Things To Do
in An
An, Burma is a quiet riverside town that blends traditional Burmese life with a touch of colonial charm. Set along a broad waterway, the town is known for friendly locals, vibrant markets, and golden pagodas that glow at sunrise. Visitors can wander winding streets, sample riverine cuisine, and watch boats drift by as ivory pagodas silhouette the horizon.
Nearby hills and rural villages offer rewarding day trips with scenic viewpoints and a sense of timeless village life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Yangon International Airport and breeze through immigration as the promise of Rakhine’s coastal charms awaits. Savor a local Shan tea in the terminal lounge while scanning your An-bound itinerary. Feel the anticipation build with each sip as you prepare for a short domestic flight.
Board a domestic flight to Thandwe, then enjoy a scenic drive along paddy fields and coconut groves en route to Ann Township. Gaze out at emerald rice paddies dotted with palm trees and fishermen guiding their oxcarts. Arrive at your guesthouse, settle in, and take a moment to breathe in the salty Bay of Bengal air.
Wander into the bustling evening market where vendors hawk spiced fritters, fresh mango slices, and steaming bowls of mohinga. Engage with friendly stallholders eager to share their culinary secrets. Return to your room as fireflies dance across the courtyard, carrying the lullaby of distant waves.
Rise early for a bicycle tour through Ann’s winding lanes shaded by tamarind trees. Stop at the local pagoda to watch saffron-robed monks receive alms from villagers in the soft morning light. Feel the pulse of daily life as children hurry to school in crisp uniforms.
Visit a family-run tea plantation perched on a gentle hillside overlooking the coast. Learn to pluck tender leaves and sample freshly brewed laphet yay (green tea) alongside farmers who share tales of the land. Wander through fragrant rows of plants and photograph dew-kissed shoots.
Join a small-group Burmese cooking class in a traditional wooden house. Chop lemongrass, pound chilies in a mortar, and laugh with your hosts over a crackling wok. Relish your own creation under lantern light, accompanied by homemade toddy palm wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $15-30 |
| 🚲Bicycle rental per day | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🧁Local street snack | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Low-key, authentic travel experience away from crowds
- Rich riverine scenery and traditional markets
- Friendly locals and approachable pace of life
- Limited English-speaking services in remote areas
- Infrastructure can be uneven; travel times may be longer
- Fewer high-end dining and nightlife options compared to larger cities
- "မင်္ဂလာပါ" - Hello
- "ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်" - Thank you
- "အင်္ဂလိပ်ပြောတတ်လား?" - Do you speak English?
- "ကျွန်တော်မသိပါ" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in An
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light reflecting off calm water with boats drifting by, ideal for silhouettes and long exposure.
Ancient stupas rising above the city with morning fog and soft light, perfect for wide-angle shots.
Cafes and preserved colonial facades line a shaded avenue—great for street photography and candid portraits.
Bustling stalls, colorful produce, and expressive vendors provide dynamic, vibrant scenes.
Food in An
An Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish broth noodle soup often eaten for breakfast, featuring lemongrass, galangal, and rice noodles.
Must-Try!
Fermented tea leaf salad mixed with peanuts, sesame, fried garlic, and dried shrimp for a tangy, crunchy bite.
Coconut-based chicken noodle soup with a hint of lime and chili, offering a comforting, creamy flavor.
Savory noodles with a rich curry broth, topped with minced meat or mushrooms and fresh herbs.
Crispy pastry stuffed with a blend of tea leaf, nuts, and seeds, often enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning market by the water where you can try fresh fish, steamers, grilled vegetables, and quick noodle bowls.
Concentrated lanes of stalls offering skewers, fritters, soups, and refreshing beverages as the sun sets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly; remove shoes and socks when entering most temples and pagodas; speak softly and avoid disruptive behavior.
Women should avoid touching monks or handing items directly to them; use volunteers or staff to facilitate exchanges.
A respectful nod or slight bow is common; use the right hand or both hands when giving/receiving items.
Safety
Tipping in An
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not obligatory. A small amount at hotels, guided tours, and tea houses is common practice.
Cash (Myanmar Kyat) is preferred for most transactions, especially local markets. Some hotels and tourist-oriented venues may accept USD or credit cards, but cash is safest for everyday purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid-30s C. Hydration and sun protection are essential; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
June to October brings frequent rain and higher humidity. Roads may be slick; carry a compact rain jacket and waterproof bag for gear.
Cool and dry with pleasantly mild days and cool evenings. A good time for walking tours and photography without heat strain.
An at Night
Hiking in An
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic rural hike through terraced countryside and small hamlets with rewarding overlooks.
A gentle trail along the riverbank featuring birds, lush vegetation, and tranquil water views.
Airports
How to reach An by plane.
Major international hub with domestic connections to western Myanmar; typically the gateway for international travelers before domestic legs to the region.
Alternative major airport with domestic connections; convenient for travelers continuing to central Myanmar or the north.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in the area, with diverse local communities including neighboring minority groups.
Small communities from nearby regions contribute to regional cultural variety, languages, and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local leagues and community games are common in towns and schools.
Popular in community centers and guesthouses, especially for indoor recreation during hot days.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting An.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Burmese dishes can be adapted—look for vegetable curries, bean-based salads, and fruit-led desserts; ask for no fish or shrimp stock and confirm ingredients with staff.
Many noodle dishes contain wheat; request rice-based alternatives and confirm sauce ingredients to avoid soy or wheat additives.