In a country only slightly smaller than Texas, it follows that getting from point A to point B can require an overnight trip, at least if you can't afford a plane ticket. That's the situation right now in Myanmar, where most people can only dream of buying a seat on one of the many new airlines now darkening the country's skies.
But even travel by bus, train or boat has plenty to recommend them, if you don't mind the long wait to get to your destination. We have essential Myanmar travel tips for visitors who want to get to the bottom of the country's transportation options.
Nothing beats flying for speed and safety, even in Myanmar with its many maverick airlines sprouting up like springtime grass. After flying into one of the country's two international gateways, you can connect via domestic airline to most of Myanmar's major tourist destinations easily.
Carriers like Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines (which bills itself as Myanmar's first low-cost airline) and flag carrier Myanmar National Airlines haven't easily adapted to the Internet age, as booking flights still largely depends on third-party sites like VisitMM (www.visitmm.com). If you've arrived in Myanmar before booking your flight, you can ask your hotel or a local travel agency to arrange your flight for you.
Click on "more" for expanded information on booking and flying a Myanmar domestic flight - along with tips on how to manage your expectations.More »
Myanmar's highways seem rudimentary compared to Malaysia's slickly-tarmacked expressways, but the buses riding these tracks count as some of Asia's most comfortable. Top-of-the-line "VIP" buses still cost about a tenth of the price of equivalent airline tickets; for the fare, you'll get a reclining seat with a blanket to ward off the sub-arctic air conditioning and a TV blaring K-Pop into the night. (Read about Myanmar kyat.)
VIP sleeper routes eliminate the costs of both an airline ticket and a night at a hotel, as the VIP bus eats up the immense distances between Yangon and Bagan, or between Nyaung Shwe and Mandalay, while you sleep. The bus stations tend to be far from the city centers, though - not a problem if you're taking a minibus (like the one that shuttles between Bagan and Mandalay) - these will pick you up from your hostel at point A and drop you off at your hostel at point B.
Click on "more" to read our more detailed explanation of riding a bus in Myanmar.
The Burmese inherited an expansive railway from their former overlords the British, and while they haven't exactly kept it spick-and-span, the Myanmar railway system still enjoys regular use. About 3,500 miles of track runs from north to south of the country, stopping at over 730 stations.
Unlike buses, Myanmar trains have toilets and actual beds (for overnight sleeper passengers). Also unlike buses, unfortunately, Myanmar trains take an awful long time to get to their destination, often on shaky tracks. But the views from the windows after daybreak can be jaw-droppingly beautiful, so there's that.
If you absolutely must try taking the train in Myanmar, we suggest you ride the Yangon-Mandalay route, with its special sleeper compartments and superbly-maintained track (at least compared to the rest of the Myanmar railway system).
But even travel by bus, train or boat has plenty to recommend them, if you don't mind the long wait to get to your destination. We have essential Myanmar travel tips for visitors who want to get to the bottom of the country's transportation options.
Airline flights in Myanmar
Nothing beats flying for speed and safety, even in Myanmar with its many maverick airlines sprouting up like springtime grass. After flying into one of the country's two international gateways, you can connect via domestic airline to most of Myanmar's major tourist destinations easily.
Carriers like Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines (which bills itself as Myanmar's first low-cost airline) and flag carrier Myanmar National Airlines haven't easily adapted to the Internet age, as booking flights still largely depends on third-party sites like VisitMM (www.visitmm.com). If you've arrived in Myanmar before booking your flight, you can ask your hotel or a local travel agency to arrange your flight for you.
Click on "more" for expanded information on booking and flying a Myanmar domestic flight - along with tips on how to manage your expectations.More »
Cross-country buses in Myanmar
Myanmar's highways seem rudimentary compared to Malaysia's slickly-tarmacked expressways, but the buses riding these tracks count as some of Asia's most comfortable. Top-of-the-line "VIP" buses still cost about a tenth of the price of equivalent airline tickets; for the fare, you'll get a reclining seat with a blanket to ward off the sub-arctic air conditioning and a TV blaring K-Pop into the night. (Read about Myanmar kyat.)
VIP sleeper routes eliminate the costs of both an airline ticket and a night at a hotel, as the VIP bus eats up the immense distances between Yangon and Bagan, or between Nyaung Shwe and Mandalay, while you sleep. The bus stations tend to be far from the city centers, though - not a problem if you're taking a minibus (like the one that shuttles between Bagan and Mandalay) - these will pick you up from your hostel at point A and drop you off at your hostel at point B.
Click on "more" to read our more detailed explanation of riding a bus in Myanmar.
Railway travel in Myanmar
The Burmese inherited an expansive railway from their former overlords the British, and while they haven't exactly kept it spick-and-span, the Myanmar railway system still enjoys regular use. About 3,500 miles of track runs from north to south of the country, stopping at over 730 stations.
Unlike buses, Myanmar trains have toilets and actual beds (for overnight sleeper passengers). Also unlike buses, unfortunately, Myanmar trains take an awful long time to get to their destination, often on shaky tracks. But the views from the windows after daybreak can be jaw-droppingly beautiful, so there's that.
If you absolutely must try taking the train in Myanmar, we suggest you ride the Yangon-Mandalay route, with its special sleeper compartments and superbly-maintained track (at least compared to the rest of the Myanmar railway system).
Source...