Myanmar is a country of thousands of temples and golden pagodas: the Bagan plain at dawn, the gleaming Shwedagon in Yangon, fishermen rowing with their feet on Inle Lake. A holiday in Myanmar attracts those looking for a distinctive Asia outside the familiar tourist routes.
It is important to know in advance: an armed conflict is under way in the country, and many states, including Russia, publish warnings for travelers. So a trip to Myanmar must be planned especially carefully: check the current Foreign Ministry recommendations, insurance and the regions open to tourists shortly before departure.
Why independently
- A conscious choice. You choose the regions, transport and dates yourself, relying on fresh recommendations and not on an outdated tour.
- Price and flexibility. Hotels and domestic flights without an intermediary let you change the route if the situation changes.
- Distinctiveness. Temples, markets and lakes without crowds and the usual tourist infrastructure.
When is it best to go
The best time for the main routes is the dry season from November to February: cooler and a clear sky. From March to May it is very hot, from June to October it rains, and roads are sometimes washed out.
Visa and entry
The entry conditions for Russians, the electronic visa and the permitted regions change; check them on the official websites of Myanmar's immigration service and in the Russian Foreign Ministry's recommendations shortly before the trip.
Where to stay
- Yangon — the largest city, the Shwedagon, a transit hub
- Bagan — a plain with thousands of temples, balloons at dawn
- Inle Lake and Nyaungshwe — floating villages, fishermen, mountain air
- Mandalay — the former capital, monasteries and the U Bein Bridge
- Ngapali and Ngwesaung — beaches on the Bay of Bengal
Below are hotels by island and resort: compare prices, look at guest reviews and book.