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Travel to Myanmar as we once knew it isn’t possible right now.
As of 1st February 2021, Myanmar’s military staged a coup d’etat after the National League for Democracy (NLD) party won the election for the second time. Senior party members, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, were detained in the capital, Naypyidaw. Tanks filled the streets, and lines of communication across the country went down. Civilians were being murdered every day.
While you can obtain a visa for Myanmar, it is advisable not to travel there during a state of emergency.
To stay up to date on the situation, on-the-ground updates are available on Myanmar Now.
Article Contents
Cost of Travel in Myanmar
One of the main questions I am asked about my time living, working and travelling around Southeast Asia is, “How much does it cost to travel in Myanmar?” and exactly how much money I ended up spending there in one month. Itโs something that seems to be one of the main concerns about travelling here, there since it’s not as trodden as other areas in the region.
In reality, those who shout grand figures are scaremongering (or living in luxury) since Myanmar is not as expensive as you may think.
Myanmar Daily Budget for Travel
How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Myanmar – Budget Trip Tips Guide
Average Daily Costs in Myanmar
- Myanmar costs on average of $35 per day, including food and drink.
Travel in Myanmar does depend on the type of traveller you are. Whilst I was happy to crash in a dorm or share a room with a random traveller I met on the bus to split the cost, many preferred the comfort of having a room to themselves or the indulgence of staying at a more premium hotel. However, as the latter are government military-owned, this raises another debate about responsible travel.
Costs of Accommodation in Myanmar
- The average cost of a low-budget hotel room in Myanmar is $25.
- A bed in a dorm is approximately $10.
Food and drink costs will obviously vary from person to person, and whether you can split the costs amongst a group, and itโs likely your alcohol budget will decrease here, seeing as there is a distinct lack of nightlife in the towns and cities. However, should you wish to unwind, beer is relatively cheap at approximately $2 a bottle.
Cost of Food and Drink in Myanmar
- Food and drink in Myanmar can be covered by a reasonable $ 10-per-day budget.
Myanmar Cost Planning
Myanmar costs can be low when you spend locally, and your money is also in better hands. As a budget guide to Myanmar, I have listed my main daily costs below to show that backpacking here can be just as cost-effective as in any other Southeast Asian country.
Rough conversions of the Kyat to the US dollar for transport or tour-related transactions are around 1,600 kyat per dollar. When I was travelling, the exchange rate was around 800-900 kyat to the dollar, and they rounded the conversion to 1 dollar = 1,000 kyat. So, when a room for the night cost $25, they typically asked for 25,000 kyats rather than applying the official exchange rate. I was losing a small amount each time, but ’rounding up’ is typically how things are calculated here.
Most locals are happy to accept kyat instead of dollars if you are running low, but you will be paying more, so if the current exchange rate is approximately just under 1600 kyat to the dollar, many will simply round your dollar up to a straight 1,600 kyat.
Generally, all accommodation and bus fares (if booked through your hotel) are paid in dollars, which is the preferred currency where possible. Local transport links and the hire of guides and motorbikes are paid for in Kyat, as are food, drink, and local purchases such as street food and market items.
For ease of reference, I have converted all Kyat transactions below to dollars. I have also included the names of the guesthouses and hotels I used, all of which I recommend and would use again โ single-room rates are listed unless otherwise stated.
READ MORE: A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling in Myanmar
How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Each Myanmar Destination?
Local Trains – One Form of Budget Travel in Myanmar
Yangon
- Taxi from the airport to the city centre
- $10
- Motherland Inn guesthouse per night
- $10 (dorm) $25 (room)
- Taxi within the city centre โ the average journey
- $1.50
Mawlamyine
- Bus from Yangon to Mawlamyine
- $10
- Tuk tuk to the guesthouse
- $1
- Breeze Guesthouse per night
- $25 (shared by 2)
- Moto driver guide/moto hire
- $7
Dawei
- Bus from Malaymine to Dawei
- $13
- Tuk tuk to the guesthouse
- $1
- Coconut Bungalows Guesthouse per night
- $20 (shared by 2)
- Hire of moto for a day tour
- $7
Myeik
- Bus from Dawei to Myeik
- $6
- Tuk tuk to the town centre/guesthouse
- $4.50
- Kyal Pyan Hotel per night
- $40 (shared by 2)
- Flight from Myeik to Yangon
- $140
Kalaw
- Bus from Yangon to Kalaw
- $11
- Golden Lily Guesthouse per night
- $7
- Three days, two-night trek to Inle Lake
- $50
Inle Lake
- Aquarius Inn Guesthouse per night
- $12 (single rate)
- Full-day boat your
- $15 (per boat)
Bagan
- Bus from Inle Lake to Bagan
- $11
- New Park Guesthouse per night
- $20 (single rate)
Mandalay
- Bus from Bagan to Mandalay
- $9
- Nylon Hotel
- $20 (shared by 2)
- $15 (single rate)
- Bus from Pyin Oo Lywn to Mandalay
- $1.50
- Transfer bus to Mandalay airport
- $4
Hsipaw
- Bus from Mandalay to Hsipaw
- $6
- Mr Charles Guesthouse
- $10 (single) $7 (shared by 2)
- Half-day trek/half-day boat trip
- $18
Pyin Oo Lywn
- Train from Hsipaw to Pyin Oo Lywn
- $3
- Golden Dream Guesthouse
- $7 (shared by 2)
- Bus from Pyin Oo Lywn to Mandalay
- $1.50
The cost of travelling in Myanmar is only as expensive as you make it.
If you are happy to relinquish the need for home comforts, ultimate luxury and grand meals for a few days or weeks, and are willing to embrace living more simply and locally, then travel in the country is not out of reach of the average travellerโs budget.
Some of my best experiences were on local transport and at residential street food stalls, and I canโt wait to go back, even if prices do increase slightly.
Myanmar Tour Costs
Due to time or the fact you want a little more organisation in a country that can be more difficult to navigate in comparison to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam on the more trodden Southeast Asia Path, then you may be considering a small group tour in Myanmar or which includes Myanmar on a longer Asia itinerary.
Myanmar tour costs can vary depending on how many days and what extra activities you factor in (on top of what is already included in the itinerary), but budget up to $1800 – a total that typically includes all accommodation, some meals, all transportation between each destination, including the internal flight, site visits and guided tours, as well as the hill-tribe trek.
A budget to factor in if you want extra peace of mind.
Gill says
I’m heading to Yangon and Bagan tomorrow and the info as a rough guide was very helpful. Thankyou.
Becki says
I can’t determine how much people should bring with them, and what they spend as an individual, although you should always bring enough money to cover emergencies or if your card doesn’t work at the ATM. So, I would say you need to bring more than $300, especially as accommodation can get expensive. This guide is here to help you estimate average day-by-day costs and getting between cities.
All buses can be booked from your hotel/accommodation provider, who can also advise bus times so that you can go to the station beforehand and purchase a ticket directly. Local operators /small travel agents sell plane tickets.
Patricia Weg says
Hi Becki, I will be going by myself to Burma, lots of questions hope you can answer them.
I will arrive into Yangon from Mumbai India, want to stay 2 days, where can I book a flight to Bagan go to Inle Lake then Mandalay, trying to search for airfare or buses where do I start? really need your help hope you answer me. Thank you. Patricia
Becki says
Internal flights and buses can be booked from agents in each city. Your accommodation can point you in the right direction of outlets selling tickets.
Manfred says
Hi Becki,
which experiences did you had with the bus from Inle lake to Bagan ?
Would you recommend a bus provider ?
Becki says
I used to always book my tickets via my hotel or get the times and get the tickets straight from the bus station. There is not one specific company that stands out or which is ultra-modern like in other SEA countries.
Lucy says
Hi Becki,
What do you think about traveling there in March – is less crowded, is heat bearable?
Tnx
Becki says
You should be fine and the crowds a little less, but I can’t predict how things change in that department. It will be much more bearable than May anyway!
David says
Very interesting reading about this information but i assume your trip was in early 2013. Any idea how much accommodation has risen since then. I was thinking of visiting February 2016
Becki says
I would say in high season, anywhere between a $5-$10 dollar difference. However, I travelled there two years after the Lonely Planet was published and prices were similar.
Bea says
Hi Becki,
great site, congratulations.
i am planning to go late october to mid november, is this a good time to go? will still be not so high season that prices are ok and accommodation easy to book? I am a solo traveller … someone told me it’s cheaper to travel to Kuala Lumpur from London and then a short flight to one of the airports in Myanmar, what’s your take on this? Again, thank you very much for this resource… Amazing.
Becki says
November will be busy, so wise to try and plan ahead as much as possible. KL is a great flight hub for connecting flights to Asia, as is Bangkok, so always worth checking out those, especially with Air Asia, who have regular flights to Myanmar.
Aaron says
Wow, prices have gone up! I spent a month in Myanmar in 2006 (although that’s almost a decade ago!) and I never spent more than $4 USD per night for a private room. In fact, I traded $450 US for kyat when I arrived in Yangon and that lasted me 28 days, including everything (accommodation, food, travel, etc). I travelled as far as the Chinese border before returning back to Yangon.
Mariana Sepรบlveda says
Hi Becki,
Thank you very much for being so generous with the information!. Iโm planning on visiting this place this August/September 2015.
Quick question โฆi was wondering, whren you say $20 (shared by 2) it means that each one of you paid $20?
Againg, it was very informative!
Thankssss ๐
Mariana Sepรบlveda
Becki says
The cost is per room, per night. Although these may have slightly shifted in price now. So it would be $10 each for the $20 room.
Monse says
Hi Becky!
I will travel to Myanmar next May, and continue travelling SEA. This will be the first time I go backpacking, and first time travelling on my own. I wanted to know how safe it is for women travelling on their own.
Becki says
Myanmar is very safe, and as a whole tourist safety is of high priority. I never once encountered any problems and find the Burmese to be some of, if not THE most hospitable people I have ever come across. Of course, exercise caution as you would anywhere, keep your wits about you and trusts your instincts – the most valuable thing you have is your instinct. Have fun!
HappyFootprints says
My friends always complain to me that my motherland, Myanmar is an expensive place to travel. As you correctly mentioned it, “travelling in Myanmar is only as expensive as you make it”. Poor infrastructure, lack of govt. support for the tourism and lack of research before going to Myanmar are the main reasons why lot of people think it’s expensive to travel to Myanmar compared to other ASEAN countries. Anyways a very nice post.
Coby Smith says
Such an amazing country. Beautiful, untouched landscape, friendly and welcoming people and great food.
ian says
Hi there was good to read some of your travel points I m heading there next month for a few weeks so will check out some of the places you suggest..all the best cheers Ian ..
Mie Mie says
hope you will be enjoyed Burmese water festival in April ๐
Becki says
For sure, although you have spelt it wrong ๐
Mike says
Sounds like something I’d do.
Diane says
Hi Becki!
Which trekking group did you use to get from Kalaw to Inle Lake? ๐
Am planning to go in April 2014!
Becki says
I went with a guide and group organised through my guesthouse. However, it’s worth shopping around the other guesthouses in the area when you arrive to see what’s on offer and find the one that suits best ๐
Liyin Yeo says
Thank you Becki for the helpful article. I am reading up as much travel information as I can find before visiting Myanmar in the next few months. I am a solo traveler. Cheers.
Silvia says
Hi Becki
Thanks for sharing all this info! I will be travelling to Burma this august for a month, and I really can’t wait to go. I know that it will be the rainy season then, do you think that this will pose a major problem? Also, would you recommend to book in advance for that period? I normally travel without a precise plan, just a rough idea of an itinerary and then go day by day, as I find this is the best way to interact with local people and spend more time in the places I really enjoy – this has so far worked very well in other places such as China, but do you think I’d need to plan a bit more in advance for Burma?
Silvia
Becki says
I know people who travelled during rainy season and it did affect a lot of their plans, especially if rains got heavy and they couldn’t really leave their guesthouse. It shouldn’t be a problem to travel without a precise plan as it is not high season – juts book your first accommodation in advance an work from there!
Tarun says
Hi Becki..
Hope you r well…I am getting offer there to work in Yangon of 7500$/Month & would be moving with family.
How do you rate tis country & is living expensive there & what do u suggest is 7,500$ is ok?
Any other valuable inputs…
Appreciate your response..
Cheers Tarun
Becki says
It’s a budget country to travel in, although accommodations prices rocket in high season. I never lived there so can’t advise you on that. But with $7,500 a month, you could be comfortable even in a Western country!
Athina says
I discovered your site a few weeks ago and it is a gold mine, thanks for sharing all this info! Ill be traveling to Myanmar for 12 days end of January with a friend and from what I read in the previous comments it is better to book a little in advance as it’ll be high season. Therefore I was wondering if you had any nice place to recommend where we could stay? We don’t have a definite route yet but Yangon and Mandalay for sure, Inle Lake, Bagan. Also, out of the places you visited which one was your favorite? Thank you so much and enjoy Israel!
Becki says
All of my accommodation options are listed within this article. I recommend all of them!
Paru says
Hi Becki. I’m very glad to have stumbled upon your website as I gear up for my trip to Myanmar next week. I’ve spent a greater part of the week scouring various sites on the internet to give me an estimate of how much money I should be carrying with me. As a result, I’ve been quite anxious since I am on a shoestring budget and this is sort of my treat to myself for graduating from university. However, I’m much more at ease after reading the breakdown of costs for the various places you have visited in Myanmar.. Thank you so much for this post!
Cheers
Paru
Becki says
Glad you found it of use Paru – although bear in mind you will be travelling in ‘high season’ so your costs will be slightly higher than this. All the best to you and hope you have a grand adventure in this incredible country!
Thazin says
Hey Becki,
I’m a Burmese Canadian, and have gone to Burma twice – once as a child, and another as a teenager. It has been 10 years since I’ve gone back, and I’m anxious about returning. I’ve already booked a flight, and my accommodations and food will be taken care of by my relatives that live there.
In what should be a very easy trip to visit family, is making me extremely nervous. I worry about finances, I worry about the people I’m leaving behind (my boyfriend and his two kids), visas, work, everything! It’s come to the point where it’s really just stressing me out and hasn’t become very fun.
Here’s where your website comes in. After stumbling upon your posts on Burma, I’ve mellowed out a bit. I have been planning on what and who I want to see, what I want to do, what I want to learn, and what I want to eat. Instead of worrying about all the other details (which are still very much important), I’m just trying to step back and remember why I wanted to go back in the first place. To be with family (both my grandmothers’ are in their 90’s), to learn and see things to become a better person, and ultimately just breathe in the culture and take things in from an adult perspective.
I’ve become excited about this trip once again, and I just wanted to thank you.
Becki says
How wonderful you have friends and family to visit there, although I guess it is difficult at the same time. I’m glad you have found the excitement again and I would love to hear about your trip when you return!
karolina says
I visited Burma in May 2010, before Aung San Suu Kyi was released.. 3,5 weeks, 500 USD spent, one (!!) tourist met ๐
It’s a different place now I guess, but still thinking of going back in March 2014 ๐
Becki says
I went in low season to avoid the tourist crowds, and it was lovely. However, we should all be happy that people are visiting and that the people are benefiting from a more open and growing society. There seems to be too much competition out there these days about who has seen Myanmar in its most ‘raw’ state and really… people are missing the bigger picture.
Becki says
Due to only being able to fly in and out of the country you will start and end in either Yangon or Mandalay, dependent on your travel route.
hafiz says
Thanks..
Do you recomend by bus to Thailand border (mae sai)?
Becki says
You can only exit Myanmar / Burma via air. The part you can access via the Thai border is very limited and your permit only allows you to stay there for 10 days.
Pamela says
Hi,
Great website, very helpful. Quick question … I’m travelling in December, do you think it would be worth my while planning my trip in advance in order to get rooms booked. I normally just wing it but sounds like I may need a bit more planning than normal,
Cheers
Pam
Becki says
Absolutely, as it is high-season. My suggestion would be to book at least your first two destinations (the first no doubt being Yangon or Mandalay) and from there book ahead. The guesthouses in Myanmar are helpful in helping you with suggestions or securing future bookings.
Pamela says
Nice one cheers for quick reply. I’ve just booked up for the motherland.
Cheers again
Pam
Riz says
This is very informative! Thanks for the detailed summary of prices. I am planning to visit Myanmar this week and this helps a lot! ๐
This one’s bookmarked!
Happy Travels!
Jessica says
This is such awesome information! Thanks for sharing all of these prices and guesthouses. Knew there had to be a way to do it cheaper than even the Trip Advisor “travel experts” suggested.
Becki says
When there’s a will, there’s a way. Although in high season these prices might not be as cheap – something to bear in mind!
Greg says
Hi Becki, thanks for your report, very interesting.
I’m curious to know if you booked the guesthouses a few days before or if you just looked for a room when arriving in the cities?
Thanks
Greg
Becki says
I travelled in what is a very low ‘tourist season’ and so could just turn up to most places and find a guesthouse (often sharing a room with a fellow traveller I met on a bus or a previous guesthouse), although pre-booking in Yangon and Mandalay as well as the popular Inle Lake and Bagan is a good idea. If you are heading there in high season then it’s best to pre-book. I’ve met many travellers who were glad they did! Many even begging to sleep on the sofas as places were full. And you don’t want to end up in an expensive hotel…
Burmatour says
Very details about the services in my country. Hope to welcome you in Burma again !
JanC says
It depends on what kind of traveler you are. I traveled myanmar and spent less than $10 a day…for 3 months
Grant says
This is all pretty impressive. Great information. Thanks.
Carol says
This is a relief to read. We have wanted to visit Myanmar/Burma but were a bit hesitant due to the stories we’ve heard about how expensive it is. Your breakdown of costs makes it seem a lot more reasonable than we thought it would be. Will be adding Burma to our list! Thanks.
Becki says
It really is do-able… there’s areas where you will end up spending more, naturally, but day to day it’s not as expensive as it is made out to be. The majority of the spend lies with the hotels and guesthouses, especially in high season as you may have to take a more expensive option if the lower-budget ones are full.
Ken says
Hi Becki, was just browsing the net and stumbled on you. I’ve done the RTW for a year thing and was just wondering, how are you feeling now after a year in? I know I was mentally tired after a year so I was wondering if you were feeling it too.
Becki says
I honestly feel very exhausted – mentally and physically. By working on the road, it sometimes makes things more exhausting, yet… it supports my lifestyle, which I enjoy. I’ve found that the best thing to do is just stop somewhere for a week or two and rest – sleep in, watch DVD’s, work more slowly. Then i get ready to take on a new adventure again. I’m looking to do another six month of travelling and then settle somewhere for a bit in order to save money for another big year of adventure. I’m certainly feeling the effects of constantly moving ๐