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Planning a solo trip to Myanmar? Grab this guide for a smoother and more exciting journey ahead!
Where is Myanmar Located?
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia, shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. Historically known as Burma, Myanmar's culture reflects influences from various major civilizations, evident in its traditional customs, architecture, and cuisine.
This ancient land is also famous for its countless ancient temples and religious monuments, such as the Myasaydi Temple in Myinkaba or the Chaukhtatgyi Temple in Yangon, which houses the famous reclining Buddha statue. Pilgrimage tourism in Myanmar is thus immensely popular among Vietnamese travelers. Additionally, the glistening coastlines and pristine natural beauty add to Myanmar's allure, attracting millions of visitors annually.
How to Get to Myanmar?
Flying remains the safest and most economical means of transportation to get from Vietnam to Myanmar. Numerous airlines offer flights to Myanmar (landing at major airports in Yangon or Mandalay) at affordable prices - around 4,000,000 VND for a round-trip ticket if booked early. The only downside is that flights from Vietnam to Myanmar typically involve one to two layovers. Flight durations range from 5 to 15 hours depending on the airline.
Getting Around Myanmar
Myanmar's railway system is not very developed. However, you can easily travel between major cities by bus. Bus fares range from 500,000 to 1,100,000 VND per person per journey depending on the route. For even greater savings, you can pre-book bus tickets in Myanmar through Klook.
Renting a private car is also a relatively economical option for travel groups of three or more. If you only want to explore Yangon, you can book a private car at an exclusive Klook discount!
Do I Need a Visa for Myanmar?
The answer is no. Vietnam is one of the countries exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days (information updated as of January 2020) in Myanmar. All you need is a passport valid for at least 6 months!
Best Time to Visit Myanmar Independently
The best time to travel to Myanmar independently is from November to February of the following year. During this period, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for welcoming the new year. From March to May, the climate in Myanmar is very hot, especially near the Bagan and Mandalay areas. It's advisable to avoid visiting Myanmar from June to September as it's the monsoon season, and you'll mostly be confined to your hotel.
There are four main regions/cities to consider when planning an independent trip to Myanmar: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake.
Things to Note When Traveling Independently in Myanmar
- Myanmar is a country with a long-standing Buddhist tradition. Be sure to dress modestly when visiting temples to show respect for the local culture.
- The weather in Myanmar is warm in the morning and cool in the evening, so pack lightweight, sweat-absorbent clothing, and prepare a scarf or sweater.
- Have a translation tool handy as not many locals are proficient in English.
- Pre-order a 4G SIM card for easy check-ins throughout your journey or to find your way if you get lost.
5 Unmissable Activities When Traveling Independently in Myanmar
1. Exploring Temples and Pagodas
According to unofficial statistics from Amusing Planet, there are over 10,000 temples and pagodas in Myanmar. Each temple is a marvel of architecture, shrouded in countless mysteries. While it's impossible to explore all of Myanmar's temples, here are some notable ones worth including in your next pilgrimage itinerary.
Shwedagon Pagoda - Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the tallest pagodas in the country. This architectural marvel resembles a luxurious pyramid, adorned with thousands of diamonds, gemstones, and rubies. At the top of the pagoda sits a diamond-studded 76-carat diamond. Additionally, this over 2,500-year-old pagoda is believed to house 8 hairs of Gautama Buddha, attracting numerous visitors for worship and admiration.
Taung Kalat Monastery - Bagan
Perched atop Mount Popa - at an altitude of 1,518 meters above sea level - Taung Kalat Monastery is the most revered religious site in Myanmar. From here, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the ancient city of Bagan, with its majestic mountains and a series of hidden temples and pagodas. This monastery is also closely associated with many mystical legends about the 37 Nat spirits. If you're interested in history and folklore, you definitely can't miss this destination!
Kuthodaw Pagoda - Mandalay
Constructed in 1857, Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay is a colossal religious complex, housing over 700 large and small stupas (kyauksa gu). Inside each stupa lies a white marble slab about 1.5 meters tall. These are the 'books' inscribed with precious Buddhist scriptures. Locals say the number of 'books' in Kuthodaw Pagoda is so vast that if you were to spend 8 hours a day reading, it would take you 450 days to complete. The good news is that #teamKlook can now explore this Buddhist library with convenient and cost-saving day tours.
2. Boating Around Inle Lake
Inle Lake is one of the two largest freshwater lakes in Myanmar, where the Inthar people's bustling life on the water unfolds. Situated at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Shan mountain range. Taking a boat ride on Inle Lake, visitors will marvel at the vibrant floating markets, long-necked artisan villages, hydroponic gardens, cat houses, and of course, numerous magnificent pagodas. Don't forget to capture the image of the unique traditional fishing method of the local fishermen, #teamKlook!
3. Hands-On Lacquerware Crafting at Min Nan Thu Village
In addition to weaving, lacquerware artistry in Myanmar is also highly developed. The ideal next destination for skilled #teamKlook members is Min Nan Thu Village, renowned for tobacco and silver craftsmanship but 'enshrined in history' with traditional lacquerware crafting. Lacquerware here undergoes meticulous and elaborate processes, from drying and polishing to layer-by-layer pattern painting… Visitors can also try their hand at making lacquerware to take home.
4. Time-Traveling to Thanlyin Ancient Town
Thanlyin Ancient Town was once the stronghold of Filipe de Brito e Nicote - the renowned Portuguese explorer - in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Away from bustling Yangon, Thanlyin boasts a picturesque countryside setting, immersing visitors in a nostalgic and poetic atmosphere. Interestingly, in Thanlyin, you can find the 'twin' of Shwedagon Pagoda - the Kyail Paya temple complex. This place is also home to several prominent religious structures, such as Myanmar's first Christian church or the floating Yele Paya Pagoda. After satisfying your exploration passion, don't forget to recharge at the traditional market with flavorful snacks!
5. Visiting Art Exhibitions in Yangon
Want to delve deeper into traditional and contemporary Burmese artistry? Then jot down these 3 exhibition spaces in Yangon in your travel notebook: Artist's House, Pansodan Art Gallery, and River Gallery. Artist's House and Pansodan Art Gallery showcase diverse collections, including both new works and masterpieces that have made history in the fields of painting and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, River Gallery is a playground reserved for the country's top contemporary artists. If you're lucky, you might participate in the 'heart-opening' activities of these galleries, such as poetry readings, art discussions, and even live music performances.
Exploring Myanmar's Colorful Cuisine
Myanmar cuisine is heavily influenced by India, China, Thailand, and Shan, resulting in the use of various spices and distinctive flavors. Common ingredients in traditional Burmese dishes include rice, bread, flour, fermented products, curry powder, dried chili…. Here are some delicious Myanmar dishes you must try.
1. Tea Leaf Salad
Tea leaf fermentation brings a tangy and bitter taste, mixed with crunchy cabbage, peanuts, fresh tomatoes, and spicy chili to create a contradictory flavor profile. This is a common appetizer in Burmese meals. Note: Don't overindulge in tea leaf salad or you might end up with insomnia.
2. Shan-style Tofu Noodles
Shan-style 'warm tofu' noodles, also known as hto-hpu nwe. The tofu in this dish is not real tofu (made from soybeans) but rather a smooth paste made from chickpeas.
The golden chickpea porridge, served with chewy noodles and well-seasoned chicken or pork; add a bit of chili oil and it's absolutely divine. This is a dry noodle dish and you can enjoy it with vegetables or savory broth. Just hearing about it makes you crave it, doesn't it?
3. Mohinga
Mohinga is the unofficial 'national dish' of Myanmar. The recipe for this dish is quite complex, requiring good quality noodles, broth simmered from fresh fish, herbs, and lemongrass. When eating, you can add banana stem, boiled eggs, and crispy fried vegetables according to your preference, to enhance the harmony of flavors. Mohinga is a favorite menu item for many tourists, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
With the travel guide in hand from Klook, are you ready to travel to Myanmar independently? Don't forget to check out more travel suggestions and handy tips for independent travel in Myanmar on Klook's Blog!
