Melo Villareal
Foods, Culture, and Everything You Should Know About Magnificent Myanmar
(Yangon City, Myanmar) – Myanmar may not have been a touristy place before because of political restrictions, but that has changed. Today, this beautiful country, rich in culture, is open to visitors. Magnificent Myanmar (Burma) is located in Southeast Asia. Its neighboring countries are India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, and Laos. There are 51 million people in the country as of 2014.
Marvelling At Magnificent Myanmar – Old Bagan
Here are some guidelines if you’re planning to travel to the country.
The official name of Myanmar is the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, but it’s still popular as Burma. The capital city was formerly Yangon, but it was moved to Naypyidaw in 2005. The 4 major religions in the country are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Their official currency is the Burmese kyat (MMK).
Myanmar Visa Requirements
You can enter Myanmar visa-free if you’re a Philippine passport holder. If not, you can apply for their eVisa online. You need to pay a $50 fee and submit a digital, passport-size photo taken within the last three months. You’ll receive an approval letter (valid for 90 days before entering the country) via email in 3 days. Present the printed letter at the airport in Myanmar. The visa allows 28 days in Myanmar and is single-entry.
Accommodations in Myanmar
There are government-approved hotels in Myanmar, but prices are higher than those for hostel dorm rooms in tourist areas. Although the prices are higher for government-approved hotels, their service is top-notch, and you get the best amenities.
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Going to Myanmar
By Air (Most Common)
International Airports
- Yangon International Airport (RGN) – Main gateway
- Mandalay International Airport (MDL) – Northern entry point
- Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT) – Capital city (limited international flights)
Major Airlines Flying to Myanmar
- Asian carriers: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, Korean Air
- Middle Eastern: Qatar Airways, Emirates (via codeshare)
- Regional: Bangkok Airways, Silk Air
Common Routes
- From Bangkok (most frequent connections)
- From Singapore
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Doha, Dubai (with connections)
- From major Chinese cities (Kunming, Guangzhou, etc.)
By Land
Limited land border crossings for tourists:
- Thailand-Myanmar borders: Some crossings at Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Kawthaung (check current status)
- Regulations change frequently – verify before planning
Entry Requirements
Visa
- E-visa available online (apply at evisa.moip.gov.mm)
- Visa on arrival at some airports (limited nationalities)
- Processing: Usually 3-5 business days for an e-visa
- Most tourists get a 28-day tourist visa
Important Checks
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Proof of onward travel
- Sufficient funds
IMPORTANT: Current Situation (December 2025)
Travel advisories have been in effect due to the ongoing political situation in 2021. Many governments advise against all or non-essential travel to Myanmar.
Before booking:
- Check your government’s current travel advisory
- Verify which areas are safe to visit
- Confirm visa and entry requirements (policies have changed)
- Check if flights are operating normally
Best Time to Visit
- November to February: Cool, dry season (peak)
- Avoid June to October: Monsoon season
Getting Around in Myanmar
Myanmar (also known as Burma) offers various transportation options for travelers, though infrastructure can be challenging in some areas. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
By Air
- Domestic flights: The fastest way to cover long distances
- Major airlines: Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, Myanmar Airways International
- Popular routes connect Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake (Heho), and Ngapali Beach
- Book in advance during peak season (November-February)
By Train
- Extensive but slow rail network (colonial-era infrastructure)
- Scenic routes: Yangon-Mandalay, Thazi-Shwenyaung (to Inle Lake)
- Circular Train in Yangon: Great for sightseeing
- Bring cushions; tracks can be bumpy
- Book upper-class or sleeper cars for comfort
By Bus
- Most common and economical option
- VIP/Express buses: More comfortable for long journeys
- Companies: JJ Express, OK Bus, Elite Express
- Overnight buses save accommodation costs
- Book through hotels or online platforms
By Boat
- Irrawaddy River: Mandalay to Bagan (popular route)
- Slow boat or faster ferries available
- Scenic but time-consuming
Local Transportation
- Taxis: Negotiate fare beforehand or use the Grab app in cities
- Tuk-tuks/Tricycles: For short distances
- Motorbike/E-bike rental: Popular in Bagan and Inle Lake
- Cycle rickshaws: Available in some towns
Tips
- Roads can be rough; journeys take longer than expected
- Carry cash (kyat) as cards aren’t widely accepted
- Learn basic Myanmar phrases or have destinations written in Myanmar script
- Check current travel advisories for safety updates
What to Eat in Myanmar
As in many Asian countries, Burmese cuisine is often accompanied by white rice. It’s their most common starch. They like to use vermicelli, rice noodles, pickled mango, and fermented shrimp or fish. They have a colorful ethnic background, so you can expect their food to be influenced by it.
- Mohinga is their national dish. It’s an all-in-one meal. It consists of fish, yellow-colored fish stock, rice noodles, and herbs. It’s often served with local coffee and a lime wedge.
- Laphet means pickled tea leaves. It’s mixed together with tomatoes, garlic, chili, and cabbage. They use fish sauce or peanut oil for dressing and a squeeze of lime.
- Ohn No Khao Swè is much like Malaysian laksa. It means “coconut milk noodles.” They use wheat noodles and put them in a coconut milk broth with curried chicken. They use bean fritters, sliced onions, chiles, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and crisp noodles as garnishes. They also make use of lemon or lime juice and fish sauce.
- A Kyaw Sone (Vegetable Fritters) is probably one of the cheapest foods in Myanmar. They’re vegetables that are chopped and coated in batter and then deep-fried, so you can imagine just how good that is. They usually accompany the dish with dipping sauce.
- Shan Khauk Swe is a dish of boiled noodles mixed with sautéed vegetables (pickled mustard greens) and chicken or pork. It can be served with sauce or as is.
- Eat like a royal by trying the Burmese Buffet. You’ll be served generous portions of beef, chicken, pork, seafood (not always), and vegetables. You’ll be given a heaping bowl of rice and a smaller bowl of soup.
- Kyat Thar Si Pyam means “oil returns,” referring to the chicken fat that “separates from the sauce” as it cooks. You’ll have a taste of garlic, onions, cinnamon, and ginger. Coconut oil and other spices are also used in this dish.
- Shwe Yin Aye is a sweet Burmese treat popular even among street vendors. It’s made from coconut cream, jellies, and clear tapioca. It’s served with ice and a piece of bread.
Burmese Culture
Past political problems in Myanmar have limited its opportunity to boost tourism. However, this secluded country is beginning to promote and develop its nation.
If you’re visiting the country and wish to get friendly with the locals, you could say Mengalaba (Meng-gah-lah-bar), meaning hello, or Chesube (Tseh-soo-beh), meaning thank you. Traditional Burmese clothing for women includes the Longyi, and for men, the Pasu. Their traditional makeup is called Thanaka (a paste made from Thanaka tree bark). It’s used to paint the cheeks and nose. It’s even considered an effective sunblock. Burmese also chew on Kun-ya, made of areca nuts and dried herbs wrapped in betel leaves. This stains the teeth, though.
There are festivities that tourists are allowed to join. It’s a big no-no to take photos of women bathing and meditating with monks. Some tribes also consider it disrespectful if you take photos of pregnant women. Always ask before you take pictures of locals.
Most Burmese people practice Buddhism, so they expect you to wear appropriate attire when visiting religious sites. Disturbing people who are meditating inside the temples and touching a monk’s robe are prohibited. You also must pay your respects to the Buddha.
You’re not allowed to touch people’s heads, including the kids. Your feet can’t point at objects or touch them; they should always be under you when sitting. You can’t sit with your feet pointing away from you or pointing at someone else or a pagoda.
PDA (public display of affection) can offend the locals, as they’re conservative people.
Going to Myanmar means buying some local items you can take home, such as precious stones (jade), agricultural goods like rice, textiles, and wood products.
Places to Visit
Shwedagon Pagoda is located in Yangon. This gigantic golden temple is one of the most iconic pagodas in the world. You’d see it from a rooftop in the city. You can enter at any of the 4 entrances heading to the platform. 8 planetary posts represent each day of the week except for Wednesday, which has 2. Every post has a corresponding animal, and Burmese people will pray at the planetary post where they were born.
There’s a walking tour of Yangon where you can immerse yourself in life in Yangon. You could also visit Inle Lake, where heritage stilt houses are located. It’s possible to stay at a hotel or go to the nearby town of Nyaungshwe, where you can eat local and international cuisines. You can also try diving in the Myeik Archipelago, ride a train to the Gokteik Viaduct, and visit the temples of Bagan.
Mrauk U in Northern Rakhine State isn’t as popular as Bagan, but give this place a try, and you’ll be treated to foggy mornings and ancient pagodas.
There’s so much more to do and things to learn about the country. Every place you go to could give you a unique travel experience. The conservative yet friendly nation has a lot to offer, so travel now and experience Magnificent Myanmar.
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Read:
- 8 Reasons to Visit Myanmar
- Sunrise at Bagan, Myanmar
- The Magnificent Adventures of Myanmar
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Myanmar Now
- Shwezigon Pagoda in Old Bagan, Myanmar
- Travel Tales in Myanmar
