Myanmar (previously known as Burma) has bucket list temples, spectacular scenery and still offers an authentic travel experience. However, with frequent political unrest, no go areas and a poor infrastructure you need to really research your trip before you go.
Here’s our travel tips:
Political situation:
Check for any volatility before you go on the FCO website. As political and unrest can happen at short notice, it’s worth continuing checking whilst you are there. Take extra care in border areas. They are more likely to be affected by military activity, landmines, drug smuggling and ethnic militias. Plus, there is ongoing conflict is several regions including the central Rakhine states.
Transport:
Myanmar has a poor infrastructure and the main attractions are far apart. The roads are often hazardous, especially in the rainy season from May to October. Avoid travelling by road at night. Train travel is a safer option, but the travel times are slow and journeys can be uncomfortable. Flying is cheap, but usually unreliable, plus it’s worth checking the safety records of the local airlines before you book. Finally, travelling by boat may be slow, but it is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the countryside, especially between Mandalay and Bagan.
Internet and phones:
Connection can be difficult in places and services can be affected by political situations. Travel with a spare mobile and buy a local sim card.
Money:
Plan ahead. There are few ATMs and many work intermittently depending on internet connections. More and more hotels and cafes accept credit cards, but check ahead, as there’s still a distrust of electronic payment and you may end up paying a large commission.
Health:
Outside of Yangon and Mandalay, medical advice and treatment is well below western standards. Many medications on sale in pharmacies are fake, so make sure you take good supplies of anything you may need with you.
LGBT:
Technically, homosexuality is illegal and the law applies to both men and women. The punishment of a life sentence is rarely enforced, but the police have threatened tourists demanding bribes in the past.
Drones:
Taking photos or videos of military installations and personnel, the police or any demonstration is illegal. Plus, it’s often not easy to work out what is banned. If you use a drone, you are putting yourself at extra risk of illegal activity and you could potentially be imprisoned. We advise getting official permission from the government if you are travelling to Myanmar with a drone.