Best Things to Do in Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar sits between India, China, Thailand, and the Andaman Sea, a country that opened to tourism in the 1990s-2000s after decades of military isolation. The things to do in Myanmar, when safe to visit, are anchored by experiences found nowhere else in Southeast Asia. Bagan, on the Ayeyarwady River, has over 3,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries spread across a 40 sq km plain — the temples date from the 9th-13th centuries during the Bagan Empire’s peak; sunrise and sunset from any elevated point across the temple-studded plains is one of Asia’s most extraordinary vistas. Inle Lake, in Shan State, is a fresh-water lake where the Intha people live on stilted villages and practice one-legged rowing, and where floating gardens grow tomatoes on shallow lake beds; boat tours through the market villages and monasteries are the classic experience. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is one of the world’s most magnificent Buddhist monuments — a 98m golden stupa on a hilltop platform, believed to enshrine relics of four Buddhas. Mandalay, the last royal capital, has the Mandalay Palace, the U Bein Bridge (a 1.2 km teak bridge over Taungthaman Lake, the world’s longest teak bridge), and access to the ancient cities of Inwa and Mingun.Important travel advisoryMyanmar experienced a military coup on February 1, 2021, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Civil conflict and fighting between the military junta (Tatmadaw) and various resistance forces has intensified significantly since 2022. As of 2024-2025, large areas of the country, particularly in Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Shan, and Sagaing states, have active armed conflict. Multiple governments (US, UK, Australia, EU) advise against all or most travel to Myanmar. Tourist visits generate foreign currency that benefits the military regime. The security situation has deteriorated substantially in previously safe tourist areas including Bagan and Inle Lake. This entry is provided for informational reference; actual travel decisions must be based on the most current official government advisories and your own risk assessment.FAQIs Myanmar safe to visit in 2025-2026?Most western governments advise against all non-essential travel to Myanmar. The situation has worsened since 2021. Some tourism continues (particularly in the Yangon-Bagan-Inle Lake corridor among tourists who accept the ethical and safety trade-offs), but the conflict has expanded to previously peaceful areas and there have been incidents involving tourists. The ethical dimension — tourist dollars supporting the junta — is a legitimate concern. If you choose to go despite advisories, travel with a reputable local operator, have comprehensive evacuation insurance, and have a clear exit plan.