Myanmar Travel, Tours, Backpacking, Gap Year & Volunteering
There has never been a better time to visit Myanmar (Burma), this country is becoming more and more popular with travellers and there are so many amazing things to do here. With One World 365 you can discover a beautiful country which is still not over populated with tourists.
Adventure Tours, Gap Year Trips & Volunteer Programs in Myanmar
Myanmar Travel Guide
Find inspiration for the best things to do if you would like to book a holiday, travel, go backpacking, take a gap year or volunteer in Myanmar.
- Capital: Naypyidaw
- Currency: Kyat (MMK)
- Size: 678,500km²
- Population: 61,121,000 (approx)
- Language: The official language or Myanmar is Burmese but some people also speak Shan dialects, Kayin, Mon, Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese), Hindi, Tamil. Not many people speak English so it is advised you learn some local phrases to help your during your stay
Top Reasons to Travel to Myanmar
- Authentic experience
- A lot less touristy than Thailand and other places in Asia
- Ancient temples
- Spectacular scenery
- Friendly locals
- Lots of things to see and do
- Great value for money
Best Places to Visit in Myanmar
Looking to go travelling or backpacking in Myanmar? These are some highlights of Burma you might want to see:
Bagan Temples
Bagan is one of the most iconic and stunning places in the whole of Asia, expect hundreds of Buddhist temples scattered across a vast space. The view, and pictures you will get will be incredible. We highly recommend either sunrise or sunset, you can also ride a hot-air balloon to get a better view from above.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is undoubtably one of the highlights of Asia which is often described as Heaven on earth. There is the option to walk, cano or cycle your way around the lake where you can see floating farms and little villages surrounding the lake.
Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a great city to explore. There are lots of culutral ights and also pretty colonial buildings due to being an ex British colony. Places you must visit include Singuttara Hill and Shwedagon Pagoda.
Other
- Mandalay including Golden Palace Monastery
- Kuyuk Taw Gyi Pagoda
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Mahamuni Temple
- Village of Mingun
- Spiritual centre of Burma at Sagaing
- Ancient city of Amarapura
- Pyin Oo Lwin
- Irrawaddy river boat
- Bagan archaeological zone
- Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery
- Nyaung Shwe
- Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
- Nge Phe Chaung Monastery
- Shwedagon Pagoda
Travelling & Backpacking in Myanmar
Myanmar was in isolation for decades but now the country is welcoming a new era and we highly recommend arriving before the tourist crowds and gentrification happens. Myanmar offer so many experiences to travellers, you will get to see ancient temples, learn more about the local culture, mix with local people and also get off the beaten track to see rural areas of the country.
Expect a country of diverse landscapes, spectacular temples in places like Bagan and also a really relaxing way of life. We have a selection of activity and small group adventure holidays which are perfect if you would like an authentic experience, get to travel like a local, do more than just sightseeing and also have a lot of fun! Myanmar is welcoming a new age of democracy and there has never been a better time to visit.
Gap Year in Myanmar
A great adventure is awaiting in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, which is the perfect place to visit if you want to escape the crowds of tourists. Myanmar will give you an insight into how people travelled through Asia before the era of globalisation and mass tourism. Here you will find thousands of beautiful temples waiting to be discovered and an abundance of golden Buddhas. You will be able to relax on beautiful sandy beaches, trek through pine forests and visit rural villages and hitherto little-known ancient cultures.
Myanmar is now one of the most up and coming Asia gap year destinations in the world and now is the perfect time to explore the country. We list programs for students, graduates, career breaks and people seeking a new challenging experience. If you would like to discover more of Myanmar than book an experience through our website where you can see the highlights, hidden gems and learn more about the culture of the country.
Some of the top attractions to visit in Myanmar include Shwedagon Pagoda, this is the most important Buddhist shrine and the pure gold structure stands at a massive 98m tall. To pack even more adventure, take the road to Mandalay to visit Myanmar’s former imperial capital. This exciting jungle road will take you to the centre of Burmese culture so you can discover a great deal more about the history of the country.
Myanmar Tours
Keen to book a tour in Asia? By visiting Myanmar you will get to see the highlights of the country which include the temples of Bagan, Inle Lake, U Bein Bridge and Rangood, (Yangon). There are lots of different tours available to explore Myanmar, you will need to research which one is best to match the time you have available and also your interests. There are lots of comfortable hotels or guest houses located throughout the country. More are opening every month.
Most companies employ international and also local tour guides to help you through your Myanmar journey. They have lots of experience and can take you to the very best local places guaranteeing you an autentic experience. Our featured tours perfect for backpackers, families and people seeking to see the cultural highlights of the country. You are guaranteed an authentic experience. There are also a lot of trekking and hiking tours around the Thai border which are very challenging and enjoyable.
Myanmar Group Trips
Our tours are perfect if you are travelling solo and would like to meet other people and travel in a group. You will get to meet other international travellers and get taken to the best locations in the country with an experienced guide. Most of our tours specifically cater for the 18-35 age group and are a really popular option due to meeting other people, getting day-to-day activities, hotel check-ins, selected meals, accommodation and also transport/guides included in the price. Don't worry if you are slightly older, most tours accept all ages.
Myanmar Budget Tours
We have a selection of tours for all budgets, so whether you are looking to explore on the cheap or you have a bit more money to spend you will be able to find a trip to match your interests. Our website features lots of cheap tours of Myanmar allowing you to discover the highlights of the country and not break the bank.
Myanmar Sailing Tours
Looking for a unique holiday? There are amazing sailing tours available to book where you will get to discover a side to the country untouched by tourism. Burma’s mainland is getting very popular but on sailing tours you will get to visit remote locations like the Myeik Archipelago which is spectacular.
The places you will visit are hard to reach on land meaning you will get a local experience like no other. Burma’s untouched islands are incredible and by booking a sailing tour you will get to see remote villages, tribes, markets, pristine beaches and forests. Locals will greet you with big smiles and will be just as facsinated by you as you are by them.
Myanmar Cycling Tours
Feeling active? Want to see more than just the main sights? Join an cycling tour in Burma! You will get to meet likeminded people and travel through the country seeing more than your average tourist. Cycling through the beautiful rural areas of Myanmar will leave you with incredible memories. Bikes are supplied but you can also use your own. A moderate level of fitness is required to join.
FAQ
Accommodation
Usually travellers of the same sex will share a twin room, but there is also the option to pay a little extra and get a private room. Accommodation can vary depending on the tour and location. Some trips include homestays which allow for a facsinating cultural exchange.
Group Sizes
Typical group sizes are around 10-18 travellers with an average of 12 but this can vary between the tour and operator.
Transport
On most Myanmar tours you will travel overland in a private small tour van. For day trips and excursions sometimes you will use public transport and sometimes use internal flights to allow you to see the highlights as quick as possible.
Cost & How to Book
Do you want to see the very best of Myanmar? On tripswhere you will see exotic wildlife and see amazing sights. Search the best tours of Myanmar on our directory or contact us for specific advice.
Volunteer in Myanmar
It’s not easy living in Burma (now officially known as Myanmar) – the country has one of the least developed economies in the world, made worse by economic sanctions imposed by the EU and US governments, and it is widely known for its history of political unrest and human rights violations. Over the years, many Burmese citizens have faced persecution due to Burma’s military regime. As a result there has been a steady migration of Burmese nationals out of Burma and into the surrounding countries. Many journey to Malaysia, China, Bangladesh and India – but scores more head east to Thailand.
Local people have suffered a lot over the past decades, human rights abuses, economic sanctions, and a questionable democratic government but you can apply to help by signing up to volunteer in Burma. You can also help Burmese citizens who are now based in neighbouring countries, search our volunteer programs in Asia for more information. Apply for a life changing experience today.
Location of Projects
Most volunteer placements are found in Yangon (Rangoon) but there are also hill tribe programs on the Thailand border and other projects in more rural areas. On some projects you will be volunteering in Buddhist monasteries which is an amazing experience to see / understand the culture and integrate whilst mixing with local people.
The Burma volunteer projects we have listed on our website help local people and Burmese migrants that have fled their country in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Some projects are based in and around community centres in Kuraburi and focus on providing people shelter, food and a place to learn new skills and receive a basic education. Volunteer programs include working on community projects, helping at orphanages and teaching English - these are an amazing way to really help people.
Education & Teaching Volunteer Programs in Myanmar
Community based placements can be found in schools, community centres whilst there are orphanages which need international assistants all year round. You will be able to help disadvantaged youngsters who have found themselves at orphanages, lead lessons and help with daily tasks where you can help bring a smile to children faces.
Volunteer with Refugees in Myanmar
There are also placements run by international charities and humanitarian organisations which aim to allievae poverty and help minority religions. 89% of the population in Myanmar are Buddhist and there is a small Muslim population of around 4% which have been persecuted in recent years. You will need to check latest information regarding these placements due to instability in relations between the governent and volunteer orgs. Mainly placements are available for skilled professionals who can work on the ground to improve life for local people.
Conservation Programs & Volunteering with Animals in Myanmar
Some charities and international organisations offer environmental and marine based eco-volunteer opportunities. You can join cruises departing from places like Kaw Thaung which take up to eight eco-volunteers on a 40ft. (12.2 meter) motor-sailing catamaran. Tasks can include helping study tribes of Moken (sea gypsies), local boat building techniques, marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds provide exciting subject for our research. Each cruise is unique and is dependent upon our research needs. Each cruise will include contacts with the Moken, observations of marine mega fauna and native birds plus at least one jungle trek or mangrove canoe trip.
Eligibilty
If you are looking for a new experience and are open minded then you will be able to apply to volunteer in Myanmar. Usually you will need to be aged 18+ and be in good health. You will also need to check visa eligibility. Please research all trips to see whether they are right for you, if it is your first time away and you have any reservations you might want to considering going to volunteer in Thailand. You will need to pay for a visa to enter the country too.
How to Apply
You can apply today or request information through one of our partner organisations. Programs can be booked in advance or you can just turn up in Myanmar and seek out opportunities locally. This can be a challenging experience, there are not many local charities and NGOs operating in this country so just turning up and hoping to find a placement can be difficult.
Most of the Burma volunteering programs come part of a structured experience and will require you to pay a fee to join, this includes pre-departure information and advice, in-country assistance and support, 24-hour emergency contacts, in-country induction or training, donation to the project, accommodation, food and transportation.
Volunteer in Myanmar for Free
Finding free and low cost volunteer opportunities in Myanmar is difficult but possible, you might want to seek out projects locally or arrange a placement prior to departure. Please note you will probably still need to pay for flights, accommodation and meals whilst making a donation is also encouraged. Finding paid work in Myanmar is tough unless employed by an international humantiarian organisation.
How to Book
If you need any help arranging a trip to Burma please get in touch. Myanmar is an exciting place to travel and volunteer in, start your application today.
