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South-Eastern Asia

MyanmarTravel guide

Explore Myanmar visa rulesCommon scams in Myanmar

Myanmar, also called Burma, is a Southeast Asian country known for ancient temples, local markets and varied landscapes. It is under military rule, and many border areas are affected by civil war. Many governments advise against all travel, and visitors face risks including arbitrary detention.

Why go

  1. Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda and old colonial buildings.

  2. Bagan's large concentration of Buddhist temples and ruins.

  3. Inle Lake's stilt houses and traditional one-legged rowing.

  4. Mandalay and the nearby former capital of Inwa.

  5. Burmese food, including fish noodle soup and fermented tea leaf salad.

Best time to go: November to February is the cool season and the busiest time for tourism. Highland nights can fall below 10°C; March to April is hot, and May to October is rainy.

Getting there

By air

  • Yangon is the main international airport, with regular flights to major Asian cities. Singapore and Bangkok are useful connecting points for visitors arriving from outside the region.
  • Mandalay also has an international airport, with flights to neighbouring countries.
  • Myanmar National Airlines and Myanmar Airways International are the two main international airlines based in Yangon.

By land

  • Myanmar borders China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Laos. Because of the civil war, entering by land ranges from difficult to impossible as of 2026.
  • Continuing from a border area to Yangon can be very difficult. Special permits must be arranged in advance, and a guided tour or convoy may be required.
  • Many crossings along the Chinese border in Shan State are suspended.

By sea

  • Small wooden boats connect Ranong in Thailand with Kawthaung in Myanmar. There is no fixed timetable.
  • Agree on the fare directly with the operator before leaving. Bargain carefully, as operators may overcharge.

Customs

  • At the Ranong–Kawthaung crossing, Myanmar immigration charges a US$10 or 500 Thai baht stamping fee when entering or leaving.
  • If paying this fee in US dollars, bring notes in perfect condition. Even slight creases can lead to rejection.
  • Do not let a boat operator take you past immigration without completing the exit process. You could be treated as having left the country illegally.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Flying is the least uncomfortable way to cover long distances because roads and railways are in poor condition. Reconfirm your flight and departure time one or two days ahead. Flights may leave 10–20 minutes early, and routes may gain or lose an intermediate stop. Domestic flights from Yangon use Terminal 3. Tell your taxi driver that you are taking a domestic flight.

  • Trains

    Trains are slow, noisy and often delayed. Fans, air conditioning and electricity may stop working during the journey. Bring your passport to buy tickets, and buy before boarding. Tickets go on sale three days ahead; smaller stations may require help from the stationmaster or an interpreter. Ordinary class has benches and can be crowded. Upper class has padded seats and fans. Keep your head inside the window because branches grow close to the tracks. The Gokteik Viaduct was damaged in August 2025 and is described as still closed.

  • Buses

    Buses are generally faster than trains, and fares are paid in kyat. Book at least a day ahead for long journeys with assigned seats. Choose a window seat near the front for a more comfortable ride on rough roads. Avoid the extra folding seat in the aisle. Hotels and travel agencies sell tickets, which can save a trip to a distant bus office. Compare prices and check whether hotel pickup is included. You can buy tickets north to Mandalay in Bago. Claims that you must return to Yangon to buy them are a known scam.

  • River ferries

    Myanmar has a large river ferry network, with government services and some private operators. Mandalay to Bagan takes most of a day. Bagan to Yangon takes several days.

What to see and do

  • Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda

    See an important religious site alongside parks, temples and buildings from British colonial rule.

  • Bagan

    Explore a vast concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas and ruins, including remains from the 11th and 12th centuries.

  • Inle Lake

    See villages built on stilts and traditional wooden boats rowed with one leg.

  • Inwa

    This former capital has ruins that can be visited on a day trip from Mandalay.

  • Pyin U Lwin

    This former British hill station has cooler temperatures.

  • Bago

    The city near Yangon is known for its Buddhist sights.

Food and drink

  • Mohinga

    Rice noodles in fish soup, often eaten for breakfast. It usually comes with coriander and chilli powder.

  • Lahpet thoke

    A salad of fermented tea leaves and fried nuts. A full-meal version may include lettuce and be eaten with rice.

  • Samosa thoke

    A street-food salad made with a broken samosa, chickpeas, potatoes, tomato, cabbage and mint.

  • Mote lin-mayar

    Small pancakes with chives, chickpeas or quail eggs.

  • Nan Gyi Thoke

    A rice noodle salad with chicken sauce, mostly eaten in central Myanmar.

  • Onnokauswe

    Thick noodles in coconut milk soup with chicken, served with various toppings.

Money

Myanmar kyat (MMK), pronounced "chat". Prices may use K or Ks.

  • Myanmar mainly uses cash, although cash machines are widespread.
  • US dollars are the preferred foreign currency. Euros and Singapore dollars are also readily exchanged in Yangon and Mandalay.
  • Bring clean, crisp, undamaged foreign notes with no writing or stamps. Even lightly worn or creased notes may be rejected.
  • Bring a mix of note sizes because some money changers do not give change. Larger notes generally receive better exchange rates at banks.

Tipping: Tipping is not generally practised locally, but good service tips are appreciated. Give cash directly to the person who served you, because tips paid by card almost never reach staff.

Typical costs

  • Local restaurant dishes are listed at about 500–3,000 kyat each, rising to 8,000 kyat in expensive restaurants.
  • Sample domestic airfares include Yangon–Mandalay at about US$95, Yangon–Bagan at US$85 and Bagan–Heho at US$65.
  • Sample bus fares include Yangon–Mandalay at about 10,400 kyat and Yangon–Bagan at 12,000 kyat. These are rough estimates, and fuel price rises have increased fares.
  • Hotels in main tourist areas and domestic flights can cost more than in Thailand or Vietnam. Accommodation prices given in the source vary widely.
  • Tourist sites may charge entry, camera, parking and area fees.

Language

  • Burmese is the official language and is widely used in government-controlled areas.
  • Ethnic communities also speak languages including Mon, Shan, Pa-O and Rohingya. Burmese may not be spoken in some areas outside government control.
  • Chinese communities speak Mandarin and other Chinese languages, while some Indian communities speak Indian languages.
  • Tourism, hotel and airline staff generally speak English. Many tourist sites have signs in both English and Burmese.
U
A respectful title for an older man, pronounced "oo".
Daw
A respectful title for an older woman.
La-Phet-Yay
Milk tea.

Staying safe

  • Many governments advise against all travel to Myanmar. Civil war affects many minority border areas, especially Rakhine and Shan states.
  • Rakhine State is especially dangerous because of heavy military bombardment and abuses by the Arakan Army.
  • The main tourist circuit is farther from the fighting, but arbitrary detention remains a risk. Journalists and dual nationals suspected of opposing the authorities face particular danger.
  • Avoid facilities and vehicles linked to the military or security forces.
7 common scams in Myanmar, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Cover your shoulders and avoid shorts or miniskirts in sacred areas.
  • Remove footwear before entering the entire temple complex, including outdoor areas. Shoes that slip on and off are useful.
  • Use respectful titles for older people: U or Uncle for men, and Daw or Auntie for women.
  • Give and receive business cards with your right hand, palm up, while supporting your right elbow with your left hand.
  • If you wear a longyi, a wraparound garment worn by both men and women, learn how to tie it correctly.

Don't

  • Avoid public displays of affection, including between married couples.
  • Do not handle business cards with your left hand alone; this is considered rude.
  • Do not assume that the final part of a Burmese person's name is a family name. Most people have only a given name.

Laws to know

  • Use banks or money changers and compare rates. Black-market exchange is illegal, and the official rate can differ greatly from the black-market rate.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water and check that its cap seal has not been broken.
  • Factory-made ice is generally safe in major places. Yenwejan tea is made with boiled water and is another drinking option.
  • Choose food carefully; food that can be fried, roasted, peeled or boiled is the safer choice described in the source.
  • Clean your hands regularly with antibacterial wipes or alcohol hand rub. Rinse eating utensils before meals if needed.

Where to stay

  • Book accommodation well ahead, especially in popular tourist areas. Rooms can sell out months in advance.
  • Hotels are generally clean, but cheap rooms may have worn bedding or poor ventilation. Some budget hotels offer small rooms without windows.
  • Almost every hotel licensed for foreign visitors has running hot water, though remote hotels may provide it only at certain times.
  • Ask whether the hotel has a generator and when it runs. Power cuts can happen at any time, and air conditioning may not work on generator power.

Outdoor adventures in Myanmar

Myanmar has mountain treks, waterfall walks, lake trips and beaches, plus diving in the Mergui Archipelago. Civil war affects many areas, and many governments advise against all travel to Myanmar. Rakhine State is especially dangerous, and travel restrictions can change quickly.

  • Kalaw mountain and village treks

    Treknear Kalaw

    Use Kalaw as your base for trails through mountains and hill villages. Guide and booking details are not given.

  • Inle Lake boat trips

    More to do

    Take a boat trip on Inle Lake to see floating villages and houses on stilts. Booking and departure details are not given.

    • Winter nights around Inle Lake can fall below 10°C.

  • Inle Lake hiking

    Hike

    Hiking is available around Inle Lake. Specific routes and guide arrangements are not given.

    • Winter nights can fall below 10°C.

  • Inle Lake birdwatching

    Wildlife

    Look for birds around Inle Lake. Specific viewing spots and tour details are not given.

  • Mergui Archipelago diving

    Scuba divingSoutheastern Myanmarnear Kawthaung

    The islands near Kawthaung include diving areas at Kayin Kwa, Myauk Ni and Salone. Boat and dive operator details are not given.

  • Ngapali Beach

    BeacheRakhine State

    Ngapali is a beach resort on the Bay of Bengal. Transport details are not given.

    • Rakhine State is especially dangerous because of armed conflict, bombardment and rights abuses.

  • Ngwe Saung Beach

    BeacheAyeyarwady Divisionnear Pathein

    Pathein is a gateway to Ngwe Saung Beach. Onward transport details are not given.

  • Chaung Tha Beach

    Beachenear Pathein

    Use Pathein as a gateway to Chaung Tha Beach. Onward transport details are not given.

  • Hsipaw waterfall treks

    Treknear Hsipaw

    Use Hsipaw as a base for treks to waterfalls. Specific routes and guide details are not given.

  • Kengtung hill village treks

    TrekGolden Trianglenear Kengtung

    Start from Kengtung for paths to hill villages. Specific routes and booking details are not given.

  • Mandalay Hill stair climb

    HikeCentral Myanmarnear Mandalay

    Moderate 30–45 minutes to climb; allow about a quarter of a day for the visit. Sunset is popular.

    Take a shared pick-up or motorbike taxi to the base, then climb the stairs. Pick-ups to the base leave from 83rd Street, one block from the Clock Tower. A pick-up can also take you to the pagoda at the top.

    • Cost: Topmost pagoda level: 1,000 kyat for foreigners. Shared pick-up to the base: 500–1,000 kyat. Private pick-up: 5,000 kyat. Motorbike taxis: 1,000–2,000 kyat.
    • The climb requires moderate fitness.
    • Stray dogs are common along the path.

  • Anisakan Falls hike

    Hikenear Pyin U Lwin

    Half a day; 35–45 minutes from the trailhead to the bottom of the falls.

    Take a Mandalay-bound pick-up from Pyin U Lwin and ask for the road to Anisakan Falls. Walk about 2 km through the village and fields to the trailhead. Alternatively, hire a return taxi directly to the trailhead.

    • Cost: Pick-up: 300 kyat. Return taxi from Pyin U Lwin: about US$15.
    • The path down is very steep.
    • The optional trail up beside the falls is also steep.

  • Waterfall Hill rock climbing

    ClimbingEast of Mandalaynear Mandalay

    Head to Waterfall Hill, also called Yaedagon Taung, on the east side of Mandalay. Transport, equipment and guide details are not given.

  • Waterfall Hill caving

    CaveEast of Mandalaynear Mandalay

    Visit Waterfall Hill, also called Yaedagon Taung, east of Mandalay. Cave routes and guide arrangements are not given.

  • Mergui Archipelago beaches

    BeacheSoutheastern Myanmarnear Kawthaung

    The archipelago has unspoiled beaches. Specific beach access and boat arrangements are not given.

  • Maliwun Village hot springs

    Hot springnear Kawthaung

    Travel by car from Kawthaung to Maliwun Village, 40 km north of town. The drive is described as taking about half an hour on a paved road.

  • Pwe Kauk Falls picnic trip

    More to donear Pyin U Lwin

    Hire a taxi from Pyin U Lwin towards Lashio. Shared taxis can be found at the Lashio taxi stand and can wait at the falls for the return trip.

    • A precarious bridge crosses the stream.

  • U Naung Gu cave hike

    Cavenear Pyin U Lwin

    One-hour hike from Pwe Kauk Falls to the caves.

    Reach Pwe Kauk Falls by taxi or shared taxi from Pyin U Lwin, then take a guide for the hike to U Naung Gu.

    • Take a guide because it is easy to get lost.

  • Pyeik Chin Miang caves

    Cavenear Pyin U Lwin

    The caves are farther along the road towards Lashio. Shared taxis visiting Pwe Kauk Falls often continue to them.

  • A Glimpse of Mandalay village bike tour

    CyclingCentral Myanmarnear Mandalay

    09:00–18:00 for the combined cooking class and day tour.

    Book the combined cooking class and day tour with A Glimpse of Mandalay at Yoe Yoe Lay Guesthouse. Pick-up and drop-off are included. The village is about a 20-minute drive from Mandalay.

    • Cost: US$30 for the combined cooking class and day tour, listed in September 2015.

Airports, metros and trains in Myanmar

Airports with scheduled flights

  • MDLMandalay International AirportMandalayMain international airport
  • NYTNay Pyi Taw International AirportNaypyitawMain international airport
  • RGNYangon International AirportYangonMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
11,025 km

People and safety in Myanmar

Religion

Most people are Buddhist. Mostly one faith.

  • Buddhist88%
  • Christian6%
  • Muslim4%
  • Folk religions<1%
  • Hindu<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 10 years in prison.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #172 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

38% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 20 of 198 countries can visit Myanmar easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required11
  • Visa on arrival9
  • eVisa90
  • Visa required88

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Asia16 of 49 countries
  • Europe4 of 46 countries
  • Africa0 of 54 countries
  • Americas0 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is Myanmar safe for a first visit?

Many governments advise against all travel because of civil war and other risks. The main tourist circuit is farther from the fighting, but visitors can still face arbitrary detention.

When is the best weather for visiting?

November to February is the cool season and the peak tourism period. Bring warm clothing for highland nights, which can fall below 10°C.

Can I manage without speaking Burmese?

Hotel, airline and tourism staff generally speak English, and many tourist sites have English signs. English and Burmese may be less useful in some remote areas.

Can a hotel help me buy bus tickets?

Yes, hotels and travel agencies sell bus tickets. Compare prices and ask whether pickup is included; booking at least a day ahead is best for long-distance buses.

What money should I bring?

Myanmar mainly uses cash, and US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange. Bring crisp, unmarked, undamaged notes in a mix of sizes.

Is vegetarian food available?

Good vegetarian food is widely available, and rice is a staple. Fish sauce is used to flavour many dishes.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Drink bottled water with an intact cap seal, or tea made with boiled water.

Should I arrange a room before arriving?

Yes, especially in popular tourist areas, where rooms can sell out months ahead. Ask about electricity and generator hours when choosing a hotel.

What should I wear to a temple?

Wear modest clothes with covered shoulders and avoid shorts or miniskirts. Remove footwear before entering the whole temple complex, including outdoor areas.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not generally practised locally, but tips for good service are appreciated. Give cash directly to the staff member because card tips almost never reach them.

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