Things To Do
in Myanmar
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation encompassing more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. It is renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant landscapes ranging from the Himalayan mountains in the north to pristine beaches in the south, and the Irrawaddy River that traverses the country facilitating its rich agricultural and cultural history.
Despite its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Myanmar has experienced long periods of political unrest and military rule, impacting its development and human rights situation.
- "Hello" - မင်္ဂလာပါ
- "Thank you" - ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်
- "Goodbye" - သွားတော့မယ်
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Yangon and check into your hotel. Visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda to witness its stunning golden stupa.
Explore downtown Yangon, taking in colonial architecture and local markets. Stop for lunch at a tea shop to enjoy traditional Burmese cuisine.
Relax with a stroll along Kandawgyi Lake as the sun sets. Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the pagoda.
Fly to Bagan, and start your day exploring the ancient temples at sunrise. Visit Ananda Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
Rent a bicycle and explore the lesser-known temples, like Thatbyinnyu and Dhammayangyi. Stop for lunch at a local eatery.
Catch the spectacular sunset by climbing to the top of a temple. Dine at a restaurant with a view of the plains and their illuminated pagodas.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups and traditions.
- Stunning natural landscapes, from mountains to beaches.
- Buddhist temples and historical sites, such as Bagan and Shwedagon Pagoda.
- Warm and hospitable population.
- Opportunities for ecotourism and exploring untouched regions.
- Political instability and ongoing conflict in some areas.
- Economic challenges and poverty among the population.
- Limited access to healthcare and education in rural regions.
- Human rights concerns and restrictions on freedom of speech.
- Infrastructure challenges, including roads and transportation.
Best Activities in Myanmar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic hills of Kalaw with guided treks that take you through stunning landscapes, local villages, and tea plantations.
Experience breathtaking views of ancient temples and pagodas while floating high in the sky during a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Bagan.
Relax on the beautiful white sand beaches of Ngapali, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Discover the unique culture around Inle Lake by cycling through picturesque villages, floating gardens, and local markets.
Hike up to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano known for its spiritual significance and stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Tours
Uncover the best of Myanmar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Myanmar
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, Bagan offers stunning sunrise and sunset views that are perfect for photography.
Known for its unique floating gardens and traditional stilt houses, Inle Lake provides picturesque views of the serene waters and surrounding mountains.
This iconic golden pagoda in Yangon is a remarkable sight at night, illuminating the skyline and offering beautiful photo opportunities.
With its ancient temples set against a backdrop of lush hills and stunning sunsets, Mrauk U offers a less crowded but equally captivating experience for photographers.
A volcanic plug with a monastery perched on top, Mount Popa offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains and is a great spot for photography.
This pristine beach along the Bay of Bengal is perfect for capturing stunning sunset views and the beauty of the turquoise waters.
Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, the Golden Rock is a spectacular sight, especially during sunrise or sunset, providing unique photo opportunities.
Nestled in the hills, Kalaw offers breathtaking landscapes and views of the surrounding mountains, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of Myanmar.
Food in Myanmar
Myanmar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional breakfast dish of fish and vermicelli in a flavorful soup, commonly found at street stalls and local eateries.
Must-Try!
A salad of pickled tea leaves, usually served with peanuts, sesame seeds, and fried garlic, a must-try local delicacy available in teahouses and traditional restaurants.
A popular noodle dish from the Shan State, often served with garlic, peanuts, and crunchy vegetables at small local eateries and markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Myanmar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market in Yangon offering a wide array of street food including skewered meats, samosas, and fresh fruit juices.
A vibrant night market showcasing a diverse range of street food such as grilled seafood, dumplings, and traditional Burmese snacks.
A bustling market featuring stalls selling local snacks like deep-fried tofu, stuffed flatbread, and an assortment of traditional sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Myanmar culture, there is a strong emphasis on respecting elders. It is customary to address older individuals with honorifics and to defer to them in conversation and decision-making.
Modesty is highly valued in Myanmar. It is important to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Before entering someone's home or a sacred place, such as a temple, it is customary to remove your shoes. This act shows respect and is an important part of cultural etiquette in Myanmar.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Myanmar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Myanmar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Myanmar, tipping is not a traditional practice but has become more common with the increase in tourism and the influence of Western customs. It is generally appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common. In more upscale establishments, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated. Service workers in hotels and taxis may also receive small tips for good service.
In Myanmar, cash is the most widely used payment method, especially in rural areas. The local currency is the kyat (MMK). Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash remains essential. Mobile payment services are growing in popularity, especially among younger people and in urban centers. When traveling, it is advisable to carry enough cash for transactions, as card facilities may not be available everywhere.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Myanmar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Myanmar, offering cool and dry weather. Expect comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring cities like Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay, as well as for trekking in northern regions.
Temperatures can soar, especially in April. Although this is not the most comfortable time to visit, it is less crowded. Prepare for heat and consider visiting high-altitude areas for cooler temperatures.
This season brings heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August. Travel can be more challenging due to wet conditions, but the landscape becomes lush and vibrant. Fewer tourists mean quieter attractions, making it an option for those looking to avoid crowds.
Myanmar at Night
Hiking in Myanmar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located near Yangon, Mount Victor offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
A popular pilgrimage site, it features a short hike to the famous Golden Rock, balancing precariously on the edge of a cliff.
Surrounding the lake are numerous trails that offer scenic views of rural life and stunning mountainous backdrops.
Home to the highest peak in Myanmar, this park provides a range of hiking options with rich biodiversity.
This multi-day trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and rolling hills.
This range offers several hiking trails with lush forests and rich wildlife, ideal for adventure seekers.
Home to Myanmar's highest peak, Hkakabo Razi, this park features rugged trails and incredible views.
An extinct volcano that provides a mix of cultural and hiking experiences with a summit that includes a temple.
A less-traveled destination, Sulaung offers serene hiking paths and beautiful panoramic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Myanmar through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Myanmar by plane.
The largest airport in Myanmar, located in Yangon, serving as the main international gateway.
The main airport serving Bangkok, Thailand, which is a significant hub for international flights in Southeast Asia.
The primary airport serving Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a major hub for international traffic in the region.
Singapore's main airport, known for its extensive network of international flights and high passenger traffic.
Another major airport in Bangkok, Thailand, mainly serving low-cost carriers and domestic flights.
Vietnam's busiest airport, located in Ho Chi Minh City, serving a large number of international flights.
An international airport located in Da Nang, Vietnam, which serves as a key transit point for travelers in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Myanmar, making up approximately 68% of the population.
The second largest ethnic group, comprising about 9% of the population, predominantly located in the eastern part of the country.
An ethnic group that accounts for around 7% of the population, primarily found in the southeastern regions.
About 4% of the population, predominantly found in the western state of Rakhine.
Comprising roughly 3% of the population, mainly in urban areas and border regions.
A smaller ethnic group that makes up about 1.5% of the population, mainly found in the north.
Approximately 2% of the population, primarily located in the southeastern part of Myanmar.
An ethnic group in the northeastern part of Myanmar, making up around 0.1% of the population.
Includes various other ethnic groups and minorities making up the remaining percentage of the population.
The Soul of Myanmar
Discover the essence of Myanmar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer, or football, is the most popular sport in Myanmar, with a passionate fan base and local leagues.
Sepak Takraw is a traditional sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, and it is widely enjoyed in Myanmar.
Basketball has gained popularity, especially among the youth, with local tournaments held frequently.
Badminton is a popular individual sport in Myanmar, with many players participating in both local and international competitions.
Traditional martial arts, such as Lethwei (Burmese bare-knuckle boxing), are deeply rooted in Myanmar's culture and attract many practitioners.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Burmese cuisine features a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes due to the influence of Buddhism, it's recommended to communicate dietary preferences clearly as fish sauce and shrimp paste are commonly used in local cooking.
Gluten-free options can be found in the form of rice-based dishes, however, cross-contamination might be a concern, so it's advisable to seek out dedicated gluten-free eateries or communicate your dietary needs clearly at local restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Myanmar with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Myanmar.