Myanmar (Burma) feels like a journey back in time. Golden pagodas, riverside villages, thousands of temples rising from plains, and locals greeting strangers with quiet smiles. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – traveled through Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake, discovering both cultural treasures and everyday rhythms.

What stayed with me was the sense of authenticity—markets where few tourists wander, fishermen rowing with their legs, monks collecting alms at dawn.

For US travelers: A tourist visa is required. The easiest option is the Myanmar eVisa, valid for 28 days. Passport must be valid at least 6 months. Bring printed copies of your visa and hotel bookings.

Arrival & First Impressions

Most flights from the US connect via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. I entered through Yangon International Airport (RGN), Myanmar’s busiest gateway.

Currency: The local currency is the kyat (MMK), but US dollars are also widely used. Bring crisp, new USD bills—worn or folded notes may be refused. ATMs exist but can be unreliable.

Costs (USD approx.):

• Coffee in Yangon: USD 2–3
• Simple meal: USD 4–6
• Hotel (mid-range): USD 40–70 per night
• Domestic flight (Yangon–Bagan): USD 70–100

Yangon – golden city of contrasts

Yangon (formerly Rangoon) mixes colonial architecture, street food stalls, and the country’s most sacred pagoda.

• Shwedagon Pagoda: Myanmar’s spiritual heart, covered in gold leaf, best at sunset when locals bring offerings.
• Downtown: faded colonial buildings, tea shops, and busy markets.
• Circular Train: a 3-hour loop through Yangon’s neighborhoods—everyday life on display.

Bagan – plains of temples

Bagan is one of Asia’s great archaeological wonders, with more than 2,000 temples scattered across the plains.

• Sunrise hot air balloon: floating above temples and mist (USD 300–400, seasonal).
• Ananda Temple: jewel of Bagan, with standing Buddha statues.
• Shwesandaw Pagoda: popular sunset spot (check access restrictions).
• E-bikes: inexpensive way to explore temples at your own pace.

Mandalay – last royal capital

Mandalay is less romantic than Bagan but rich in tradition.

• Mandalay Hill: panoramic views of city and Irrawaddy River.
• U Bein Bridge: the world’s longest teak bridge, magical at sunset.
• Monasteries: Mahagandayon Monastery gives a glimpse of monastic life.
• Crafts: Mandalay is known for wood carving, gold leaf making, and silk weaving.

Inle Lake – life on the water

High in the Shan Hills, Inle Lake is a serene world of floating gardens and stilt houses.

• Intha fishermen: famous for their leg-rowing technique.
• Floating gardens: locals grow tomatoes and vegetables on the water.
• Markets: rotate between villages, colorful and lively.
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: lake’s holiest shrine, gilded Buddha images.

Health & Safety for US Travelers

• Vaccinations: CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and routine shots. Depending on itinerary, consider Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Malaria prophylaxis.
• Food & water: Drink only bottled water. Street food is tempting; choose busy stalls.
• Medical care: Very limited outside Yangon. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
• Safety: Political situation can change—check the US State Department advisories. Avoid demonstrations. Petty theft is rare; locals are welcoming.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best seasons: November–February (cool and dry). March–May is hot; June–October rainy.
• Transport: Domestic flights save time; buses are inexpensive but slow.
• Language: Burmese is official. English spoken in tourism but less so in villages.
• Power: 230V, Type C/D plugs—bring adapter. Power cuts are common.
• Connectivity: Internet can be slow; SIM cards available at airports.

Conclusion: Myanmar lingers in memory

Myanmar is not the easiest country to visit, but perhaps the most rewarding. Temples glowing in the sun, villages untouched by time, monks and children greeting you with a smile—it is a place of both stillness and resilience. For US travelers, it offers cultural depth and authenticity that is increasingly rare.

Recommended Reading (English)

• Lonely Planet: Myanmar (Burma) – practical and detailed.
• Thant Myint-U: The River of Lost Footsteps – history and memoir.
• George Orwell: Burmese Days – novel set in colonial Burma.

• Belgium
• Cambodia
• Côte d’Azur
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• Croatian Coast
• Gdańsk – Malbork – Sopot
• Greece Journey
• Holy Land
• Iceland
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• Lake Starnberg
• Namibia
• Oman
• Seiser Alm
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Sweden
• Tenerife
• Venice
• Vietnam
• Warsaw – Krakow

Disclaimer

This report reflects my personal impressions of Myanmar. Visa rules, political conditions, and safety advisories can change quickly—always confirm before traveling.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, enjoy destinations where traditions remain strong and landscapes shape daily life. Myanmar moved me deeply with its temples, villages, and resilient people. I write for US travelers who want authenticity and insight.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All rights reserved. Any reproduction or use without permission is prohibited.