Known for its thousands of golden pagodas, historical relics and pristine sceneries, along with its mysterious image from a country which has been closed from the outside world for a long time, Myanmar (or Burma) is becoming one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.
Being a new destination for a lot of tourists, it is advisable to do your research and plan your trip really carefully beforehand, such as your schedule, weather, destinations, and especially how to get from one place to another, which still puzzles many potential travelers to Myanmar. But no more worries! Here are our tips for you to have a smooth and convenient transportation in Myanmar, the Land of Golden Pagodas.
By Air
You can get to Myanmar from other countries by plane, but there are not so many international flights to Myanmar, most of which arrive at Yangon International Airport, but it is pretty easy to travel by air to Myanmar from China or any ASIAN country, especially cities such as Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
To move around the country, flying is also considered the most desirable option, as the road in Myanmar is not in good condition. The best way to purchase a domestic flight ticket in Myanmar is from a local travel agent, for the online purchase is not really reliable, not to mention most of the fights are not shown on Skyscanner or Kayak.
Hot air balloon in Myanmar
Another type of on-air transportation you should be eager to try in Myanmar is hot air balloon, which is available in Inle Lake, Bagan and Pindaya. With this you will be sure to get a special view of the land and its beauty, though of course, it is not going to be cheap. The prices are usually about $280-400 per person for a 45-70 minutes flight, but it is totally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
On Land
To get through the border into Myanmar on land, you can go through the border gates between Thailand and Myanmar, which are Ranong, Mai Sai or Mai Sot.
Bus is the most popular and affordable option of transportation on land, though not always not most comfortable, to travel around in major cities or long distances. However, taking a bus in Myanmar can turn out to be a hard task for foreigners, so it’s best for you to ask about which bus to take, how much it costs and such beforehand. The bus usually pulls up along the street for the bus clerk to shout the destination, then they will be off in seconds, so you have to be prepared and quick. The rates are usually 200-300 kyat for around-city bus, and 3000-20000 kyats for long-distance bus, varied on the level of “luxury” of the bus you choose.
If you travel in group, renting private car would be a good option for you to tour around at your will. Plus hired cars are likely to be frequently maintained in good condition. You can hire the professional drivers, who are licensed, non-smoking and well-dressed.
Though not as popular as in Thailand or India, tuk tuk (or pickup truck) in Myanmar is special as a canvas with benches on the rear, which will be an interesting, and inexpensive, experience for you to travel around. Rates are negotiable, usually from 500 kyat. You can also ask the tuk tuk driver to wait for you at the destination for an hour or more, and they are willing to do, knowing they are having the return fare.
Besides those popular options, travelers to Myanmar also have other options, such as e-bike, which often costs about 5000-12000 kyat ($5-12) per day. This type vehicle is most popular in Bagan and Nyang U, but banned in Inle Lake area. Or if you travel in short distance and want some highlight for your trip, horse cart is a way to go, especially around the old pagodas of Bagan or Mrauk U. A daily rate can be from 15000-30000 kyat ($15-30).
Another exciting way of transportation in Myanmar is to design your own cycling tour. You can rent a bike for about 1500 kyat ($1.5) per day, then cycling about at your own desire. Make sure to check the condition of the bike before renting.
On Water
Boats on Inle Lake (source: internet)
Canoe or longboat is a great experience for travelling around the lakes in Myanmar. You can have a tour around Inle Lake by canoe with 1000-6000 kyat, though note that you are most unlikely to have a life jacket. In the meanwhile, a longboat can seat up to 5-6 tourists. Though not very comfy with its vibration and loud engine, you will certainly get a unique experience of Inle Lake. A typical longboat route around the lake usually costs 18000-20000 kyat.
Its many waterways are used as a way of transportation in Myanmar, meaning that you can travel by ferry across the Yangon River to Dala, Sittwe to Mrauk U, Hpa-A to Moulmein, Mandalay to Bagan and many more places in the North along the Irrawaddy. The ferries are provided by the government, which are cheap but almost without services, or by private companies, which are more expensive but then more “luxurious”.
Transportation in Myanmar can be a task for those who are not used to the type of travelling in Asia, with its hectic and unorganized schedule and typically low-quality services. But surely it will make a special and unique experience, as long as you are prepared and know how to “go with the flow”.
