Is Myanmar Safe to Visit in 2024

To be honest, there are certain restricted areas that we do not recommend you visit including the far north areas near Thailand Border. These are some of the most characterful travel sites that are very safe for tourists in 2024: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach, Hpa An, Ngwe Saung Beach, and the Mergui Archipelago. 

Myanmar Visa Policy 2024

Visitors are able to apply for Myanmar Visa via the Embassy of Myanmar overseas or apply through the online portal. The official website for E visa application is: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/
The Evisa costs $50/ person for the travel purpose. This visa is valid for 28 days. Please note that you need to have a passport with at least 6-month validity to apply for the Myanmar Visa. Additionally, it is requested to buy travel insurance. 
Since Myanmar is mostly accessible by air, here comes the list of the airports that accept Evisa:
Yangon International Airport
Mandalay International Airport
Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
Visitors can also enter Myanmar through the border checkpoint of Kawthaung - Rannong ( Thailand ). 

International Flights to Myanmar

In 2024, there are regional flights from these countries to Myanmar: China, Laos, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taipei, India, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. There are no direct flights from Europe, USA, Canada, or Australia to Myanmar. 
Hence, if you travel from Europe, Australia, or America, it is recommended to take transit flights. 

Is it expensive to travel to Myanmar in 2024

In general, Myanmar is a cheap destination. When traveling inside the country, the travel cost is rather low compared to other neighboring countries like Thailand or China. 
There are big rooms for budget travel in Myanmar where you can spend a night from $10.
It does not mean that Myanmar lack of luxury travel facilities. High-end hotels and resorts are available in many famous tourist areas like Yangon, Inle Lake or Mandalay. 

Best things to do in Myanmar in 2024

Myanmar is still a developing country where the old charm world is the main reason why people visit the country. You may not find modern-themed parks or busy party life but captivating nature without a human footprint, sparkling lakes where various birds live, amazing beaches for your own, or legendary pagodas which have existed for a thousand years. 
To capture the best of Myanmar in 2024, you should not miss these signature experiences:


Photo: Adam - flickr.com

Witness the rendezvous of East and West in Yangon

Yangon is probably the best place in Myanmar to learn about the country`s rich history. In this charming city, you`ll find giant pagodas with thousands of Buddhist practices, and large parks with beautiful lakes that coexist with faded British colonial buildings. It is not only the crossroad for Burmese-Chinese-Indian culture but also the melting pot for cuisines from Shan State to the Irrawaddy River Delta. 
Things to do in Yangon are plentiful and you can easily make a good travel plan for 3 days here. 


Photo: Steve Feurst

Treat Yourself to the panorama of Bagan on a Balloon

There is one thing that is always listed on top of things to do in Myanmar: Bagan Balloon. A wonderful experience that offers a bird-eye view of the sacred plain which is stuffed with over 2,000 pagodas and temples remaining from the XI century. Many said that Bagan can be the competitor of Angkor Wat - Cambodia, but it may be true. For whatever reason, Bagan has its own charm that you should definitely explore once traveling to Myanmar. 
Related article: Things to do in Bagan.


Photo: Ozgoren

Explore Inle Lake`s culture

Another highlight of any Myanmar Trip is Inle Lake. It is located in the picturesque Shan State and is home to different Shan Hill tribes. Apart from the unique lake culture which is formed by many stilt villages, floating gardens, and extraordinary Buddhist monasteries, Inle Lake also draws visitors coming to learn about its ethnicity. 
To mark the things you should do in Inle Lake, they are: enjoy the sunset by a lakeside resort, take a boat tour, meet the long-neck people, climb Indein ruin stupas, try Burmese real wine at Red-Mountain Winery, do market hopping in a rotating market. Certain, there are so many other things to soak. Do not hesitate to contact us for a suggestion of what to do in Inle Lake. 
 

See the ancient capitals of Burma Kingdom in Mandalay

When it comes to the idea of learning about Myanmar`s past, there is probably no better place than Mandalay. The city itself is home to the last Royal Palace while its surroundings house 4 ancient capitals including Amarapura, Inwa, Sagaing, and Mingun. Each of these sites has its own characters and all of them are very photogenic. 
It is recommended to spend 3 days in Mandalay to uncover all the highlights of the area. Additionally, you can also see the biggest market in northern Myanmar, and taste the fusion foods of Chinese and Burmese in this exotic city too. 

Follow the Pilgrimage road to the sacred Golden Rock

For those who come to Myanmar/ Burma for religious purposes, it is incomplete without seeing the Golden Rock Myanmar. This magical site has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country. Importantly, its shrine is so well-known in Buddhist practices.

Travel off the beaten track to Hpa An

Hpa An has mountains, picturesque rice paddies, amazing waterways, lush jungles, and awesome caves. All of these elements are just ideal enough to push you to Hpa An. 
It is not to mention that Hpa An is also a big destination for Buddhist pilgrimage. It attracts thousands of people each year to see Saddan Cave which is filled with sacred Buddha statues. 
The arrival of new luxury hotels and resort make Hpa An a perfect destination to travel in luxury style without tourist crowds. 
We also suggest you check our Myanmar Photography Tours if you want to see the unique parts of Hpa An. 

Climb Mt. Victoria

Located in the awe-inspiring Nat Ma Taung National Park, Mt. Victoria offers a thrilling adventure in northern Myanmar. It boasts a wide range of flora and fauna that are best accessed by foot. As one of the  Best Myanmar National Parks, the area has also many cascading waterfalls where you can swim. 
Another reason you should trek here is the chance to meet the Chin Hill Tribe who had a long tradition of tattooing their face. 
Related tour to Mt. Victoria: Chill Hill Tribe Myanmar Trek.

See the Ultimate Tropical Paradise of the Mergui Archipelago

The Mergui Archipelago is considered the " Phuket of Myanmar". There are 800 islands, mostly wide and inhabited to find your own beach! There are only a few tourists per year coming to this sparkling area simply because it requires some effort and money to travel. However, Mergui will not make you disappoint, especially for those who want to see one of the last Asian tropical paradises before it becomes popular. 
Recommended reading: Mergui Archipelago Tour Packages

Trek in Kalaw

For years, Kalaw has been rated one of the most spectacular trekking hubs in Myanmar. For first-time travelers, an easy hike around the town or a day return trek could be easy to see the tea plantation, local farm, or ethnic minority village.
Most of the travel books introduce Kalaw to Inle Lake 3-day trekking as it allows you to soak up the changes from the mountain to the lake. On the way, you`ll encounter various experiences including a cozy homestay, learning how to cook Burmese foods, or get fun with kids in their schools. 

Beach hopping in Ngapali 

Arguably, Ngapali is the most beautiful beach in Burma/ Myanmar. But for sure, Ngapali has the best tourism facilities to welcome international tourists. There are all types of accommodations and activities to enjoy at Ngapali Beach. 
For an ocean safari, you can opt a boat tour. For cultural exploration, Thandwe town and its markets, and villages are worth checking out for a day. 

Surf at Ngwe Saung beach

Heading to Myanmar for surfing? plan now your way to Ngwe Saung Beach. There is simply no better place to do that in Myanmar at the moment. The sandy beaches await your leisure and the waves are here to conquer. It may not be the best place in Asia to do surfing but a very special location with characterful culture.

Admire Kandawgyi national botanical garden

Kandawgyi botanical garden sets in a postcard-perfect site about 80km from Mandalay city. The local tourists often go here to escape from the tropical heat during the summertime. The national park, however, has more than that to tempt visitors. With 480 species of flowers, shrubs, and trees, different types of birds, a flowery orchid garden, interesting butterfly museum, the park is a good choice for a day trip from Mandalay.

Mt. Popa National Park

The park differentiates itself from others by the stunning view over an extinct volcano. Mt. Popa is listed as one of the most intriguing Myanmar National Parks that you should visit. Apart from its value for nature, Mt. Popa is also home to a sacred Buddhist temple named Popa Taungkalat Shrine. 
For any travel to Myanmar in 2024, if you have more than 8 days, it is ideal to add the park to your Myanmar travel itinerary. 

Things to know before you travel to Myanmar

After the pandemic, Myanmar has witnessed some changes for travel, especially for those who want to see the country more than its surface. Here comes some of our latest up-to-date travel policies.

Travel Tips for Myanmar Visa

It is advisable to apply for a Myanmar visa before you plan your travel. Not all visa applications are approved. 
You may be asked to buy compulsory travel insurance, then make sure sure you follow all the steps. If you have a chance to visit the Myanmar Embassy, you may find clear instructions to apply. In case, you have any questions about Myanmar, we are here to help!

Road Trip/ Caravan Trip in Myanmar in 2024

Caravan tours are still accepted but it is complicated if you wish to travel from Thailand to India via Myanmar. It is fine for a travel Thailand - Myanmar - Thailand since certain border checkpoints still accept this. However, you need to organize it through a local travel agency/tour operator.
You can check our latest Myanmar Caravan Tours for some suggestions. 

What to bring for travel to Myanmar

As Myanmar is still a developing country, you may not find many things in a convenience store. Here are some of the useful items you should carry for Myanmar Travel in 2024:
Insect spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, flip flops, summer wears, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, light jackets, headlamp, and padlock. 

Money/ ATM

In Myanmar, cash is the king. Although ATMs are now available in many places, local businessmen like hoteliers, and restauranter still prefer cash. The US dollar or Euro is money widely accepted. 
You can withdraw money in Myanmar through ATM in 2024 but please bear the transfer fee!

Myanmar Sim Card

It is easy to purchase a Sim Card for your personal communication at the airport. Kiosks which sell Sim Cards are available inside the airport and quite visible upon your arrival. Very often, you can use internet service with the Sim Card you buy.