Budget Backpacking Guide To Myanmar

Nick Wharton Author Bio Picture

Myanmar has recently become the most searched country on this website, so we thought a Goat Guide was in order.  We hope this guideMyanmar for budget backpackers to Myanmar will help out all those people who plan on visiting this amazing country.

In this Goat Guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Myanmar. How much will it cost? How do I get a visa? Do I need American dollars? When should I go? Virtually any question you have will be answered in this quick and easy Goat Guide!

How Much Will Myanmar Cost?

egypt for budget backpackers
Budget For Myanmar

$65/day for 2 people. ($32.50 Each!)

This amount includes transportation, delicious local food, entrance fees to temples and many major sites, drinking beer and staying in nice budget backpackers accommodation. You’ll have to shell out a bit more if you want to go to areas which require a permit.

Myanmar is still an excellent value!

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Budget Accommodation: ($5-$15/night)

Accommodation For Budget Backpackers In Myanmar
Rooms In Myanmar

The hotels and guesthouses in Myanmar are a good value. They usually include breakfast and cost about $18/night.

They almost always employ helpful and knowledgable staff that can assist you with trips, excursions and onward transport.

The budget category in Yangon leaves a bit to be desired, but if you stay in the small, untidy rooms at White House Hotel, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing breakfast buffet that rivals that of a 5 star resort!

Airbnb Coupon CodeIf you would rather book an apartment or stay with a host on Airbnb in Myanmar, why not get an Airbnb discount while you’re at it? Make sure you use our special $25 Airbnb Coupon Code and save money!

Eating: ($2-$4/meal)

The restaurants in Myanmar serve up the typical Asian fare, as well as some surprisingly delicious western dishes. We would definitely recommend the delicious fried Inle Lake fish, sweet and sour chicken and one of the many meat curries with rice.

The meals are always affordable and if you come during avocado season, you’re likely to see amazing guacamole on the menu. Most dishes come in well under $5 so they still fit nicely in the backpacker’s budget.

Food In Myanmar for budget backpackers
Food In Myanmar

Temples & Ruins Entrance Fees: (Average $5/person)

Entrence fees For Budget Backpackers in EgyptMost temples in Myanmar are well priced and can easily be paid for inside of a backpacker’s budget. The great Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is only $5 and entrance to all of the incredible temples and ruins in Bagan will only set you back $10.

This will cover EVERY temple in Bagan but does not include the archeological museum. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda will cost you around $10 , making it one of the more expensive sites in the country, but the journey to the lesser visited villages around the temple will make it well worth it.

Alcohol: ($1.50 Beer, $3 Cocktails)

Booze is cheap in Myanmar.  Local beer is affordable at the backpacker bars, side of the road stalls and restaurants, only about $1.50/bottle.

The local brand, Myanmar Lager, is the country’s specialty and is actually quite delicious. Chinese culture prevails here, so you will see a lot of locals enjoying a cold one after a long day of work, although a hot tea is more commonly consumed.

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Highlights & Must-Do’s: 

Must Do Budget Backpacker
Highlights & Must Do’s

Myanmar is a place that feels unexplored in some places, and completely overrun by tourists in others. The goal is to find yourself somewhere new, somewhere away from the crowds and somewhere that feels authentic.

Luckily for you, it only takes one quick side-step off the main path to find yourself lost in this amazing ancient culture. With the best temples and ruins west of Angkor Wat, you’ll have plenty to explore!

It really is the perfect destination for budget backpackers and temple tourists.

The Temples Of Bagan:

Between the 9th and 13th centuries, a capital to the kingdom erupted from the farmland and with it came the construction of over 10,000 temples.

That’s right, 10,000 of them, spread over 104 square kilometers. This is a history buff’s dream. Nowadays, there are only 2200 remaining and although some of the temples have been over-restored, many of these relics remain much like they have for the millenium.

Bagan for budget backpackers
The Temples Of Bagan

The Northern Village Of Hsipaw:

Hsipaw is a small village north of Mandalay, which is fast becoming a fixed position on the tourist radar. But fear not, if you take the time and put in a little effort, you can find some amazing culture here.

Most people follow a tour guide out to the surrounding mountain towns and although this tour may be informative, it’s not fully authentic. To see the Shan culture first hand, skip the guides and head out to the villages around Hsipaw yourself.

Hsipaw for budget backpackers
The Northern Village Of Hsipaw

Inle Lake:

Inle Lake is perhaps one of the most photogenic places on the planet. It’s simply stunning. From the amazing techniques of the fisherman, to the mist that rises from the waking waters, Inle is a backpacker’s dream. Rent a bike and ride as far as you can around its shores taking in the amazing scenery on the way.

Then, when you become too tired to pedal and photograph, hire a boat to take you back to the main village, on the way you’ll see even more amazing scenery and some incredible village life.

Inle Lake for budget backpackers
The Fishing Tactics of the Inthe People. Inle, Lake

Yangon:

We wouldn’t recommend staying here too long, but it is worth a couple of days exploration. The temple of Shwedagon, the giant Buddhas and the cool colonial architecture of the city center are enough to keep any visitor interested for 48 hours.

Yangon for budget backpackers
Old Colonial Building In Yangon
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Off The Beaten Path In Myanmar:

Off The Beaten Path Budget Backpackers
Off The Beaten Path
 

It’s important while travelling around the world to find a place to yourself. A place where few other backpackers go and a place that you feel like you alone have discovered.

The guidebooks don’t always accurately portray hidden gems and sometimes they miss out on them completely.

Finding your way off the beaten path in Myanmar is easy and highly recommended!

Naloy Village:

Close to Hsipaw, this village has some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever see on your travels. Many of them have never seen a foreign face and if your luckily enough to stumble upon Hope’s School Of English, you may be able to volunteer to teach the adorable kids for an afternoon.

**GOAT NOTE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!**

The Southern Reaches Of Inle Lake:

Most visitors to Inle take a tour to the surrounding cigar factories and monasteries where cats literally jump through hoops for tourists. Avoid these tours, they are crowded and far from authentic, despite what your guidebook may tell you.

Hire your own boatman (it’s easy to do) and have him take you as far south as you can go before you reach the “Permit Zone”. The villages here are as authentic as they come and you will be welcomed in like family!

The Back Streets Of Mandalay:

If you have a day in Mandalay, or even just a few hours, we would highly recommend getting lost in the back streets of this former capital. You’ll find buzzing street markets, old temples and a whole prism of brilliant colors. Wandering the streets here is a great experience and not many people bother to do it!

Mandalay for budget backpackers
The Back Streets Of Mandalay 

What Is The Budget Accommodation Like In Myanmar?

Budget Accommodation for budget backpackers
Budget Accommodation

The hotels and guesthouses in Myanmar are of a great value. Although the average room cost is a little bit higher than other countries in Southeast Asia, they likely include a delicious breakfast and they are usually a slightly higher standard than the cheap bungalows of neighbouring Thailand. You can pay a little bit more and stay in some very cool colonial buildings.

 ***Goat Note: The White House in Yangon costs about $20/night and includes one of the most amazing breakfast buffets you will ever see.***

Pros Of Budget Backpacking In Myanmar:

Pros of budget backpacking egypt
Pros Of Backpacking Myanmar

Myanmar is a perfect place for budget backpackers and although hordes of package tourists are starting to descend on this pristine ancient land, there are still many opportunities to get away from it all.

From soft sands to picture perfect pagodas, Myanmar has everything a backpacker could dream of.

If you’re the kind of person that loves getting off the beaten path, then Myanmar is right for you. You just need to have the adventurous spirit and the drive to get away from the ordinary!

Getting Off The Beaten Path:

Many people believe that the only way to get off the beaten path in Myanmar is to pay for expensive permits and get government permission. This is simply not the case. With just a little bit of exploration, you can find yourself in some amazing places. Getting off the beaten path in Myanmar is easy and highly recommended!

Authentic Culture:

Myanmar is one of the few places in the world where the way of life on the countryside remains the same, seemingly untouched by the development of the western world. It’s amazing that a place can retain such rich and sacred culture when it neighbours one of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand. Myanmar is in a state of change however, and it will not remain like this forever!

The Burmese People:

The hospitable people of Myanmar are definitely a highlight of travelling here! (See Below For More)

The Scenery:

Myanmar has some of the most beautiful scenery we’ve seen. While most of what catches a traveller’s eye is the people and the temples, geographical features like Inle Lake and the mountains around Hsipaw are great places to photograph and enjoy.

Myanmar for budget backpackers
Scenery In Myanmar

Cons Of Travel In Myanmar:

cons to budget backpacking egypt
Cons Of Backpacking Myanmar

 

No matter how great a country is, there will always be a few cons to go along with the pros. Myanmar is so full of great culture, stunning sites and lost villages that there are sure to be a few things to watch out for. Nowhere is perfect right?

There aren’t many cons to travelling here, but the few that stand out are listed below.

Crowds:

Coming to Myanmar with the idea that you’re discovering a place few other people ever visit is probably going to set you up for a let down.

Because the tourist trail is limited by “permit zones” it’s not very big. You will see a ton of other tourists, especially in places like Bagan where 15 tour buses pull up to a temple at one time. Just leave the touristy stuff for the tourists and go find somewhere for yourself. It’s easy… really.

The Moral Debate:

This has long been a reason not to travel to Myanmar. Spending money in a country run by an oppressive regime is never good for the local people and it makes it hard to overturn corrupt governments if they’re raking in millions of dollars a year from tourism.

Just be smart and try to stay in privately owned guesthouses, avoid all-inclusive tours and take local transportation (buses rather than planes – higher taxes on a flight will go directly into the government’s pocket).

You can never completely keep your money out of the hands of their government, but you can do your part.

Transportation:

Unless you’re going to fly everywhere, there are some nasty bus rides you will have to endure while travelling in Myanmar.

The worst part of the transportation here is that the buses often pull into tourist destinations at about 2 or 3 in the morning, when no guesthouses are open and everyone on the bus is tired and grumpy. Not good.

The People:

The people you encounter while backpacking through a country can have a profound impact on the way you view a destination. Not only the local people, but the types of other travellers as well.

Types Of Other Travellers:

Budget Backpacker
Types Of Travellers

There is a nice mix of travellers visiting Myanmar. The odd gap year student makes their way over from neighbouring Thailand, but mostly you will encounter a more mature and cultured crowd.

Around sites like Bagan, the average age goes up about 20 years, while in lesser visited areas you’ll probably encounter adventurous, like-minded souls in their 20’s or 30’s.

All of the tourists visiting Myanmar have some adventure in them, making it a good place to mingle with other travellers.

The Locals:

The People Of Myanmar
The People Of Myanmar

The Burmese people are extremely friendly, welcoming and hospitable. In many places they will simply be shocked to see a foreign face.

If they can speak English, they will probably have plenty of questions for you, many of which will pertain to your home country and what you think of theirs.

If you are invited over for dinner or tea, bring a gift. If it’s a memento from your home country, it will surely be cherished by your Burmese host.

Communication In Myanmar:

Communication
Talking

English is widely spoken in major city centers like Mandalay and Yangon, but outside of that you will probably having a hard time finding a local that you can communicate with, unless you know Burmese.

Most guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and travel agencies employ staff that can speak English, so planning your journey, meal or a nights stay should never be an issue. If you want to communicate with the villagers then you should get a phrasebook and try to learn some basics.

Visa Regulations For Myanmar:

Visa Budget Backpackers
Visa Regulations

A $42, 28 day single entry visa is available at Myanmar embassies. The visa is only valid for 3 months after issuance so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Make sure you apply for your visa before arriving in Myanmar as they are not available on arrival. You can enter Myanmar from Thailand by land, but this is pointless as it only grants you entry to the border area.

It is extremely easy to get the visa in Bangkok and only takes about 24 hours to process. This visa cannot be extended in Myanmar.

Entry Requirements To Myanmar:

Budget backpacker entry requirement
Entry Requirements

You will need to have at least one blank page in your passport which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. You will also need to fly to enter Myanmar.

There is no way to enter the country by land aside from the limitations from Thailand listed above. You will also need proof of onward travel so it’s best to book a return flight when planning a trip to Myanmar.

You will also need to have crisp, American dollars with no folds or rips that are dated no older than 2006. You may be able sell your folded, older bills on the black market in Myanmar but the bills will be very under-valued.

Health In Myanmar:

Budget backpacking health
Health In Myanmar

The biggest health risk one may encounter while backpacking through Myanmar, as well as any other Southeast Asian country, is likely food poisoning.

The standards of cooking here, however, are quite high and there is a very low risk of getting sick.

There is a low risk of malaria and measles but really nothing to be worried about. There is no need to take malaria tablets here, but if you are the one in 10,000 people who contract the illness, DON’T BLAME US!

There are no required vaccinations to enter Myanmar.

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Phone & Internet In Myanmar:

phone and internet budget backpackers
Phone & Internet

Many hotels and budget guesthouses have wi-fi or at least a computer with wired internet for guests. Many restaurants, especially in tourist areas like Bagan, Yangon and Mandalay have wi-fi which may not be fast, but it is sufficient for checking emails.

SIM cards can be purchased for about $22 (a bit steep). Pre-paid cell service is affordable with decent coverage throughout the country. You can pay $50 for CDMA SIM cards which have even better coverage.

**Goat Note** The internet in Myanmar is strictly monitored, making it nearly impossible to book flights and sometimes it’s even hard to send an email home. Try to book all flights before arriving.**

When Is The Best Time To Visit Myanmar?

When To Go budget backpacker
Weather In Myanmar

The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February, when it rains less and the heat is bearable. Heavy rains drench the country from late May to early October, while the mercury can soar to 40 degrees celsius from March to May.

During the hotter months, the higher altitude hill stations of the Shan State can give a welcomed retreat from the heat. Given the current boom in tourism, a trip during peak season times like Christmas and Chinese New Year would be best avoided.

 

Overall Rating:

8 Stars

Friendly people, incredible temples, great hiking and trekking and lost villages. Myanmar has a lot to offer and is well deserving of this 8 star rating.

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The Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Myanmar

Nick Wharton Author Bio Picture

Written by

Nick Wharton

Nick is the co-founder, editor and author of Goats On The Road. He contributes to numerous other media sites regularly and shares his expert knowledge of travel, online entrepreneurship and blogging with the world whenever he can. He has been travelling and working abroad since 2008 and has more than 10 years of experience in online business, finance, travel and entrepreneurship.

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67 thoughts on “Budget Backpacking Guide To Myanmar”

  1. This blog had incredible information! Thanks so much for all the detail. I’m leaving tomorrow and it has helped put my anxieties to rest.

  2. This page is so nice and very useful. I really enjoy how you make it …. I am so happy to go there.

    When did you make this trip so far ? Just to know if the prices are reliable for me.

    Thanks a lot !

  3. Thank you for your insights into Myanmar!

    What would you recommend for a 5 days tour in Myanmar? I’m flying in straight to Yangon.

    My initial plan was to stay around Yangon and wander around the city. But after looking through your pictures, I think i’ll be missing out on alot if I did just that!

    I’m really incline to visit Inle Lake, did you get there on a bus from Yangon?

  4. Hey Bun, Thanks for the comment!
    If you just have 5 days in Myanmar, we’d recommend spending a day in Yangon, checking out the sites and then taking the bus up to Inle Lake. It’s about 15 hours / 15000 kyat over night. That’s a long way for a 5 day trip so maybe try to extend you’re trip! Myanmar is definitely worth a longer stay but if you don’t have time… it’s still okay. You can check out Inle.
    If you have any more questions let us know!
    Have a safe trip!
    Nick.

  5. Thanks very much guys, great web site and very friendly ,helpful information.
    I am 67 and about to retire and hit the trail again,i will be entering Myanmar early Nov after a couple of months in India and Bhutan.
    Last time i backpacked was overland London to Sydney in 72 that was solo too, BTW it cost 173 pounds.
    Will be travelling light, cabin size 40l pack and hope very much to meet up with folks like yourselves’,
    Again thanks a lot
    John lewis

  6. Could you please recommend accommodation in Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay?
    Which is the best travel from Bagan to Inle Lake apart of plane?
    Which is the best to travel from Inle Lake to Mandala apart of plane?
    Thank a lots for help in advance.
    Moi

  7. Hello,

    In Bagan we stayed at New Park Hotel.
    In Inle Lake we stayed at May Guest House.
    In Mandalay we stayed at AD-1 Hotel.

    All were really good.

    From Bagan to Inle Lake you can travel by bus. It leaves early in the morning and costs 13,000 kyats. Check out Min Thar Express bus.

    From Inle Lake to Mandalay you can take a minibus. They leave around 6am and arrive around 4pm. Or you can take an overnight bus. the cost is about 10,000kyats.

    I hope this helps.
    Cheers and safe travels!

  8. This blog is amazing, thank you for all these informations! I am going to Myanmar for 10days and i am traveling alone- do you think there could be problems with the accomondation when i am alone?
    And my last question is: it isnt easy to find a hostel in mandalay- do you have any informations about an cheap accomondation? i don´t have a problem with sharing my room with other people.
    looking forward to hear from you soon.
    Kate

  9. I will go to Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw, Inle lake and Yangon in 18-31 May 2013, , can find out the backpacker sharing the transportation fares.

    I looking forward to hearing from you soon

    Joey

  10. Hi Kate!

    Sorry for the delayed reply, we have been travelling and have been away from the computer for weeks at a time.

    Myanmar is a great place to travel. You won’t have any problems getting accommodation. In Mandalay we stayed at AD-1 Hotel, it was cheap and clean. We don’t remember there being any hostels with dorm beds really in Myanmar, mainly just guesthouses and hotels. You will have to pay for a double room probably (or a room with 2 twin beds), unless you can find a place that has single rooms, or if you meet up with someone that wants to share a room as well.

    Enjoy this awesome country and let us know if you have any more questions.

    Cheers!

  11. hi there .. just read your stuff on myanmar. wow its changing fast i was there about 3-4 years before you, when i was there the internet was hopeless,everthing sempt to be blocked . and to get a sim card i was told was $200 yes thats 200
    the best thing i did there was a long train journy from mandalay north 20hrs to machina (spelling wrong i think) then back down the irawaddy river by boat it took about 8days and i never saw another traveler till i got back to mandalay…
    good luck guys ….. stay safe steve from england…….

  12. It sure is changing…even from when we went until now things have changed. This country will be ever changing I think.

    We didn’t take any trains while in Myanmar, but now I wish we did! Sounds like a great journey.

    Thanks for the comment,
    Cheers!

  13. Hi Joey,

    I’m not sure what you mean exactly. Do you mean you want to hire a car and share the driver’s fees with another traveller? We took local transport when we were there. They have a good bus and train system.

    Enjoy Myanmar!

  14. Great guide! And it’s especially useful because I will be in Burma in January and Lonely Planet won’t publish the next edition of their guidebook until April 2014. One question: is it OK nowadays to fly into one Burmese airport (say Yangon) and out of another (Mandalay)? I think there was a restriction at some point that you had to fly in and out of the same airport, but I read on a travel forum that this is not the case anymore. Can you confirm? Thanks!

  15. I am used in traveling with companies – in cases with friends. Never been to Myanmar but its still part on my list. Its good to look for traveling blogs like yours, to seek for guides, tips and other relevant information you can get to help you in planning.

    My travel buddies(friends) were suggesting to visit Ngwe Saung and Ngapali beaches. Some of them have visited the country and would love to experience it again.

  16. Hi there,

    Heading over in January and I’ve read on other sites that it is possible to extend your visa for an extra two weeks, is this not the case?

    I heard you could submit a form and have your place of accommodation assist, plus a submission fee. Did you hear or read anything about that?

    Thanks.

  17. We wish to suggest a new line under the visa section:

    A pre-arranged visa on arrival can be arranged online if you wish to skip a trip to embassy. It works by applying for an approval letter online. Processing time is about 10 days. Fly to Myanmar with the approval letter and have your passport stamp with the official visa. You can check your visa requirement and apply the visa online at http://www.evisaasia.com/myanmar-visa

    Pin

  18. Thanks for this helpful guide! We are going to Myanmar the end of January for two weeks. I’m worried about finding budget accommodation during this time. Did you book your ahead of time through any specific websites? Thanks again and enjoy being home for the holidays!!!

  19. Great guide guys…I am planning to travel to Myanmar end Feb early March for 10 days. If you had 10 days and you liked the idea of seeing a mix of old city life as well as beautiful landscapes and temples which destinations would you choose for this time frame and would you go to Mandalay after Yangon or to Bagan and Lake Inle before Mandalay ? One final question, is it possible to travel to the West Coast ? are there some interesting places to visit on the coast ?

  20. Hi Jay,

    I have just read on a couple of sites that you can extend your visa, but you must do it outside of Myanmar. Others have suggested paying a daily fine for overstaying your visa upon departure. I wouldn’t recommend this though and would suggest you contact the Myanmar Embassy to get a clear answer.

    Have a great trip!

  21. Hey Kristin!

    When we were in Myanmar, you couldn’t book any accommodation online. In fact, many (or most) of the phone numbers didn’t work either! In the end, we would always call ahead of time to book a room if the number worked, and if it didn’t…well, we’d show up and hope for the best.

    However, it looks like things have changed now 🙂 If you go to HostelWorld online, you can book a room in Bagan, Mandalay and Yangon:

    https://www.hostelworld.com/index.php?affiliate=goatsontheroad

    January is a busy time, so the earlier ahead you can book, the better.

    Good luck to you guys, have a great trip!

  22. Hi Guys – went to Burma for 3wks in Dec’12 and loved it. Your guide above captures it spot on, nice one 🙂
    Only thing I’d add, the trains – it’s worth at least one trip on the ancient tracks/coaches, if for nothing else they bounce so much it’s almost an adrenaline ride! We actually jumped off the tracks on one trip, the way back from Hsipaw, although they had the carriage back on the rails and going again within an hour…apparently happens about monthly. Great way to meet the brilliant friendly burmese people though and always enjoyable & memorable!
    J

  23. Hey Jerry!

    Thanks so much for adding that about the trains. Train travel is definitely a brilliant way to meet local people, be comfortable while travelling and see more of the landscape. We didn’t ride on one in Myanmar, but have in other places around the world.

    I can’t believe it bounced right off of the tracks! Crazy.

    Thanks for the comment and happy travels!

  24. Everyone going to Myanmar for the first time should read your blog (not mine). Traveling in Myanmar can be very expensive (more expensive than neighbor countries) if you don’t know enough.

  25. Love this post – so helpful as we plan our trip to Myanmar… we leave TOMORROW! One thing – how was the money situation? CRISP USD, right?! 🙂

  26. I was trying to get some “on the ground” info for you guys, but didn’t get a reply from my friend who’s there! I would go with crisp USD just in case…please do let me know if that’s till the case though 🙂

    Cheers and happy travels!

  27. Hello! Thanks for the information. I’d like to get some advise. We are traveling to Myanmar next month (Nov 3 to 8). From BKK to Yangon. After Yangon, should we go first? Is it Bagan or Mandalay or Inle Lake 🙂 what do you advise.

    Thanks,
    Gami

  28. We will be getting into Myanmar next month and just wanted to know about money. should we take only crisp US dollars, can we get money out there? is there ATM machines?? thanks for the blog, made us feel much more chilled about it. cheers

  29. I believe a number of borders can now be crossed (as long as you have a visa) without restriction on further travel. So, for example, from Thailand into Burma as far as Yangon/Mandalay/wherever. I’m currently planning a trip in at Mae Sot and out across the India border. Will post again if it works (and I have a friend who has already been successful on this route earlier this year). 🙂

  30. Hey Jake!

    We’ve just heard from a friend “on the ground” in Myanmar that there are now ATMs in practically all of the cities that are accepting foreign debit cards! If you are going to exchange USD, then yes they need to still be crisp and new. I would suggest bringing a back-up of some USD in case some of the machines don’t work for you or something like that.

    Cheers 🙂

  31. Hi Izzie,

    Thank you for your great information! It’s awesome to hear from readers who are “on the ground” and can provide updated info for us. Please do let us know if that border crossing works, it would really help us out.

    Good luck and happy travels 🙂

  32. Hi guys,

    I’m planning to go to Myanmar next week Tuesday and am just about to apply for the visa. Is it really necessary to book all accommodation in advance? I’d be happy to be flexible, choosing when I get there. The visa application requires it but I wonder how strict they are with that?

    Cheerio, happy travels!

    Torben

  33. You can book as you go! But you’ll need to write down where you’ll be staying on the application, I believe. We called and reserved rooms as we went during our travels.

    Happy trails!

  34. Is it safe for lone female travellers ?
    (Happy to hook up with any other line travellers plse leave a msg here !)
    Are English pounds ok to take ?
    I’m going on 3 March will it be very hot?

  35. Hi Farahdiba,

    Yes, I would definitely say that Myanmar is safe for solo female travellers. The usual precautions apply though – don’t go down dark streets alone at night, don’t walk home from the bar late at night, etc. You’ll meet up with a lot of other travellers here.

    GBP isn’t the currency of choice in Myanmar. I suggest bringing your debit card and withdrawing local currency from the ATM machines. Also, you could bring USD to exchange. March will be a good time to visit.

    Enjoy your trip 🙂

  36. Hi Travel Friends,

    I traveled through Myanmar last month for a month! And the costs of traveling weren`t anymore as high as you suggested. I think they are dropping further as the country opens up …
    I wrote a post about the TRAVEL COSTS IN MYANMAR 2015. I spent only 22.40 US Dollars a day. And met people who traveled even for less (even as solo travelers).

    Check my post for more information:

    https://www.howsmallistheworld.com/travel-costs-in-myanmar-2015/

    Greets from India
    Patric, alias Traveling Pat

  37. Pls advise me the best destination from Yangoon in 5 day. Yangoon-Bagan/Inle lake – Madalay? Or Yangoon -Madalay- Bagan-Yangoon? My trip in July with rain :(. Tks.

  38. Hi,

    I really like your website. Lots of useful information.

    Just returned from Myanmar.
    The entry fee for Bagan is 20 USD now…

  39. We are two well traveled mature men and would like to give Myanmar a try, should you recomend two or three weeks travel ?

  40. Thanks for this article! Despite some other information that I read lately, your article motivates me again for my visit end of Oct. for 3 weeks. 🙂 Thanks!

  41. Myanmar is the prettiest gem of Southeast Asia. I spent one month traveling around this spiritual country and totally loved it. I would definitely recommend to visit Myanmar to everybody, as it is an unforgettable experience. It is incomparable with traveling to Thailand or Cambodia. Myanmar is more about spiritual journey than typical get wasted-backpacking-culture.

    Traveling here is an unique experience, so hurry up because it is not going to be like this forever.

  42. Hi guys!
    Great site. Info really appreciated. Plan to take 18 day vacation in September or October. Trying to decide on a place and Myanmar seems really interesting. I was thinking southern Myanmar due to beaches or water in general but looking for non-resort. Also big draw is culture, flora/fauna, and unexplored areas. Any specific recommendations or advice?
    Thanks!

    Met

  43. Hi Met,

    Inle Lake is very interesting, lots of things to do there and culture (if you get away from the main area). I’m not sure about how budget friendly these beaches are but Ngapali and Ngwesaung are popular beaches.

  44. Yeah! I also have one backpacking trip in Myanmar and visit all places in post. That’s a unforgettable memories! I love the life, scenery, air and everything here includes the river, mountain, locals…I’ve just write a trip quite clearly about this lands!

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