Why visit Myanmar?
Myanmar welcomes you with golden pagodas, serene rivers, and old-world charm. You experience a country opening up while still holding onto its traditional character.
What to expect
From Yangon and its historic downtown streets to river valleys and ancient temple plains, Myanmar offers a blend of urban life and timeless landscapes. You can pair city discovery with quieter countryside escapes in a single trip.
Plan your trip
You can use Yangon as your gateway into Myanmar, then extend your journey onwards by road, river, or domestic flight. Many travellers also combine Myanmar with nearby Southeast Asian destinations for a wider regional itinerary.
Discover Myanmar
Discover Myanmar
Top experiences in Myanmar
Admire Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Walk around the hilltop complex and take in the shimmering gold stupa and surrounding shrines at different times of day.
Stroll Yangon’s historic downtown
Explore colonial-era buildings, local teashops, and lively streets that reveal the city’s layered history.
Cruise along the Ayeyarwady River
Take a river journey to see village life, riverfront temples, and slow-changing scenery from the water.
Ride the Yangon Circular Railway
Board the local train for a loop through neighbourhoods and markets, offering a close look at everyday life.
Explore lakeside escapes
Head to Myanmar’s lakes and reservoirs for boating, gentle walks, and cooler air away from the city.
Visit neighbourhood markets
Browse stalls filled with textiles, fresh produce, and daily essentials, and see how locals shop and socialise.
Discover local art and handicrafts
Seek out galleries and craft shops for lacquerware, paintings, and carvings that reflect regional traditions.
Experience Myanmar’s way of life
Getting around
You arrive into Yangon and can then move on by domestic flights, long-distance buses, or private car hire between key regions. Within cities, you get around by taxi, ride-hailing services, and short walks through compact neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
Life in Myanmar flows at a measured pace, with streets framed by tea shops, local eateries, and neighbourhood markets. You notice a mix of heritage architecture, small temples, and shopfronts that give each district a distinct character.
Where to unwind
You can relax in Yangon’s lakeside parks, riverside promenades, and shaded gardens. Beyond the city, quiet rural areas, village stays, and gentle boat rides offer time to slow down and enjoy nature.
A taste of Myanmar
National dishes & specialties
Myanmar’s cuisine brings together rich broths, salads with fresh herbs, and rice-based dishes. Different regions and cities add their own touches, from coastal influences to hearty inland fare.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Yangon, you find everything from simple street stalls to relaxed cafés and contemporary dining rooms. Neighbourhoods are dotted with noodle shops, teahouses, and small restaurants serving local favourites alongside regional Asian flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy rooftop venues with views over Yangon’s skyline and glittering pagodas. Riverfront spots and leafy courtyards also create memorable settings for a lingering lunch or dinner.
Retail therapy in Myanmar
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Yangon offers modern shopping centres where you find international brands, cinemas, and convenient dining. These spaces are useful for picking up essentials in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Across Yangon and other towns, markets showcase textiles, lacquerware, and everyday household items. You can look for local crafts and souvenirs that reflect regional styles and craftsmanship.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, some streets and market areas stay busy with small stalls and snack vendors. You can combine a gentle shopping stroll with an easy walk and a casual meal nearby.
Best time to visit Myanmar
Dry cool season (peak season)
From November to February, temperatures are generally around 20–28°C (68–82°F) with lower humidity, making it popular for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Hot season (shoulder season)
From March to May, daytime temperatures can rise to 30–36°C (86–97°F), especially inland, with drier conditions and more intense sunshine.
Rainy monsoon season (low season)
From June to October, expect frequent showers and higher humidity, with temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F), and greener landscapes after the rains.