Myanmar Travel Tips & Guide

Myanmar Trip Highlights

Exploring Myanmar (Burma) is not for the weak of heart. Active tours will take you across a diverse landscape through an exciting mix of ancient architecture, delicious food, and colorful markets, as you bike, hike, snorkel, kayak, cook, and simply breathe in the centuries of history and natural beauty that this country has to offer. Whether you choose an adventure tour, a highlights tour, or a luxury cruise, you will likely see:

Yangon - This city is the arrival/ departure point for most Myanmar excursions, and features the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda, adorned with plated gold and crowned with over 400 diamonds.
The Pagodas of Bagan - Once you've climbed to the top of one of these ancient pagodas, you'll have a terrific view of the expansive archaelogical site where thousands of pagodas were built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
Mandalay - In this lively town, you will witness the beating heart of the Burmese culture, home to bustling steets and neighbored by the ornate hills of Sagaing.
Ayeyerwady River - Cruise along Myanmar's largest and most important river as you are acquainted with the country's unique art, architecture, and culture.
Myinkaba & Traditional markets - Here, you will get to know the typical Burmese flavor, as you explore an aromatic market of vegetables, herbs, and traditional food.
The Floating Gardens - At Inle Lake, you will have a chance to bike around town or kayak through the floating gardens and stilted villages.

Myanmar Fun Facts. Did you know...?

While Myanmar is the formal, official name of the country, it is also common to hear it referred to as "Burma." The two are often used interchangeably.
Along with the United States and Liberia, Myanmar is one of the last remaining countries that does not use the metric system.
Myanmar is considered a land of pagodas, many of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Since rice is one of the major agricultural products of this coastal nation, seafood, rice, and vegetables form staple parts of the cuisine.
Buddhism is the primary religion throughout Myanmar.
A very common natural mix called "paan" is a betel leaf, areca nut and sometimes tobacco combo that Burmese people use to keep their energy up.
The famous "long-neck" indigenous group is native to Myanmar.
Thanaka powder, which comes from ground bark, is used as a facial cosmetic for both men and women and can help prevent wrinkles and act as a sunscreen.

Myanmar (Burma) Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Myanmar?
US citizens do need a visa to visit Myanmar. Tourist visas are not hard to get, and we can help point you in the right direction throughout the process. Check the visa requirements for more specific information.

Is tipping customary in Myanmar?
Tipping in Myanmar is not customary, but it is definitely appreciated in the travel service industry. At your discretion based on great service, you can leave tips for the waiters, hotel porters, drivers, and guides.

What is internet access like in Myanmar?
Internet access in Myanmar is available but not incredibly common. Hotels will usually have internet access, but you might have to pay. Since it is a developing country, you probably won't get internet access in the more isolated or rural parts of the country.

Can I use my cell phone while in Myanmar?
The most common way to use your phone while in Myanmar is to ask your service provider to unlock your phone so it can be used internationally and then purchase a SIM chip upon your arrival in the destination airport. Another way to use your phone is to simply connect to WiFi networks when they are available, though this doesn't offer the same amount of coverage as a SIM chip would. International plans might be available from your provider, but they do tend to be more expensive options.

Do I need power adapters?
Myanmar has a diversity of outlets, including C, D, F, and G, which are not standard in Europe or North America, so you will need plug adapters. While the power is 230v, most appliances are built to handle this, so you probably won't need a power converter.

What are the toilets like in Myanmar?
Your hotel or ship will likely have modern Western style toilets, but throughout the rest of the country, you will probably see squat toilets, which function exactly as the name sounds. Bring your own toilet paper, just in case, but don't throw it in the toilet; rather throw it in the garbage can next to the toilet.

Can I drink the water in Myanmar?
Tap water in Myanmar is not safe for consumption, but it can be used for washing clothes or bathing. You will be provided with bottled or purified drinking water throughout your entire trip.

Are credit cards accepted in Myanmar? Will I be able to find ATMs?
ATMs are more common now than they were a couple years ago, but they are still hard to find, and international transaction fees can be upwards of $5 each. It's equally hard to find a place that accepts debit or credit cards, which means that you should have cash on hand for your entire trip.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for any trip, and we work with TravelGuard to provide our adventurers with the best deals on comprehensive coverage. Check the Once You're Booked page for more information.

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