Myanmar Transportation

A big concern for many travelers when planning a trip to Myanmar is: How to get around conveniently and not interrupt your journey of discovery? Don't worry, this article from Incredible Asia Journeys will provide all the necessary information to help you easily choose the right means of transportation, from how to get to Myanmar to travel options within the country. Let's find out!

1. How to Access Myanmar?

1.1. Flying to Myanmar

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Myanmar. The country has three main international airports:

1. Yangon International Airport (RGN)

2. Mandalay International Airport (MDL)

3. Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT)

Direct Flights to Myanmar

• Yangon (RGN): Direct flights are available from Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.

• Mandalay (MDL): Only direct flights from Bangkok, Thailand.

• Nay Pyi Taw (NYT): Limited international flights from China and Thailand.

For many travelers, the cheapest and easiest option is to transit through regional hubs like Bangkok or Singapore. Myanmar Airways International offers flights to various Asian cities, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kuala Lumpur, and Kunming.

1.2. Overland Access

While overland travel is an option from neighboring countries like Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh, it can be complicated due to restricted border crossings and limited facilities. Flying remains the most practical choice for most travelers.

2. How to Get Around in Myanmar?

Slow, loud, and dirty transportation makes getting around Myanmar a funny thing to experience. Transportation in Myanmar is not really good at the moment but that is normal in the developing country and that will make your trip unforgettable.

2.1. By Motorcycle Taxi

Motorcycle taxis are one of the good options for  Myanmar transportation when you visit Myanmar. That will give you a chance to depart and stop whenever you want, a motorcycle taxi is a relatively comfortable way to get from one destination to another.

Advantage: 

- That is easy to find this in most places so that will be a good option for you.

Disadvantage:

- Fairly inexpensive, particularly for a solo traveler (Rates start at 500 kyat)

Motorcycle in Myanmar

2.2. By Pick-up Trucks

Connecting short-distance destinations such as from Mandalay to Amarapura, between Myingyan and Meiktila, between Bagan and Mount Popa, and up to the Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, pick-ups are useful or necessary for Myanmar Transportation.

Advantage:

- A chance to mingle with locals

Disadvantage:

- Packed truck

- High fares

2.3. By Taxis or Hire Cars

Coming in a variety of different forms, taxis and hire cars (with drivers) are clearly the most comfortable way to travel between certain destinations in Burma.

Advantage:

- Plentiful in most towns and cities

Disadvantage:

- Expensive prices

Taxi in Myanmar

2.4. By Train

Myanmar’s trains are scenic but slow. The direct train from Yangon to Mandalay takes around 15 hours and offers a chance to enjoy the countryside. While not the most efficient option, it’s an experience for adventurous travelers.

2.5. By Boat

Boats are a popular option for exploring river routes, such as the Irrawaddy River and the Mekong River. Enjoy sunset cruises or leisurely trips between destinations like Bagan and Mandalay. Boat travel provides a serene and picturesque view of Myanmar’s natural beauty.

Advantage:

- A chance to experience the most romantic and scenic ways 

Disadvantage:

- The vibrating hull and the loud engine

Boat trip in Myanmar

2.6. By Tri-shaw

Available in smaller cities like Pyay, Sittwe, and Shwebo, tri-shaws provide a peaceful way to explore flat areas.

Advantage:

- Really cheap price: only amount to a dollar or two

Disadvantage:

- Slow and inefficient

- Not really popular (only available in smaller, relatively flat cities such as Pyay, Sittwe, and Shwebo)

Tri-shaw in Myanmar

2.7. By Horse Cart

Do you want a unique way to go in Myanmar? Look no further than a horse cart around the old temples of Bagan or Mrauk U.  

Advantage:

- A little shade from the sun

Disadvantage:

- Higher rates than other means of transportation (~$15-$30) range

Horse car in Myanmar

With this guide, navigating Myanmar becomes more manageable and enjoyable, hope that you can prepare for Myanmar tours more thoroughly. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys, and we'll handle everything from A to Z to ensure your Myanmar journey is seamless!