- Myanmar Special Tips & Tours -

UNITED KINGDOM TRAVELERS

The best time to visit Burma is during the drier winter months of October to March. It's hot during the daytime, and lowland temperatures remain pleasant at night – although bring much warmer layers for the highlands and hill stations as they are chilly in the evenings. Bagan and Mandalay are the hottest, driest regions – temperatures can peak at over 40°C – but rainfall is still light here in the wetter season, and with more bearable temperatures this is the best time to visit Burma to avoid the winter crowds.

You can check the detailed guide to know exactly where and when to go in Myanmar throughout the year.

UK passport holders will need a visa to enter Myanmar. It is important to note that even with a visa there are still restrictions in place on how a visa can be used. 

Those wishing to visit Myanmar can apply for Myanmar visa by 2 ways: Online Visa or via Myanmar Embassy

Online Visa or eVisa

For the online visa, you can apply through the official website of the immigration office: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

E-visas are currently valid for entry at:

• Myanmar’s three main international airports: Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw; and 
• Overland travel to Myanmar via the Thai-Myanmar border points of Mae Sai/Tachileik, Mae Sot/Myawaddy and Ranong/Kawthaung as well as India-Myanmar border points of Moreh/Tamu and Zokhawtar/Rikhawdar (e-visa is not valid at Thailand Phunaron/Htee Kee entry point). 

Check more about Myanmar Visa Online (e-Visa) here.

Visa applied via Myanmar embassy

If you prefer a physical contact, you can apply for Myanmar visa via the address below:

Myanmar embassy in London

• Address: 19A Charles Street, W1J 5DX Mayfair Township, London, UK.
• Phone: (44)  0207148 0740, 02074994340
• Fax: (44)  0207409 7043
• Website: https://www.londonmyanmarembassy.com

Moreover, you can apply Myanmar visa via its embassy in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos as long as it is convenient for your travel plan. For example, you plan to visit both Thailand and Myanmar in one trip, you can visit Thailand first, and during the time here (in Bangkok), you can apply for Myanmar visa via its embassy in Bangkok before boarding the flight to Myanmar.

Please notice that the requirement can be slightly different depending on the embassy that you visit.

Requirements

When you apply for a Myanmar Visa, you must have several documents to support your application. The Myanmar visa requirements depend on the type of visa you apply for, but include:

• A passport, which has a validity of at least another six months
• Photocopies of the personal information page
• Two recent passport-size pictures, with 4.8 x 3.8 cm dimensions
• A completed Myanmar Visa Application Form (which you can download
• A copy of your flight itinerary
• Payment of the Myanmar visa fee (in cheques, cash, or bank order, as requested by the Embassy/Consulate)
• Any necessary additional documents that the Embassy or Consulate require you to submit

For more information, you can check our guide for Myanmar Tourist Visa Policy here.

For the flight cost, check the information below in this article (Getting to Myanmar from UK)

Our recommended spending for your journey in Myanmar is about $120-150/person/day (group of 2 people). Of course, you can either spend less at about $90-100/person/day (even $30-40/day - backpacker style) or you can spend much higher depending on the services you expect on spot.

Here is our detailed guide for Budget & Currency for travelling in Myanmar

You can find the flight to Myanmar from some popular airports in London, Manchester, or Glasgow.

Since there are no direct flights from UK, if you want to visit Myanmar, the easiest way is to fly to a regional hub first, such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, and then take a connecting flight to Myanmar. 

Taking the flight to Myanmar will land you at one of the 3 main international airports including Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. 

Yangon is the former capital city before the government decided to move it to Naypyidaw. Yangon at the moment is still the busiest airport in Myanmar; hence it is the most popular place to start your Myanmar exploration. 

Located in northern Myanmar, there’s more to Mandalay than first meets the eye. This is your gateway to explore the northern part of Myanmar.

Naypyidaw, the new capital of Myanmar, locates in the middle, is the promising destination in the very near future.

Flight FAQs

Q. When is the best time to book flights to Myanmar?

Aim to have your flight tickets secured at least four months in advance to give yourself a chance of finding the cheapest flights to Myanmar. If you can then book them even further ahead, especially if your dates coincide with a major event or the peak season.

Once you’ve narrowed down your destination by choosing a city, usually either Yangon or Mandalay, you’ll be able to figure out what dates offer the cheapest flights to Myanmar and go from there. 

Flexibility is the key to securing discounted flight tickets so if you’re not governed by a particular set of weeks or to a specific location then you’ll give yourself the best chances of finding the cheapest flights to Myanmar. 

Don’t worry too much about which side of the plane to sit on as each has their benefits and offer equally impressive view through your flight.

Q. How long is the flight to Myanmar?

An average nonstop flight from United Kingdom (London Heathrow to Myanmar takes about 12h, covering a distance of 5,586 miles. However, as there is no direct flight, your total travel time will take about 15-20 hours or more depending on the number of transiting airports you take along the way.

Q. Can I get a nonstop flight to Myanmar from UK?

Unfortunately, there are no nonstop flights available from any airports in the UK to Myanmar. The best way is to take the flight to its neighboring countries (i.e. Vietnam and Thailand), then take the onward flight to Myanmar.

Q. What are the most popular routes from UK to Myanmar?

No doubt, it is London Heathrow to Yangon International Airport.

Q. What are the most popular airlines that fly from UK to Myanmar?

The most popular airlines flying from UK to Myanmar are Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines or Qatar Airways. Something to consider prior to booking your flight.

Q. How much does it cost to fly to Myanmar?

Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, the price ticket to Myanmar is a little bit higher ranging from $450 to $750 depending on your flight route and date. It is because you need to add up the cost for the onward flight from those countries.

We recommend using some online ticket booking platform (Kayak, Cheapflights, or SkyScanner) to look for the cheapest flight possible according to your travel plan. They do have alert system when there is the price change on your travel date

Here is how to get the cheapest flight possible to Myanmar

The four best ways of travelling around Myanmar are by air, boat, bus, or rail. Flying between cities is popular among westerners, while cruising is enjoyable. Buses are cheaper, simpler and faster than trains. Train travel may be exciting for younger travelers; both terrific and (possibly) terrifying.

Check How to get around in Myanmar here

1. Do I need vaccines for Myanmar?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Myanmar. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Myanmar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. 

Here is the article for recommended vaccinations for Myanmar.

2. How safe is Myanmar?

For the vast majority of visitors, travel in Myanmar is safe and should pose no serious problems.

• Some areas of the country remain off limits due to ongoing civil war and/or landmines.
• In off-the-beaten-track places, where authorities are less used to seeing foreigners, local officials may ask you what you are up to. Saying you're a tourist normally satisfies them.
• If you have any tattoos of Buddha on your body, keep them covered up.

Here is our guide for Safety and Precautions in Myanmar

3. Do I need a travel insurance for Myanmar?

Travel insurance for Myanmar is an absolute must!

Take into consideration that road safety is poor and the country is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. Crime rates are generally low, but poverty is very high and there are always a few opportunistic thieves around. You should also look into getting coverage if you plan to take domestic flights as they can be unreliable. Last minute time changes and cancellations aren’t uncommon, which may make you miss your connecting flight back home.

Check the detailed article for Myanmar travel insurance here

4. What should I take to Myanmar?

Burma has different temperatures depending on the time of year. Light, airy modest clothing will keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest months.

During the colder months, and in the evenings, a jacket and some extra layers will keep you warm. Be sure to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella if you are visiting during the rainy season.

Because of the humidity and moisture, particularly during the rainy season, Burma is home to mosquitoes that may carry malaria. Antimalarials are highly recommended.

Here is the detailed guide for what to pack for Myanmar

5. Are you supposed to tip in Myanmar?

Having only opened up to tourists relatively recently, there’s a nascent culture of tipping in Myanmar. We’d encourage tipping for particularly good service; wages are low so they’ll certainly be appreciated. That being said, do only tip on a merit basis and don’t feel obliged to do it. 

Check out the Myanmar tipping guide & other local etiquettes here

6. Do I need to buy a Myanmar SIM Card? And where can I buy it?

It is recommended to buy a local SIM card why travelling in Myanmar as it surely has a stable connection and also the cheaper price for calling & data usage.

You can buy the SIM Card almost everywhere in Myanmar, especially inside the big cities like Yangon or Mandalay

Check out the detailed guide for Internet & phone in Myanmar here

7. Do I need to bargain while shopping in Myanmar?

In general, you do not need to bargain a lot, less than in some other countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

One thing you need to negotiate a price is transport: taxis, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, horse carts... Taxis don't have meters, you'll have to discuss the price. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to find out the "real" price, as it depends on the route and the place you are. However, you will be surprised that taxi drivers in Yangon ask for a moderate price and negotiating was not needed.

Public transport (buses, trains, ferryboats) have fixed prices. In some cases, there are high fixed prices for tourists; for example, ferry Yangon to Dala: locals 200 Kyats, foreigners 5.000 Kyats. There are no more foreigner prices for buses, trains and both are very cheap.

Entrance fees are fixed and always higher for tourists.

There are fixed prices in shopping centers and convenience stores, in restaurants etc. You can negotiate hotel prices (if walking in) and street food, markets... But usually they ask for the normal price and things are cheap, if not in the tourist business (souvenirs etc.).

Here is our guide for Buying and bargaining in Myanmar

If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Burma, there is a U.K. embassy in the former capital city of Yangon. 

Embassy address as below:

• Address: 80, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
• Telephone: +95 (0) 1370863
• Contact form: HERE

Visit the Embassy to Burma website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.