Bus
Myanmar | transport
Bicycle
Pedaling travelers are becoming more numerous, the geography of Myanmar gladdens the heart ambitious cyclists.
The best way is to bring your own mountain bike with or buy a cheap bike locally, but the quality is not always reliable.
For private individual tours without a guide or guided packages, it is important to know that in small villages and towns are less licensed accommodations available.
For foreigners, it is prohibited to stay at private houses or sleeping in a tent.
If you not want to ride a section by bike you can carry it on the bus or train.
Motorist is behave more considerate, buses or trucks on the other hand, take the priority in traffic and expect the cyclist dodge to the sandy edge.
In Bagan is day rental popular to discover the beautiful temple.
Quite all places are accessible by bus or minibus.
There are state busses which are very cheap but also very uncomfortable and always super full. Meanwhile, these buses are less used because nearly all passengers travel with the better private bus companies which serve the important main routes. They have AC and you will get your own reserved seat.
Due the poor road conditions driving is however never be really comfortable and usually, it's difficult to take a nap. As well music and Karaoke TV, which the entire bus is singing, can prevents you from sleeping, but its definitely an experience.
Yangon – Mandalay has now a freeway and it's the most relaxed and fastest connection between booth cities. Long journeys are interrupted every few hours to use the toilet or to get something to eat. Mini-buses in Mandalay and Bagan offer door-to-door service.
The government changed 1970 the rule from left-hand traffic to the right-hand but most buses still have right-hand drive. It means enter and exit from a bus is at the road side, please pay attention.
After Burmese believes you can conjure up bad luck if you ask how long does the ride still take, small signs point to the fact that towards this question is to be omitted.
Buying tickets in advance is advisable for minimum one day, available at bus stations. In some cases are the bus stations outside the town, especially in bigger cities, tickets can also be bought at local travel agency’s or at some accommodations.
myanmarbusticket.com is a local search engine which contains most of the private bus company's. you can compare prices and comfort classes.
Plane
The days are gone when only the state-owned airline company has operated the airports.
In recent years an increasing number of private provider take over the routes. There is a network which is connected with the major international airports Yangon and Mandalay and also about 20 small airports.
Domestic flights in Myanmar are a bit pricey compare to other destinations in Asia.
It's always advisable to book in advance, especially in peak-season from November to March.
Tickets are available at travel agents locally, or more efficient if you use a search engine online.
Train
There are the state-owned railway company and some private providers on selected routes.
The rail network is relative big with about 5000km but the condition of trains, especially the state-owned, and tracks are poorly maintained. A train ride is slow and the most common issue is the constant rocking and shaking.
Private train operators offer express trains on some routes which cost a bit more. Long-distance trains have ordinary, upper and sleeper class with dining cars. Ordinary class is not recommendable for longer routes, wooden benches make the journey very uncomfortable and the dining car is not accessible from this class in general.
Thazi is a small town in the middle of the country and it's an important hub for train traffic, it's connect the main with the branch lines. Special trains with own cabin, AC and fridge for instance are available as well.
Tickets are mainly available at train stations, or travel agency’s, booking few days before is advisable.
Private trains and state-owned have different counters at the station.
In bigger tourist centres an attempt is made to sell the highest class to tourists, in smaller towns it's more easier not to argue this issue.
Trains are bit more costly in Myanmar compare to other destinations in Asia.
Mandalay
Yangon
Mandalay
Mrauk-U
Mrauk-U
Mandalay Region
Yangon
Bagan Region
Amarapura, Mandalay Region
get inspired where to go by pictures
background photo
Mandalay
Mandalay
Mandalay
Bago
Inn Wa, near Sagaing Town, Mandalay Region
Chin State, near Indian border
Inle Lake
boat
The movement on the river is the oldest and tranquility in Myanmar. The passing scenery with its countless whitewashed stupas are breathtaking.
Boat trips can be provided by slow and fast boats from state-owned or private providers. Slow boats are the cheapest way to travel and also where you come across with locals. Longer trips on slow boats you may have to sleep overnight, some provide simple cabins. Without a cabin is sleeping on the floor possible, it is a good idea to take warm clothes and something soft to sleep on.
Fast boats cost more and only operate during the day.
If your budget allows there are also very comfortable upscale ships, mainly between main tourists routes. The most popular route is Mandalay – Bagan, including stops at lovely riverside villages. This boat journey is the best alternative to avoid crowded trains and uncomfortable bus rides on rough roads.
Tickets are often at or near the jetty from which boats depart. The state-owned company IWT also has some offices in towns.
