Myanmar (Burma) opened up to tourists again in 2011, and the appeal of seeing what lies beyond the borders of this once closed-off nation is still strong. Travel is still not straightforward, however, although it is extremely rewarding, with friendly people, phenomenal architecture and beautifully preserved landscapes. Our Myanmar travel guide helps you plan your trip here safely, smoothly and in a way that respects and supports this wonderful culture.

Myanmar's decades of isolation have meant that its unique ways of life have remained largely intact. Visitors are astounded by what the Myanmars can create by hand: enormous, carved wooden boats, fine gold leaf, lotus silk, and jewel-encrusted pagodas. Its largely Buddhist people are peaceful and welcoming, and its landscapes and cities – Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan, Yangon – are still wrapped in mystery, without western influence.

This is a land where traditional clothing is still worn, where people travel by horse and cart and where Buddhism influences architecture and actions.

Essential Myanmar

Myanmar is an almost unspoiled jewel in South-East Asia. Slowly opening up to tourism after decades of political struggles, the people of Myanmar welcome you to their country. In Myanmar you will find incredible natural beauty, amazing temples and the most inviting and friendly people anywhere in Asia. The pagodas of Bagan are at least as impressive as Angkor Wat, with almost 5000 scattered around a vast area, easily to explore with an e-bike. Cities as Yangon and Mandalay offer a landscape of Buddhist temples and pagodas, British colonial architecture and busy streets. The west coast harbors beautiful beach resorts with white sandy beaches and palm trees. Inle Lake will offer you a view of entire villages built on stilt in a lake where people make a living weaving silk from lotus stems. Myanmar is an amazing county, you have to see and experience it yourself to believe it.