Overview
Myanmar is a country in Asia according to militarynous. Dense forests, diverse wildlife, friendly people, rich culture and hitherto undeveloped coastal resorts undoubtedly make Myanmar (formerly Burma) a beautiful country in far-off Asia. Unfortunately, political instability that is detrimental to tourism development is problematic for visitors. If you still want to take the risk, you have to think carefully about your decision. Myanmar has many attractions. These include thousands of pagodas, a fascinating culture and historic cities. Tourists would also be welcomed by the locals, who crave news of the world and have a source of income be welcomed with open arms. However, travelers should note that certain regions have not been accessible for several years due to political unrest and follow travel and security advice closely.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Myanmar from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The airline Myanmar International Airways (8M) offers direct flights between Yangon and China, Singapore and India, among others. Lufthansa (LH) flies from Frankfurt/M. and Swiss (LX) from Zurich in cooperation with Thai Airways (TG) via Bangkok and with Cathay Dragon (KA) via Hong Kong to Yangon. Vietnam Airlines (VN) connects Frankfurt/M. via Ho Chi Minh City with Yangon. In cooperation with Thai Airways (TG), Austrian Airlines (OS) offers flight connections between Vienna and Yangon via Bangkok. ANA – All Nippon Airways (NH) flies from Vienna to Yangon with an airport change in Tokyo.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Yangon: 16 hrs 5 mins; Vienna – Yangon: 14 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Yangon: 17 hrs 10 mins (journey times vary depending on length of stay).
Departure fee
Approximately €19 (US$20). This does not apply to transit passengers who continue their journey on the same aircraft.
Arrival by car
Entering Myanmar by land is difficult from an organizational point of view and is therefore not recommended. The only realistic options are the Ranong/Kawthaung, Mae Sot/Myawaddy and Mae Sai/Tachiliek Thai border crossings, which can be crossed on a tourist visa. Since the regulations are constantly changing, it is advisable to find out about the current situation at the respective embassy before you travel. The borders with Laos and Bangladesh are completely closed to tourists. A permit is required for entry between Manipuh (India) and Tamu, which is often only granted after several months. The border crossing from Ruili (China) to Muse is only passable for organized tour groups with a special permit. Long-distance buses: Buses run several times a day from Bangkok to Maesot (Thailand), where you cross the border to Myawaddy on foot and then continue by bus to Yangon. Toll: The Yangon-Mandalay expressway is subject to a toll. Toll stations are located along the expressway. Documents: Foreign driving licenses are not valid in Myanmar! Foreigners are not allowed to drive a vehicle. Documents: Foreign driving licenses are not valid in Myanmar! Foreigners are not allowed to drive a vehicle. Documents: Foreign driving licenses are not valid in Myanmar! Foreigners are not allowed to drive a vehicle.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
The port of Yangon is the most important in the country; it is called at by various cruise lines.
Cruise ships
Regent Seven Seas offers cruises from Spain with a stopover in Yangon. Cruise operators such as Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Azamara and Silversea also call at the Port of Yangon on their cruises departing from Asian countries and the United States.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
The plane is the best means of transport for long distances in the country. Myanmar National Airlines (UB), the state-owned national airline for domestic flights, serves many parts of the country from Yangon. Various private airlines such as Air Mandalay (6T), Yangon Airways (YH), Air Bagan (W9), Air KBZ (K7) and Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5) also fly to destinations across the country.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of approx. 33,000 km. The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway largely parallels the older National Route 1, connecting the country’s two largest cities. Roads are often closed to tourists; especially in areas where there are conflicts between the government and ethnic minority militias. Travelers must carry their passport with them at all times. Highways are often blocked by police, military and other authorities. Petrol stations: There are enough petrol stations in the cities and on the main connecting routes. The filling station network is constantly being expanded. Toll: The Yangon-Mandalay expressway is subject to a toll; Toll booths are located along the road.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The country’s best developed and maintained road is the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. Otherwise, as soon as one leaves the urban area of larger cities, the roads are often in poor condition, the signage is missing and bridges are damaged. During the monsoon, traffic routes are often flooded and thus impassable. Toll:
Road classification
The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway is the country’s only highway. There are some trunk roads that are numbered. However, most roads are unclassified.
Car rental
Foreigners are only allowed to drive a car with a special permit, which, by the way, is very difficult to obtain. Therefore, rental cars are only available with a driver.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in major cities and popular tourist destinations. Blue government taxis operate in Yangon, with fixed tariffs. However, it is advisable to inquire about the fare in advance. In smaller towns, motorcycle taxis, pick-ups with seating on the loading area and cycle rickshaws with sidecars are more likely to be found.
Bicycle
Bikes can be hired from tourist accommodation or through travel agencies in most tourist locations. In some places, such as Bagan and Nyaungshwe, there are also bicycle rental companies. Since the bikes are mostly quite basic and/or old, they are more suitable for day trips or rides in the city than for multi-day bike tours.
Coach
Private bus companies such as JJExpress Bus Myanmar, Myat Mandalar Tun and Famous Traveler Express operate air-conditioned buses between the country’s cities. Main routes include Yangon to Meiktila, Pyay, Mandalay and Taunggyi. Tickets should be bought in advance.
Regulations
Traffic Regulations: – Foreigners are only allowed to drive in Myanmar with a special permit; – seat belts are not compulsory; rental cars may therefore not have seat belts; – Motorcycling is prohibited in Yangun; in Bagan and other places tourists are not allowed to rent motorbikes.
Roadside Assistance
There is no breakdown service in Myanmar.
Documentation
Foreign driving licenses are not valid in Myanmar! Tourists are not allowed to drive a vehicle.
Traveling in the city
Yangon has a circular railway line. Buses, taxis, motor rickshaws and cycle rickshaws operate in all cities. Water taxis operate on the Yangon River.
Locally on the way by train
Myanmar Railways, the state railway company, serves most of the country. The route network is oriented in a north-south direction, with branches to the east and west. The main route is Yangon-Mandalay (journey time: approx. 16 hours). There are other regular connections between Yangon and Bagan, Motta and Pyi, among others. The railway lines (tracks, bridges, etc.) are in poor condition and often not passable during the monsoon season; Passenger trains are therefore generally very slow. Tickets are available at the train station or can be conveniently booked online via Myanmar Trains. It is advisable to book 1st class or “Upper Class”.
Traveling by ship
The best way to get to know the country is by boat, especially on the Irrawaddy between Bhamo and Mandalay and between Mandalay via Bagan to Pyay. Nicko Cruises and Phoenix offer luxury cruises on the Irrawaddy between Mandalay and Yangun. With MGRG Express, travelers can book day tours from Bagan to Mandalay as well as multi-day tours from Mandalay to Bhamo. Boats also operate on the Kalanda River between Mrauk U and Sittwe.
