Why should you consider traveling to Myanmar in 2026? 

Myanmar remains one of Asia's least-visited destinations, offering a rare opportunity for genuine, uncrowded discovery. With fewer tourists, you can experience the country's profound culture and breathtaking landscapes in a more intimate setting. Imagine witnessing a spectacular sunset over the thousands of ancient pagodas in Bagan, a moment of serenity that is often lost to the crowds at more frequented sites like Angkor Wat.
As you travel from the bustling energy of the cities to the tranquil pace of the villages, you are likely to be met with kindness and curiosity. This authentic warmth is a defining characteristic of the Burmese experience, making visitors feel truly welcomed and valued throughout their journey.
Myanmar offers a distinctive array of sceneries and cultural heritage that sets it apart from its Southeast Asian neighbors. Beyond the famous temples, you can explore pristine, untouched Myanmar beaches, discover remote islands with barely a footprint, and wander through the styled floating villages of Inle Lake, where fascinating traditional workshops continue to thrive. These unique and diverse landscapes await the discerning traveler seeking an experience unlike any other.

Is it Safe to Travel to Myanmar in 2026?

Yes, Myanmar remains a safe destination to travel to in 2026!
To make it clear, major travel sites like Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Bagan are in safe zones. Beaches like Ngapali and Ngwe Saung and the far islands of Mergui Archipelago are good for sun-seekers. For a little off-the-tourist-path, Hpa-An and Golden Rock are good to visit too. 


Places are listed as restricted areas are: Kachin, Chin, Rakhin States and some regions like Magway. There are borders areas not open to cross the countries to Thailand, China or India. Some adventures like caravan or motorbiking are difficult to organized accordingly. 

Myanmar Visa Policy 2026

Visitors from Europe, United States, America are required to have visa or Evisa before taking the flights to Myanmar. 
If approved, you will receive an e-Visa Approval Letter via email, typically within few business days. You must print this letter and present it upon arrival.  
Citizens from certain Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia can have visa exemption for 30 days travel. 

Best time to Visit Myanmar

November to April is considered the ideal period to explore Myanmar thanks to the pleasant weather condition: cool weather, sunny and very no rain. There are also many festival during this time of the year, including the New Year which is known as Thing Yan.

How long should I spend in Myanmar

The best time frame to visit Myanmar is from 6 to 15 days. Depending on your holiday duration, you have certain destinations to uncover the core charm of Myanmar.
If you have about 1 week trip, there are possibilities to see 3 of 4 remarkable destinations like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. 
If 2 week is your time frame then you can get more sights and attractions into your itinerary and finish by one of the most famous Myanmar Beaches: Ngapali or Ngwe Saung. 

Best things to do Myanmar Experiences in 2026

Myanmar has an abundance of styled experiences to offer in 2026. Here are some highlights to consider for your trip:

Witness the Dawn of a Thousand Temples

Bagan is arguably Myanmar's most iconic destination, a vast plain dotted with over 2,000 ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor.
• Sunrise and Sunset: The quintessential Bagan experience is watching the sunrise or sunset over the temple-studded landscape. The soft morning light illuminating the ancient structures, often accompanied by hot air balloons floating overhead, is a truly magical sight.
• Explore by E-Bike: Renting an electric bike (e-bike) is the most popular and enjoyable way to explore the plains. It allows for freedom to discover hidden temples and quiet pathways away from the main roads.
• Key Temples: While exploring, be sure to visit the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, the elegant Ananda Temple, and the towering Thatbyinnyu Temple.

Explore Yangon Culture and Food Scene

As the country's commercial capital, Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is a vibrant city where colonial-era architecture meets modern life. It is the spiritual and cultural gateway to Myanmar.
• Shwedagon Pagoda: This is the undisputed highlight of Yangon and one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments. The massive, gold-plated stupa is believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas. Visiting at dusk, when the pagoda is illuminated and the atmosphere is electric with worshippers, is an essential experience.
• Sule Pagoda: Located in the heart of downtown Yangon, this pagoda is a key landmark and a perfect starting point for exploring the city's colonial-era buildings, including the City Hall and the High Court.
• Circular Train: Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train for a slow, immersive journey through the city's outskirts, offering a unique glimpse into local life and markets.

See the life on water in Inle Lake

Inle Lake, located in the Shan State, offers a serene contrast to the temples of Bagan and the bustle of Yangon. It is famous for its unique culture and the Intha people, who are known for their distinctive leg-rowing technique.
• Boat Tour: A full-day boat tour is the best way to explore the lake. You will witness the leg-rowers, visit floating gardens, and see traditional workshops where local crafts like silver, weaving, and cheroots (Burmese cigars) are made.
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: This is the lake's main sanctuary, housing five small gilded images of the Buddha, which are so heavily covered in gold leaf that their original forms are unrecognizable.
• Indein Village: A popular stop on the boat tour, this village features a complex of ancient, moss-covered stupas that provide a fascinating look at the region's history.

Explore Mandalay Buddhist Heritages and Traditional Arts

4. Mandalay: The Cultural Capital Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom, is a center for Buddhist learning and traditional arts.
• U Bein Bridge: Located near Mandalay in Amarapura, this is the world's longest and oldest teakwood bridge. Watching the monks and locals cross the bridge at sunset is a classic photographic opportunity.
• Mandalay Hill: Climb the 240-meter hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding plains, including the Irrawaddy River. • Mahamuni Buddha Temple: Home to one of the country's most revered Buddha images, which is continuously covered in gold leaf by male devotees.

Go Beyond the Triangle: The Golden Rock

• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock): Located in Mon State, this is a major pilgrimage site. The small pagoda is built atop a massive granite boulder, which is precariously balanced on the edge of a cliff. It is a powerful symbol of faith and an incredible feat of nature.

Beach Hoping and Surf at Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwe Saung has become even more appealing than Ngapali, as flights to Ngapali are less frequent and stable. With increased investments in Ngwe Saung Beach, it offers better accommodations and amenities, making it a top choice for beach lovers looking for a relaxing getaway.
 

Suggested Myanmar Travel Itineraries 2026

Whether your travel is to uncover the best of Myanmar or soaking up the most impressive culture-nature character of our country, these Myanmar Itineraries has something to inspire you:

Myanmar 6-day Holiday

This itinerary connects Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake. These 3 key sites showcases the iconic landscapes with mountain, lakes and pagodas. While in Yangon, you have time to see all the important attractions like Shwedagon pagodas, British colonial square; the travel to Bagan lets you enjoy the Buddhist vibe with thousands of pagodas and temple before you relax at Inle Lake. 
The itinerary can be done with 3 internal flights or car/ buses according to your budget. 
If you are interested in a detailed itinerary, take time and learn about our tour: Myanmar At a Glance. 

Best of Myanmar - 8 days

This itinerary starts from Yangon with a flight to Heho then Mandalay and finishes in Bagan. It has everything you expect for the first-time visit to Myanmar. Apart from experience the real charm of Myanmar, you can easily add extra sightseeing in each places.
The best idea is to take 4 flights but if you prefer train or car, it is very possible too. 
 

Southern Burma Adventure - 8 days

A styled road trip that compasses the British Colonial heritages and Buddhist treasure of Burma. This trip is to expose the best of the south with visits to the famous Golden Rock, Hpa An and Mawlamyine. Certainly, you`ll pass by the ancient capital of Bago Kingdom also which allows you to unlock the rich history of Myanmar in the old days. 

Myanmar mountain and Beach - 10 days

To combine spectacular mountains with sun-kissed beach, this itinerary is just a perfect option. From Yangon, head north to see the ancient capitals of Burma Kingdoms : Bagan and Mandalay then enjoy a road trip to Inle Lake where you will be amazed by the rotating markets, floating gardens before flying to Ngapali, the most beautiful beach of Myanmar with world-class resorts. 
Note: the flight to Ngapali is not daily, it is more frequent during the tourist season time from November to February. Do not hesitate to contact our team for the latest flight updates or Private Myanmar Tour. 

Myanmar Discovery 15 days

From south to north and concludes by the beach, this itinerary gives you chances to soak up the diversity of Myanmar culture and landscapes. While in the north, you are free to navigate the waterways of Inle Lake or taking a photo tour of Bagan, the south highlights with beautiful touches to vibrant markets, awesome caves and photogenic rice paddies as well religious sites. 

Other suggestions:
Myanmar 6 days trip
Myanmar 9 day itinerary
Myanmar 11 day itinerary
 

Myanmar Travel Advisory 2026

We strongly recommend you to follow these practices to get the best preparation for your holiday to Myanmar:

Safety Updates

As the political conflict still occurs in many areas in Myanmar, it is advisable to check with Myanmar Embassy or Consulate for Visa Policy and Tourist Restricted Areas. 
You can also contact our team to get the latest update about Myanmar sitation.

Money Exchange

Although there are ATMs that you can withdraw money in Myanmar, it is still better to have cash, especially USD dollar or Europe. Most of service providers prefer cash.
If you book your travel services online, check carefully if you can pay before or payment should be done by cash upon arrival. 

Health Precautions

Please keep in mind that Myanmar healthcare system is not as good as in a developed countries. Standard hospitals are available only in big cities like Yangon or Mandalay. 
Therefore, prepare some basic medicines for your travel. 

Travel Insurance

The Myanmar authorities have stated that travellers must either show proof of insurance from an internationally recognized provider or purchase one via the national insurer (Myanma Insurance) upon arrival, particularly for COVID-19/health cover.

International Flights to Myanmar in 2026

Searching for flights to Myanmar? You’re not alone! Many travelers find themselves wondering about the international flight options available. Here’s what you need to know for 2025:

Limited Direct Flights to Myanmar

The number of direct flights to Myanmar has decreased. Currently, the main airports with direct connections include:
•    Hanoi
•    Singapore
•    Bangkok
•    Kuala Lumpur
Unfortunately, there are no longer direct flights from far-off countries like before. If you’re coming from distant places, be prepared for some layovers. But hey, that just gives you a chance to explore another city on your way!

Planning Ahead

Make sure to book your flights well in advance, as availability can be limited. Keeping an eye on travel advisories can help you stay updated on the latest flight information.

Cost of Traveling Myanmar in 2026

Myanmar is a very affordable travel destination. You`ll find good value for your money during your travel.
Although travel costs depend on your styles. Budget-friendly travelers can find small hotels with $20/ night while comfortable resorts of 5 star standard may cost from $100/ night. While food and beverage is pretty cheap, other logistic like flight or private car is still costy.  However, with proper planning and the right strategies, you can still have an amazing experience without overspending.

Domestic Flights in Myanmar

When it comes to getting around Myanmar, domestic flights are a common choice, especially for covering longer distances. However, as mentioned earlier, the cost of domestic flights has significantly increased due to the requirement for airlines to charge in Myanmar Kyat (MMK). This has made it challenging for travelers to find affordable flight options.
Additionally, online platforms and Google can sometimes provide outdated or inaccurate information about domestic flights. This is where local travel companies come in handy. They have access to internal booking systems that can secure your domestic flight tickets efficiently. So, if you're planning to hop from Yangon to Bagan or explore other destinations, consider booking a tour package that includes domestic flights. This way, you’ll save time and avoid the hassle of navigating the ticketing process on your own.
For more details, please check: Getting around in Myanmar. 

Other transportation: 

Bus
Buses remain one of the most widely-used and affordable inter-city transport options in Myanmar. According to one travel site, the fare from Yangon to Mandalay by VIP bus is around 15,000-24,000 MMK (~US$5–8) in 2025. TollGuru There are many routes (including major tourist corridors: Yangon → Bagan → Mandalay) and you can even do online bookings

Train
Train is a safe method of transport. However, it is not really comfortable and often slow. 
It is good when you expect to meet friendly Burmese on your adventure or watching the sunrise in a very different angle. 
The most recommended train routes for 2026 are: Yangon to Mandalay overnight train, Heho to Nyang Shwe ( for Inle Lake), and Circular train of Yangon. 
Ticket fares are cheap and you can purchase at the train station.

Private Car with Drivers
Please keep in mind that in 2026, driving by your own in Myanmar is not really possible. You need to get many documents with fixed travel routes and we do not recommend.
In stead, you can hire a private car with your driver which is not expensive. 
Many local tour operators offer this service. 
 

Money Exchange: Unpredictable exchange rate

When traveling to Myanmar, managing your money wisely is essential. Unfortunately, the currency exchange situation can be unpredictable. Due to the ongoing economic challenges, the availability and exchange rates of foreign currencies can fluctuate significantly. It’s best to exchange your money in larger cities where official exchange offices can provide better rates and security.
Many travelers prefer to use cash for everyday expenses, as not all places accept credit cards. However, it’s crucial to be cautious and plan ahead since carrying large amounts of cash can be risky. Always keep some cash on hand for smaller transactions, especially in rural areas. And remember, if you're exchanging money, try to do it in a reputable location to avoid any issues.

Myanmar SIM Cards

Photo: Sim card from MPT and Mytel remain top choices for foreigners
Getting a SIM card in Myanmar is fairly easy. That won't change in 2026, and it’s a must for staying connected during your travels. You can expect to pay between $5 and $7 for a local SIM card. To purchase one, simply show your foreign passport at the store.
It’s best to buy your SIM card in the city center rather than at the airport, as prices tend to be lower. Most major cities have good coverage but do note that the internet connection can be slow at times, especially in rural areas.
Having a local SIM card will make it easier to navigate, communicate, and stay updated during your travels in Myanmar.

Myanmar Travel Tips 2026

- Getting updates about Myanmar Travel facts through forums, social medias. It is advisable to have insight ideas of where to go, what to do in Myanmar through travel experts from Tripadvisors, Lonely Planet forums or other platfoms.
- Book a guided Myanmar Tour Packages if you can afford. This method may save you time and money too. One of the reason that you should do this is you are able to customize all the details of the trip so that it fits your expectation. More importantly, local tour operators are more adaptive with the situation and able to make changes when flight cancellation happens. 
- Be flexible with your travel itinerary. 
- Bring US dollar in cash to avoid the problem of currency exchange as well spending inside Myanmar.
- Learn about local culture, paying the respect to the religious sites and dress properly in Myanmar. 
- Support local people and businesses:  Starting from choosing  family-run guesthouses, homestays, or small boutique hotels to visit local markets or artisan cooperatives rather than souvenir shops selling mass-produced imports.You can also look for CBT-certified programs, they ensure income goes directly to the village and support local NGOs or education initiatives rather than short-term volunteering that can disrupt communities