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Myanmar is a hidden gem, and for many, it should stay like this, to avoid mass commercialization and losing its true character as a pure, safe and unique country. Formally known as Burma, it is fondly referred to as 'the Golden Land' because of the abundant use of gold leaf on its temples and shrines. It is a country with a rich diversity of cultures, religions and languages; home to more than 100 ethnic groups, and a history spanning over 3.000 years, reflected in some of Southeast Asia's most opulently adorned temples.The majestic gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the temple ruins of Bagan, and the mystical Mandalay are just some of the unique wonders that bring visitors to Myanmar's well-guarded borders.
Myanmar is situated along the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, and its northern borders stretch all the way up to the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. It borders India to the west, China to the north, and Thailand and Laos to the east. One third of Myanmar's perimeter is uninterrupted and largely undeveloped coastline.
This scenic country has a rocky political past. It was a British Colony from 1885 until 1948, and since independence has largely been ruled by a military dictatorship.However, Myanmar has taken long strides towards democracy in the last few years. Certainly, this once secretive and isolated country has enthusiastically flung open its borders to travellers, and although ethnic conflict is still a problem, foreigners are seldom the target of this violence. In fact, Myanmar has one of the lowest tourist crime rates in the world, so travellers can relax in the knowledge that their trip should be trouble-free.
Myanmar has only recently emerged as an international travel destination due to its internal politics, but the lovely beaches, incredible historical attractions, snow-capped mountains, and jungle wilderness have already attracted lots of attention. Myanmar is one of the most authentic and unspoiled countries in Asia, an irresistible destination for travellers wanting to experience ancient traditions in one of the most beautiful, traditional and time locked countries in the region.
It won't be long till this potential is noted by international organisation and mass tourism. However, this outcome is to many people, the beginning of an end of something that has been hidden for many years. Tourism is still somewhat controlled, which is a good thing for now, so we encourage you to discover Myanmar, a true destination!
Myanmar is one those unexplored countries, still awaiting much commercialization and exploiting its potential, as a tourist destination. But before that happens, now is a better time to visit this pure country in all senses! Since the Summer of 2012, now its possible to travel to Myanmar with less bureaucracy and applying with a very easy system online to obtain a visa before you arrive to the country. (See next tab). This has made Myanmar another country in the Southeast Asia region, a hot spot to travel to, which soon will become a popular destination.
However getting to the country is not straight forward, there are no direct links from Europe or America. The only local international airlines operating out of the country are Myanmar National Airlines and Myanmar Airways International, which offer a limited number of destinations around the Asian continent, with a focus on China and Thailand. Another relatively new airline to operate is also Golden Myanmar Airlines. If not taking any of these when already in Asia, and want to fly more directly to Myanmar, then you need to transit in some of the major hubs, for example Emirates and Air China provide regular flights.
Transportation in Myanmar relies mostly on private cars, taxis, bikes and busses. It's still a developing country when it comes to public transport, so don't expect a major infrastructure. However, with the years going by now, the local governments are now implementing better bus systems with numbers in latin, as opposed to their own script.
This helps to move around in some of the busses which provide a good link around the cities.
Getting around the country is only possible by bus. You need to buy the tickets in the many agencies located in the major cities like Yangon or Mandalay.
❗Attention: It's not possible to drive in Myanmar for tourists. No visiting tourist, (even with international driving license), is allowed to rent any vehicles in Myanmar. At the moment this is in place to avoid accidents, since many of the roads are not safe enough and signage is only in Burmese script outside major cities.
Travelling in Myanmar can prove exciting, but it's also very rudimental and unsafe. No visitors are allowed to rent any vehicles whilst in the country! Myanmar's climate can be described as a tropical monsoon climate. It is characterised by strong monsoon influences, with a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity that makes it sometimes feel quite uncomfortable if you visit during certain times of the year. The annual average temperature ranges from 22°C to 35°C year-round. There are two distinguishable seasons, a drier period in the winter and a hot humid rainy period in the summer. However, it can still be hot year round with day temperatures reaching to 35°C and night time around 24°C.
The best time to go to Myanmar, is during its dry and cool season, which is November to February, with more pleasant temperatures of 28 C during the day and at night they drop to around 20-22 °C.
At the same time, you should avoid the hot and humid season during May, June and July when its extremely hot (33-38 °C day time). If you go, make sure to have plenty of water with you, sun cream, insect repellent and avoid long exposures outside. Also be aware of the monsoon season, June to September in the southwest of Myanmar and December to April in the northeast, as flooding may occur.
Burmese cuisine has an interesting mix somewhere between Indian and Southeast Asian cooking, but is actually different to both! Dishes feature abundant spices, but tend to include less chilli than in Thailand or India, with an emphasis on sour, bitter and salty flavours. Many dishes in Myanmar are topped with a layer of oil to keep out bugs, but not all dishes are as oily as people expect. Noodle soups and salads are very popular, and the local tofu – made from yellow split peas.
Preserved vegetables crop up prominently in Burmese cooking, including pickled bamboo shoots and pickled tea leaves, a local delicacy. Chinese food and Indian food is also popular, particularly biryani, Indian spiced fried rice.
Specialities one can find are: Lethok son, spicy vegetarian rice salad. Mohinga, burmese fish soup with noodles, the national dish for breakfast. Oh-no khauk swe, a soup of rice noodles, chicken and coconut milk. Shan khauk swe, a dish predominately eaten by the Shan, but popular around the country, it consists of rice noodles either in broth or dry, usually with chicken. Athoke, various ‘salads’ served cold, made from noodles, ginger, tofu, chicken and other ingredients. Biryani, Indian-style fried rice with spices and chicken. Burmese curry, most meals feature some kind of curry dish, usually quite mildly spiced and oily, and traditionally accompanied by a selection of side dishes like ngapi (fish paste) as well as rice and soup. Lahpet, a tasty dish of fermented tea leaves, usually eaten as dessert and considered to be a key part of Myanmar’s culinary heritage. Htanyet, jaggery, unrefined palm sugar, eaten at the end of a meal. Peh-hin-ye, Indian-style dhal (lentil) soup. Htamin, rice, the foundation of any Burmese meal.
As for drinks: Green tea, provided free in many restaurants. Black tea, drunk with milk and sugar in teahouses, which are important social hubs. Alcohol beverages are burmese beer together with other popular brands from Thailand.
The Burmese Breakfast. 
Meats with different condiments and spices make up a typical meal in Myanmar. 
Chinese influenced soups are very popular in Myanmar. Generally speaking, Myanmar is a safe country for tourists since its laws are extremely strict to all those causing problems to tourists. However, you shouldn't relax as it definitely isn't without its dangers. Pickpockets do operate here and there, but tourists are rarely targeted, even in the regions outside of the major cities. Still, there are regions where they're really active so you should be careful. Don't flash your belongings in public or leave your valuables in plain sight. Be especially careful in crowded places frequented by tourists.
For visas, you must get an E-visa before you travel for most countries. For best advice, check your country requirements on the Myanmar Visa website (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/home) . Any foreign national who wishes to enter Myanmar must obtain a visa unless they are a citizen of one of the designated visa-exempt countries. All visitors to Myanmar must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. E-visas are usually valis for 28 days.
✔️Tip: We strongly advise that when travelling to Yangon, you book your return ticket and have proof of your itinerary, including hotel accommodation and enough funds to support your stay. Sometimes, immigration or the airline agents can ask to see this proof. If not in possession of it, you might be refused entry into Myanmar or not be aloud to board your flight.
Visiting Yangon and Myanmar has been up to know, one of the most interesting and insightful trips I have done so far. The country is still very underdeveloped, yet it is quite straightforward and tourists are felt welcomed in this “new” land. Yangon is a mix of old architecture from its British colonial times, together with rising empowering Buddhist temples, a few mosques and a few churches add to the cultural twist of believes. The city can seem chaotic at the beginning until you get used to it, be patient when getting public transport and understand that people here, still have very limited knowledge of English. However, that is slowly changing and more and more people and business are taking the opportunity of the democratic country which is opening up to the outside world. It won’t be long till it might convert into another Bangkok, but before that happens, make sure you come and explore by yourself this unique country which has so much to offer.
It’s people are kind and friendly to tourists, that goes along way, despite sometimes their respect for nature is not always there. Still a lot of rubbish lying around and messy side roads which vehicles take priority over pedestrians! The tasty food is cheap and varied; lots of different flavours mix here with strong influences from India, Thailand and China. To summarize it all, it’s definitely a recommended place to visit if you want to see bare, rural and underdeveloped infrastructure, but yet safe to visit for tourists. It’s the ideal country if you’re on a budget and like finding your way around on public transport! Don’t leave it too late, as there is much change over the horizon for Myanmar!
(once visited)