Myanmar is the second largest country in South East Asia with the total area of 676,578 square kilometers, after Indonesia. Its current capital is Naypyitaw. In terms of geographical location, Myanmar borders China to the north and northeast, Laos to the east, Thailand to the southeast, the Gulf of Belgan and Andaman of Indian Ocean to the south, India and Bangladesh to the west. Myanmar topography is relatively complicated with lowlands situated in the center and along the coast. Shan Highlands, Rakhine Mount and Bago Mount are located in respectively in the east, west and north. Weather in Myanmar is characterized by the tropical monsoon climate. The population of Myanmar is more than 51 million people (in 2014) with about 135 ethnic groups and various tribes. The main ethnic groups consist of the Burmese (Burma), the San, the Chinese, the Karen, the Indians, the Mon and other small nations. They live in different regions in Myanmar.
Not just being the busiest destination in flights to Myanmar, Yangon is also the most attractive stopover in Myanmar with many fascinating attractions such as Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda), Shwe Than Lyaung Pagoda, Mahapasana Guha Cave Temple, Wat Kyak Pun Paya, Kabaaye Temple, Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, Shwemawdaw Paya Pagoda and many other attractions. Shwedagon Pagoda is considered the symbol of Myanmar and has the enormously spiritual significance for the people of the country where the Buddhism covers the majority. The whole body tower is gilded in gold plates, the top of tower was decorated with diamond, sapphire, ruby and yellow rattle. Many small temples around the main tower create very attractive and splendid architectural population. Tourists seem to enter the spiritual world full of mystery.
Another place that appeals many adherents who adore meditation is Atumashi Monastery in Mandalay. Shwe Oo Min is one of the most famous monasteries in Myanmar. Coming here, tourists have the opportunity to mediate and see the the magnificence, splendor of this monastery. Mahapasana cave is also an interesting place. This place keeps the original Buddhist scriptures and hosted Sixth Buddhism Conference in Myanmar. If tourists prefer unique art performances, they should come to Karaweik floating restaurant. This unique and famous restaurant appeals tourist coming to visit and enjoy the interesting and characteristic art performances of Myanmar people. Additionally, tourists should drop by the beautiful port city of Thanlyin to visit and explore Golden Pagoda, Portuguese Old Church and Yele Paya Pagoda.
Golden Rock Pagoda located precariously on mountain at an altitude of 1100m and gilded gold along with Kyaiktyo Pagoda have created a unique architectural complex attracting tourists. Tourists must go through the Golden Rock before entering Kyaiktyo Pagoda. But note that, only men are allowed to touch the rock, while women can only see from a distance. In addition, tourists should also visit Bago City, Shwemadaw Pagoda, Bago Monastery, Shwethalyaung Buddha statue, and Sule Pagoda…
Heho Airport, Heho (HEH) - Myanmar Mandalay International Airport, Mandalay (MDL) - Myanmar Thandwe Airport, Thandwe (SNW) - Myanmar Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Nay Pyi Taw (NYT) - Myanmar Beidaihe Airport, Qinhuangdao (BPE) - Myanmar Yangon International Airport, Yangon (RGN) - Myanmar Pathein Airport, Pathein (BSX) - Myanmar Bagan Airport, Nyaung (NYU) - Myanmar
Currently, domestic and international airports of Myanmar operate daily flights from Myanmar to different destinations in the region and in the world. Tourists can choose flights at following popular airports in Myanmar:
Yangon International Airport
Mandalay International Airport
Myitkynia Airport
Thandwe Airport
Putao Airport
Heho Airport
Tourists can easily find flights from Vietnam to Myanmar at 2 major international airports of Vietnam including Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai International (Hanoi). Those who want to fly with the best airlines operating flights from Vietnam to Myanmar or flights from Myanmar to Vietnam can choose Vietnam Airlines and other suitable carriers. Ticket classes often have different prices and conditions. Fares can vary from time to time. So tourists should pay attention.
Qinhuangdao Pathein Heho Mandalay Nay Pyi Taw Nyaung Yangon Thandwe
Emirates Airlines <-> 269 USD Air Macau -> 548 USD Silk Air -> 228 USD Royal Brunei Airlines -> 393 USD Vietjet Air -> 100 USD Lucky Air -> 206 USD Shenzhen Airlines -> 320 USD All Nippon Airways <-> 911 USD Eva Airways -> 847 USD Air China <-> 420 USD Malindo Airways -> 62 USD Garuda Indonesia -> 129 USD Hainan Airlines -> 378 USD Dragon Airlines -> 361 USD Singapore Airlines -> 245 USD Cathay Pacific Airways -> 348 USD Vietnam Airlines -> 77 USD Asiana Airlines -> 994 USD Hong Kong Airlines -> 294 USD JC International Airlines -> 248 USD
Myanma Airways and Myanmar Airways International are two major airlines in Myanmar. Among them, Myanmar Airways is offering mainly domestic flights in Myanmar and Myanmar Airways International is operating international flights to regional destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok... The popular airlines fly to Myanmar including Vietnam Airlines, Air China, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Indian Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Nok Air, and Thai Airways International.
Country City Thailand -> Myanmar 49 USD Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Mae Hongson, Krabi, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Trang Vietnam -> Myanmar 79 USD Da Nang, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quang Binh Indonesia -> Myanmar 343 USD Bali Denpasar Hong Kong -> Myanmar 87 USD Hongkong Lao, People's Dem. Rep. -> Myanmar 203 USD Pakse Korea -> Myanmar 524 USD Pusan China <-> Myanmar 420 USD Shanghai Cambodia -> Myanmar 129 USD Siem Reap
Tourists can find some popular flights to Myanmar from following destinations:
Country |
City |
Malaysia |
Kuala Lumpur |
Thailand |
Bangkok, Chiang Mai |
China |
Beijing, Kunming, Nanning, Guangzhou |
Singapore |
Singapore |
India |
Gaya, Kolkata |
Taiwan |
Taipei - Taoyuan |
Vietnam |
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh |
Streets in Yangon are not as crowded as Vietnam. Motorcycles are not allowed virtually to use on the road, the vehicle used mostly are cars. There is no jostle on road, jumping the red lights and honking loudly. Myanmar people are compliant ti traffic laws. It is hard to catch bus or taxi because of mostly none. So, tourists can travel by xiclo, rent car or walk.
Tourists should go shopping at famous markets in Yangon. Goods are abundant. The price is reasonable and affordable. The popular markets consist of Bogyoke Aung San and Mingalar. Bogyoke Aung San market sells a variety of clothing and traditional costumes of Myanmar and pretty nice souvenirs... Mingalar market is a traditional market in Myanmar with many items.
If tourists want to use Internet service at hotels, they should ask and check carefully with the hotel reception in advance using because the service price is quite high. Note that, many hotels do not supply this service.
Tourists should buy Sim card at hotels or large commercial centers. Tourists should buy Sim GMS for about 25-30usd / pcs. They are required to show their passport before purchasing.
Internet is mostly available in centers of big cities, but if using Internet service, the price is relatively high. Myanmar Government mostly controls Internet use tightly. If there is Internet connection, tourists are still not allowed to access to some popular social network sites like Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, and Skype... only can use Gmail or G-talk.
Public phone booths are not popular in Myanmar. As Myanmar government control all international calls and must obtain permission before calling. Tourists should call at the post offices or a call from the hotel where tourists in, but note that tourists should ask service charges before calling.
The official monetary of Myanmar is Kyat. So, tourists should change into Kyat to easily to spend. Or tourists can change into the US dollar with small denominations to spend. In particular, it is hard to use the pound or the euro when coming here. Tourists special attention is to bring cash to pay for living expenses and because there is few places accepting credit card payments, even in the restaurant to the center shopping, or luxury hotel.
Tourists should remember to use your left hand when eating and use your right hand when giving something to someone. Because, according to the concept of Myanmar, if eating and giving something with left hand, it would be considered a rude act, since the left hand only use for personal hygiene.