Myanmar (Burma)

Asia

Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar's defining image is Bagan at sunrise: thousands of centuries-old Buddhist temples and pagodas scattered across a plain, many still climbable, with hot-air balloons drifting overhead in season. Elsewhere, the golden Shwedagon Pagoda dominates Yangon's skyline, and Inle Lake's floating gardens and leg-rowing fishermen add a slower, water-based rhythm. Ongoing political instability has sharply limited tourism, and travel advisories currently discourage visits to much of the country.

Why go thereSacred sites Ancient ruins Culture & heritage Nature & landscapes Beaches Markets & bazaars Rural traditions Food Indigenous cultures Mountain hiking Wildlife Diving & snorkelling

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Mohinga

Rice noodles in catfish and banana-stem broth, eaten at breakfast from a street pot.

Lahpet thoke

Fermented tea leaves tossed with crisp beans, sesame and garlic, a salad of textures.

Ohn no khao swè

Wheat noodles in coconut chicken broth with crisp fritters and boiled egg.

Main destinations

Other destinations

Comfort in January · by notability

Food & drink to try

Mohinga

Rice noodles in catfish and banana-stem broth, eaten at breakfast from a street pot.

Lahpet thoke

Fermented tea leaves tossed with crisp beans, sesame and garlic, a salad of textures.

Ohn no khao swè

Wheat noodles in coconut chicken broth with crisp fritters and boiled egg.

Shan khao swè

Rice noodles with marinated chicken and pickled greens, served wet or dry.

Nan gyi thoke

Thick round noodles tossed by hand with chicken curry and gram flour.

Danbauk

Burmese biryani, sweeter and milder, served with mint salad and pickled mango.

Htamin jin

Shan rice kneaded with tomato and fish, pressed into rounds and eaten cold.

Kyay oh

Clear pork and noodle soup cooked to order in a copper pot.

Ngapi

Fermented fish or shrimp paste, the backbone of almost every Burmese dish.

Mont lin ma yar

Batter balls with quail egg and chickpea, joined in pairs and called husband and wife.

Sanwin makin

Semolina cake baked with coconut and poppy seed, cut in dense diamonds.

Shwe yin aye

Coconut milk over jelly, sago and bread, served with ice in the hot season.

Lahpet yay

Strong tea with condensed and evaporated milk, ordered by sweetness code.

Toddy

Palm sap collected at dawn and drunk before the day ferments it.

Entry & health

Set your passport

iso.org worldstandards.eu cia.gov

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping is not traditionally expected in Myanmar but is increasingly appreciated in tourist-oriented restaurants; you can tip in Myanmar at your discretion, it's not expected, but it can be appreciated, and around 10% is a reasonable guideline for good service, though many local eateries simply round up or let you keep the change.

When visiting pagodas, temples and monasteries, remove shoes and socks before entering, and walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, refraining from turning your back directly on Buddha images.
Dress modestly at religious sites and in general—avoid see-through or tight-fitting clothing, short skirts, shorts, or strapless tops, keeping clothing clean and presentable.
Avoid public displays of affection such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands, as discretion in personal interactions is valued in Burmese culture.
Maintain a quiet, contemplative demeanor at pagodas and monasteries, and be aware that photography, especially with flash near Buddha statues, may be restricted or discouraged.
Never touch anyone's head (considered the most sacred part of the body) and avoid pointing your feet at people or Buddha images, as feet are considered the lowest, least respectful part of the body.
Use the right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving items, especially money or gifts, as a sign of respect.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Myanmar (Burma) — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA