Myanmar Travel Guide: Discover the Golden Land
Welcome to Myanmar (formerly Burma), a land of golden pagodas, ancient kingdoms, serene lakes, and rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Myanmar offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
✈️ Getting to Myanmar
Major International Airports:
Yangon International Airport (RGN) – Main entry point for international travelers.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) – Serves central and northern Myanmar.
Naypyidaw International Airport (NYT) – Less frequent international routes.
Visa Information:
eVisa available for tourists from over 100 countries via https://evisa.moip.gov.mm
Valid for 28 days (Tourist) or 70 days (Business)
Apply at least 5 days before arrival
🗺️ Top Destinations
Over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas
Best explored by e-bike, hot air balloon, or horse cart
Must-see: Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, sunset at Shwesandaw
Former capital and cultural hub
Visit the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda
Stroll through colonial-era buildings and bustling Bogyoke Market
Floating villages, gardens, and markets
Unique leg-rowing fishermen
Explore by boat, visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Indein ruins
Second-largest city with royal heritage
Top sites: Mandalay Hill, U Bein Bridge, Mahamuni Buddha Temple
Nearby attractions: Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Mount Popa.
Pristine white-sand beaches along the Bay of Bengal
Great for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in seaside resorts
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Ideal weather for travel, especially for temples and trekking
Hot Season (Mar–May): Dry but very hot, best for beach destinations
Monsoon (Jun–Oct): Heavy rains in coastal and delta regions, fewer tourists
🍛 Must-Try Food & Drink
Mohinga – National dish: rice noodle and fish soup
Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) – Fermented tea leaves with nuts and garlic
Shan Noodles – Mild rice noodle dish from Shan State
Burmese Curry – Comes with rice, soups, and side dishes
Local Beer & Toddy Juice – Try Myanmar Beer or palm wine in rural areas
🛏️ Where to Stay
Budget:
Hostels in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan (starting from $8/night)
Mid-range:
Boutique hotels and guesthouses ($20–$50/night)
Luxury:
Heritage resorts in Bagan, lakeside villas at Inle Lake, beach resorts in Ngapali ($100+/night)
🚙 Getting Around
Domestic Flights – Fast but relatively expensive; used for long distances
Buses – Modern long-distance buses (e.g. JJ Express, Elite)
Trains – Scenic but slow; best for short journeys (e.g., Mandalay to Hsipaw)
Taxis & Grab – Available in Yangon, Mandalay; negotiate in smaller towns
Motorbike Rentals – Popular in Hpa-An and Bagan
🎉 Festivals & Events
Thingyan (Water Festival) – Burmese New Year (April)
Thadingyut (Festival of Lights) – October full moon
Taunggyi Balloon Festival – Hot air balloon competition (November)
Waso & Waso Full Moon – Buddhist holy days
🧘♀️ Culture & Etiquette
Dress modestly, especially in temples (shoulders and knees covered)
Remove shoes and socks before entering religious sites
Do not touch monks, especially if you are a woman
Respect local customs, and ask permission before photographing locals
⚠️ Safety & Travel Tips
Check for current travel advisories before your trip
Avoid discussing politics with locals
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK) – Cash is still king; carry enough for remote areas
SIM Cards: Available at the airport or shops (Ooredoo, Telenor, Mytel)
Internet is improving but may be slow in rural areas
📌 Suggested Itineraries
7 Days:
Yangon → Bagan → Inlay Lake → Mandalay
10 Days:
Add Ngapali Beach or Hpa-An trekking to the 7-day plan
2 Weeks+:
Include off-the-beaten-track areas like Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), or Kalaw-to-Inle Lake trek
🌐 Useful Resources
Tourism Website: tourism.gov.mm
Visa Application: evisa.moip.gov.mm
Maps & Navigation:Google Maps
Weather Updates: Accuweather
