Overview
Myanmar (formerly Burma) occupies the northwestern corner of mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. It is one of the region's most geographically and culturally diverse countries, home to over 130 officially recognised ethnic groups, thousands of Buddhist pagodas, and landscapes ranging from the Himalayan foothills in the north to mangrove coastlines in the south.
The country's most iconic sites — the temple plains of Bagan, the floating villages of Inle Lake, the colonial streetscapes of Yangon, and the royal city of Mandalay — draw travellers seeking depth and history rather than mass tourism. Despite its attractions, Myanmar has faced significant political instability since a military coup in February 2021, and conditions on the ground continue to evolve. Travellers should research the current situation carefully before making plans.
Tourism infrastructure that developed rapidly during the 2010s has been significantly disrupted since 2021. Many independent businesses, guesthouses, and tour operators have closed or reduced operations. Those who do travel report that local communities in certain areas continue to welcome visitors, but the ethical and practical considerations of travelling here are genuinely complex and deserve careful thought.
Before You Go
Political and Safety Context
Myanmar has been in a state of political crisis since the February 2021 military coup. Armed conflict is ongoing in multiple regions. Most Western governments — including those of the US, UK, Australia, and EU member states — advise against all or non-essential travel to Myanmar as of the time of writing. Check your own government's travel advisory for the most current guidance before making any decisions.
Visas
Visa requirements and entry procedures for Myanmar have changed multiple times in recent years and continue to shift with the political situation. Do not rely on pre-2021 information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for a current overview, and consult the official Myanmar immigration authority or your nearest Myanmar embassy for authoritative, up-to-date requirements before booking anything.
Health
Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus are commonly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised depending on which regions you plan to visit — rural and border areas carry higher risk than Yangon or Mandalay. Dengue fever is present year-round. Travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advisable given the limited medical infrastructure outside major cities.
Money
The Myanmar banking system has faced severe disruption since 2021. ATMs are unreliable and international cards may not function. Many travellers have historically needed to carry sufficient USD in clean, undamaged bills to exchange. Verify current conditions through recent traveller reports and your bank before departure, as the situation changes frequently.
Getting There
By Air
Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the primary international gateway. Mandalay International Airport also handles some regional flights. Prior to 2021, connections from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and several Chinese cities were common. Schedules and available carriers have changed significantly since then — verify current routes and airline operations directly with carriers or a travel agent familiar with the current situation.
By Land
Myanmar shares official border crossings with Thailand, China, India, and Laos, though which crossings are open to foreign nationals has varied considerably and continues to change. Do not assume any crossing described in older guidebooks remains operational or accessible. Verify current overland entry options through recent official sources and traveller communities before planning a land entry.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Domestic airlines connect Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan (Nyaung-U airport), Heho (for Inle Lake), and other destinations. Domestic aviation has contracted since 2021 — check current schedules and carrier availability locally or with a licensed operator.
Trains and Buses
Myanmar Railways operates an extensive but slow rail network. Long-distance buses have historically been the most commonly used intercity option and tend to be faster than trains. Road conditions vary significantly by region, and travel through conflict-affected areas carries serious risk.
Boats
River transport on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers is part of both daily life and tourism. Slow government ferries and faster private express boats connect towns such as Mandalay and Bagan. Confirm current schedules and availability locally.
Local Transport
In cities, trishaws, motorcycle taxis, and ride-hailing apps (where available) are common. In Yangon, a bus network and some app-based taxis have operated, though coverage and reliability should be confirmed on the ground.
Things to See & Do
Bagan
The plains of Bagan contain thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries built between the 9th and 13th centuries. It is one of Asia's most remarkable archaeological landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hot-air balloon flights over the plains at sunrise are a well-known experience, though verify current operator status.
Inle Lake
Located in Shan State, Inle Lake is famous for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, stilt villages, and the five-day rotating market. Boat trips around the lake and visits to workshops producing silk, lotus fibre textiles, and silver remain among the most visited activities in the country.
Yangon
Myanmar's largest city retains a significant stock of colonial-era architecture in its downtown core, much of it in various states of preservation. The Shwedagon Pagoda — gilded and rising over 98 metres — is the country's most sacred Buddhist site. Bogyoke (Scott) Market is a historic commercial hub. The city's café and street food culture has long been a draw for visitors.
Mandalay
Myanmar's second city is a centre of traditional crafts including marble carving, gold leaf production, and silk weaving. Nearby Amarapura is home to U Bein Bridge, a 1.2-kilometre teak footbridge over Taungthaman Lake. The ancient royal capitals of Inwa (Ava) and Sagaing Hill are also within day-trip distance.
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
A gilded boulder balanced on the edge of a granite cliff in Mon State, Kyaiktiyo is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The trek and cable car approach are part of the experience.
Food & Drink
Myanmar cuisine draws on Burmese, Indian, and Chinese culinary traditions and varies noticeably by region. Mohinga — a fish-based noodle soup typically eaten at breakfast — is widely considered a national dish. Lahpet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad) is a distinctly Burmese preparation found across the country and unlike anything in neighbouring cuisines.
Rice is the staple and is typically served with a spread of curries, soups, and side dishes. Shan noodles (round rice noodles with a mild broth and sesame oil) are popular in the north. Indian-influenced dishes, including samosas and flatbreads, are common in cities with larger Indian-origin communities. Street food stalls and tea shops (hsaing) are central to daily social life and generally offer affordable, filling meals.
Alcohol is available in restaurants and some tea shops. Myanmar Beer is the most widely distributed domestic brand. Fresh fruit juices and sugarcane juice are popular non-alcoholic options. Tap water is not considered safe to drink — bottled or filtered water is the norm for travellers.
Practical Information
Electricity
Myanmar uses 230V/50Hz. Plug types C, D, F, and G are found — carry a universal adapter.
Connectivity
SIM cards from local operators were widely available pre-2021 and provided reasonably good data coverage in urban and tourist areas. Current availability and network conditions should be verified on arrival. Internet access has been subject to government restrictions.
Emergency Contacts
Local emergency numbers — police, fire, and ambulance — should be confirmed locally or through your accommodation on arrival. Do not rely on outdated contact information. Register with your home country's embassy upon arrival if you choose to travel.
Tipping
Not historically expected as a matter of course, but appreciated at restaurants, by guides, and for personal services. A modest tip in local currency is appropriate for good service.
Time and Business Hours
Most government offices and many businesses operate Monday through Friday. Verify opening hours for attractions and offices locally, as these have been inconsistent in recent years.
Safety
The security situation in Myanmar as of the mid-2020s is serious. Active armed conflict is occurring in multiple states and regions including Rakhine, Kachin, Shan, Sagaing, and parts of the Magway and Mandalay regions. Yangon and Naypyidaw have been comparatively quieter but are not entirely without risk. The situation is fluid and can change rapidly.
Most Western governments maintain advisories against travel to Myanmar, ranging from 'exercise increased caution' in the lowest-risk areas to 'do not travel' for conflict zones. Read your government's advisory carefully and understand that consular assistance may be extremely limited if you run into difficulty.
If you do travel, stay informed daily through local contacts and recent online sources. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Keep a low profile. Know your exit options. Keep copies of documents separate from the originals. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical evacuation cover is essential, not optional.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Myanmar is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country and religion shapes public life, architecture, daily routines, and the calendar of festivals. Respect for monks, monasteries, and pagodas is expected. Remove shoes and socks before entering any religious site and dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — regardless of the heat.
The thingyan water festival (Burmese New Year, typically mid-April) is the country's most exuberant public celebration. The Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights and the Ananda Pagoda Festival at Bagan are among the other widely observed occasions. Dates shift according to the traditional calendar — verify each year.
Ethnic and cultural diversity is profound. The Bamar majority coexists with Shan, Karen, Kachin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, and many other groups, each with distinct languages, dress, and traditions. Many minority areas have their own complex histories and ongoing tensions. Approach conversations about ethnicity and politics with sensitivity and genuine curiosity rather than assumptions.
Photography etiquette deserves attention. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially monks and at religious ceremonies. In some areas, photography of military installations or personnel is sensitive and potentially dangerous.
