Myanmar

Myanmar

Things to do - general

Myanmar (mjɑːnˌmɑr / Myan mar) is a delightful country, where eternal landscapes and ancient civilizations fill its vast land. Over half of the country is covered by thick tropical forests, beautifully golden pagodas and preserved temples fill the countryside. The temples are 2000 years old and covered in gold. Local people wear skirt-like “longyi” and women decorate with Thanaka (a yellowish-white cosmetic paste having fragrant scent made from ground bark.). Running north to south, the huge Irrawaddy River dissects the country in two. For those on the lookout for adventurous travels in an extraordinary land, look no further than Myanmar. No-one argues Myanmar isn’t one of the world’s most exciting destinations.

In Myanmar there is so much beauty to see and experience. You can visit the gold-laden Buddha in the country’s former royal capital, Madalay. You can see the city from the vantage point of one of the many stunning pagodas. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the temples in Bagan as the sun rises high in the sky, illuminating them with rich golden light. You can watch the leg-rowers go by as you sit next to beautiful Inle Lake. You can stroll through the colourful and sprawling street markets which sell wares you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Even the water-buffalo carts in the countryside are a wonder to behold. A visit to Myanmar is a truly enchanting experience that is unlike anything you have ever experienced.

There are awe-inspiring, white sandy beaches awaiting you in Myanmar and along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. The best time to visit these pristine and virtually untouched beaches of Ngapali and Ngwe Saung is between November and May. In the summer months from June to October, it is Myanmar’s monsoon season and the area experiences rain and thunderstorms, During monsoon season, there are no flights available to take you to the country’s beaches and most of the beach hotels and surround restaurants remain closed during this time of year.

Country Myanmar, South East Asia Region
Visa requirements

When you visit Myanmar, it is necessary to have at least six months remaining on your passport before it expires. You will need a tourist visa which you can obtain at the Myanmar Embassy, consulate or you can apply for an online E-Visa. Tourist visas cost around USD $30 and are valid for 28 days.

Languages spokenThe official language of Myanmar is also called Myanmar, formerly it was called Burmese. There are about 100 different dialects of Burmese spoken throughout different regions of the country. Don’t worry though, the country’s official “business language” is English.
Currency usedMMK (Myanmar Kyat). There are ample authorized money exchangers where you can exchange your money for the local currency. In most areas of Myanmar, traveller’s cheques cannot be cashed and there are few places, outside of major hotels, that accept visa. Master Card and American Express are simply not accepted. If you plan to visit Myanmar, it’s advisable to bring cash in American dollars with you.
Area (km2)676,578 km²

Sports & nature

Climate

Myanmar experiences a mild climate and is enjoyable all year round. From November to February, the country’s northern regions can get quite chilly as evening falls, especially the areas surrounding Inle Lake. The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and April at this time of year it is mostly dry and not too hot.

If you’re visiting Myanmar between May and October, you might find the weather to be a bit humid and if you’re visiting the south, near the coast, you will experience short, tropical rain-showers which are not entirely unpleasant but are quite frequent. In Bagan and central Myanmar, it rarely rains, even during monsoon season. This area of Myanmar is extremely hot during in the hours following lunch and into the evening, however, so it is advisable to plan your sightseeing excursions for early in the day or late in the afternoon.

Vaccination Requirement

While there are no formal requirements for vaccinations before traveling to Myanmar, it is recommended that visitors get vaccinated again hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis and tetanus. When you visit Myanmar, it is also recommended that you bring an ample supply of mosquito repellent and that you wear it whenever possible.

Communication & Internet

Most of the major hotels in Myanmar will have access to the internet and will allow for overseas calling. SIM cards and top-ups can be bought at numerous street-side retailers in downtown Yangon and Mandalay, as well as at Yangon International Airport and in most larger towns, cities and tourist sites. To purchase a SIM card, foreigners need to have photocopies of their passport photo page and Myanmar visa page, as well as one passport photo. SIM cards are 3G mobile data enabled and standard SIM and micro SIM cards are available.You can find an internet cafe or hotel with Wifi even in remote locations. Free Wifi can be found at many restaurants and bars.

Time Zone

Myanmar is 6.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time.

Culture and history info

Once called Burma, Myanmar sits in the heart of Asia, nestled between Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Laos and China. With a rich culture dating back more than 2,500 years, the people of Myanmar lead a laid-back and enviably simplistic lifestyle.

More than 100 years ago, Kipling and his companion travelled up the Yangon River on their way to Mandalay. As they passed through what was then known as Burma, Kipling’s companion said to him “This is the old Shwedagon. This is Burma and it will be like no other land you know.” This poignant quote still holds true today. Though the country goes by a different name, the experience of uniqueness and wonder are the same.

Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist population with as much as 85% of it’s population being deeply devout Theravada Buddhists. For this reason, some of the world’s most precious Buddhist artifacts and stunning Buddhist temples are found in Myanmar.

While most of the population is Buddhist, there is a pervading belief amongst the Burmese people that ghosts and spirits live amongst us. The people of this region believe in the 37 Nats, or Burmese Ghosts and they believe that these spirits have a strong influence over day-to-day life.

When visiting religious monuments, it is important to know that all visitors are required to remove their shoes. Additionally, when visiting holy places, such as pagodas and monasteries, shorts or briefs are seen as disrespectful.

Amata Resort and Spa

Amata Resort and Spa

Ngapali Beach
The Amata, Myanmar’s most exclusive international resort, stretches along the beautiful shoreline of More info
Amazing Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)

Amazing Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)

Inle Lake
12 deluxe rooms and 3 suite rooms in the city centre, though in a quiet area. Outdoor restaurant on More info
Ayarwaddy River View Hotel

Ayarwaddy River View Hotel

Mandalay
3 star hotel in a residential area, close to the river and few kilometer from Mandalay Palace. Roof More info
Aye Yar River View Resort

Aye Yar River View Resort

Bagan
Built on one of Old Bagan’s prime riverside locations, with 80 rooms in various categories, an More info
Bagan Thande Hotel

Bagan Thande Hotel

Archeological Zone, Old Bagan, Bagan
Inisde the ancient walls of Old Bagan , the hotel sits on the edge of the Eastern bank of great Ayey More info
Bay of Bengal Resort

Bay of Bengal Resort

Ngwe Saung Beach
At Bay of Bengal Resort, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel p More info
Bayview Beach Resort

Bayview Beach Resort

Ngapali Beach
Bayview – the beach resort is a four-star-boutique hotel. It is located on the idyllic Ngapali More info
Conqueror Resort

Conqueror Resort

Pindaya
Conqueror Resort Hotel is located at the foot of Shwe Oo Min Cave, within the precincts of the 20 ac More info
East Hotel

East Hotel

234-240 Sule Pagoda Rd, Yangon
A 45 rooms newly built boutique hotel situated in the heart of Yangon downtown area, on Sule Pagoda More info
Golden Cave Hotel

Golden Cave Hotel

Pindaya
Located in Pindaya, Golden Cave Hotel features a garden and free WiFi throughout the property. Featu More info
Golden Island Cottages I & II

Golden Island Cottages I & II

Inle Lake
These resorts are situated on the Inle Lake, GIC I in Nam Pan village, about 50 minutes by boat from More info
Golden Rock Hotel

Golden Rock Hotel

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
The Golden Rock Hotel is a vantage point commanding unique breath taking views of the surrounding mo More info
Hotel By the Red Canal

Hotel By the Red Canal

Mandalay
Popular high end boutique hotel outside the city center. Pool, restaurant and the usual amenitiesMore info
Hotel Chindwin

Hotel Chindwin

Monywa
Located in Monywa, Hotel Chindwin offers a restaurant. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk More info
Hotel Green Hill (Best Western)

Hotel Green Hill (Best Western)

12 Phoe Sein Road, Tamwe, Yangon
Newly built hotel situated behind Chatrium hotel on Phoe Sein Road. Well appointed rooms, some with More info
Hotel Yadanarbon

Hotel Yadanarbon

Mandalay
Relatively new hotel in central Mandalay, receiving good reviews for rooms and service.More info
Inle Princess Resort

Inle Princess Resort

Magyee Zin Village, Inle Lake
Inle Princess is considered the best resort on the eastern shore of Inle Lake. It is reached by a 20 More info
Inle Resort

Inle Resort

Inle Lake
Located on the eastern shore of the Inle Lake, 20 minutes boat ride from Nyaung Shwe and can also re More info
Inya Lake Hotel

Inya Lake Hotel

37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Inya Lake, Yangon
The Inya Lake Hotel, with its 239 rooms, is surrounded by gardens and greenery and situated at the b More info
Jade Royal Hotel

Jade Royal Hotel

Monywa
Located in Monywa, Jade Royal Hotel Monywa has a garden and terrace. With a shared lounge, the 3-sta More info
Kyaikhto Hotel

Kyaikhto Hotel

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
Showcasing a sun terrace and views of the mountains, Kyaik Hto Hotel – The Golden Rock Pagoda More info
Mandalay City Hotel

Mandalay City Hotel

Mandalay
Newly renovated 3 star hotel right in the city centre, close to the Zegyo market. Small pool, restau More info
Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay
5 star hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill, north of the Mandalay Royal Palace. Beautiful landscaped More info
Mountain Top Hotel

Mountain Top Hotel

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
Mountain Top Hotel is at a vantage point commanding a panoramic view of the lush mountain ranges bel More info
Myanmar Treasure Resort

Myanmar Treasure Resort

Ngwe Saung Beach
Myanmar Treasure Resorts, a beach front paradise of white sand and sea on the Bay of Bengal perfectl More info
Palm Beach Resort

Palm Beach Resort

Ngwe Saung Beach
The Palm Beach Resort provides 31 charming bungalows that are surrounded by coconut palms and overlo More info
Panorama Hotel

Panorama Hotel

294-300, Pansodan Street, Yangon
The 10-storey Panorama Hotel also enjoys a prime location in the city center, within walking distanc More info
Paradise Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)

Paradise Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)

Inle Lake
Located in the gateway to Inle Lake in the small town of Nyaung Shwe. Quiet atmosphere near the mans More info
Paramount Inle Resort

Paramount Inle Resort

Inle Lake
Though located on the lake and surrounded by the water, the resort has its own landscaped garden. Al More info
Pindaya Farm House

Pindaya Farm House

Pindaya
Offering a restaurant, Pindaya Farm House is located 1 km away from Pindaya. Built in traditional Sh More info
Pleasant View Resort

Pleasant View Resort

Ngapali Beach
Nestled between the ‘Rakhine Yoma’ Hills and the Bay of Bengal, Pleasant View Resort off More info
Rupar Mandalar Resort

Rupar Mandalar Resort

Mandalay
Luxery boutique hotel, located on the road to Pyin Oo lwin outside Mandalay city. Has swimming pool, More info
Savoy Hotel

Savoy Hotel

129, Dhammazedi Rd, Bahan, Yangon
The Savoy Hotel is a boutique hotel built in colonial style and located in a residential area north More info
Sein Nan Daw Hotel

Sein Nan Daw Hotel

Monywa
Sein Nan Daw Hotel is set in Monywa. This 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bath More info
Shwe Ingyinn Hotel

Shwe Ingyinn Hotel

Mandalay
3 star hotel in the city centre, 60 rooms. Good reviews in spite of the not so charming exterior.More info
Shwe Inn Tha Inle Resort

Shwe Inn Tha Inle Resort

Inle Lake
Situated on the lake itself, Shwe Inn Thar Resort offers 40 rooms in cottages made with thatched roo More info
Sule-Shangri-la Hotel

Sule-Shangri-la Hotel

223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Yangon Downtown, Yangon
Sule-Shangri-la Hotel is formerly Traders Hotel. Well appointed 5 stars hotel in the centre of the c More info
Sunny Paradise Hotel

Sunny Paradise Hotel

Bagan
For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Ngwesaung Beach, Sunny Paradise Resort is More info
Thande Beach Hotel

Thande Beach Hotel

Ngapali Beach
The Thande Beach Hotel has 38 deluxe bungalow type and 24 Superior building type rooms with air cond More info
Thazin Garden Hotel

Thazin Garden Hotel

Thazin Road, Old Bagan, Bagan
Situated in New Bagan, Thazin Garden Hotel is located approximately 15 minutes from the airport and More info
The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

Near Tharabar Gate, Old Bagan, Bagan
In the Old Bagan, near the spectacular Ananda Temple. The Hotel offers 83 luxury, well decorated roo More info
The Strand

The Strand

92, Strand Road, Yangon Downtown, Yangon
Declared “the finest hostelry East of Suez” by John Murray in his “Handbook for Traveler More info
Thiripyitsayar Sanctuary Resort

Thiripyitsayar Sanctuary Resort

Bagan
This resort, with about 120 rooms in various categories is situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady R More info
Triumph Hotel

Triumph Hotel

Mandalay
New hotel in quiet surroundings. Very good reviews for rooms, service and facilities.More info
Win Unity Resort

Win Unity Resort

Monywa
Located in Monywa, Win Unity Resort Hotel features a spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool. It offers More info
Zfreeti Hotel

Zfreeti Hotel

5th Thiripyitsayar street, Nyaung U, Bagan
Zfreeti Hotel is brand new hotel and located in Nyaung U, near the Shwezigon Pagoda. The hotel itsel More info
A Classic Tour of Myanmar

A Classic Tour of Myanmar

Mount Popa, Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan
Price per person from $ 1,180
Trip Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mount Popa – Mandalay – Yangon Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights More info
A Myanmar Pilgrimage

A Myanmar Pilgrimage

Yangon, Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), Mandalay
Price per person from $ 1,385
Start From: Yangon Trip Route: Yangon – Kyaikthiyo – Bago – Yangon – Mandalay – Amarapura – Mi More info
Beach Extension - Ngapali Beach

Beach Extension - Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach
Only offered in conjunction with other tour arrangements DAY 1 Morning flight from Yangon, Mandalay, More info
Beach Extension - Ngwe Saung Beach

Beach Extension - Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwe Saung Beach
Only offered in conjunction with other tour arrangements Day 1 By private car to Ngwe Saung Beach, a More info
Golden Circuit (Yangon-Golden Rock-Hpa'an-Mawlamyine)

Golden Circuit (Yangon-Golden Rock-Hpa'an-Mawlamyine)

Hpa'an, Mawlamyine, Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
Golden Circuit Starting and Ending in Yangon (5 days / 4 nights) Taking in the awe-inspiring Golden More info
Magical Mystery Myanmar

Magical Mystery Myanmar

Pindaya, Monywa, Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan
Price per person from $ 2,105
Trip Route: Yangon – Mandalay – Monywa – Bagan – Pindaya – Inle Lake – Yangon Dura More info
Off The Beaten Track

Off The Beaten Track

Kyaing Tong (Keng Tung), Yangon, Inle Lake
Price per person from $ 1,540
Trip Route: Yangon – Kyaing Tong – Inle Lake – Yangon Duration: 10 days / 9nights DAY 1 Arrive More info
Overland Safari (Dawei-Mawlamyine-Hpa'an-Golden Rock-Yangon)

Overland Safari (Dawei-Mawlamyine-Hpa'an-Golden Rock-Yangon)

Hpa'an, Dawei (Tavoy), Mawlamyine, Yangon
Southern Myanmar Explorer (SM 1) Starting in Dawei, ending in Yangon (7 days / 6 nights) Be among th More info
The Essence of Myanmar

The Essence of Myanmar

Yangon, Inle Lake, Bagan
Price per person from $ 1,160
Start From: Yangon Trip Route: Yangon – Bagan – Inle Lake – Yangon Duration: 7 day More info
Wonderland

Wonderland

Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan
Price per person from $ 1,300
Trip Route: Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Yangon Duration: 8 days / 7nights Day 1: A More info
4 Days-3 Nights Boulder Bay Eco-Resort

4 Days-3 Nights Boulder Bay Eco-Resort

DAY ONE: KAWTHAUNG –BOULDER BAY ECO RESORT Upon being greeted by your guide at the airport In Kawtha More info
5 Days-4 Nights Island Safari

5 Days-4 Nights Island Safari

10 / 10
Our Island Safari’s start in the bustling fishing harbour of Kawthaung. The beautiful border town of More info
7 Days-6 Nights Boulder Bay Eco-Resort

7 Days-6 Nights Boulder Bay Eco-Resort

DAY ONE: KAWTHAUNG –BOULDER BAY ECO RESORT Upon being greeted by your guide at the airport In Kawtha More info
7 Days-6 Nights Island Safari

7 Days-6 Nights Island Safari

Our Island Safari’s start in the bustling fishing harbour of Kawthaung. The beautiful border town of More info
Boat Trip + Boulder Island Stay

Boat Trip + Boulder Island Stay

Combine a boat tour with M/V Sea Gipsy around the Mergui Archipelago with a stay on Boulder Bay Eco More info
River Cruise Tours

River Cruise Tours

Mandalay to Bagan, Bagan to Mandalay by Boat There are at least two public boats plying this route e More info