Why visit Myanmar?
Myanmar offers misty highlands, timeless river valleys, and cities where golden pagodas rise above leafy streets. You discover a country in transition, where traditional ways of life sit alongside emerging creative neighbourhoods and a growing café culture.
What to expect
Most journeys begin in Yangon, with its lakes, tree-lined avenues, and landmark Shwedagon Pagoda. From there, you can connect to Bagan's temple plains, Mandalay's royal heritage, or the cool air of Inle Lake and the Shan hills, each region revealing a different side of the country.
Plan your trip
You can combine historic cities, rural villages, and gentle river cruises into one itinerary, travelling at an unhurried pace. Myanmar also works well as part of a wider Southeast Asia journey, with Yangon acting as a convenient gateway from Singapore to surrounding countries.
Discover Myanmar
Discover Myanmar
Top experiences in Myanmar
Explore Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda
Stroll Yangon's historic streets and lakes before visiting the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset for sweeping city views.
Discover the temples of Bagan
Wander or cycle between ancient temples scattered across Bagan's plains, pausing at quieter shrines and river viewpoints.
Cruise along the Ayeyarwady River
Take a leisurely river journey to see rural life, small villages, and changing landscapes between historic cities.
Unwind at Inle Lake
Stay in a lakeside lodge, watch fishermen at work, and visit stilted villages and craft workshops by boat.
Visit Mandalay's royal sites
Explore former royal capitals, hilltop monasteries, and busy artisanal quarters that keep traditional crafts alive.
Hike in the Shan hills
Join gentle guided walks between villages, farms, and viewpoints in the cooler highlands around Kalaw and Pindaya.
Relax on Myanmar's beaches
Head to coastal escapes such as Ngapali Beach for quiet bays, soft sand, and laid-back seaside stays.
Experience Myanmar's way of life
Getting around
You will usually arrive in Yangon, then continue your journey on domestic flights, private cars, or organised transfers to key regions. In major towns, taxis and ride services are common, while short journeys are often taken by trishaw, bicycle, or on foot.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves at an unhurried pace, with mornings spent at teashops, markets, and neighbourhood cafes. You can observe strong community ties in local quarters, from family-run shops to artisans' workshops, and see cultural influences reflected in dress, language, and festivals.
Where to unwind
Across Myanmar you find calm spaces in lakeside resorts, riverside hotels, and simple guesthouses in the hills. Gentle boat trips, sunset viewpoints, and garden cafes in cities offer easy ways to slow down, while spas in larger hotels provide extra comfort after a day of exploring.
A taste of Myanmar
National dishes & specialties
You can try rice and noodle dishes that balance fresh herbs with rich broths, along with salads that mix crunchy textures and tangy flavours. Different regions put their own twist on favourites, from coastal seafood to hearty highland comfort food.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Yangon, Mandalay, and other main towns, casual restaurants and teashops sit beside modern cafes and bistros. You can move easily between simple street-side spots and contemporary venues that blend local ingredients with regional and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Many hotels and river cruise boats offer scenic dining, especially at sunset on rooftops, lakefronts, and open decks. In historic cities and around Inle Lake, you can enjoy intimate dinners in heritage buildings or lodges with sweeping views.
Retail therapy in Myanmar
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Yangon has modern malls with international brands, cinemas, and lifestyle outlets, alongside smaller centres in other main cities. These are good places to pick up everyday items, fashion, and travel essentials in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
For local crafts, you can browse markets and specialist shops across Yangon, Mandalay, and around Inle Lake. Handwoven textiles, lacquerware, carvings, and traditional artworks make thoughtful souvenirs that support regional artisans.
Evening retail scene
As the day cools, streets around central districts in Yangon and Mandalay come alive with small stalls and lit-up shopfronts. Night-time is ideal for browsing, people-watching, and combining shopping with a relaxed walk and a late meal.
Best time to visit Myanmar
Peak season: November to February, when days are generally dry and warm, often around 24–30°C (75–86°F), with cooler evenings in the highlands.
Shoulder season: March to May, when temperatures rise, especially in central regions, ranging from 28–38°C (82–100°F), with mostly dry conditions.
Low season: June to October, when the southwest monsoon brings frequent showers and higher humidity, with temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F), and some coastal areas affected by rough seas.