Flights to Myanmar

Flights and who travels

Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines all connect with Yangon from London. Most people on these routes are visiting family, working for aid or business organisations, or travelling on to the few areas still open to visitors. Domestic flights link Yangon with Mandalay, Nyaung U for Bagan and Heho for Inle Lake, though schedules change at short notice.

History

Pyu city-states were followed by the kingdom of Bagan, whose rulers built thousands of brick temples between the 11th and 13th centuries. Later dynasties ruled from Taungoo, Ava and Mandalay. Britain took control after three wars in the 19th century and ran Burma as part of British India until 1937. Independence came in 1948. The army governed from 1962 until a civilian transition in 2011, then seized power again in 2021, and armed conflict has continued in many regions since.

Temples, lakes and the Irrawaddy

Bagan, listed by UNESCO, has more than 2,000 temples and stupas across a dry plain beside the Irrawaddy. Near Mandalay, the teak U Bein Bridge crosses Taungthaman Lake at Amarapura. Inle Lake, in Shan State, is known for its stilt villages and for fishermen who row with one leg. Kakku, south of Taunggyi, has a field of more than 2,000 slender stupas.

Visas, money and advice

Visitors need a visa, and an e-visa has been available for tourism; confirm the current rules before you book. Carry clean, undamaged US dollars to exchange for kyat, as cards are rarely accepted. Myanmar is six and a half hours ahead of the UK in winter. UK government travel advice warns against travel to many parts of the country. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

Seasons

The cool, dry months from November to February are the most comfortable. March to May is very hot, and the south-west monsoon brings heavy rain from June to October.

Looking at flights to Myanmar? Call 020 7871 4545 and our team will compare the connections through South East Asia.