific destinations: it's on you to grin and bear it.

Types of Buses

There's more to Myanmar buses than just the "VIP" variant—two other, cheaper alternatives exist.

• VIP bus: These buses offer three reclining seats per row. They're air-conditioned but have no bathrooms (that's what the rest stops are for).
• Ordinary bus: Ths is the usual option for Myanmar citizens and more adventurous tourists. These buses are often very crowded.
• Minibus: These seat between eight to 20 passengers and cover short inter-city distances, sometimes picking up passengers from their hostels or hotels.

Individual bus lines like Shwe Mandalar and JJ Express offer online booking, but third-party sites like MyanmarBusTicket and Klook provide a smoother user experience. You can also ask your Myanmar hotel to book the trip for you.

Depending on the class and length of your trip, tickets will cost 6,000 kyats ($4.30) to 30,000 kyats ($22).

Tips for Bus Travel

Before booking a bus-based Myanmar itinerary, keep these tips in mind:

• Get to the bus station early. Most bus stations are located a fair distance from their respective city centers. This writer spent two hours in Yangon traffic getting to the Aung Mingalar Bus Station for his trip to Bagan.
• Put together a comfort kit for long-haul sleeper routes. Eyeshades, thick socks, earplugs, a blanket, and snacks are all must-haves.
• Don't ask, "are we there yet?" Superstitious Burmese think it's bad luck to ask about arrival times, so keep your questions to yourself.

Traveling in Myanmar by River Boat

The Irrawaddy River flows by some of Myanmar's most historic cities. This mighty waterway has influenced Burmese history for millennia, facilitating trade, transportation, and warfare for successive empires.

Types of Boats

Local travelers often book a trip on the slow ferries with their low costs and corresponding low comfort levels. (This is how locals mostly travel on the Irrawaddy.) Fast boats with onboard meals and drinks cater to tourists; unlike slow boats, fast boats work only in the daylight hours. Inland Water Transit is a government body that offers the highest number of routes, on fast and slow boats alike.

Private operators focus on shorter routes, with their fleets of fast boats: Malikha River Cruises travels between Bagan and Mandalay, along with MGRG Express , which also offers a Mandalay-Bhamo fast boat experience.

Luxury boat cruises offer a bespoke travel experience on five-star river cruisers (and five-star prices). Cruise providers of this class include the Strand Cruise , Belmond Road to Mandalay , Sanctuary Ananda , and Heritage Line Anawrahta .

River Itineraries

The longest Irrawaddy River expedition commutes between Yangon and Mandalay, with a changeover at Pyay. The trip covers an eye-watering 262 miles and five days; unless you're riding on a luxury cruise boat, this is not the trip for you if you're in a hurry!

Shorter trips, like the 11-hour Mandalay-Bagan fast boat and one-hour Nyaung-U to Pakkoku, avoid eating into your stay too much, while giving you a fair boating experience to remember.  

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Home » Southeast Asia » Travel Safety

Is Myanmar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

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

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

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

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

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

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How Safe is Myanmar? (Our take)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places to avoid in Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Myanmar safe to travel for families?

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

The main concern? HYGIENE.

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

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

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

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

Is it safe to drive in Myanmar?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Uber safe in Myanmar?

No Uber here.

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

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

But generally, Grab is safe in Myanmar.

Are taxis safe in Myanmar?

The taxis are  generally safe  in Myanmar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is public transportation in Myanmar safe?

Yes, public transport in Myanmar is safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the food in Myanmar safe?

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

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

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

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

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No. Not really. Not at all, actually.

You CAN’T drink the water in Myanmar.

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

Is Myanmar safe to live?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Myanmar?

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

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

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

Is Myanmar LGBTQ+ friendly? 

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

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

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

Is Myanmar safe for female solo travellers?

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

What should you avoid in Myanmar?

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

What are the most dangerous areas in Myanmar?

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

Is Myanmar safe for inexperienced travellers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monique MacPhail

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18 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Michael,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Its a fascinating place, have a great time!

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

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

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

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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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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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Backpacking in Myanmar – Your Most Comprehensive Budget Travel Guide

Featured , Myanmar

Last Updated on: Feb 10, 2023  

About this blog: Myanmar is a beautiful country. A 2 weeks backpacking in Myanmar took us to some of the best places in the country. In this blog, we will share about travelling to Myanmar, mainly backpacking in Myanmar. This comprehensive Myanmar Travel Guide with our trip highlights is one of the most comprehensive ones and has all the necessary information for budget travel in Myanmar as well as some handy tips.

Exploring and backpacking in Myanmar was thus on our bucket list for a long time. There are beautiful pagodas all over. And then there are lakes, floating villages, breathtaking landscapes, the Irrawaddy and smiling people who welcomed us with open hearts. Myanmar is one of the most culturally exciting places in Southeast Asia. 

Backpacking in Myanmar was like a dream come true. When we came to know that we can travel from India to Myanmar by road, we decided that we have to go there. The excitement of doing the unknown was great. It was our Grand Myanmar Road Trip where we explored the major places of Myanmar by buses, cars, trains and cruise.

Myanmar at a Glance | Pin this for a later read!

Myanmar – Then and Now

Myanmar has long been considered a pariah state when it was under military rule from 1962 to 2011. Very few tourists ever visited the country and even travel agents had boycotted Myanmar in the fear that tourist funding is not helping the locals but is actually fattening the treasury of the militants! After 2010, gradual liberalization began and the free elections were held in 2015. Since then, tourist inflow has also increased. But somehow Myanmar is still under the scanner with the army operations in the Rakhine state.

So a lot of eyebrows were raised when we decided to visit Myanmar. Advice and warnings poured in. And this brings to the question – is it ethical to visit Myanmar and is it safe?

Is it Ethical to Visit Myanmar?

This is a pertinent question that you might face before travelling to Myanmar. With the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and the stand of the country on the same, it might seem to be a difficult moral choice whether or not to visit Myanmar.

Whether you want to travel to Myanmar is your personal decision. But the rest of Myanmar is separated from the region and there is no effect of conflict in the rest of the country. We would just like to say that tourism is helping the locals of Myanmar in a positive way after the liberation from military rule.

Is Myanmar Safe to Travel?

Yes. Myanmar is very safe to travel. Myanmar is now trying to attract tourists. Most of the main regions of Myanmar are quite safe to travel. Our personal experience says that the Burmese are quite helpful. We have not felt unsafe for a moment even when we did not actually know how the roads would be.

We had taken the land route to visit Myanmar. We had crossed the border at Moreh in Manipur and travelled to Mandalay by road. We did not have any previous point of reference about the roads and its conditions. We trusted our gut and travelled.

Infrastructure in Myanmar is beginning to grow. Myanmar now has first-class bus services between main towns. Sim cards are also easily available. There are a few restricted areas for foreigners to visit and permits are required. (List Restricted Areas of Myanmar)

Travelling in Myanmar was a great learning experience. The best part was that we did not know what was there ahead of us. While the language barrier was evident, the friendly locals made up for that. Every step we took, each journey in Myanmar was a learning process for us as travellers. Visit Myanmar with an open mind. You will come back with a fonder heart.

Is it Myanmar or Burma?

It is both. This southeast Asian country is known by both the names. While Burma more caters to the British colonial past, Myanmar is the name given by the Military government in 1989 after thousands were killed in an uprising. Many names were changed across the country. Rangoon became Yangon, Ayeyarwady became Irrawaddy, Moulmein became Mawlamyine. However, both the names are used interchangeably.

However, Burma describes only the ethnic Burmese, Myanmar is supposed to take in all those who are living in the country. Politically, Myanmar is the name, though we usually use both the names. 

Where is Myanmar located?

Myanmar or Burma is that Southeast Asian country which is yet to see the large influx of tourism. The country is bordered on the north and northeast by China, on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand and on the west by Bangladesh and India. The southern part of Myanmar lies the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Myanmar Travel Map

India and Myanmar

Myanmar or Burma as it was earlier called has a special connection with India. India has long since had a historical and cultural relationship with Myanmar. The cultural exchange included Buddhism and the Burmese script whose alphabets were adapted from the Grantha script. The last emperor of India Bahadur Shah Zafar breathed his last at Yangon. So much so that we have Bollywood songs that speak of Rangoon (Yangon).

How to get Visa for Myanmar?

You would need a Visa to visit the country. Indians can visit Tamu near Moreh in Manipur and Rhikhawdar near Zokhawtar in Mizoram without a visa. But going beyond these places would require a Visa.

Visa on arrival is available in Myanmar only for business travellers. But it is quite easy to obtain an e-visa. You can apply for a Myanmar Visa online . We got our e-visa within 3 days of application. A 28-days visa would take USD 50. Make sure your passport is valid for six months.

You can also obtain Myanmar Visa from Myanmar Consulate in your city.

What is the best Time to Visit Myanmar?

Myanmar essentially has a tropical climate having distinct wet and dry seasons. The country has warm to hot summers and mild winters.

We visited during October and got mixed weather. While Mandalay received rain and in Bagan, it rained for a day. We missed the sunset in both Mandalay and Bagan due to bad weather. However, the second day in Bagan was full of sunshine and Yangon had great weather.

How to reach Myanmar?

The most common way of entry to Myanmar is by flights. Flights from Southeast Asian countries to Myanmar are quite affordable. There are 3 international airports in Myanmar – Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar has multiple land border entries as well. Currently, it is possible to travel freely overland between the Myanmar borders with India and Thailand. The border crossing with Laos is remote and requires special permission which is also quite uncertain. The borders with Bangladesh and China are closed to foreigners.

India-Myanmar Overland Border crossing

There are two open border crossings connecting Myanmar and India. Both accept e-visas, require no special travel permits and are not in areas of restricted travel.

Moreh is in the state of Manipur, India while Tamu falls in western Sagaing Division. We had taken this route to visit Myanmar.

Read here to know about travelling from India to Myanmar by road .

Remember, to visit Manipur in India, one requires an ILP (for Indians) and PAP (for foreigners).

Zokawthar/Rikhawdar

Zokawthar lies in Champhai district of Mizoram, India while Rikhawdar is in the remote northwestern Chin State of Myanmar.

Myanmar – Thailand border crossing

4 Myanmar/Thailand border crossings are open for travellers.

•  Mae Sot (Tak province, Thailand) – Myawaddy (Kayin state, Myanmar)
• Mae Sai (Chiang Rai Province, Thailand) – Tachileik (Shan State, Myanmar)
• Ranong (Ranong Province, Thailand) and Kawthaung (Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar)
• Phunaron (Phu Nam Ron) (Thailand – nearest town Kanchanaburi) – Htee Kee (Tanintharyi Division, Myanmar – nearest town Dawei). This border is remote and e-Visa is not a valid entry at this border.

Read our detailed Guide on India to Thailand via Myanmar by road to know more about border crossing.

Remember, for e-Visa you have to mention the intended entry point in the eVisa application. You can enter from a different point but then it will take a longer time to process your Visa on arrival.

You can exit from any of the International Airports or land border checkpoints as this does not require to be mentioned upfront. 

Getting around Myanmar

Long Distance

For travelling across cities, you have the option to take buses, trains, private taxis and flights.

Buses in Myanmar

For backpacking in Myanmar and budget travel, we feel the best way to travel across cities in Myanmar is by buses. Myanmar has first rated bus services. JJ Express and Elite Buses are quite comfortable and we found them to be better than bus service in India. The buses have reclining seats, provide blankets, a bottle of water and snacks too.

Most of the buses travel overnight, which we thought was great.  We would not lose the day of sightseeing in this way. But it also has a negative side to it. The buses will arrive at the cities at some odd hour in the morning and you will not be able to check in to your hotel or hostel until 2PM. So if you want to take a nap, there is a long waiting time!

We happened to reach Mandalay early in the morning and could only check in to our hostel at 2PM. We kept our bags at the hostel and went out for sightseeing. Thankfully, the hostel allowed us to use the toilets.

How to book buses in Myanmar?

Most of the bus companies have online sites. We had booked our bus tickets from JJ Express. You can also ask your hotel/hostel to get bus tickets for you. But that will incur an extra cost in the form of commission. So it is better to book your buses online.

You can also turn up at the local bus station and buy your ticket there. But do this only if you know the schedule of the buses. Most of the bus stations are outside the town. It is not a good idea to pay for an expensive taxi and get back to the city again.

The bus stations are usually far from the main town . Most of the time, either pick-up or drop to your hostel is provided by the bus companies. So double check it.

Buses and Toilet Breaks

Bus journeys in Myanmar can be long, taking upto 10-12 hours. And the buses do not have toilets on board. But the buses provide regular toilet breaks after every few hours. Just be aware that most of the toilets are squat toilets although you will find Western ones also in a few places. Do carry toilet paper with you.

The air vents in the buses make the temperature really cold in the buses. Even though the buses provide a blanket, you need to wear a warm layer to beat that cold. Wear them, especially if you are travelling in winter.

Trains in Myanmar

We always find train journeys to be very beautiful. Trains in Southeast Asia can be quite unique and a perfect opportunity to get an insight into the local people and culture. It is the same no doubt in the case of Myanmar. The trains run across beautiful landscapes, but the trains are quite slow . So unless you really want a train journey experience, you might want to avoid the trains.

Do not look for air conditioned coaches. It is better to book a First Class ticket on the train as it is going to save a lot of hassles. For overnight journeys, an ordinary class is not recommended.

We had taken the train ride from Bagan to Yangon. It was a good 17 hours of the train journey. We had booked in 1st Class. While the seats were good and linen and pillows were provided and we got an entire coupe to us, the fan in the compartment did not work.

The trains in Myanmar are still left in the past. There are coups and a well dressed attendant came to carry our luggage to your cabin. He also came at intervals to check on us and to give us our dinner at night.

If you love train journeys and the nostalgia of the trains, only then take an overnight train in Myanmar. Otherwise, buses are more comfortable and cheaper too . You can always take a circular train ride in Yangon if you want to experience Myanmar Railways.

How to book trains in Myanmar?

In Myanmar, you can book tickets online. We had booked our train ticket from Go-Myanmar.com . They would issue an online confirmation of the ticket. You would require sending them the copy of your passport and the address of your hotel. They send the paper tickets to the hotel from where you can collect the tickets. Paper tickets are valid documents for travelling by train.

We took the slow train from Bagan to Yangon and also wanted to take the slow cruise ride. But it did not fall into place somehow.

Private Taxis

You can hire a private taxi to take you to the next destinations. But unless it is absolutely necessary, it is better to avoid them. There are no fixed fares and the prices are fixed at the spot on the whim of the driver. You have to negotiate a lot. You would be needing taxis to go to and fro the airport or bus station. 

Within the city – Local Transport

Local transport in Myanmar is slowly developing and sometimes travelling within the city can become quite a task.

If you are travelling within the town, you can take a taxi . Most of the taxi drivers now understand basic English. But as I said before, you have to negotiate a bit with the fare. But unlike the taxis for intercity travel, taxi fares within the city are a bit more regulated. At Yangon we had asked different taxi drivers at different places and they gave us more or less the same price for renting the car for a full day.

Bigger cities like Yangon and Mandalay have good bus services, but it will be quite a task to get on the bus if you do not know Burmese. All the road signs and those on the buses are in Burmese. We found a peculiarity about the buses in Myanmar. Vehicles move on the right side of the road. And the buses have doors on the left side (like that in India where vehicles move on the left side of the road). It seemed that suddenly one day the Burmese authorities decided to stop moving the vehicles on the left and start moving them on the right side of the road. And then they did not change the buses!

Tuktuks or autos are also an option for short distances. Again, here also you have to haggle with the price.

You can also rent bikes at some of the places like Bagan, Mandalay and Inle. Bikes can be rented from your hotel or hostel as well as rental shops. 

Getting off-the-beaten track in Myanmar

Getting off-the-beaten track in Myanmar is not easy. Myanmar is not open for exploration everywhere. Parts of Chin state and Mon state are restricted areas for foreigners and you have to get approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs &/or Ministry of Tourism before you can travel there. See the list here .

Best Places to visit in Myanmar

1. mandalay – the last royal capital of myanmar.

Mandalay was the last royal capital of Myanmar. Myanmar’s second biggest city has a charm of its own. Surrounded by hills and numerous pagodas, the city is all about the beautiful temples, lakes and old cities.

There are a lot of things to do in Mandalay , but do not miss the U-Bein Bridge and the sunset from Mandalay Hill.

2. Yangon , the Business Hub

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most important attractions in Myanmar as well as in Yangon . The largest city of Myanmar and the erstwhile capital of the country, Yangon is the bustling economic capital of Myanmar. Yangon is quite similar to Kolkata in India and we felt that they are twin cities built by the British. Other interesting places to visit in Yangon are the Sule Pagoda, Kandwagyi Lake, Downtown among many others.

All those breathtaking pictures of hot air balloons over the old temples in Bagan are in a way synonymous with Myanmar. Endless temples, hot air balloons, huge Buddha statues awaited us at Bagan. More than 3000 Buddhist temples and pagodas are scattered across the plains of Bagan, which was the site of the first Burmese kingdom.

Rent an e-bike and explore Bagan completely. The sunrise and sunsets of Bagan over the pagodas are world famous and should not be missed. Hot-air balloon ride is one of the most coveted things in Bagan, but it is not exactly for budget travellers. We were instead happy to see the sunrise from the temple top and see the balloons fly in the distance!

4. Inle Lake

Inle is perhaps the most beautiful place that we visited in Myanmar. The sprawling and laidback Inle Lake is a sharp contrast to the bustling Yangon. Tucked in a valley and surrounded by canals and water bodies, Inle is a backpackers’ delight .

Inle Lake is so awe-inspiring that every visitor has something to take from here. Whether the water surrounded pagodas and temples, or the markets and floating villages, Inle is beautiful in all respects. If you have more time, then hike to the remote areas of Inle.

5. Hsipaw (famous for the train ride crossing Gokteik Viaduct)

Hsipaw is more known for short treks to Shan and Palaung villages. These treks lead to small villages, waterfalls, fields and also hot springs. Hsipaw is a historic town and was the home to the Shan princes once upon a time. Hsipaw has its own Little Bagan with old stupas, though not as impressive as Bagan. There is a 3-day trek from Hsipaw to Kalaw. 

Also, you can take the train from Pyin Oo Lwin to or Hsipaw to get some of the most amazing views of the country. The famous Gokteik Viaduct falls during this train journey.

Kalaw is just the place for exploring Myanmar countryside. There are several trekking routes in the region. You can hike through the hills and meet the friendly locals while enjoying the monasteries, sceneries and quaint villages. There is a trek route from Kalaw to Inle lake for 3 days.

7. Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach does not fall in the most common tourist circuit of Myanmar. This beautiful beach with swaying palm trees, tempting blue waters and white sand is a welcome break from the pagodas and temples that we see so much around Myanmar.

Mrauk-u is the second most important archaeological site after Bagan in Myanmar. The temples here are quite different from that in Bagan. The temples have thick walls and are made mostly of stones unlike Bagan where bricks are used.  The place is culturally and historically quite important for Myanmar and it was the capital of the Arakan kingdom. Mrauk-u has some beautiful countryside consisting of Chin villages.

However, Mrauk-u lies in the conflicted Rakhine state and is currently out of bound to travellers. There is however conflicting news about the place being closed to foreign travellers. But I would suggest you drop the plan to visit this place for the time being. 

2 weeks Backpacking in Myanmar – Our Itinerary

Myanmar is a big country and has such diverse attractions like temples, lakes, mountains and virgin beaches; that a mere 14 days does not do justice. But since we have a job back home, we saw the best of Myanmar in these 2 weeks. What’s more, we also celebrated Durga Puja at Yangon!

So here was our travel route in Myanmar:

Moreh (India) – Tamu – Mandalay – Bagan – Yangon – Inle – Mandalay – Tamu – Moreh

Myanmar Backpacking – Travel Advices

Money matters : what currencies can be used in myanmar.

The Myanmar currency is Kyat (pronounced as Chat). INR 1 was around 20-21 Kyats when we visited Myanmar. Kyats come in notes of value K50, K100, K200, K500, K1000, K5000 and K10000. There are no coins in Myanmar.

You can use both Dollars ($) and Kyats (MMK) in Myanmar. Initially, Myanmar used to accept US Dollars from tourists, but now they have started accepting Kyats from travellers as well. Infact, most of the hostels expected that we paid in Dollars.

But if you are bringing in dollars anyways, you have to bring in crisp, uncreased, unmarked, unfolded and fresh currency notes. That is a lot to ask. Also, pre-2006 dollar bills or ones with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number might not be accepted or exchanged (Don’t ask me why). So if you are carrying USD, carry them in pristine and flat condition. 

Where can I exchange money in Myanmar? 

You can exchange the dollars at Kyats in local banks of larger cities and at the airports. In Yangon, you can head to Bogyoke Aung San Market and exchange your currencies. There are numerous money changing shops here and they offer competitive rates. But visit the market before 4PM as these shops tend to close by that time.

Do not exchange money from the money exchangers on the street.

Travellers’ cheques are usually not accepted in Myanmar.

ATMs in Myanmar

Myanmar now has a number of ATMs in all the major cities and tourist destinations. We saw a number of ATMs at Bagan, Yangon and Inle. These ATMs now accept almost all international bank and credit cards.

ATMs in Myanmar dispense Kyat only . So you can withdraw the local currency from the ATMs.

Quite naturally, there is a fee involved with withdrawal of cash. For ATM cash withdrawals, there is typically a K5000 ($3) transaction fee, and a withdrawal limit of K300000 ($200) per transaction in addition to the fees that your bank may charge. So for every transaction, there will be a fee of $4-5.

You might not find ATMs in smaller towns in Myanmar. So keep cash ready for these places for you never know when the ATMs run dry or there is internet failure.

When to use Dollar and when to use Kyat

Typically dollars are used to pay your accommodation in Myanmar and transport like flights and luxury buses. Some high-end restaurants can also expect dollars. But otherwise, Kyats are good to use in Myanmar.

We exchanged our money at Moreh and used Kyats in all our transactions in Myanmar without any problem. We also exchanged money at Bogyoke Aung San Market at a good rate.

Is Myanmar expensive? Myanmar Budget Travel Tips

This is one of the major questions that most of you would have in mind. For Indians, the flight cost to Myanmar takes a major chunk of the budget. Otherwise, Myanmar is quite budget friendly and backpacking in Myanmar can be done on a budget. We will give a break up of our cost to travel in Myanmar.

Accommodation

We stayed at budget hostels and guesthouses. All our hostels were within 20000-22000 Kyats.

Budget stay: Dorms – $10-15, Double room – $25-30

Midrange: $35-50

High end: $60+

Food: There are many options to eat in Myanmar. We tried local restaurants while we were outdoors. Some of the nights we utilized the kitchen of the hostel also. Breakfasts were provided at the hostels. For lunch, we ate at the local restaurants. We would spend around $10 for food everyday.

Travel: It took a major chunk of the budget. Since there were three of us, we rented cars for sightseeing at Mandalay and Yangon. We also took a cruise ride at Bagan.

Backpacking in Myanmar | How much does it cost to travel?

Entrance Fees in Myanmar

A few of the pagodas have entrance fees for foreigners. And then there are the Archaeological Zone Fees.

A few of the pagodas have camera fees of 200-300 Kyats

Sim Cards in Myanmar

Earlier, Sim cards were a luxury in Myanmar. I remember our walking tour guide say that even 5 years back, Sim cards would cost as high as $260! But now, after Myanmar has opened up to tourism, Sim cards are easily available and the network is quite good. We took a Telenor Sim Card at 3000 Kyats (only around 1.9$) and 1 GB data took another 3000 Kyats. 1 GB data was sufficient for our 2 weeks trip as most of the hostels have a good wifi connection. But the same cannot be said in the case of the restaurants.

Food in Myanmar

The Burmese cuisine is quite diverse and is highly influenced by the neighbouring cultures. A traditional Burmese platter would contain rice, a curry, salad and a number of side dishes. We used to order rice and chicken or pork. Along with it came a number of other dishes which would invariably have a dried fish preparation, soup, salad made of fermented tea leaves and a lentil or bean preparation. The Burmese curries are mostly oily. You can also try the various types of noodles.

There are a number of Indian restaurants at Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay, though I did not see one in Inle.

Street food at these places is quite famous among the locals. The food shops in the corner never seem to be empty. Yangon also has a 2 km stretch where only street food is sold. But you need to have a strong stomach to try these.

Most of the hostels serve breakfast. There is usually one Burmese item at breakfast. Bread, coffee and tea are also served and you can have them as much as you want.

Do you get vegetarian food in Myanmar?

You will find vegetarian food at the Indian restaurants at Yangon and Mandalay. In Yangon, there are a couple of South Indian restaurants also. In smaller towns, the restaurant might have some veg items on their menu. But fruits like bananas, apples are easily available in Myanmar. Bakery items like cakes, buns and bread are also very easily available and they taste great.

Things to know before visiting Myanmar

• In Myanmar, you have to remove your shoes before entering the house of your host . Infact, in hostels too, you have to leave the shoes outside at the shoe rack.
• Also remember, there will be a lot of walking barefoot . While entering the pagodas, you have to keep your shoes outside.
• The head is considered to be the most important part of the human body. Do not touch anyone’s head, even that of children. It is seen as a sign of aggression.
• While accepting anything (even money), use your right hand to receive while holding the forearm with your left hand. Do this while giving also. This shows respect and courtesy. I was doing this back in India also for a few days after I came back from Myanmar.
• Tipping is not usually expected in Myanmar. But you can always give some tips if you are happy with the service.
• Respect their traditions and customs and pack some temple clothes. While visiting the pagodas and religious shrines, keep your shoulders and knees covered. In short, do not wear half pants and sleeveless dresses.
• Carry your sun hat and sunscreen wherever you go. There is a lot of walking in the sun.
• The Burmese are lovely people and are always smiling. They quite happily pose for photographs. Asking money for taking photographs has not yet gotten into them. But if possible, take their permission before taking a photograph.
• You will face the fishermen of Inle Lake asking for tips while giving those balancing poses. If you wish to take photographs, you might have to shell out a few bucks.
• Smile a lot and interact with the locals. Most of them know very little English and this is one of the major problems of tourism in Myanmar. But a smile says a lot and helps too.
• Be ready for the snarling traffic in Mandalay and Yangon.
• Alcohol is widely available in Myanmar. You will find beer stations at almost every town. There will be someone sitting at the table whatever be the time of the day it is.
• In Myanmar, you will see almost everyone has applied something on their cheeks. This paste is known as Thanaka . Made from tree bark, it is a great sunscreen and gives a cooling sensation and protects from sunburn. You can try applying it in your face. I don’t know about its sunscreen properties, but it really feels good and gives a cooling sensation.

A few important Burmese words that you should know

We had a tough time at the local restaurants to explain what we wanted to eat. They took us to their kitchen and we had to show them what we wanted. Here are a few words that are good to know.

• Hello – min-ga-la-ba
• Goodbye – thaw:-meh-naw
• Thank you – kyei-zu-bah
• Where is – beh-hma-leh
• How much is it? – beh-lau-leh
• Bill – báu-cha
• Menu – mi.nù

Backpacking in Myanmar (FAQs Answered)

Travelling in Myanmar is very cheap. Backpacking in Myanmar is quite popular and you can explore Myanmar on a shoestring budget. Public transport is quite cheap, food is also cheap at the local eateries and there are hostels for accommodation across Myanmar. 

Myanmar is safe to travel. Myanmar is now attracting tourists and is developing the tourist infrastructure well. Avoid going to conflicted areas on your visit and you will have a safe and wonderful time in Myanmar. Please note: Due to Covid-19, we do not recommend travelling to Myanmar as of now. 

Myanmar is pretty safe for solo female travellers, just as anywhere in the world. You are unlikely to encounter problems here. The locals are friendly and helpful. However, adhere to the dress code in this Buddhist country.

The best time to visit Myanmar is the winter months from November to March. October is also a good time and is just the beginning of the tourist season. 

June to October is the wettest season in Myanmar with a high rainfall. The months between June to August experience heavy and longer periods of rainfall, particularly on the Bay of Bengal coast, Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta region.

Two weeks in Myanmar is ideal for exploring Myanmar. You can visit most of the attractions within this time. If you have less time, you can still have a great experience in Myanmar, but it would need better planning. At least 5 days are required to visit Myanmar’s two best destinations.

If you are on a budget, then you will probably spend $25-35 per day in Myanmar including your food, stay and local transport.

It is recommended to dress conservatively in Myanmar. Most of the pagodas like Schwedagon Paya have a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees need to remain covered. Ladies need to pack conservative clothes. Shoes are not allowed inside the pagodas. As the temperature remains warm most of the year, it is recommended to wear light and airy clothes.

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese, spoken by the majority of the people. You will find English speaking people in all the main cities and touristy places like Bagan and Inle. However, in small towns and villages and offbeat places, you will find fewer people speaking English. 

Myanmar is a wonderful place to visit. The place is still relatively new to tourism. If you have any questions about travel and backpacking in Myanmar, do let us know.

If you liked this post, please share this with your friends, family and neighbours.

Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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54 comments.

I want to thank you for this very good read!!

Got thrilled after reading your tale of overland trip to Myanmar and Thailand from India. Excited to know about so adventurous couple and enthusiastic about traveling

Thank you so much for your kind words. Please keep reading our blog for more travel stories.

This is the most well described and informative article about Myanmar that has ever been mentioned. Myanmar has a very rich. history and also a very delicious and rich cuisine.

I’m so happy I found this. Definitely the most informative piece I’ve found about Myanmar on a blog yet. Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Thank you Agni & Amrita for your detailed info. It was very helpful. Hope I would visit someday.

Thank you so much! I hope you visit soon.

Now Myanmmar is on my list. I like their cuisine. The architecture looks beautiful also. It would be worth a long visit to see the quiet culture.

Yes, Myanmar is so beautiful. Hope you visit there soon.

This is very well written article on Myanmar. Is possible to go by own car? How much does carnet and escort service charge? I agency / agent help us in getting these?

Very well written. You have captured almost all the relevant information like visas, currencies and internal transport. Bagan and Yangon are extremely high on my list. I really hope that I get to go there soon and when I do, will be referring back to this.

Thank you Ami. Myanmar is a beautiful country.

Myanmar never crossed my thoughts in travel plans and you have just explained why! I have heard that its expensive to visit and appreciate the breakdown of costs you share. You put together such a detailed accounting of your travel , it must have taken a lot of time and effort. In the end this is such a helpful post.

Thanks Adele. Myanmar eluded us exactly for the same reason. But once we went there, we found, it is not at all costly.

This is a very helpful post even if you are not looking to go backpacking to Myanmar and thinking of a few days on this beautiful country. I have this on my to visit places and this post surely helps me plan better. I would love to visit starting with the more commercial Yangon and then onto Mandalay. The food scene is another reason why I want to visit this country. Thanks for sharing a very informative post.

Thank you Amar! I am glad that the post helped.

That Myanmar-Thailand railroad sounds ambitious, almost a bridge too far. On the subject of bridges, that private car ride to Mandalay sounds like an epic pain. Expensive and all night on bad roads. At least you persevered and had a great trip.

Yes, the private car was a bit pain. But compared to the flight costs from India and the rest of the tour, it was worth all the trouble. 🙂

I’ve only briefly read about the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, and it’s definitely an ambitious project! I love road trips as well, so I’ve loved reading about your road trip on the Friendship Highway. Myanmar is a beautiful country and there are so many things that I would love to see. Bagan and Yangon look like the two places that I would enjoy most. Great beginner’s guide to Myanmar!

Thank you Martha. We too enjoyed our road trip to Myanmar.

Wow.. thanks for this article. I honestly never imagined that a 10-day trip would cost anything less than 500 dollars! I liked the detailed explanation on things such as visas, security and currency. This is very helpful information to tourists planning to visit Myanmar.

Thank you Lora. I hope that this would help all those who want to plan a trip to Myanmar

Such a well planned and well thought out itinerary for Myanmar. Thank you for showing the breakdown of your expenses, it helps us to plan. I really enjoyed your photos. Bagan looks magical, what a great way to see the temples via a hot air balloon ride. I would love to spend some time on Inle Lake as well.

Thank you Jane. BAgan is truly magical and so is Inle Lake.

This looks like a fantastic guide to Myanmar. I haven’t really considered visiting the country yet but its good to know that it is safe and tourist-friendly. Also, an overnight journey in the first class sounds like a great way to cover some distance in a cheap way and also enjoy the nuances of a rail journey. Thanks for the tip on getting the eVisa before entering the country. Looks like it’ll have to be at least for a week when I plan my trip!

Thank you, Medha. Yes, you need to have at least a week in Myanmar. The more the better.

Hi many thanks for this invaluable piece. I hope I won’t face much problem at Tamu border point. My entry and exit point will be Tamu.

Thank you Deepak. I am sure you will enjoy Myanmar.

Such detailed itinerary and beautiful pictures .My heart is saying “let’s go”.

Thank you so much. Myanmar is indeed a lovely place.

A very helpful blog entry with lots of useful information. This infographic is really great! I would like to see all those places someday. They are on my list of places to visit.

Thank you! Hope the information helps the travellers.

This is a detailed itinerary and it is surely very helpful for planning my trip to Myanmar. I have been there two years back but I am surely bookmarking for referencing to others.

Thanks Shreya. I am sure you had a great time there even 2 years back!

I am tempted to visit Myanmar. Good, useful information.

Thank you Kirti!

Form the captures, to the itinerary to the infographic, everything about this post is just awesome. Thanks for a detailed and comprehensive post that is super interesting and helpful. Bookmarking for future reference.

What a detailed and comprehensive itinerary and travel guide for Myanmar – you’ve included so much information that will be useful to anyone travelling there 🙂 I haven’t been there yet, but maybe one day soon! x

This is such a detailed guide on Myanmar. We have it on our list and I think it’s time I should be planning a trip there. Your itinerary looks really effective. I am bookmarking it for referencing 🙂 The pictures look really amazing too!

Thank you Anjali! Its good to know that you found the guide useful.

Myanmar is such a fun country to visit. I always laugh seeing the photos of the fisherman doing their tricks for tourists. It’s hilarious watching them paddle normally until they see a tourist and then OOPS trick time. Love how easy it is to get a simcard now. Kinda a life saver for tourists.

Yes, Myanmar is a lovely place to visit. And now they are trying to become more tourist-friendly as well.

Oooh yesss, reading and seeing this makes me want to go back to Myanmar. Despite the fact that some terrible things happen inside the country it’s a magical country to go to. Would love to go back and explore more.

I guess things happen in almost every country. But Myanmar is definitely one of the most beautiful places.

Myanmar has always been on my bucket list of places to visit. Love your in depth content – will definitely save it for when I visit.

Thank you Diana.

This is so detailed I love it! The photos are beautiful too! Thank you for also sharing traditions we should respect when visiting. I had heard about the touching of the heads but not about what hand to use when giving/receiving. Super interesting.

What beautiful pictures! I am glad yall were safe there and it looks like a scenic place to visit

This is one of the most in-depth coverings of Myanmar that I have ever read. Thank you so much for all the amazing content.

Such a comprehensive guide! I’m hoping to visit Myanmar next year, so this will definitely come in handy! Love your pictures btw!

Wow, what a detailed itinerary of Myanmar. I love skimming through the entire blog for now. Why i said skimmed because I have already bookmarked it for my Myanmar Road Trip adventure.

Great read and Fabolous Shots

Thank you Debjani. You must visit Myanmar, i am sure you will love it.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Myanmar travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 5, 2024 07:28 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, myanmar - avoid all travel.

Safety and security situation

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Thingyan Water Festival

The Thingyan Water Festival will take place from April 15 to 17, 2024.

Civil unrest and politically motivated acts of violence may occur. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Political situation

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and declared a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country's governance. Martial law has been imposed in several townships. Curfews are in effect at specific locations and gatherings are banned.

Demonstrations take place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Security forces have been using excessive and lethal force against protesters in several locations. This has resulted in multiple casualties.

Civil unrest and acts of politically motivated violence may occur anywhere and at any time, particularly leading up to and during days or events of national significance. Improvised explosive devices have been used throughout the country, including in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Further attacks targeting public venues frequented by foreigners, such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, bars and restaurants are possible.

The political situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate further.

If you're in Myanmar:

• maintain a high level of vigilance at all times
• avoid unnecessary movement, especially on occasions of national significance
• regularly review your security practices
• follow political and social developments carefully
• monitor media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• plan to have adequate water and food supplies for at least 4 days
• charge your mobile phone in case of internet, communication and power outages
• avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
• expect roadblocks, searches and a heavy military presence

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

Myanmar's military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws, and may carry out random and arbitrary detentions without due process. If you are in Myanmar, you are at risk of arbitrary detention.

If you travel to or remain in Myanmar despite these risks:

• stay indoors
• maintain a low profile when going outside
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces
• comply with the regulations and guidelines from local authorities

Border areas with Thailand, China, Laos, Bangladesh and India

The security situation along the border varies and can change quickly.

Clashes between the military and armed groups are ongoing in several border regions. This has caused the displacements of hundreds of thousands of civilians to neighbouring countries.

Landmines are also a danger, particularly in border areas. Unmarked landmines can be found in many border regions and pose a significant risk to your safety.

If you travel to border areas despite this advisory:

• exercise extreme caution
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces as well as large gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Armed clashes

Since October 27, 2023, there has been an escalation of conflict in several parts of Myanmar. Multiple armed resistance groups have attacked regime security forces in Mandalay and Sagaing regions, and the following states:

• Kayah (formerly Karenni)

There has also been an increase in the number of attacks and regime airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties. The armed conflict is expected to continue and could expand to other states and regions and escalate. The security situation is highly volatile and additional violent attacks could occur at any time across the country.

Violent clashes between regime security forces and armed groups have resulted in:

• significant internal displacement
• disrupted access to supplies, cash and goods
• border crossing closures

If you are in Myanmar:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• expect heightened presence of security forces
• expect increased travel disruptions and roadblocks
• use your judgement to decide the best time and the safest means of exit if you need to move to a safer location
• monitor international media to stay informed about the latest developments and decrees

Disruptions to supply chains and the closing of border crossings in Myanmar may result in shortages of necessities.

• Keep a supply of water, food, medicine and cash on hand.

Chin (Paletwa Township), Kachin, Rakhine, and northern Shan States

Fighting between Myanmar regime military forces and non-state armed resistance groups is occurring in these areas and has resulted in a significant number of deaths, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians as well as disruptions to road and rail connections.

In August 2017, there were coordinated attacks on police and security forces in northern Rakhine state. Since December 2018, serious armed clashes between ethnic armed groups and the military have been occurring in parts of northern and central Rakhine State, including in the tourist destination of Mrauk U. Detonations of improvised explosive devices have taken place in Sittwe Township and on the road between Sittwe and Mrauk U.

Violence in the area is ongoing and the situation is volatile. The security situation can deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Travel restrictions

Travel to parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings, are strictly controlled by the Government of Myanmar. As such, there are some parts of the country where Canadian Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely without permission from the Myanmar government. The Canadian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited or delayed in these areas.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism maintains lists of permitted and restricted areas. Consult these lists prior to travelling to Myanmar, especially if you plan on travelling outside of popular tourist destinations.

Inter-communal violence

Inter-communal violence occurs. More than 200 people have been killed in religious violence since June 2012, and more than 140,000 have been displaced (mostly in Rakhine State). Attacks against religious buildings, shops, and homes have taken place in several areas, including the regions of Bago and Mandalay, resulting in injuries, deaths and displaced persons. Tensions remain high, and further violence is possible. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed or changed on short notice.

Incidents of violence, which resulted in injuries and damage to property, occurred in Mandalay in early July 2014. In late March 2014, violent protests targeting the staff and offices of international organizations took place in Sittwe, Rakhine State.

Security forces

The presence of police and security forces is likely to increase in Yangon and elsewhere in Myanmar on significant dates, including the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (September 26) and the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (August 8).

Violent crime

There have also been incidents of violent crime against foreigners including muggings.

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur. Scams involving gems and jewellery occur. Merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold later at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. The Government of Canada cannot assist in obtaining refunds for purchases made.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
• Carefully consider all purchases if you are not knowledgeable about gems and jewellery

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Monitor local media

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and riptides. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred.

Scuba diving

Exercise caution when considering diving excursions in Myanmar. Rented diving equipment may not meet internationally acceptable safety standards and may not be maintained adequately.

Water safety abroad

Tourists trekking in remote parts of the country have experienced difficulties with military authorities, even after obtaining prior permission.

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach, Yangon and Taunggyi, but limited elsewhere. Good hotel facilities exist in Nay Pyi Taw, but transportation is limited. Foreign tourists rarely visit Nay Pyi Taw and may be viewed with suspicion. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights and entry to tourist sites throughout the country.

Communications

Telephone services are unreliable in Yangon and are difficult to find in other areas. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. There are Internet cafés in Yangon; identification is required, access to certain websites is restricted and records of which websites users have visited are kept. While some websites were unblocked in 2011, many remain inaccessible. Electronic communications, including email, may be monitored by local authorities.

Public transportation

Public transportation within Myanmar, including air, rail and sea travel, often does not meet international safety standards. Railway equipment tends to be outdated, and fatal accidents have occurred. Boat and ferry accidents causing deaths are common. Vessels may be in poor condition and overloading is a common problem.

Road safety

Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Military checkpoints on roads are common.

The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. There is a combination of both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles in use throughout the country. Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Some roads can become impassable, particularly during the rainy season. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians and livestock to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Myanmar authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Myanmar.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required  Business visa: required

A visa is required for tourism and business purposes and is valid for 28 days . It should be obtained prior to travel at a Myanmar diplomatic mission. An eVisa  option and multiple-entry business visas are available.

The Myanmar government has created a visa-on-arrival program to allow select business travellers, including Canadians, to obtain a business visa upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport. Travellers are encouraged not to rely on this option, however, as the program’s requirements and eligibility criteria remain unclear. It is strongly recommended that all travellers, including business travellers, carefully verify visa requirements and options with the nearest Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before travelling.

Foreign journalists have had difficulty obtaining visas, and some have been denied entry upon arrival despite having received a visa. In the past, journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been denied entry when travelling on tourist visas, have been harassed and have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.

Travel to parts of Myanmar is strictly controlled by government authorities. Foreigners have been deported and detained for visa offences.

eVisa  - Myanmar's Ministry of Immigration and population

Port of entry

You should use the same port of entry (e.g. Yangon International Airport) to enter and exit Myanmar to avoid problems with immigration services.

Border crossings

There are few land border crossing points, and permission to cross these borders may be required in advance, through a process separate from the required visa application. Some government-authorized tour companies may be able to secure the appropriate permission from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Border crossings may close with little or no notice, and entry may be restricted to the nationals of the bordering states and/or to the immediate area or border town. Although travel to or from Myanmar via a land route is possible, Global Affairs Canada advises against travel to the border areas with China, Laos and Thailand. 

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Limited medical facilities are available in Yangon but may not meet Canadian standards and are very limited elsewhere in the country. Foreign prescription drugs are often counterfeit and are unsafe to use. There are no emergency neonatal services in Myanmar.

Medical evacuation is necessary for cases of serious illness or accident. Ensure that your travel health insurance covers medical evacuations. Doctors and hospitals may demand immediate cash payment for health services and medical evacuation. Make sure you have adequate/accessible cash to cover the cost of emergency needs.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

The Canadian embassy does not normally receive timely notification of the detention, arrest or deportation of Canadian citizens in Myanmar. If you are arrested or jailed you should request immediate contact with the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar. Research laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

A foreigner who has broken the law is subject to deportation upon payment of fine or completion of prison sentence.

Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. This includes any disrespectful treatment, depiction or image (including tattoos) of Buddha or other religious representation, or wearing any tattoo of Buddha anywhere below the waist. Foreign nationals have been sentenced to prison, fined and/or deported for breaking this law.

Missionary activities and the importation of religious materials are illegal without the written permission of the Myanmar authorities.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect imprisonment or a death sentence.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Under Myanmar's immigration act, tourists are required to stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest houses or resorts. You must show your passport and valid visa at domestic airports, train stations, hotels and security checkpoints. It is illegal to enter restricted areas without authorization.

Political activism

Political activism (including the dissemination of printed materials), protests, demonstrations and unauthorized assemblies are not tolerated in Myanmar. Freedom of speech and political activities are restricted, and the Myanmar government is very sensitive to any expression of opposition to its rule. Foreigners criticizing the regime in public may be arrested or detained.

Artifacts and gems

A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artifacts. It is illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched and imprisoned for attempting to take Myanmar gems out of the country.

Photography

Photography of scenes or people that could be considered politically sensitive, such as military installations, security personnel or demonstrations, is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested, deported and have their equipment confiscated. It is also illegal to fly a drone over certain religious installations.

International driving permits are not recognized in Myanmar. It is illegal to drive without a Myanmar driver's licence.

Imports and export

Customs officials strictly limit what is brought into and out of the country. Baggage is examined and may be searched upon arrival. It is illegal to enter or exit Myanmar with religious materials. Foreign currency in excess of US$10,000 must be declared upon arrival; failure to do so could result in imprisonment. Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers has been restricted. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure. Customs regulations on prohibited imports and exports are often unclear and further advice on this subject should be sought from the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Myanmar.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Myanmar authorities activated a 2010 conscription law that came into effect on February 10, 2024. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to military obligations requiring all men aged 18-35 and all women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years in the army, with possible extensions up to five years during a state of emergency. The current state of emergency began in February 2021 and has been extended to July 31, 2024. Future extensions are likely. There is no guarantee that travelling with a Canadian passport will provide protection from this law.

You may face up to three years in prison plus a fine, if you evade or ignore a summons to serve. The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian travellers avoid all travel to Myanmar and take this advice seriously.

The Embassy of Canada in Myanmar is extremely limited in its ability to assist Canadian citizens who might be detained in Myanmar.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize the risk of your Canadian citizenship being denied. You may also need to carry and present a Myanmar passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country.

Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada.

Travelling as a dual citizen

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Myanmar.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Myanmar by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Myanmar to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities or breaking the law.

Local customs  - Myanmar government

The currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). U.S. currency is widely accepted; however, only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes are accepted. Other foreign currencies are not accepted. There are a few official currency exchange offices in Yangon, including one at the Yangon International Airport. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations.

Carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses while in Myanmar. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Even where credit card facilities do exist, Internet connections may be too slow to enable credit cards to be a reliable payment method. Traveller's cheques are never accepted and debit cards are not used for direct purchases. It is possible to find some internationally linked ABMs in Myanmar, but the daily withdrawal limits are low and the machines are often out of service. Neither cash advances via credit or debit card nor cheque-cashing services are available.

Seismic activity

Myanmar is located in an active seismic zone and minor earthquakes are common.

Monsoons and typhoons

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flash flooding and landslides.

Cyclones usually occur between April and October. Severe rainstorms can result in significant loss of life, extensively damage infrastructure and hamper the provision of essential services.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons .

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 199
• medical assistance: 192
• firefighters: 191

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Blow for Myanmar’s military as rebels say hundreds have surrendered at key border town

Thailand PM says army is weakening after junta requests permission to land evacuation flight from Myawaddy across the border

Myanmar’s embattled military is on the brink of losing control of one of the country’s major border crossings, in another humiliating defeat to the junta.

Hundreds of soldiers have surrendered in the town of Myawaddy, near to the border with Thailand , according to opposition groups, while Myanmar junta authorities asked Thai officials for permission to land an evacuation flight across the border on Sunday. Thailand said it granted the request on humanitarian grounds, but clarified on Tuesday that it carried only cargo and no personnel, according to media reports.

Myawaddy, in Karen state, is one of the most important border crossings in Myanmar and crucial to the flow of goods between the country and Thailand. It has been controlled by the military for decades.

The likely loss of the township will be just the latest embarrassing blow for the military, which has also lost control of swathes of territory in the north of the country, along the border with China and India, as well as areas of western Rakhine state.

Thai prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, told Reuters the military junta was weakening.

“The current regime is starting to lose some strength … but even if they are losing, they have the power, they have the weapons,” Srettha said.

A commander of an anti-coup group, known as a People’s Defence Force, who spoke from a frontline neighbouring Karen state told the Guardian 617 soldiers and their relatives had surrendered, including 67 officers. Only between 40 and 60 military troops were yet to surrender, he estimated.

The commander, whose areas of operations cover Myawaddy, estimated at least 75% of the township was under resistance control. Among the large weapon hauls seized were four howitzer artillery guns, he said.

Earlier, the Karen National Union, an ethnic armed group that has long fought against the military for independence for ethnic Karen, and which is aligned with the wider pro-democracy resistance, reported that hundreds of military soldiers had surrendered on Friday from a battalion based in Thingan Nyi Naung, a village 12km from Myawaddy.

Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup in February 2021 , ousting the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, a move widely opposed by the public and which plunged the country into spiralling conflict. Many civilians took up arms and formed people’s defence forces to fight against the junta’s brutal rule, with some receiving support from older, more established ethnic armed organisations such as the KNU.

The military has struggled to control such opposition and suffered relentless losses since 27 October, when a powerful bloc of ethnic armed groups abandoned an informal ceasefire and launched a coordinated operation in northern Shan State. This placed the military, which was already stretched thin across multiple fronts, under far greater pressure and, as it began to lose ground, other groups elsewhere in the country stepped up their attacks.

The commander who spoke anonymously to the Guardian said some of the troops that surrendered over recent days had previously surrendered in northern Shan state in early January. They were granted safe passage and then relocated to Myawaddy, only to surrender a second time, he said.

The military is struggling with poor morale and a lack of manpower, and has introduced mandatory conscription to try to boost its troop numbers – a policy that has horrified young people and led many to flee military-controlled areas.

Soldiers who surrendered would go through a verification process, and those who wanted to return to military-controlled territory would mostly be allowed to go, the commander said.

The remaining soldiers in Myawaddy who were yet to surrender had previously agreed to do so but reversed their decision when reinforcements arrived in the area, he said.

“Despite the reinforcements, they’re unable to hold that position for long,” he said. “We can overrun them any time we want.”

But the commander added it was likely the military would target the area with aerial bombings. “It’s very difficult to predict their moves. [Junta chief] Min Aung Hlaing is considered a mad dog. There is nothing he dare not do.”

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Fall of Myanmar Town to Rebels Sends People Fleeing Into Thailand

People cross the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge as a stream of people, some of them fearing air strikes, queued at a border crossing to flee Myanmar early on Friday, a day after the strategically vital town of Myawaddy adjoining Thailand fell to anti-junta resistance that has been growing in strength, in Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand, April 12, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

By Panu Wongcha-um

MAE SOT, Thailand (Reuters) -Hundreds of refugees crossed over the river frontier between Myanmar and Thailand on Friday following the fall of a strategic border town to rebels fighting Myanmar's military junta.

Some said they feared airstrikes by the Myanmar military after the rebel capture of Myawaddy, a town of around 200,000 people lying across the Moei River from the Thai city of Mae Sot.

"That's why I escaped here. They can't bomb Thailand," said one woman, Moe Moe Thet San, a Myawaddy resident who stood in line at a border check-point with dozens of people in the heat. She had crossed the border with her young son.

Thailand's foreign minister said on Friday his government was preparing for an influx of refugees and he urged the Myanmar junta to scale back the violence.

Thailand was also working with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to revive a stalled peace plan for Myanmar, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said.

"It is our neighbouring country and we don't want to see violence," Parnpree told reporters following a visit to Mae Sot. "We want to see them talking with each other. They can use us as a broker if they want."

Myawaddy was wrested from military control by anti-junta forces led by the Karen National Union (KNU) rebel group on Thursday.

Thailand was considering alternative trade routes in case of road closures caused by the fighting, Parnpree said.

A group of less than 200 junta soldiers who had retreated earlier this week from their base to the Thai border were still in the area and Thai authorities had so far not received any requests from them to cross over, Parnpree said.

"They have to drop their weapons, change into civilian clothes before we would allow them to cross over the border," he said.

A group of fewer than 200 junta soldiers who had retreated earlier this week from their base to the Thai border were still in the area and Thai authorities had so far not received any requests from them to cross over, Parnpree said.

This group of junta soldiers sheltering near a bridge came under attack from drones deployed by resistance groups late on Friday, local media reported.

Security in the area was tightened following the attack, with armed Thai soldiers patrolling the riverside and cordoning off some parts under one of the two bridges across to Myawaddy, according to a Reuters witness.

Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told Myanmar media some of its troops had abandoned their base because they were accompanied by their families. Negotiations were ongoing with Thailand, he said.

It was not immediately clear which group of junta soldiers he was referring to and he did not respond to a telephone call from Reuters to seek comment.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021, when the powerful military deposed an elected civilian government, triggering widespread protests it sought to crush with force.

Simmering anger against the junta turned into a nationwide armed resistance movement that is now increasingly operating in coordination with established ethnic rebel groups to challenge the military across large parts of Myanmar.

'AFRAID OF AIR STRIKES'

A steady stream of people fleeing Myanmar queued at a border crossing on Friday amid tight security on the Thai side, including vehicles mounted with machine guns overlooking the Moei river.

"I am afraid of air strikes," said Moe Moe Thet San, aged 39. "They caused very loud noises that shook my house."

The loss of Myawaddy robs the junta, already grappling with an economy in free fall, of vital earnings from border trade while strengthening rebel groups, analysts say.

Myanmar's military may still seek to mount a counter-attack, supported by its air force, to regain the town, said Dulyapak Preecharush, an associate professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Bangkok's Thammasat University.

"So there is a question about possible intensification of fighting in the coming days," he told Reuters.

On Thursday, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the fighting in Myanmar should not spill into his country's airspace.

In an interview with Reuters last week, Srettha said the Myanmar junta was "losing strength" as he pushes to open talks with the military government.

Thailand, which says it is staying neutral in the Myanmar conflict and can accept up to 100,000 people displaced by it, has pursued engagement, including aid deliveries, with its neighbour since Srettha came to power last August.

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um in Mae Sot and Reuters staff; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Kanupriya Kapoor and Angus MacSwan)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: Myanmar , international trade , Thailand

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US 50 bridge closed west of Gunnison due to safety concerns

Travel advisory.

Gunnison and Montrose Counties  — A safety closure is in place for a bridge on US Highway 50 located west of Gunnison. The Colorado Department of Transportation is closing the bridge at the urging of the Federal Highway Administration and state bridge engineering experts due to the findings of an ongoing safety inspection, which identified anomalies in the bridge on Thursday, April 18. The closure is in place between US 50 Mile Point 131 (intersection with Colorado Highway 92) and MP 138. Local traffic will be allowed through the closure point to reach residences. Motorists should use COtrip to plan an alternate route. See below for more information about the northern and southern recommended alternate routes. CDOT has set up an incident command and will coordinate with local, state and federal agencies in order to respond as quickly and effectively as possible. CDOT has been conducting a special inspection for high-strength steel bridges for the Blue Mesa bridges as required by the Federal Highway Administration. This inspection was required because of known issues with similarly constructed bridges elsewhere in the country. A defect was observed during an early investigation of the bridge at approximately Mile Point 136.3. CDOT immediately brought in a second inspection crew with resources to perform another method for testing whether the defect posed a safety hazard on the bridge. The second inspection took place on Thursday, April 18.  CDOT is continuing to assess the safety of the bridge and to quickly determine options for interim and permanent fixes – and will keep the public informed as soon as more information is available. The bridge closure is located between Gunnison and Montrose. It is located east of the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project, which is currently in a planned winter shutdown.

Recommended Alternate Routes

This closure will create a significant detour for commuters between Montrose and Gunnison. The recommended detour route for through traffic is via Interstate 70 to the north or US 160 to the south. CDOT understands the inconvenience that this creates and is rapidly evaluating options to improve options for residents, businesses, and travelers on the western slope. The northern route is 354 miles and requires approximately six hours of travel time. The southern route is 331 miles and requires nearly 7 hours of travel time. CDOT and local partners are exploring whether it is feasible at this point in the season to clear local seasonal routes that may be able to significantly reduce the detour time for local travelers. 

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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