Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Myanmar

Are you planning a trip to Myanmar but unsure where to go and what to explore? Let’s plan your Myanmar journey with the insights shared in this article! Mytour will reveal useful tips on booking tickets, reserving accommodations, unique experiences, and must-visit destinations for your upcoming Myanmar adventure!

8 Steps to Plan a Cost-Effective Trip to Myanmar

Myanmar is often associated with a mysterious and captivating charm in the heart of Asia. The country boasts pristine, majestic landscapes and a culture deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. This makes Myanmar a magnet for travel enthusiasts eager to discover unique and extraordinary experiences. If you’re considering a trip to Myanmar, don’t miss these 8 steps to plan your Myanmar adventure below!

1. Determine the Ideal Time to Visit Myanmar

When planning a trip to Myanmar, choosing the right time is crucial. Picking the ideal travel period not only helps you avoid bad weather but also ensures smooth transportation and a hassle-free journey.

Based on self-guided travel experiences in Myanmar, the best time to visit is from November to February. During this period, Myanmar enters its dry season, offering cool and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities.

Travelers can comfortably stroll, take photos, enjoy scenic views, and admire the beauty of the landscape. On the other hand, it’s advisable to avoid visiting Myanmar from March to May, as this is the hottest time of the year, especially in regions like Bagan and Mandalay.

Additionally, travelers should avoid visiting Myanmar from late June to September. During this period, Myanmar experiences its rainy and stormy season, which can make transportation and daily activities challenging and even pose safety risks.

The beginning and end of the year are the most ideal times to visit Myanmar (Image source: Collected)

2. Prepare Myanmar Entry Documents

Do you need a visa to travel to Myanmar? This is a common question many people have when preparing their travel documents. In fact, Vietnam and Myanmar signed an agreement in March 2013 regarding the entry of Vietnamese citizens into Myanmar.

According to the agreement, Vietnamese citizens entering Myanmar are exempt from visa requirements. All that is needed is a passport valid for at least 6 months. However, the stay in Myanmar must not exceed 14 days.

When checking in at the airport, travelers must present the following important documents:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining).

• Customs declaration form.

• Round-trip flight ticket.

• Accommodation details in Myanmar (hotel or lodging booking information).

Myanmar offers visa-free travel for Vietnamese citizens, so travelers only need to prepare the required documents (Image source: Collected)

Note: For children under 18 traveling with parents or guardians, a birth certificate or legal guardianship document must be presented. If traveling without relatives, a consent letter from the parents or guardians is required.

3. Book Accommodation in Advance for Your Myanmar Trip

During peak travel seasons in Myanmar, the influx of international tourists is overwhelming. Hotels often face full occupancy despite the increasing number of accommodations each year. Notably, Yangon and Bagan are the two most popular destinations with the highest number of visitors.

Therefore, it’s advisable to book your room 1-2 months in advance to secure a preferred option at a reasonable price. Last-minute bookings are possible but often come with significantly higher costs, requiring you to spend a much larger amount.

4. Book Your Flight Tickets to Myanmar

When planning a trip to Myanmar, booking your flight tickets is one of the most crucial steps. Currently, several airlines operate flights to Myanmar, including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Yangon and Mandalay are the most popular destinations in the country.

To secure affordable flight tickets, it’s recommended to book 1-2 months before your departure date. Round-trip flight tickets for a Myanmar trip typically range from 3,000,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND per person.

Booking flight tickets 1-2 months in advance increases your chances of finding cheaper fares (Image source: Collected)

However, flights from Vietnam to Myanmar are not direct and typically require 1-2 layovers. As a result, travel time can range from 5 to 15 hours, depending on the airline you choose.

5. Transportation Options in Myanmar

Myanmar does not yet have a modern public transportation system. However, travelers can easily move between cities using buses. Bus ticket prices usually range from 500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per person per trip, depending on the route.

In addition to buses, trains are another option for getting around. The downside of Myanmar's trains is their relatively slow speed, frequent delays, and occasional overcrowding. However, train fares are extremely affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Buses are a popular public transportation option favored by many international travelers when visiting Malaysia (Image source: Collected)

6. Purchase a Local SIM Card

Although internet services in Myanmar are not as advanced as in some other Southeast Asian countries, staying connected is still manageable. Travelers can easily buy a local SIM card at Myanmar airports at a reasonable price.

For around 100,000 VND, you can get a 3G SIM card, allowing you to access the internet, use digital maps, and stay in touch with family and friends conveniently.

The 3G SIM card for traveling in Myanmar has a maximum validity of 10 days, making it ideal for short trips. Therefore, when planning your Myanmar trip, don’t forget to include purchasing a 3G SIM card in your preparations!

7. Prepare Finances Before Departure

One of the most crucial steps when planning a trip to Myanmar is managing your finances. Properly budgeting, preparing your bank cards, and understanding currency exchange processes will ensure a smooth travel experience.

• Budgeting for your trip: Unlike previous years, Myanmar is no longer a budget-friendly destination. Therefore, careful and reasonable financial planning is essential. Hotel prices, in particular, rise significantly during peak travel seasons. Create a detailed budget beforehand to avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Preparing your bank card: In recent years, Myanmar has adopted international bank card payments. This means you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash, reducing the risk of theft. ATMs are widely available, even in remote areas like Hsipaw and Mrauk U. KBZ and CB Bank are prominent, and both Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

8. Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Myanmar Trip

Myanmar is a country with a deep-rooted Buddhist culture. As a result, it has unique customs and etiquette that international travelers must respect, particularly regarding attire.

When planning a trip to Myanmar, pay close attention to your clothing choices. This not only shows respect for the local culture but also leaves a positive impression on the locals.

So, what should you wear in Myanmar? Opt for modest and respectful outfits that are not too revealing. When visiting temples or pagodas, wear T-shirts, long pants, or add a light jacket for coverage.

Avoid wearing outfits that expose your back, stomach, or chest. However, when strolling around the city or dining out, T-shirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable.

Must-Try Experiences When Visiting Myanmar

For many Vietnamese travelers, Myanmar remains a relatively unfamiliar destination. As a result, when planning a trip to Myanmar, many are unsure of where to go or what to do. Understanding this, Mytour would like to suggest some exciting experiences you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Explore Ancient Temples and Pagodas

One of the most valuable experiences in Myanmar is visiting its temples and pagodas. Myanmar is renowned for its ancient Buddhist culture, boasting thousands of sacred temples, pagodas, and stupas. This is why the country attracts millions of Buddhist devotees and travelers from around the world.

Here are some of Myanmar’s most famous temples that you should visit at least once in your lifetime:

• Shwedagon Pagoda: This iconic pagoda in Yangon is not only a symbol of the city but also considered the most beautiful Buddhist architectural masterpiece in Myanmar, dating back 2,500 years.
• Ananda Temple - Bagan: Built in 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this ancient temple is a remarkable architectural work with distinctive Indian influences. Its four main halls facing four directions symbolize wisdom and purity.
• Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda: Perched atop Mount Kyaiktiyo at 1,100 meters, this pagoda is built on a massive round boulder. It’s one of the world’s most unique wonders, attracting countless travelers and pilgrims. 

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of Myanmar’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit destination (Image source: Collected)

Admire the Scenic Beauty of Inle Lake

Boating and enjoying the scenery of Inle Lake is a unique experience to include when planning a trip to Myanmar. Inle Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in Myanmar, situated 900 meters above sea level.

Surrounded by the majestic Shan Mountains, ancient pagodas, and floating fishing villages, Inle Lake offers a breathtaking and romantic landscape. Visitors can marvel at the serene natural beauty and witness the unique leg-rowing technique of the Intha people.

Additionally, travelers can explore the floating villages on the lake. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about local traditions like fish farming, lotus silk weaving, and floating vegetable gardens.

Explore Myanmar's Unique Cuisine

It would be a missed opportunity to plan a trip to Myanmar without experiencing its distinctive cuisine. Myanmar’s food culture is a delicate blend of Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences, offering flavors and dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

Myanmar locals often use ngapi (a fermented shrimp paste) to create dishes that reflect their rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, Myanmar cuisine features a variety of starch-based dishes like noodles, rice vermicelli, and rice pancakes, which are quite similar to Vietnamese cuisine. This makes Myanmar’s food particularly appealing to Vietnamese tastes.

Some standout dishes in Myanmar cuisine that you should try include Mohinga, Nan Gyi Thoke, Laphet Thoke, and Myanmar-style curry rice.

Myanmar cuisine shares many similarities with Vietnamese food, making it highly appealing to Vietnamese tastes (Image source: Collected)

Explore Ancient Cities

Myanmar is renowned for its ancient cities and thousand-year-old capitals, where temples and pagodas preserve their architectural and historical beauty. If you visit Myanmar, don’t miss this fascinating experience! Here are some of the country’s most famous cities to consider:

The Ancient City of Bagan

With over 2,000 temples and pagodas, the ancient city of Bagan attracts a large number of international visitors. It’s a destination that inspires many travelers to pack their bags and head to Myanmar immediately.

Beyond its beauty, Bagan is a historical witness to the many changes it has endured over time. It was once the grand capital of the Anawrahta dynasty, flourishing and thriving during the 11th century.

The majestic and breathtaking scenery of Bagan leaves everyone in awe (Image source: Collected)

The Ancient Town of Thanlyin

Thanlyin is one of Myanmar’s most mysterious and historically rich regions. Unlike the bustling and glamorous Yangon, Thanlyin exudes a poetic and melancholic charm. It’s no exaggeration to say that Thanlyin is a bridge between the past and present, tradition and modernity.

The ancient town of Thanlyin is home to numerous cultural, historical, and religious landmarks. Among them, the most notable are Kyaik Khauk Pagoda, Yele Paya, and an ancient Catholic church.

Visiting Thanlyin feels like stepping into a mysterious land, where the atmosphere is both unfamiliar and comforting, offering a strangely peaceful and serene experience.

What is the Total Cost of Traveling to Myanmar?

Budgeting is crucial when planning a trip to Myanmar. It not only helps you save on travel expenses but also prevents unnecessary spending.

Below is a breakdown of travel costs to Myanmar, compiled from the experiences of previous travelers by Mytour.

• Round-trip flight tickets: 3,000,000 VND - 9,000,000 VND per person.
• Local transportation: 500,000 VND - 1,000,000 VND per person.
• 3G SIM card: From 100,000 VND per card.
• Food and dining: 1,000,000 VND - 2,000,000 VND per person.
• Hotel costs: 500,000 VND - 3,000,000 VND per night per person.
• Sightseeing expenses: 500,000 VND and above.

=> The total cost of traveling to Myanmar typically ranges from 7,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND per person. This cost is relatively affordable compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

However, the total cost provided by Mytour is for reference only. In reality, the actual expenses may vary depending on the timing, personal preferences, and financial conditions of each traveler.

Traveling to Myanmar is relatively budget-friendly, making it suitable for the average Vietnamese traveler (Image source: Collected)

Important Tips for Traveling to Myanmar

Every country has its own cultural norms and etiquette, and Myanmar is no exception. Therefore, when planning a trip to Myanmar, travelers should keep the following important tips in mind:

• Myanmar’s weather is hot and humid year-round, so pack breathable, lightweight clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your skin.
• Scams targeting tourists still exist in Myanmar. Be cautious with strangers who approach you, especially street vendors or individuals offering cheap services.
• Myanmar is generally safe with a low crime rate, but basic precautions are essential. For example, use hotel safes, keep your belongings secure, and avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry in public.
• Avoid restricted areas, particularly Rakhine State in western Myanmar, where conflicts between local authorities and Muslim communities occur.
• Carry only the necessary amount of cash to prevent theft. Credit cards are accepted at malls, supermarkets, and other commercial establishments.

Above is a comprehensive guide on how to plan an ideal trip to Myanmar. We hope these insights from Mytour will help you prepare for your upcoming journey. For Myanmar tour bookings, please contact Mytour’s hotline at 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!