Myanmar

“Myanmar is raw. That’s part of the appeal. Nothing feels like a show put on for my own enjoyment–no theme park travel here. Sure, that can make travel harder sometimes but the things we see here & the experiences we’re privy to stick with you forever.”

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is currently in the midst of a 60+ year-long civil war. But as a tourist, you almost wouldn’t know it. The cities are teeming with people, the white swirls of Thanaka painted onto their cheeks, chaos in an enjoyable way. But the real beauty of Burma lies in the countryside. The small villages & towns with meandering hikes & dramatic landscapes. Even their cuisine is bold; Fermented tea leaves, curried chicken, hot & sour potatoes. Visit now, before tourism really takes hold.

Myanmar Travel Guide

Recommended Cities: Hpa-An, Yangon, Mandalay, Hsipaw, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngwe Saung

Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 4 weeks

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Watching the sunrise over the temples in Bagan.

Things to Consider Before You Go: Don’t venture off-trail here. Landmines aren’t unheard of & Myanmar is home to some of the most venomous snakes in Asia.

There are no hospitals in Myanmar (outside Yangon) that provide high-quality medical care.

Visa Requirements

$50 for Americans. You must apply online or at an embassy ahead of time.

Estimated Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $30/day

Flashpacker: $40/day

Backpacker Luxury: $50/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.