Myanmar Travel Guide

You might be surprised to find a handful of very good hotels. Although Myanmar doesn’t claim to be competing in the luxury hotel market there are a number of new hotels springing up in the cities and Inle Lake. Be prepared for a more modest offering in the hill villages. The road system is fragmented making the surprisingly good internal airline the transportation of choice, although modern luxury river boats are also providing a relaxed and comfortable way of visiting other areas. Where road travel in remote regions is essential 4x4s are available.

Having only recently opened its doors to the western traveller, Myanmar is one of the safest places to travel in Asia. Having been closed off to the outside world for so long, its people are genuinely pleased to share their country.

It is more likely you will be chased down the road for leaving your wallet behind rather than falling foul of a pick-pocket however we always advise caution wherever you are in the world.

When visiting monasteries and pagodas, there is a strict dress code. Bare shoulders and legs should be covered up, and shoes must always be removed so bringing a bag with you to put them in is a good idea as it may take a while to find them again! For women, a shawl is great for covering up shoulders and arms.

During the hotter days when touring, loose shirts and trousers/skirts are ideal, although in Yangon, which is more up to date with the western world, skirts below or on the knee are acceptable and now replacing the traditional Longyi by some younger women.

The current popularity of Burma holidays has stretched the infrastructure to breaking point and we cannot stress enough the importance of booking well ahead. Hotels are few and far between and the good ones are even more scarce – hence if comfort is important, start talking to us a year before you plan to visit Burma on holiday.

It is hard to ensure that all of your money does not go to the Burmese Government or larger businesses. Eating at locally run boutique restaurants and shopping at local markets is a good way to start, and talking to locals is a great way to find out if you are looking for something specific.

Remember to shop around as well – paintings that can be bought in local markets go for more than double the price in some of the luxury hotel galleries.

The best person to speak to is your doctor or nurse practitioner as the advice can change. Malaria is not present in Yangon and Mandalay, although it is throughout the rest of the country.