Asia is a tourist hotspot, enticing visitors from around the globe with things to see, a variety of cuisines to suit every palate and a never-ending list of activities for every age group. However, Asia is also home to unexplored locations that promise a complete vacation package, albeit in their own, off-beat ways. Myanmar (Burma) is one of those destinations. Not yet on the bucket lists of many tourists, this Southeast Asian country has something so magical and untouched about it that it will leave the explorer inside you satiated. So, it’s time to consider travelling to Myanmar for your next international vacation. Skyscanner has curated a handy guide with all the details you will need to plan your trip to Myanmar.
How to reach Myanmar
Firstthings first; you will be happy to know that Myanmar is easily-accessible fromIndia with direct flights from a few cities such as Kolkata and one-stop flightsfrom most others. Tickets too can fall in the affordable range of sub-INR20,000for a return journey if planned well in advance. Myanmar has three functionalinternational airports – Mandalay International Airport, Yangon InternationalAirport and Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.
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Best time to visit Myanmar
Since the summer months are scorching hot in most areas of Myanmar, it is best to plan your trip from November to February. The average temperatures during these months in Mandalay, Yangon and Bagan range from 25 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid March to May, the peak summer months and June to October, the rainy season marked by heavy rains.
Myanmar visarequirements for Indians
Indian passport holders require an eVisa to enter Myanmar. You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months and two recent photos (4cm x 6cm). Once your eVisa has been approved in around three working days, you will receive an approval letter through email. You will need to print this letter and present it, along with your passport, when you arrive in the country. The visa costs around INR2,800 and gives you an entry in Myanmar for 28 days. Check official government websites for the latest information before you travel.
Myanmar currency
The local currency is the Burmese kyat. The US dollar works in many city hotels, restaurants and resorts so you can carry that. However, in smaller towns, it is best to carry enough local currency.
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Food in Myanmar
Myanmar cuisine is influenced largely by Indian and Chinese flavours. With rice and seafood at its heart, Burmese dishes try to flawlessly blend sweet, sour, bitter and spicy flavours. If you love salads, you are in for a treat in Myanmar; the locals can whip up a lip-smacking salad from almost anything! From noodles to tea leaves (yes!), their salads combine ingredients in a way that will create a riot in your mouth. Don’t forget to try the traditional favourite dish Mohinga (rice noodle and fish soup). If you worry that you will miss local Indian delicacies while in Myanmar, think again. In this country, you will be able to lay your hands on local favourites such as biryani, dosa, naan, samosa, gulab jamun and even falooda! Of course, these will have a tasty, Burmese twist to them. Go on, get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey in Myanmar.
Things to do in Myanmar
Once you are in the country, there is an exciting bunch of activities you can indulge in. Here are our top suggestions:
- Engage in some soul searching at a pagoda: Myanmar is dotted with some architecturally gorgeous pagodas (Buddhist temples) that not only stun you visually, but also revive your mind. These pagodas also offer the perfect peek into the religious and cultural side of the country. Most travellers will include the golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon in their Burmese itinerary. However, here are a few others you must visit. While visiting Mandalay, viewing the 13-foot-tall Buddha at Mahamuni Paya is a must. Similarly, the Shwezigon Paya is Nyaung U’s pride. Those seeking to blend adventure with pagoda visits must visit Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda set in a cave that contains over 8,000 images of Buddha.
- Soak in the beauty of Inle Lake: Viewing Inle Lake is like watching an attractive painting come alive. Located in the Shan Hills, this serene lake is decorated by local fishermen and their long-tailed boats, unique slit houses, floating markets and even floating fields that grow a variety of vegetables. If you have the time, it will be well worth it to sail all the way through the southern tip of the lake to see numerous sunken stupas. Another way to enjoy the Inle Lake is through hot-air balloon rides that take off from various launch stations around it. One more distinctive thing to do around Inle Lake is visiting one of the Kayan villages to see the now rare long-neck women and the local craft shops and activities.
- Drown all your worries in a waterfall: Myanmar’s waterfalls are characterised by their grandeur and uncharted charm. The ones that must make it to your itinerary include the Dee Dote Falls, Anisakan Falls and Kyaiktiyo Falls. Most of these waterfalls are a bit off the beaten path and require either hikes or long walks; however, once you reach them, it will all be worth the effort. Make sure you carry towels and an extra pair of clothes if you plan to swim.
- Taste the local wine: Yes, you read that right. Not many know that over the last few years, Myanmar’s local winery production has soared on increased local demand. Housing vineyards that look promising enough to compete with those in France or South Africa, Myanmar is a country where wine tasting is not so common and therefore not commercialised. To taste locally produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir, head to Red Mountain near Inle Lake. The other place to taste delicious wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, is Aythaya Vineyard in Shan State.
- Add a beach to your plan: With thousands of kilometres of coastline, Myanmar is perfect destination for anyone who loves to feel some soft, white sand between their toes. If you are looking to snorkel or scuba dive, your go-to beaches in the country include Ngwe Saung and Ngapali. Those wanting to relax on a pristine beach sans city noises and crowds can head to Kanthaya. The best months to visit beaches in Myanmar are from December to April. Most locals are conservatively dressed on beaches and tourists are expected to do the same.
It’s time to book that dream trip to Myanmar! Book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.
Disclaimer: Prices and facts valid as of 22 January 2020
