In 2023, Myanmar attracted 1.28 million international tourists, a five-fold increase compared to 2022, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism under the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Statistics from the ministry indicate that 288,902 foreign tourists visited Myanmar with easy visa free policy as of 11 January 2024.Real GDP growth in Myanmar is projected to slow to 0.9% in 2023/24 due to elevated conflicts, which will result in a collapse in domestic demand and supply-chain disruptions.
Countries with Visa-Free Entry to Myanmar
Cambodia
Indonesia
Lao
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Bangladesh
Belarus
Brazil
Columbia
China
India
Japan
Korea
Mongolia
Morocco
Nepal
Russia
Srilanka
International Airports in Myanmar
Myanmar has three international airports:
- Yangon International Airport (YIA) – Managed by the Yangon Aerodrome Company.
- Naypyidaw International Airport – Managed by the Pioneer Aerodrome Services Company.
- Mandalay International Airport – Managed by the Mitsubishi Group and JALUX.
List of Airlines operating in Myanmar
Mingalar Aviation Services
Formerly known as Air Kanbawza or Air KBZ, this privately owned domestic airline is based in Yangon. Established in June 2010 as Air Kanbawza, the airline rebranded as Mingalar on 6 January 2024. It began domestic scheduled services from Yangon on 2 April 2011. In 2015, Air KBZ started codesharing international flights with its partner, Myanmar Airways International. On 2 December 2016, Air KBZ launched its first international service, connecting Yangon and Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Mann Yadanarpon Airlines Company Limited
This privately owned domestic airline is based in Mandalay, Myanmar. It began operations in February 2014. Besides its domestic services, the airline offers charter services and plans to start regional international flights to Thailand.
Myanmar Airways International Co., Ltd.
This privately owned airline is headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar. It operates scheduled international services primarily to Southeast Asian destinations and is based at Yangon International Airport. Myanmar Airways International was the sponsor of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games. Its logo features the pyinsarupa (Burmese: ပဉ္စရူပ), a traditional Burmese chimeric animal.
Myanmar National Airlines
Formerly known as Union of Burma Airways, Burma Airways, and Myanma Airways, this state-owned airline is the flag carrier of Myanmar, based in Yangon. Founded in 1948, it operates scheduled services to all major domestic destinations and regional destinations in Asia. Its main hub is Yangon International Airport.
Best Hotels to Stay at in Myanmar
- Pan Pacific Yangon
- PARKROYAL Yangon
- Mingalar Mandalay Hotel
- Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan
- The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate
- WYNDHAM GRAND YANGON Hotel
- PARKROYAL Nay Pyi Taw
- LOTTE HOTEL YANGON
- Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngwe Saung
- Mercure Yangon Kaba Aye
Tourist spots in Myanmar
Shwedagon Paya
Shwedagon Paya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, features a 326ft stupa adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf and thousands of diamonds and gems. It is believed to enshrine strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair and relics of three former Buddhas. Visitors can access the main terrace via four entrance stairways. For a tranquil experience, visit at dawn or pay your respects during sunset when the golden stupa glows in crimson and burnt orange hues.
Mandalay Hill
For panoramic views of Mandalay’s sprawling landscape, climb the 760ft Mandalay Hill. The ascent via covered stairways takes about 30 minutes and is an integral part of the experience. There are two main southern stairways, with one starting between two giant chinthe and another, more scenic but tougher on the feet, beginning from the southeastern side. Both routes converge at a shrine with a large standing Buddha pointing towards the royal palace. Steeper stairways from the north and west offer alternative routes with fewer attractions but quieter climbs.
Bagaya Kyaung
Built in 1834, this lovely teak monastery in Inwa is supported by 267 teak posts, creating a cool and dark prayer hall adorned with peacock and lotus-flower motifs. Despite the constant flow of visitors, it remains a living monastery with a school section for novice monks.
Ananda Pahto
Ananda Pahto, with its 170ft-high gold corn-cob hti, is one of the finest and best-preserved Bagan temples. Built between 1090 and 1105, this temple features a perfect Greek cross layout and is decorated with 554 glazed tiles depicting scenes from the Jataka tales. Inside, four 31ft-tall standing Buddhas face outward, with the original Bagan-style images on the north and south sides.
Dhammayangyi Pahto
This massive 12th-century temple is infamous for its bricked-up inner passageways and cruel history, believed to have been built by King Narathu to atone for his sins. The temple features detailed mortar work and some intact stucco reliefs and paintings.
Mt Victoria
At 10,016ft, Mt Victoria is the highest peak in Chin State and a major attraction in southern Chin State. The mountain is covered in rhododendron trees that bloom in vibrant colors between October and February. The two- to three-hour climb to the twin summits is accessible from the town of Kanpetlet. Tours are recommended due to the lack of public transport and the need for a guide.
Mahamuni Paya
The 13ft-tall seated Buddha at Mahamuni Paya is a nationally celebrated image, believed to be 2000 years old. Centuries of votary gold leaf have left the figure covered in a 6in layer of pure gold. The statue, seized by King Bodawpaya in 1784, is surrounded by fascinating historical artifacts.
Shwethalyaung Buddha
This massive reclining Buddha, rediscovered in 1881, measures 180ft long and 53ft high. Built by the Mon king Mgadeikpa in the 10th century, the statue was overgrown by jungle following Bago’s destruction in 1757. The pavilion and mosaics added in the 1900s enhance the statue’s grandeur.