Overview
Myanmar (also known as Burma) is a large, culturally layered country in mainland Southeast Asia, bordering Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. It encompasses an extraordinary range of landscapes — from the arid plains of central Myanmar dotted with thousands of pagodas, to the cool highlands of Shan State, the Irrawaddy River delta, and long Andaman Sea coastlines.
The country has a population of roughly 54 million people and is home to more than 130 recognized ethnic groups. Bamar (Burman) culture is dominant in the lowlands, while Shan, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Kachin, Mon, and Rakhine peoples maintain distinct languages, dress, and traditions in their respective regions.
Myanmar's history spans millennia, with the Bagan Empire (9th–13th centuries) leaving behind one of the most remarkable concentrations of religious monuments in the world. Later dynasties, followed by British colonial rule (1824–1948), shaped the country's cities, railway network, and legal frameworks in ways still visible today.
Important context for travelers (2024–2025): Myanmar has been under military governance since a coup in February 2021. This has led to ongoing internal conflict in many parts of the country, infrastructure disruptions, and significant changes to banking and currency access. The situation remains fluid. Travelers should consult their government's travel advisory and verify conditions before and during any trip.
Before You Go
Travel Advisories
As of the time of writing, many Western governments maintain 'do not travel' or 'reconsider travel' advisories for Myanmar, particularly for border regions and areas of active conflict. Conditions vary significantly by region — Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake have historically been more accessible, but this can change rapidly. Check your national foreign affairs ministry for the latest assessment.
Visas
Myanmar's visa requirements and entry procedures have changed multiple times in recent years. For current, accurate requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and cross-reference the official Myanmar Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) or the official e-Visa portal. Verify locally or at your nearest Myanmar embassy before traveling.
Banking and Cash
International credit and debit cards have faced significant acceptance problems following the 2021 coup and subsequent banking disruptions. Many travelers have relied on carrying USD in clean, unfolded notes and exchanging locally. Verify the current situation with recent traveler reports before departure, as this changes frequently.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for rural and forested areas — consult a travel health clinic. Ensure routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid) are up to date. Safe drinking water is not reliably available from the tap; bottled or purified water is standard practice.
Getting There
By Air
Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the primary international gateway and handles the majority of international flights. Mandalay International Airport (MDL) receives some regional connections. Airlines serving Yangon have included Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Southern, and regional carriers — verify current schedules, as routes change with airline and political conditions.
By Land
Myanmar shares land border crossings with Thailand, China, India, and Laos, though the number of crossings open to foreign tourists has historically been limited and subject to change. Some crossings that were open pre-2021 have had altered access. Verify the status of any land crossing you intend to use well in advance through official or reliable community sources.
By River
Cross-border river entry points exist along certain stretches of the Mekong and Irrawaddy watersheds, but again, access for foreign tourists is subject to regulation and current security conditions.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Myanmar Airways International and several smaller domestic carriers connect Yangon to Mandalay, Bagan (Nyaung-U Airport), Heho (for Inle Lake), and other regional airports. Schedules and carriers operating domestically have shifted since 2021 — verify current options closer to travel.
Trains
Myanmar Railways operates an extensive but slow network connecting major cities. The Yangon–Mandalay express is a well-known route. Train travel is scenic and inexpensive, though journey times are long and punctuality is variable. The Yangon Circular Train offers a city-level loop used by commuters and as a local experience for visitors.
Buses
Long-distance bus services connect major destinations and are generally more comfortable and faster than trains for many intercity routes. Private bus companies offer air-conditioned coaches on key corridors such as Yangon–Mandalay and Mandalay–Bagan.
Local Transport
In cities, trishaws (bicycle rickshaws), motorbike taxis, and shared taxis are common. Ride-hailing apps have had a presence in Yangon. In rural areas, pick-up trucks serving as shared taxis are a primary mode of local movement. On Inle Lake, long-tail boats are the standard way to navigate between floating villages and attractions.
Things to See & Do
Bagan
The Bagan Archaeological Zone contains over 3,500 religious structures — stupas, temples, and monasteries — built primarily between the 9th and 13th centuries. Ananda Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, and Dhammayangyi Temple are among the most visited. Sunrise and sunset from elevated vantage points (note: climbing on pagodas is now restricted to preserve the structures) are widely considered among the most atmospheric experiences in Southeast Asia.
Inle Lake
Located in Shan State at roughly 900 metres elevation, Inle Lake is famous for its floating gardens, stilt-house villages, and the distinctive one-legged rowing technique used by Intha fishermen. Boat trips visit silk-weaving workshops, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and the five-day rotating market that moves between lakeside towns.
Mandalay
Myanmar's second-largest city and cultural heartland. Key sites include Mandalay Hill, the Kuthodaw Pagoda (housing the 'world's largest book' — Buddhist scriptures on marble slabs), Shwenandaw Monastery's carved teak interior, and U Bein Bridge — a long teak footbridge over Taungthaman Lake. Mandalay is also a centre for traditional crafts including gold-leaf making, tapestry weaving (kalaga), and marble carving.
Yangon
The former capital retains much colonial-era architecture and is anchored by Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, believed to enshrine relics of four Buddhas. Bogyoke Aung San Market, the Sule Pagoda, and the atmospheric Chinatown district (Latha Township) are also worth time.
Hill Tribes and Trekking
Shan State and Kayah State have historically been popular for multi-day trekking through villages of diverse ethnic communities, including Padaung, Pa-O, and Shan peoples. Access and safety in these areas must be verified given current conflict conditions.
Food & Drink
Myanmar cuisine is less internationally familiar than its Thai or Chinese neighbours but is distinctive and varied. Rice is the staple, served alongside curries (hin) of fish, chicken, pork, or vegetable with aromatic seasonings. Mohinga — a fish-based noodle soup with banana stem and chickpea fritters — is considered a national breakfast dish.
Tea leaf salad (lahpet thoke) is a uniquely Burmese preparation of fermented tea leaves mixed with sesame seeds, fried garlic, peanuts, tomato, and dried shrimp. It is both a common snack and a ceremonial food. Shan noodles (noodles served with a mild tomato-pork broth) are popular throughout the country.
Teahouses (lahpet yeinn) are central to social life, serving thick, sweetened milk tea and a rotating selection of snacks throughout the day. They are an inexpensive and genuine way to experience daily life. Locally produced Mandalay rum and Myanmar Beer are widely available. The legal drinking age is 18.
Street food is abundant in urban areas — exercise standard food hygiene awareness, particularly regarding raw vegetables washed in tap water and ice of uncertain origin.
Practical Information
Connectivity
SIM cards from operators such as Ooredoo and Mytel have been available for purchase at airports and phone shops, but the telecommunications landscape has changed following the coup, including periodic internet restrictions. Verify current access conditions.
Electricity
Myanmar uses 230V/50Hz. Plug types C, D, F, and G are used. Power outages can occur, particularly outside major cities — a portable battery bank is a practical addition to your kit.
Tipping
Tipping is not a deeply embedded cultural norm but is appreciated in tourist-facing services — restaurants, guides, and hotel staff. Verify reasonable local amounts with recent traveler reports.
Emergency Contacts
Verify current emergency numbers locally upon arrival, as these can change. The general police number has historically been 199 in Myanmar, but confirm this is operative in your area.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and in markets. Photography near military installations, government buildings, bridges, and airports is prohibited and can result in detention.
Safety
Myanmar's security situation is complex and regionally variable. Since the February 2021 military coup, armed conflict has spread across numerous states and regions, including parts of Sagaing Region, Kayah (Karenni) State, Chin State, Kachin State, and areas of Shan State. Bagan, central Mandalay, Yangon, and Inle Lake have been comparatively less directly affected by armed fighting, but the overall environment remains volatile.
Travelers should register with their country's embassy upon arrival. Carry photocopies of your passport and visa documents. Curfews, road checkpoints, and internet shutdowns can occur with little notice. Maintain awareness of your surroundings and have a contingency plan if your planned route becomes inaccessible.
Petty crime — bag snatching and opportunistic theft — exists in crowded urban areas as in any regional city. Keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings in busy markets and transport hubs.
For the most current and specific safety information, consult your government's official travel advisory immediately before departure and monitor updates during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion
Approximately 88% of the population practices Theravada Buddhism, and religious observance is woven into daily life. Monks (in burgundy robes) and nuns (in pink robes) are prominent on streets at dawn collecting alms. Visitors should treat religious sites with respect: remove shoes and socks before entering pagodas and temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and avoid turning your back to Buddha images when posing for photos.
Dress
Myanmar people dress conservatively, and visitors should do the same, especially outside of resort areas. The longyi — a cylindrical wrap-around garment — is worn by both men and women and is the national dress. Purchasing and wearing one is welcomed rather than seen as appropriation.
Greetings and Etiquette
The traditional greeting is the 'shikho' — a respectful bow with hands pressed together. Elders are given deference in social settings. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body; touching someone's head, even a child's, is impolite. Feet are considered the lowest — avoid pointing them at people or religious images.
Sensitivity Around Current Events
Public discussion of politics involves real risk for local residents under the current military government. Travelers should exercise discretion and never place local people in a position where they feel compelled to express political views.