Myanmar Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Myanmar

Where is it?: Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in southeastern Asia, between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Why do people go here?: Most people who head to Myanmar want to really get off the beaten path and explore a country that is isolated and repressed. There is huge debate among travelers on whether to visit Myanmar, with much of the tourist dollars going toward the government that doesn’t respect basic human rights.

What are the main entry points?: The only safe means of entering Myanmar is flying into the capital. It’s not safe to overland into the country.

Currency used: Kyat

Country Code for Phones: 95

Area codes for Major Cities: Rangoon 1

Religion: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Population: 50 million

Ethnic Groups: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5%

Government: Military junta

Languages: Burmese, other dialects: Chin, Jingpho, Karen, Kayah, Mon, Rakhine, Shan

Travel Information

Major Cities: Rangoon, Mandalay

Attractions: Bagan, Bago

Accommodation: Mynamar Hostels

Tourism Office locations and links: No Tourism Office

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Mrauk U, Kengtung

Health Issues: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid

When to go: Myanmar can be oppressively hot. Visit between November to February.

Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day: January 4

Getting Around: Nothing is efficient or makes travel in Myanmar easy. Buses or pickup trucks are the best option.

Good to know: Research the debate on whether to travel into Myanmar. Much of tourist fees support a repressive military dictatorship.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Myanmar is the Yangon International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Myanmar travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.