The Ultimate Myanmar Travel Guide (2025): Safety, Itinerary, & Tips During Conflict

If you’re dreaming of Myanmar’s golden pagodas and ancient landscapes but worried about safety because of the ongoing civil conflict, this guide is for you.

As a traveler who just explored Myanmar from October to November 2025, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from safety, currency exchange, connectivity, to my personal experiences with the Burmese people, food, and navigating the country under military control.

Despite the circumstances, Myanmar remains one of the most soulful destinations in Southeast Asia—if you travel with awareness and respect.

Before You Go: Understanding Myanmar’s Situation in 2025

Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been in a state of conflict and civil unrest. The military junta (Tatmadaw) controls much of the country, and some areas are active war zones.

Yet, tourism in select regions—namely Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay—remains possible with caution.

⚠️ Key Things to Know

• Travel: You can only enter Myanmar by air through Yangon or Mandalay. Land travel through its borders is restricted.
• Curfews: Often from midnight to 4 AM in cities.
• Internet restrictions: Social media is blocked, and power shutdowns happen occasionally.
• Military control: Avoid political discussions, military zones, and protests.
• Safety: Travel only in stable regions. Avoid border states or remote villages.
• Insurance: Must include evacuation coverage.

Tip: Always check updated advisories from your state and government before traveling.

Sample Route: 7 Days Across Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay

Here’s an ideal itinerary for those who want a cultural deep dive while staying in safe tourist zones.

Day 1 — Arrival in Yangon (from Bangkok)

• Quick flight from Bangkok (DMK/BKK) to Yangon (RGN).
• Evening visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred site.
• Watch sunset as the stupa’s golden glow lights up. Breathtaking!

Day 2 — Exploring Yangon

• Visit Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market, and colonial streets.
• Try mohinga (fish noodle soup) and tea leaf salad for lunch.
• Catch an overnight bus to Bagan.

Day 3–4 — Bagan (The Highlight!)

• Arrive in Old Bagan, home to 2,000+ surviving temples and pagodas.
• Rent an e-bike or horse cart to explore Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi, and Shwezigon Pagoda.
• Watch sunrise or sunset from a temple terrace—surreal!

Day 5–6 — Mandalay

• Take a bus to Mandalay.
• Visit Jade Pagoda (a temple made entirely of jade—the only one in the world).
• Explore Amarapura, U Bein Bridge, and enjoy a boat ride at sunset.

Day 7 — Departure

• Relax in Mandalay or fly back to Yangon/Bangkok.

Money in Myanmar: Cash Is King

Myanmar’s financial system is unstable, and exchange rates vary widely and are constantly changing.

Currency Tips

• Official currency: Kyat (MMK)
• Bring crisp, unmarked, new US dollars — preferably $50s and $100s. They are very strict about this, so make sure you bring fresh bills.
• Exchange rates differ drastically:
  • Government rate (at banks/ATMs) — lower value.
  • Market rate (local exchangers) — often 30–40% higher. Ask your guide to bring you to a trusted money exchanger in the city (Yangon or Mandalay).
• ATMs: Work in major cities only, are often unreliable, and follow the government rate.
• Credit cards: Rarely accepted.

💡 Pro tip: Exchange small amounts at a time. You can’t easily convert Kyat back to USD upon leaving.

Connectivity: VPNs, Social Media Blocks, & Power Outages

Myanmar’s internet is heavily monitored and restricted.

Staying Online

• Install a VPN before your trip (ProtonVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark recommended). Most locals use the free version of JumpJumpVPN, and I personally used it and it worked well for me (though you have to reconnect every 20 minutes with the free version).
• Expect social media blocks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter during unrest.
• Local SIMs offer the best coverage. I used the Atom mobile network, and coverage was okay all throughout my trip.

Brownouts & Power Cuts

• Frequent outages are normal, especially in small towns.
• Carry a power bank and offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline).

Safety and Security: How Safe Is Myanmar for Tourists?

Safe Zones for Travelers

✅ Yangon
✅ Bagan
✅ Mandalay

These cities remain relatively calm under the military regime. Daily life continues, and local guides, hotels, and bus routes are still operating.

Safety Tips

• Avoid political talk and protests.
• Don’t photograph soldiers or checkpoints.
• Follow local curfews.
• Avoid remote or rural areas.
• Register with your embassy before arrival.

In my experience, I felt safe exploring during daylight hours. The Burmese people were incredibly warm and welcoming—always smiling and offering help despite the tension around them.

Why You Still Need a Local Tour Guide

Even in tourist zones, language barriers and local restrictions make having a guide essential. It’s also an added layer of assurance to your safety and security during your trip in the middle of the conflict.

Why Hire a Guide

• Helps navigate checkpoints and permits.
• Speaks Burmese (and sometimes local dialects).
• Offers cultural context at temples and religious sites.
• Ensures you avoid unsafe routes and areas under military surveillance.

My guide not only translated but also helped me understand how locals live under the regime, making my trip more meaningful and authentic.

You can get in touch with my guide and her team through their website, or you can message me directly, and I’ll connect you with them. They are the best people I’ve ever met in Myanmar!

Yangon — Overnight Bus to Bagan

I didn’t stay overnight in Yangon since I went straight to the overnight bus to Bagan after exploring Shwedagon Pagoda and the city center.

The VIP buses in Myanmar are surprisingly comfortable, with reclining seats, blankets, charging ports, and rest stops along the way.
If you’re short on time, this is the best way to maximize your itinerary.

Tip: Buy bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season (Nov–Feb). Many hotels and hostels can arrange this for you.

If you prefer to stay in Yangon before heading north, you can browse top-rated options on Booking.com.

Bagan — Ostello Bello Hostel (Highly Recommended!)

If you’re heading to Bagan, Ostello Bello is the place to be—and for good reason.

What I loved about Ostello Bello:

• Extremely social atmosphere
• Daily activities & guided temple runs
• Clean rooms and comfortable beds
• Nice swimming pool
• Great location in both New Bagan and Nyaung-U
• Friendly staff who can arrange e-bikes, tours, and buses

Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with friends, this hostel makes exploring Bagan so much easier—and more fun.

Book Ostello Bagan Hostel here via my affiliate link in Booking.com.

Mandalay — Dragon Phoenix Hotel (Perfect for Comfort & Convenience)

In Mandalay, I stayed at Dragon Phoenix Hotel, and it was exactly what I needed after days of temple hopping and long bus rides.

Why I recommend it:

• Spacious, clean rooms
• Fast Wi-Fi (as fast as it gets in Myanmar)
• Good buffet breakfast
• Close to shops and attractions
• Helpful staff who can arrange taxis and tours

Mandalay can get chaotic, so having a comfortable space to come home to made a huge difference.

Book Dragon Phoenix Hotel here via my affiliate link in Booking.com.

Burmese Food: Spicy, Flavorful, and Culturally Rich

Burmese cuisine blends Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences—spicy, earthy, and full of flavor.

Dishes to Try

• 🍜 Mohinga – National dish, fish noodle soup. I loved it!
• 🥗 Lahpet Thoke – Tea leaf salad with peanuts and beans.
• 🍛 Curry plates with rice and spicy condiments.

I’ll be honest—I’m not a big fan of spicy food, so some dishes were a bit too hot for me. But with guidance from my host, I found milder local dishes that I enjoyed.

🫶 What I loved most was not just the food—it was how locals invited me to eat with them, always smiling and eager to share.

What to Pack for Myanmar

Here’s a packing checklist tailored to 2025 travel conditions:

• 💵 New USD bills (no creases or markings)
• 🔋 Power bank and universal adapter
• 🌐 Pre-installed VPN & offline maps
• 🧴 Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• 👕 Modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered for pagodas)
• 🩴 Easy slip-on shoes (you’ll remove them often at temples)
• 📄 Passport photocopy & travel insurance
• 🔦 Flashlight or headlamp for brownouts

My Honest Take on Traveling Myanmar in 2025

Traveling to Myanmar right now is not for everyone—it’s challenging, unpredictable, and requires awareness. But it’s also deeply rewarding.

Standing before Bagan’s sunset—mist rolling over thousands of temples — was one of the most magical experiences of my life.

Despite the hardships, the Burmese people remain kind, resilient, and hopeful. Their warmth reminded me why travel is about connection—not just destinations.

If you decide to go, travel responsibly, stay informed, and support local guides and small businesses who depend on tourism to survive.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Myanmar Now?

Yes—but only if you’re aware and prepared.
Myanmar in 2025 is a country of contrasts—ancient and spiritual, yet scarred by modern turmoil.

You’ll witness resilience, beauty, and human connection like no other place.
Just remember:

• Travel slowly and safely.
• Stick to Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay.
• Bring cash, a VPN, and patience.
• Hire a local guide.
• Avoid politics, and respect the local situation.

And when you stand on a pagoda watching the sunrise over Bagan, you’ll know—this journey was worth it.