Myanmar

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation bordered by Thailand, Laos, China, India, and Bangladesh, with an extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The country is known for its ancient Buddhist temples, diverse ethnic groups, and relatively undeveloped tourism infrastructure.

For international travelers, Yangon International Airport (RGN) serves as the primary gateway, handling most international flights. Mandalay International Airport (MDL) is the secondary international hub, particularly for flights from China and Thailand. Domestic aviation is essential for covering the country's considerable distances, with key tourist destinations like Bagan and Inle Lake accessible via regional airports.

Important: Since the political changes in February 2021, travel to Myanmar has been significantly affected. Travelers should check current travel advisories and visa availability before planning trips.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
RGN	Yangon	Primary international hub	Myanmar Airways International, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines
MDL	Mandalay	Secondary international hub	China Eastern, Thai AirAsia
NYU	Naypyidaw	Capital airport, limited international	Myanmar National Airlines

Domestic Airports

Airport	City	Serves
NYT	Nyaung U	Bagan temple complex
HEH	Heho	Inle Lake region
SNW	Thandwe	Ngapali Beach
TVY	Dawei	Southern coastal region
MYT	Myitkyina	Kachin State

Yangon International (RGN) — The country's busiest airport and main entry point. Located 15 km north of downtown Yangon. Single international terminal handles all overseas flights. Domestic terminal serves internal routes. Limited lounges and facilities compared to regional airports.

Mandalay International (MDL) — Modern airport built in 2000, located 35 km south of Mandalay city. Serves as a hub for northern Myanmar and receives direct flights from Bangkok, Kunming, and other regional cities.

Nyaung U (NYT) — Small airport serving the ancient temple city of Bagan. Receives domestic flights from Yangon, Mandalay, and Heho. Essential for tourists visiting Bagan's 2,000+ temples and pagodas.

National Carriers

• Myanmar National Airlines (UB) — State-owned flag carrier, operates domestic routes and limited regional international services to Thailand, Singapore, and India
• Myanmar Airways International (8M) — International carrier operating routes to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other Asian destinations

Domestic Carriers

• Air KBZ (K7) — Private domestic carrier, extensive internal network
• Air Thanlwin — Regional domestic services
• Mann Yadanarpon Airlines — Domestic flights connecting major cities

International Airlines Serving Myanmar

Prior to 2021, Myanmar was served by several international carriers:

• Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways — Bangkok connections
• Singapore Airlines, Silk Air — Singapore hub
• Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia — Kuala Lumpur connections
• China Eastern, China Southern — Chinese city connections
• Vietnam Airlines — Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City

Note: International flight availability has been significantly reduced since 2021. Check current schedules before booking.

E-Visa

Myanmar offers an electronic visa system for tourism:

• Cost: $50 USD
• Validity: 28 days single entry
• Processing: 3 business days typically
• Apply: evisa.moip.gov.mm (official site)

Important: E-visa availability and processing may be affected by the current political situation. Verify current status before applying.

Visa on Arrival

Previously available at Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw airports for some nationalities. Status uncertain—confirm before travel.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
• At least 2 blank pages required
• Proof of onward travel may be requested

Entry Points

International entry is permitted at:

• Yangon International Airport (RGN)
• Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
• Naypyidaw International Airport (NYU)
• Limited land border crossings with Thailand

Travel Advisory

Check your government's travel advisory before planning any trip to Myanmar. The situation has been unstable since February 2021, affecting:

• Flight availability
• Visa processing
• Regional travel restrictions
• Safety in certain areas

Official visa information: evisa.moip.gov.mm

Domestic Flights

Given Myanmar's size (roughly the size of France and the UK combined) and limited road infrastructure, domestic flights are often the most practical option:

Route	Duration	Frequency
Yangon ↔ Mandalay	1h 15min	Multiple daily
Yangon ↔ Bagan (NYT)	1h 20min	Daily
Yangon ↔ Heho (Inle)	1h 10min	Daily
Mandalay ↔ Bagan	30 min	Daily
Yangon ↔ Ngapali (SNW)	1h	Seasonal

Booking tips:

• Book through airline websites or local travel agents
• Cash payment may be required for some bookings
• Schedules can change—reconfirm flights
• Domestic flights often depart early morning

Buses

Long-distance buses connect major cities:

• Yangon to Mandalay: 8-10 hours (overnight buses available)
• Yangon to Bagan: 9-10 hours
• Mandalay to Bagan: 4-5 hours

VIP buses offer reclining seats and onboard meals. JJ Express and Myanmar Bus Ticket are common operators.

Trains

Myanmar's railway network is extensive but slow and dated:

• Yangon to Mandalay: 15-16 hours (overnight sleeper available)
• Scenic but uncomfortable for long journeys
• Upper class and sleeper berths recommended

Boats

River travel on the Irrawaddy River:

• Mandalay to Bagan: Scenic day cruise (10-12 hours) or express boat (8 hours)
• Popular tourist experience, multiple operators

Car Rental

Self-drive is not practical or advisable:

• International licenses not recognized
• Right-hand drive vehicles, drive on the right (confusing)
• Poor road conditions outside cities

Recommended: Hire a car with driver through hotels or travel agencies. Typical cost $50-100/day including fuel.

Cool/Dry Season (November-February)

Best time to visit. Comfortable temperatures (20-30°C), minimal rainfall, clear skies for temple visits. Peak tourist season with higher prices and more crowds at Bagan and Inle Lake.

Hot Season (March-May)

Extremely hot, particularly in central Myanmar (Bagan, Mandalay). Temperatures can exceed 40°C. Fewer tourists but challenging conditions. April features Thingyan water festival (Myanmar New Year).

Monsoon Season (June-October)

Heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal and delta regions. Many beach resorts close. Domestic flight disruptions possible. Lowest prices and fewest tourists. Lush green landscapes.

Regional Considerations

Region	Best Time	Notes
Yangon	Nov-Feb	Humid year-round
Bagan	Nov-Feb	Very hot Mar-May
Inle Lake	Nov-Feb	Cool mornings, warm days
Ngapali Beach	Nov-Apr	Resorts close in monsoon
Mandalay	Nov-Feb	Extremely hot in summer

Major Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Yangon	RGN	Shwedagon Pagoda, colonial architecture, markets
Mandalay	MDL	Royal palaces, monasteries, artisan workshops
Naypyidaw	NYU	Purpose-built capital, government buildings

Cultural Sites

Destination	Nearest Airport	Known For
Bagan	NYT	2,000+ ancient temples and pagodas
Inle Lake	HEH	Floating gardens, leg-rowing fishermen, stilt villages
Mrauk U	SWE (Sittwe)	Ancient Rakhine temples, remote location
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)	RGN	Pilgrimage site, balancing boulder

Beach Destinations

Beach	Nearest Airport	Notes
Ngapali	SNW	Best beach, upscale resorts
Ngwe Saung	RGN (5hr drive)	Closer to Yangon, developing
Chaung Tha	RGN (5hr drive)	Popular with locals

Trekking Regions

• Kalaw to Inle Lake: Popular 2-3 day trek through Shan State hills
• Hsipaw: Northern Shan State, ethnic minority villages
• Chin State: Remote, requires permits, unique traditions

Money

• Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK, symbol K)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 2,100 MMK to $1 USD (check current rates)
• Cash: Still essential in many places; bring clean, undamaged US dollars
• ATMs: Available in cities but may have withdrawal limits and fees
• Cards: Major hotels and some restaurants accept cards in Yangon and tourist areas
• Exchange: Change money at banks, official exchange counters, or airport (avoid black market)

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plugs: Multiple types in use—C, D, F, and G (British style)
• Adapter: Bring a universal adapter; power outlets vary even within the same building
• Power cuts: Common outside major cities; carry a flashlight and portable charger

Connectivity

• Mobile: Telenor, Ooredoo, MPT are main carriers
• SIM cards: Available at airport on arrival (bring passport)
• Internet: Variable quality; better in cities and tourist hotels
• VPN: May be useful; internet restrictions exist

Health

• Vaccinations: Check CDC/WHO recommendations (typically hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus)
• Malaria: Risk in some areas; consult travel health clinic
• Drinking water: Bottled water only
• Medical facilities: Limited outside Yangon; travel insurance essential

Safety

• Travel advisory: Check your government's current advice before traveling
• Regional restrictions: Some areas require permits or are off-limits
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people; restrictions at some military/government sites
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites; remove shoes

Cultural Notes

• Religion: Predominantly Buddhist; respect temple etiquette
• Dress: Conservative dress appreciated, especially outside cities
• Head and feet: Head is sacred, feet are considered low; don't point feet at Buddha images
• Monks: Highly respected; women should not touch monks
• Time: Myanmar Standard Time (UTC+6:30)—one of few countries with 30-minute offset

Language

• Official: Burmese (Myanmar)
• English: Spoken in tourist areas and by educated population
• Useful phrases: "Mingalaba" (hello), "Cezu tin ba de" (thank you)

• Tourism: Myanmar Tourism
• E-Visa: evisa.moip.gov.mm
• US Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov/Myanmar
• UK Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar
• CDC Health Information: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/burma