THE COUNTRY
A country with so much potential in tourism, Myanmar is known for its majestic temples, friendly locals, authentic local villages, beautiful sunrise and sunsets, and slowly but surely developing resorts along its coast.
Although playing catch up with its neighbouring countries like Thailand, Laos, and China. Myanmar is and will be appealing to many for the years to come.
In terms of safety, there are and have been conflicts happening within the country, this has no correlation whatsoever to tourism. The destinations and places you end up visiting are fairly safe and away from all that. Do check Myanmar's official tourism website prior to your trip so that you're well informed when you visit the country.
VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visa on arrival is not available for many foreigners. Only those who are from The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEA) countries are able to obtain a visa on arrival. The countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia or Vietnam. If you're not from any of these countries, e-visa is your best option.
You need to make sure that your passport is valid for the next 6 months from the day you enter Myanmar. A 28 day tourist visa can be obtained through an online application for $50 USD.
The processing time may take between 1-3 business days. Once approved, your Myanmar visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue.
Applying for a visa ahead of time and online would be a preferred method as it makes things easier and quicker when entering the country.
CURRENCY
Kyat is the currency in Myanmar. Kyat is pronounced "Chat". My first couple of days in the country I pronounced the currency "Kee-yat" and no one told me so.. (yeah you're welcome). ATM's are mostly available in the major cities like Yangon and Bagan. Debit and credit cards are accepted in established restaurants, hotels. etc.
TRANSPORTATION
Grab App - In most of the cities, Grab is the cheapest way to get around within the city. My preferred transportation within the city. Just download the app (you need a Burmese SIM card/number for this) order the type of vehicle and set your destination.
Bus Service - The most common way to get around from one city to the other is to go through a travel agency in the city/town you're in and buy a ticket. There's a lot of them in town. These tickets can be booked through your the hostel/hotel you're staying in.
*Take night buses as much as possible, because it allows you to not pay for a hostel for the night which stretches your budget even further*
Scooter/E bikes - Scooters and E bikes are available for rent and they are very cheap - my preferred transportation getting around town if taking the bus is a hassle and the Grab App is not available.
THINGS TO DO
Bagan - The city of Pagodas. A very peaceful city where you can just hop on your E-bike and Get lost in a city.
Hpa-An - For all the cave lovers this one is for you. Rent a scooter and check out the caves. The Sadan Cave, Yathae Pyan Cave, Kawgun Cave, and Linno Cave are worth visiting.
Mandalay Hill (Mandalay) - Try to get up here for sunset. There will be a pagoda at the top offering panoramic views of the city at 240 m high.
Yangon Circular Train Ride (Yangon) - A very slow but cool train ride taking you to the country side. The whole trip takes about 3 hours and it's just such a cool experience.
Ngapali Beach - If you're going to pick one of the beaches along the coast, make sure you go to Ngapali Beach.
Ngwesaung Beach - Another beach to consider! Feel free to crash resorts here and watch an epic sunset near the 2 pagodas on rocks.
Mt. Zwegabin (Hpa-An) - Make sure you do this first thing int he morning to avoid the midday heat. The mountain is 722 m high with a pagoda at the top and offering a panoramic view.
Kalaw to Inle Lake - Instead of just taking the bus straight to Inle Lake, do the hike starting from Kalaw to Inle. You have the options of doing this in 2 days or 3 days. Highly recommended if you want to do a homestay in a local village and having an authentic experience.
Kandawgyi Park (Yangon) - A good place to take a stroll.
Kyaut Ka Latt Pagoda (Hpa-An) - A picturesque pagoda sitting on top of the limestone pinnacle.
Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon) - Probably the most beautiful temple in Myanmar. Try coming here first thing in the morning to catch the sunrise as there will be less people and much cooler. If you don't want to wake up early, you could come here for sunset but there will be more people in the evening, Either or, the Pagoda is a thing of beauty!
Kakku Pagodas (Taunggyi) - A site of 2,500 ancient pagodas. Worth taking the trip out here if you have time.
U-Bein Bridge (Mandalay) - Try coming here for the sunrise to see monks crossing the bridge. It's quite the site!
Temples in Bagan - Watching the sunrise and the sunset over the temples of Bagan is the most majestic thing I've experienced in the country. Words can't even describe how amazing it is.
Myanmar is a country I would go back to because of its beauty and the locals here are wonderful! I hope you found my tips useful and if you did I would love to hear from you so do leave your comments down below. Questions and feedback are always welcome. Safe travels and happy adventuring everyone!