The best time to visit Myanmar is during the dry season, between October to May. Suring this period, rains least (if it all, in some places) and is not so hot. You are advised to book your holiday well in advance for this peak travel season.

The southwest rainy season starts from mid-May and mounts from July to September. The dry zone between Mandalay and Pray gets minimal rain. March to May, Yangon reaches 40 degree. Mandalay and Bagan are often warmer.

However, with the exception of September, you shouldn’t be hesitating from visiting during this time as Myanmar has lots to offer all year round.

You will require a valid visa to visit Myanmar. You can apply visa at the nearest Burmese Embassy or Consulate well in advance of your visit. You can also apply online. For more information about entry requirements, contact the Burmese Embassy.

Please ensure your passport is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Burma and has at least 6 clear pages.

For more information about visa and travel advice to Myanmar please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burma/entry-requirements

The following Burmese airports welcome international flights.

1) Yangon also known as (Rangoon); (RGN) – http://www.ygnia.com
2) Mandalay (MDL) – http://www.mandalayairport.com
3) Nay Pyi Taw (NPT) – http://www.nptia.com

The most common air route to Yangon is via Bangkok, though there are regular direct flights with several other regional cities including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Departure Tax

Myanmar locals pay K500, but foreign nationals pay $10 departure tax, which is not included in your air ticket. Please have the US dollars in hand when leaving the country. You pay departure tax at the window in the entrance hall, before you check in. Kyat are not accepted. Please note there is no departure tax for domestic flights.

The kyat (pronounced ‘chat’) is the official currency of Myanmar, abbreviated as ‘K‘ or ‘MMK’ and usually placed before the numerical value (i.e. K500). Kyat come in notes (no coins) of value K50, K100, K200, K500, K1000, K5000 and K10,000.

The US dollar, however, is widely accepted, particularly for larger purchases. Tourists are sometimes expected to pay in dollars for hotels, high-end restaurants, flights and access to historical sites. If payment is made in kyat for these transactions, it may sometimes be at a poorer rate of exchange. When paying in dollars, change will often be given in kyat. Smaller purchases, such as taxi rides, buses and cheaper to mid-range meals are quoted and are almost always paid for in local currency kyat.

You are advised to exchange roughly half the money you take to Myanmar into kyat. If you are planning to spend more than a few days outside of Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw, ensure to exchange enough money well in advance. It can be difficult to change money outside the main cities, and if you can than you will likely get a poorer rate. ATMs are also more difficult to find in these areas out main cities.

Important note! US dollar bills/notes taken to Myanmar must be in “Perfect Condition”.

You are advised to bring dollar notes to Myanmar in differing denominations. Take plenty of $10, $5 and $1 bills to pay for hotels, flights and historical sites, and take $100 or $50 bills for exchanging to kyat (larger denominations usually get a better rate of exchange).

Blemishes of any kind – creases, marks and folds and so on – may result in getting a far poorer rate of exchange or the currency may not be accepted at all. Also, pre-2006 dollar currency or ones with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number (at the top left corner of note) may not be accepted. Euros are generally accepted as an exchange currency and do not have to be in pristine condition. It is therefore advisable to carry US dollars in a safe, flat folder – not in a wallet.

No matter whether you are looking to explore the temples, Pagodas, countryside, famous lake or culture, Myanmar has lots to offer. Have a look at Lumle Holidays Myanmar section to explore more why not give a call to our Myanmar specialist who will be happy to talk through.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Infact, vaccination requirements vary for one country to another. Although we are able to give you advice, we are not medical professionals and are not able to give you specific advice on medical matters. We strongly recommend that you consult with your GP or travel clinic and seek professional advice before you travel. It may be helpful, if you take a copy of your holiday itinerary with you during your appointment. For more details please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health

No. The tap water is not considered as safe drinking water in Myanmar. It’s strongly recommended that you stick to bottled mineral water.

There are now over 600 ATMs that accept international bank and credit cards located across the country. Though bear in mind that most are concentrated in Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bagan and Inle Lake. Cardholders can also withdraw local currency from ATMs and use their cards at a growing number of major outlets such as hotels, restaurants and retailers.

Currently only Visa, Mastercard (Maestro/Cirrus), China’s Union Pay and Japan’s JCB can be used; the biggest providers of compatible ATMs are CB (Co-operative) Bank and KBZ (Kanbawza) Bank. Others include AGD Bank, AYA Bank and United Amara Bank.

For ATM cash withdrawals, there is a K5000 transaction fee, and a withdrawal limit of K300,000 per transaction. Depending on the conditions set by your own bank at home country, you may be allowed multiple withdrawals per day. The use of ATMs in Myanmar is sometimes restricted by internet failure.