GENERAL TIPS: Dollars and Kyat: Although there are ATMs found everywhere, not all (European) banks do have contracts in Myanmar, so it's not always possible to use an ATM. You can exchange Euros and Australian Dollars everywhere however, make sure that you have US dollars to pay the government fees at Inle lake, Bagan etc., where you pay the same price in euros as in dollars. ![]()
Yangon formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar. Yangon is the most exotic of all Southeast Asian cities. Yangon International Airport (Mingladon} is located approximately 30 minutes/ 1 hour (depending on the traffic and on the wheatear condition) north of the city centre. From the airport to downtown you can take a taxi for 7.000 Kyat . It is also possible to use a public bus to at least somewhat reduce the cost. If you exit the international terminal and turn right, walking along the road for about 10 minutes, you'll hit Pyay Road, from where you can take public bus 51 which will take you one block east of Sule Paya right downtown (200 kyat). Where to sleep: Sleep in Hostel, 9th street, Lanmadaw $ 24 for a double A/C room included breakfast. The hostel is in a good location, it is clean and the staff is friendly. The WIFI is good. Where to change money: Ryuji finance, No 25, Corner Anawrahta Rd and Lanthit St Transport: Riding the bus is absolutely safe. The only drawback is the lack of understanding. Most of the locals can't speak English and the signs are written in Burmese text. As you would expect, Yangon has an extensive and chaotically crowded bus system. Most are privately run and will not move until enough people are falling off the sides of the bus. Most routes originate and terminate on the eastern side of the Sule Pagoda so head there if looking for a bus to the airport or to the Shwedagon Pagoda. If you don’t know how to read the Burmese numbers, announce your destination before boarding. The driver/assistants seem intrigued that foreigners are taking local busses and are willing to help. Bus station: Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal (also known as Highway Bus Station, 5000 kyat taxi from airport), a bit out of the city and beyond the airport, on the Pyay Road. From Sule Paya get the bus 43 (200 K), it takes about 1 hour to get there, but give yourself some time extra (at least 2 hours before your bus is departing). Where to buy a train ticket:
How to get to Bagan:
Where to eat:
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BAGAN Bagan is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The Bagan cultural authority has introduced a single 5-day pass to the Cultural Zone for US$ 15/15 EUR or 16,000 kyat. Since the USD is the best value of those options, it is best to bring the required amount in USD before arriving. The are many ways to get around the temple, the cheapest and funniest way is to rent a E-bike (electronic bicycle) for 6.000 KS per day or 4.000 KS for half day. You may get a better deal on a multi-day rental. These are a good option if you want to cover more distance or carry heavy gear like a camera, which is not necessarily pleasant on a pedal bike, especially for the wheatear condition in Bagan, which is most of the year really hot and dry. All temple signs are written in Burmese. Only a selected few are in English, and if there is, it's written at the back of the sign. Buy a map of the area and get lost in this beautiful medieval atmosphere. Where to sleep: Mya Thida Hotel, school street, New Bagan ($ 30 for a double A/C room included breakfast). The WIFI it is really slow, but everywhere in Bagan is barely possible to use internet. It is well located, close to the temples. Where to eat: Food corner What to visit:
How to get to Inle Lake (Nyaun Shwe):
Inle Lake is a shallow lake in the middle of Myanmar, south-east of Mandalay. The lake is 22km long, and is densely inhabited by many different tribes. Since 1st of October 2013, a tourist tax of 10 USD it is apply when you enter in the area. Can be pay in Euro (10€) or in Kyat (10000K). The tax is collected at a toll post while driving into town. Nyaung Shwe, is a nice town where to be close by the lake. It is to spend there a week because the country side and landscape are beautiful and there are many nice restaurant where to go and interesting place where to hang out. Many bike rentals are also available for 1000-1500 Kyats per day, great for also touring the surroundings. There are also two ATM available in the town. Where to sleep: Mingalar Inn (double fan room $20 included a huge breakfast, double A/C new room $60) Phuang Daw Pyan Rd, Mingalar Quarter, Nyaungshwe (next to the main pagoda in town). The staff is friendly, and they speak good English and they are very helpful. Rooms are large and clean with hot water showers. Huge breakfasts every morning (including eggs, plates of fruits, toasts, pancakes, juice, tea, and coffee)and their daily welcome fresh lemon juice is also famous. Staff organize boat trips and travel arrangements. WIFI is available and it is pretty good for Myanmar standard. Staff was among the loveliest in Myanmar. They also sell bus tickets at among the lowest prices in Nyaung Shwe . Where to eat:
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How to get to Yangon:
HPA AN Hpa An is a picturesque and laid back town/village and it is the capital of Karen (Kayin) State. Not many tourists come here, especially during the rain season, so it is a great opportunity to see the real part of Myanmar and enjoying the cultural side of it. Locals are so kind and honest , you can make some friends and many of them are ready to help in case you need it. Unfortunately not many people speak English, but for a hand it makes everything more exciting. Me and my partner have spent in this little town 10 days, because we just felt in love with the way of living here. Around Hpa An, the landscape and mountains are stunning and it is plenty of natural pool where to swim, rural villages to visit, natural caves and Pagodas to explore. Rent a motorbike (8.000 KS per day, plus petrol 1Lt per 1.000 KS), enjoy the scenic and dramatic country side and get lost in this beautiful corner of paradise. Every day will be a new adventure! Where to sleep: Than Lwin OO guesthouse (11.000 KS for a fan double room, no breakfast – 16.000 KS for A/C double room no breakfast), it is a basic but clean and nice guesthouse in a perfect location. Away from the noise of the market and close to anything you may need. The WIFI connection is pretty good to be in Myanmar. Friendly staff and they know people to rent motorbikes. They also have a drown map of the area which is really handy if you rent a motorbike and you like to explore places by your own. Where to eat:
What to visit: During raining season most of the roads to get to the caves are not in good condition. If you rent a motorbike you have to be an experienced driver and feel comfortable driving a manual old bike. Go slowly, don’t panic and have fun! The of some of the cave will be flooded, so you need to be ready to walk into the water for 500 mt or to get a cheap boat. Bring always a torch with you to explore inside the dark caves. We really enjoy to visit the area in this period because every day is an adventure and you will be the only one there, able to feel and enjoy the spiritual and mysterious atmosphere.
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