Myanmar
Over the past several decades Myanmar has been held under strict military rule. There have been severe human rights abuses, marauding monks, ethnic cleansings, and civil wars. Their history held a time where speaking out against social injustice and the government made people disappear. Conflict was the norm for a country comprised of over 132 different ethnic groups.
Fast forward 50 years and change is finally beginning to take shape in Burma as this remarkable country storms onto the tourism scene. Large sections of Myanmar which were previously closed to tourism are now unrestricted, luring adventure tourists. The change is in large part thanks to the country’s first ‘democratic’ election of Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, and political hero to many.
Today Myanmar is full of friendly people excited to share their curious culture with the new influx of travelers from around the globe. In most parts of the country, men still wear the traditional “Longyi,” an elaborate long skirt. Women are adorned with "Thanaka," a yellowish-white paste created from tree bark that is applied to the face with beautiful technique. In comparison with other Southeast Asian nations, the level of English is excellent. This is largely due to the British colonization from 1824 to 1928 and their remaining influence in the school systems.
Aside from the rich culture, there are plenty of sites to see and things to do in Myanmar. The countryside is peppered with golden pagodas seemingly reaching above every tree line. The mountains offer world-class trekking and the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay show an interesting collision of eastern and western architecture. The deep spirituality of the country is unmistakable when exploring the temples, pagodas, and religious sites that are some of the most impressive in Asia.
In the following section you will find travel information to help with planning a trip to Myanmar. Here's what you can expect:
Visa
You can obtain your tourist visa on the Ministry of Labour website. The fee is $50 for a 30-day visa and it is paid during the application process. Once you have submitted your application you can expect to receive your visa approval letter within approximately 3 days. Print the letter in advance and bring it with you to the airport. Upon arrival in Myanmar give the letter to immigration and have your passport stamped. The stamp is about half a page in size and there is no additional stamping fee.
What You Need
- Your original passport, valid for at least another 6 months
- Exit flight leaving Myanmar
- Address of your first nights accommodation
- Visa approval letter
When To Visit
Myanmar has three seasons: hot season, rainy season and cool season. From November to February you can expect comfortable temperatures during the day and dry, cool nights, making it the best time to visit. March to April is extremely hot throughout most of the country. During the rainy season from May to October expect intermittent intense rain.
Budget
Currency: The currency in Myanmar is the Burmese Kyat (MMK).
Conversion Rate: $1 = 1317 MMK (Dec 2016)
Accommodation: We spent an average of $26.80 per night on accommodation. This is above the average in this region and the quality of the accommodation is not a good value when compared to neighboring countries. Expect very basic rooms.
Food: The average cost of the local cuisine in Myanmar is anywhere from $2- $5 per meal. Western meals are about twice that of traditional meals. Shan noodle is especially tasty.
Drink: A glass of Myanmar beer can be had for under $1. A big bottle of Myanmar beer is $1.5- $2.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Myanmar.
Yangon
1-3 Days
Shwedagon Pagoda - Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon is a city on the rise. Construction projects are underway all over town and the hustle of Myanmar’s largest metropolis has an exciting energy only found in the developing world. Don’t be fooled by this seemingly dirty, smelly hub at first impression. The unique cultural quirks appreciated in the restaurants and on the streets paired with the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most impressive pagodas in the world, make it worth exploring. There are free walking tours of Yangon on Wednesdays and Sundays starting at 4:00pm by Free Yangon Walks. The walks are interesting and a great way to learn more about Yangon and its conflicted history.
How to get To Kinpun FROM YANGON:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 6.5 hours
Cost: $7
Kinpun/Mount Kyaiktiyo
1 Day
The Golden Rock - Mount Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar
The trip to Kinpun from Yangon is 6 and a half hours but given the unpredictable nature of transportation in Myanmar don’t be surprised if it takes as long as 10 hours. Kinpun is a small town based at the foot of Mount Kyaiktiyo, home of the famed “Golden Rock”. The town acts as a landing spot for tourist and pilgrims who come in the droves to pay homage to one of Myanmar’s most notorious religious sites. The ride up Mt. Kyaiktiyo is an attraction in itself as they load about 50 passengers on wooden boards in the back of a dump truck and relentlessly fly up the mountain. While tickets to the top only cost $2 you can rest assured knowing that the cost includes life insurance! Kinpun is nothing to write home about, but the photos you can snap of the perfectly balanced golden rock somewhat justify the trip.
How to get TO BAGO from Kinpun:
Mode of Transportation: Bus/Pickup Truck
Time: 3.5 hours
Cost: $3
Bago
1-2 Days
Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha - Bago, Myanmar
Bago is situated between Yangon and Kinpun and is home to some of Myanmar’s most impressive religious sites. It is a medium sized city that sprawls out from a central colonial clock tower. Complete with reclining Buddhas, monasteries, pagodas, and even a palace, Bago is a playground for the true temple nerd.
To get around you can hire a motorbike driver in front of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. The cost should be around $5 for the day.
How to get TO PYAY from Bago:
Step 1: Getting from Bago to Yangon:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 2 hours
Cost: $3
Step 2: Getting from Yangon to Pyay:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 7 hours
Cost: $5
Unfortunately there is not a direct bus from Bago to Pyay so you will have to get back to Yangon to head north.
Pyay
2 Days
Shwesandaw Pagoda - Pyay, Myanmar
You won't see many other tourists in Pyay. What you will see is a modest town with cheap beer, decent food, and some interesting religious sites. Pyay is home to Sri Ksetra, an important ancient city in Myanmar’s history. Compared to the architecture of other temples in Southeast Asia, Sri Ksetra isn't quite as striking. However, what it lacks in intricacy it makes up for in setting and authenticity. It wouldn’t be uncommon to have the entire 47 square km archeological site all to yourself.
How to get TO BAGAN from Pyay:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 9 hours
Cost: $12
Bagan
3-5 Days
Sunrise Over Bagan - Bagan, Myanmar
A place that needs little introduction, Bagan simply cannot be missed on a trip to Myanmar. Watching the sunrise light up a horizon peppered with never-ending picturesque temples and hot air balloons appearing in the distance is an experience that cannot be replicated. To give you an idea of the scale, 2,200 temples, monasteries and pagodas remain of the estimated 10,000 such structures built 10 centuries ago. Cruising down dirt roads getting lost in templescape is a unique experience that can be done in so many different ways. Grab a map, rent an electric bicycle, and have fun.
How to get TO KALAW from Bagan:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 7.5 hours
Cost: $12
Kalaw
3 Days (including the trek to Inle Lake)
Trek To Inle Lake - Kalaw, Myanmar
Kalaw is a small mountain town on the way to Inle Lake. There isn’t too much to do here but it is the main trekking hub for the region. The trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is extremely popular and for good reason, the scenery is incredible. Unfortunately, with the increasing number of visitors deciding to take on this trek negative cultural side effects are inevitable. Staying in the village homestays it seemed as though there was a time when the foreigner was much more welcome than they are today. Even still, the variety of landscape and enjoyable walk made up for the slightly rigid villages.
How to get TO INLE LAKE from Kalaw (Active Route):
Mode of Transportation: Trekking
Time: 2-3 days
Cost: 2 days around $30/ 3 days around $50
How to get TO INLE LAKE from Kalaw (Easy Route):
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 2 hours
Cost $2-3
The best way to get to Inle Lake is on your own two feet. Your trekking company can make arrangements to have your bags delivered to your guesthouse when you arrive in Inle. If the weather doesn’t allow for a trek you can take the local bus to Inle.
Inle Lake
3-4 Days
Inle Lake Fisherman - Inle Lake, Myanmar
The Inle Lake area is an interesting corner of Myanmar that is insulated from the rest of the country. Upon arrival, you will be stopped and forced to pay a $10 tourist area tax, which sets the tone for the small lakeside town. The 116 km² lake is spectacular, set in a valley of rolling hills. The people of Inle adored it so much they built whole neighborhoods right in the middle of the lake. Only accessible by boat, these communities are forced to fight for the powerful tourist dollar participating in lake tours selling access to their culture along with handicrafts. In spite of this economic pressure, they have managed to maintain their identity, building impressive hydroponic farms and thought-provoking architecture in their unique settlements.
How to get TO HSIPAW from Inle Lake:
Mode of Transportation: Bus
Time: 14 hours
Cost: $17
Hsipaw
3-5 Days
Hsipaw Sunset - Hsipaw, Myanmar
If you’re looking for incredible sunsets, funky eateries, and top-notch teahouse trekking, Hsipaw is the place to be in Myanmar. This hideout in the mountains of the Shan State is a comfortable place to spend a bit of time relaxing or getting out into nature. If you decide to go trekking, the small villages nestled away in the hills are authentic, warm, and welcoming. The food served up in the small homestays is an authentic vegetarian Shan cuisine that is especially delicious. A stop in Hsipaw is a must if you enjoy the outdoors.
How to get TO PYIN OO LWIN from Hsipaw:
Mode of Transportation: Train
Time: 7 hours
Cost: $2 (First Class)
Be sure to ask for a window seat on the right side of the train for the best views over the Gokteik Viaduct.
Pyin Oo Lwin
2-3 Days
Anisakan Falls - Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
Pyin Oo Lwin is a laid-back town and comfortable destination to rest your bones after trekking around Hsipaw. The train to Pyin Oo Lwin from Hsipaw is a bumpy but beautiful ride that crosses over the Gokteik Viaduct, formerly the largest railway trestle in the world. Even if you’re not into architecture this bridge is a jaw dropper and a reminder of the dominance of British colonialism. The town itself is a strange blend of colonial amenities and the emergence of modern Myanmar.
How to get TO MANDALAY from Pyin Oo Lwin:
Mode of Transportation: Shared Taxi
Time: 2 hours
Cost: $5 per person
Mandalay
1-3 Days
Mandalay Hill Sunset - Mandalay, Myanmar
A massive, sprawling city, Mandalay is rather disenchanting after coming from Hsipaw and Pyin Oo Lwin. It is a logical destination to end a journey in Myanmar due to the international airport. A final Burmese sunset atop Mandalay Hill is a nice send off from Myanmar. You don’t need to spend more time than is necessary for Burma’s second largest city.
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