bigtravelbuzzMyanmar (Burma) opened its borders in 2012, revealing the Asian country at its purest. Every single local has the most beautiful smile. No other country is as welcoming as Myanmar. The country is huge, bigger than Thailand and a little more difficult to navigate, so we recommend at least two weeks to see all the highlights. This is his 3-week Myanmar travel guide to see all the highlights of the country.
Myanmar 3 Week Itinerary
With so much to do in Myanmar, a 3 week trip is the ideal number of days to get the most out of the country. Myanmar has a lot to offer, including the temple-filled Bagan, the floating villages of Inle Lake and one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches.
Traveling through Myanmar is incredible, but remember that it takes time. This Myanmar travel guide includes extra hours intended as travel days.
DAY 1 – 2: Experience Rangoon (Yangon)
Myanmar’s largest city, most developed and former capital, Yangon is a great place to start your journey. Flying here is the cheapest option. Visit his one of the highlights of the city called Shwedagon Pagoda or enjoy a great local meal at his one of many great restaurants.
Days 3 – 6: Hpa An Limestone Mountains and Rice Fields
Hpa-an is off the beaten track in Myanmar travel guides and is unfortunately often skipped by travelers. Hike to limestone mountain peaks, explore caves and beautiful lush rice fields. Travel time from Yangon to Hpa-an is about 8 hours (via Mi Ba Gone Express) but 100% worth the trip.
Days 7-10: Bagan Hot Air Balloons and Endless Pagodas
Bagan is one of those places that makes your travel heart beat faster. Wake up early to experience one of the best sunrises of your life and watch hot air balloons float above over 2200 temples. These are the best temples to visit in Bagan.
About 10 hours drive from Hpaan to Bagan. (100% worth the ride here too) The road is new and the JJ Express bus from Yangon to Bagan is very convenient. Flying is also possible, but costs around US$100 for an hour flight, which puts a strain on Myanmar’s budget.
Day 11 – 12: Beautiful temples in Mandalay
Drive from Bagan to Mandalay to visit his second largest city in Myanmar. This city is all about tourism and there are several beautiful temples scattered around Mandalay! It takes 4 hours to drive from Bagan to Mandalay. This is a city with visible wealth differences. Just outside Mandalay is a village of people living in bamboo huts among the garbage.
Garbage is a big problem in Myanmar. Most people throw everything out on the street just because they don’t know. Children are being educated on this issue, but it will take a generation or two. Is Indonesia also on your bucket list? Check out these 12 Must Visit Places in Indonesia.
Day 13 – 15: Step back in time at Inle Lake
Lakeside villages made entirely of wood and bamboo. See how the locals work in the hanging gardens and fishing boats. Besides the lake, you can also cycle through nearby ‘backpack towns’. It takes 6 hours by car from Mandalay to Inle Lake.
Days 16-19: Relax in Ngapali
From Inle Lake, take a flight (approximately US$100) from Heho Airport to Ngapali Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Relaxing on the beach from all our travels for the past two weeks.
The path could had been less complicated to fly from Bagan, however direct flights from Bagan to Ngapali aren’t to be had on the time of writing.
Days 20-21: Rangoon (Yangon)
Return to Yangon the day before departure and enjoy a light dinner at Linkage Restaurant or Rangoon Tea House.
Myanmar Travel Guide: off the tourist route
If you are a fast traveler or just have time to spare, there are other places to add to your trip.
- Kalaw (3 days trek to Inle Lake)
- Hsipaw (famous for train ride: Gökteik Viaduct)
- Mrauk-u (Mini Bagan)
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Is Myanmar Safe?
Yes, Myanmar is safe to travel. The question is, is it okay to travel to a country with such a bad human rights history? The answer is probably no, but why travel to countries like China and Israel where this story is a little more advanced (and forgettable)?
Our personal feeling is that we need to support the locals who benefit from our visits. Try to spend money with the locals so they can live positive and normal lives. We never felt unsafe for a second! We must not forget that the local people and the government are not the same.
recommendation: Check with your local government for the latest developments.
Best travel time in Myanmar
The best time to travel to Myanmar (Burma) is winter, from November to February. Nights can get quite chilly, with a dry 10 degrees during the day and a comfortable 28 degrees.
Myanmar visa
A Myanmar visa is required to enter Myanmar. Visa on arrival is not available in Myanmar, but getting one online is not difficult at all. Make certain your passport is legitimate for at the least 6 months.
online visa Myanmar
The only option is to apply for a Myanmar visa online. Please apply at least 3 days before arrival. Applications are typically approved within a few hours and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is emailed to you. The 28-day visa costs $50 and can only be paid by credit card.
Myanmar Travel Guide: travel expenses
Myanmar’s currency is the kyat. One dollar is about 1350 kyats. His 3-week Myanmar itinerary requires a budget of around US$1000. Balloon ride over Bagan is not included.
Budget
- Hotel: $10 – $60 / night
- Hostel: $5 – $20 / night
- meal: $3 – $10
- Transportation: $10 / day
- Entrance: $5
- sim: $3 / 2.5 GB
Transportation Cost
Transportation in Myanmar is good, but it takes a long journey to reach the destination. A 9-hour luxury bus ride on the “JJ Express” (620 km) costs $12.
Flight It costs about $110 per flight to fly the same distance.
Myanmar SIM Card
Most restaurants in Myanmar have no WiFi, and most hotels and guesthouses also have no WiFi. If you want to stay connected, we recommend getting a Telenor SIM card. The card costs $1 and a 2.5 GB charge is $3.
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