Beach Tripping In Myanmar – Where To Go And What You Need To Know
MyanmarWith over twelve hundred miles of white sand beaches along the coast of Myanmar, there are so many stunning...
Notable Places
Discover Myanmar
Use the map to explore or start with our post on the best beaches in Myanmar.
Myanmar Quick Guide
- Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
- Language: Burmese
- Emergency Number: 199 (police), 192 (ambulance)
- Tipping: Not customary, but rounding up or small tips are appreciated in tourist areas
- Fun Fact #1: Myanmar has one of the world’s highest concentrations of Buddhist pagodas—over 2,000 in Bagan alone
- Fun Fact #2: Traditional face paint called thanaka is worn daily for skincare and sun protection
- Fun Fact #3: Traffic in Myanmar drives on the right-hand side, but most cars have the steering wheel on the right—leftover from British rule
Where to Stay in Myanmar
Accommodation in Myanmar ranges from simple guesthouses and mid-range hotels to luxury river cruises and boutique stays. Popular places include Bagan for its temples, Inle Lake for floating villages, Yangon for colonial charm, and Mandalay for royal history. Advance booking is advised due to limited infrastructure in some regions.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Myanmar
Traveling around Myanmar involves a mix of domestic flights, long-distance buses, trains, and private cars. Flights are the quickest option between major destinations like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. VIP buses are a comfortable and affordable alternative, especially for overnight routes. Trains offer a scenic, slow-moving journey with charming but unpredictable service, particularly between Yangon and Mandalay.
Within cities, taxis are common, and in smaller towns, tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis are often used. In Bagan, e-bikes are a fun and efficient way to explore the temples. Boat trips are popular around Inle Lake and between riverside towns.
Infrastructure varies, and road conditions can be rough in rural areas, so travel times may be longer than expected. Always check current conditions and local advisories before traveling between regions.
Must-Visit Places in Myanmar
- Bagan – Ancient temple plains best explored by e-bike or hot air balloon
- Yangon – Home to the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda and colonial-era streets
- Inle Lake – Stilt-house villages, floating gardens, and leg-rowing fishermen
- Mandalay – Cultural hub with royal palaces, temples, and artisan workshops
- Hsipaw – Peaceful town ideal for trekking through Shan State’s hills
- Ngapali Beach – Pristine white-sand beach on the Bay of Bengal
- Kalaw – A popular base for scenic treks to Inle Lake
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Myanmar Food to Try
Myanmar’s cuisine blends Burmese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences, with rich curries, pickled flavors, and plenty of noodles:
- Mohinga – Rice noodle soup in a fish broth, Myanmar’s unofficial national dish
- Shan Noodles – Thin rice noodles served with chicken or pork, tomato-based sauce, and crushed peanuts
- Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) – Fermented tea leaves mixed with crunchy nuts, garlic, and lime
- Burmese Curry – Often served with rice and a variety of side dishes and soups
- Nan Gyi Thoke – Thick rice noodles tossed with chicken curry, turmeric, and garnishes
- Mont Lin Ma Yar – “Husband and wife snacks,” crispy rice flour pancakes filled with chickpeas or quail egg
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
