Explore Now

Myanmar (Asia) in 5 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for 2025

Discover the ultimate Myanmar 5-day itinerary for 2025, with insider tips on exploring Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake. Learn how to navigate this beautiful Southeast Asian country efficiently with money-saving advice and authentic local experiences.

Exploring the Golden Land: My Myanmar Journey

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of Shwedagon Pagoda as the setting sun transformed its gold-plated dome into a blazing beacon visible across Yangon. After visiting Myanmar four times since 2015, I’ve refined the perfect 5-day itinerary that balances the country’s must-see wonders with authentic experiences often missed by first-timers. My last visit in late 2023 revealed significant changes in accessibility, prices, and local conditions that I’m eager to share for your 2025 trip.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) remains one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations, where ancient traditions thrive alongside a rapidly changing society. With limited vacation time, you’ll need a strategic approach to experience the country’s highlights without exhausting yourself.

This 5-day itinerary focuses on three key destinations: the bustling former capital Yangon, the temple-studded plains of Bagan, and the tranquil waters of Inle Lake. I’ve designed it based on multiple visits, countless mistakes, and the invaluable advice of local friends who’ve shown me the real Myanmar beyond tourist hotspots.

Before You Go: Essential Myanmar Travel Tips for 2025

After my first visit where I made nearly every rookie mistake possible, I’ve learned that preparation is crucial for maximizing your limited time in Myanmar.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Myanmar. The e-visa system (evisa.moip.gov.mm) has been fully restored post-pandemic, with tourist visas costing $50 USD (as of my last visit). Apply at least 3-5 business days before travel.

Best Time to Visit

Myanmar’s climate varies significantly by region. For this 5-day itinerary covering Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake, the ideal window is November to February when temperatures are moderate and rainfall minimal. I made the mistake of visiting in May once, and the 40°C (104°F) heat in Bagan made temple exploration nearly unbearable.

Season Months Conditions Recommendation
Cool Season November-February 18-30°C (64-86°F), dry Ideal, but peak tourism
Hot Season March-May 30-40°C (86-104°F), very dry Challenging but fewer tourists
Rainy Season June-October 25-35°C (77-95°F), high humidity Avoid for this itinerary

Currency and Money

Myanmar’s currency is the Kyat (MMK), pronounced “chat.” While credit cards are increasingly accepted in higher-end establishments in Yangon, you’ll need cash for most transactions. Current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 2,100 MMK (check for 2025 rates).

Money-Saving Tip #1: Bring new, crisp USD bills for exchange. Damaged or old notes may be rejected or exchanged at worse rates. I once brought a slightly torn $100 bill that no one would accept!

ATMs are available in major cities but often charge high withdrawal fees (5,000-10,000 MMK). My strategy is to make one large withdrawal rather than multiple small ones. The maximum withdrawal amount is typically 300,000 MMK (around $140 USD).

Connectivity and SIM Cards

Internet access has improved dramatically since my first visit. Purchase a tourist SIM card at Yangon International Airport – MPT, Ooredoo, and Telenor all offer packages. A 7-day package with around 4-5GB of data costs approximately 10,000-15,000 MMK ($5-7 USD).

Insider Tip: Download maps offline before your trip, as internet connectivity can still be spotty, especially in Bagan.

Day 1: Arriving in Yangon

Most international flights arrive at Yangon International Airport (RGN). After clearing immigration (which has become notably more efficient since 2019), you’ll find taxi counters in the arrival hall.

Morning: Airport to Downtown

A taxi from the airport to downtown costs around 8,000-12,000 MMK ($4-6 USD). The ride takes 45-60 minutes depending on Yangon’s notorious traffic. I recommend saying “mingalaba” (hello) to your driver – this simple greeting often sparks joy and sometimes leads to discounted fares!

For budget travelers, check into Little Yangon Hostel in the downtown area (beds from $10 USD). Mid-range travelers will find Hotel G Yangon excellent value (rooms from $45 USD). For luxury, the historic Belmond Governor’s Residence offers colonial charm (from $250 USD).

Afternoon: Shwedagon Pagoda

After freshening up, head to Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site. The entrance fee is 10,000 MMK ($5 USD), and appropriate dress is required (shoulders and knees covered).

The best time to visit is late afternoon (4-6 PM) to catch both daylight views and the magical illumination at sunset. Plan 2-3 hours here. I recommend hiring a local guide (around 15,000 MMK for 1.5 hours) to explain the pagoda’s spiritual significance and the planetary posts where Burmese pray according to their birth day.

Evening: Yangon Street Food

For dinner, head to 19th Street in Chinatown, famous for its BBQ stalls. You’ll select fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood to be grilled on the spot. A filling meal with a Myanmar Beer will cost 8,000-15,000 MMK ($4-7 USD).

My first night in Myanmar, I accidentally ordered lahpet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad) thinking it was a regular salad. The tangy, slightly bitter taste was initially shocking but is now something I crave regularly!

Day 2: More Yangon & Evening Flight to Bagan

Morning: Colonial Yangon Walking Tour

Start with breakfast at Rangoon Tea House (7:30-10 AM), a stylish cafe in a colonial building serving excellent mohinga (fish noodle soup), Myanmar’s national dish (4,000 MMK/$2 USD).

Then explore downtown’s colonial architecture with Free Yangon Tours, run by local students. While the tour is technically free, I recommend tipping 15,000-20,000 MMK for the insightful experience.

Colonial buildings highlight include:

  • Strand Hotel (built 1901)
  • Custom House (1915)
  • High Court Building (1911)
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral (1895)

Afternoon: Bogyoke Market & Transfer to Airport

Browse Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott Market) for souvenirs, textiles, and jewelry. It’s open 10 AM-5 PM (closed Mondays). Practice your bargaining skills with “ne-be-lau-le?” (how much is it?).

Money-Saving Tip #2: Rather than purchasing souvenirs at the market, where prices are inflated for tourists, ask your guide where locals shop. I found identical handwoven items for 40% less at smaller shops on Baho Road.

Return to your hotel to collect luggage and head to the airport. Book a domestic flight to Nyaung U (Bagan) with either Myanmar National Airlines or Air Mandalay. Flights cost approximately $80-120 USD one-way and take about 1.5 hours.

Evening: Arrival in Bagan

After landing at Nyaung U Airport, pay the Bagan Archaeological Zone fee (25,000 MMK/$12 USD) valid for 3 days. A taxi to your hotel costs around 8,000-12,000 MMK ($4-6 USD).

For accommodations, budget travelers should consider Ostello Bello Bagan (dorms from $15 USD). Mid-range options include Bagan Thande Hotel (from $60 USD), while luxury travelers will appreciate Aureum Palace (from $200 USD).

Have dinner at The Moon – Be Kind to Animals, a vegetarian restaurant serving delicious Burmese cuisine. Try their ohn no khao swè (coconut noodle soup) for around 6,000 MMK ($3 USD).

Day 3: Temples of Bagan

Bagan’s archaeological zone contains over 2,000 temples spread across 26 square miles. It’s impossible to see everything in a day, so focus on quality over quantity.

Early Morning: Sunrise at Shwesandaw Pagoda

Wake up early (4:30 AM) for sunrise viewing. While balloon rides over Bagan (around $320 USD) offer breathtaking views, they’re expensive. Instead, I recommend watching sunrise from Sulamani Temple, which sees fewer visitors than the popular spots yet offers spectacular views.

A significant change since 2019: climbing most temples is now prohibited to preserve the structures. Follow local regulations and view from designated platforms instead.

Morning: Temple Exploration by E-Bike

Rent an e-bike (electric scooter) from your hotel or nearby shops for 8,000-12,000 MMK ($4-6 USD) per day. They’re eco-friendly, quiet, and perfect for navigating Bagan’s sandy paths.

On my second visit, I crashed my e-bike in soft sand after taking a corner too quickly. Lesson learned: drive slowly, especially on unfamiliar paths!

Morning temple circuit:

  1. Ananda Temple – One of Bagan’s finest, featuring four standing Buddha images
  2. Thatbyinnyu Temple – The tallest temple in Bagan
  3. Dhammayangyi Temple – The largest temple with an interesting, unfinished history

Afternoon: Lesser-Known Temples

After lunch at Sanon, a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth (main dishes 10,000-15,000 MMK), explore quieter temples:

  • Lawkananda Pagoda – Peaceful riverside location
  • Payathonzu – Three interconnected temples with rare Mahayana Buddhist murals
  • Nandamannya Temple – Houses well-preserved frescoes

Money-Saving Tip #3: Skip overpriced guided tours and download the free Bagan app by Travelola, which offers offline maps and detailed information about major temples. Combine this with occasional conversations with local caretakers (2,000-3,000 MMK tip) for insider knowledge.

Evening: Sunset Boat Ride on Irrawaddy River

For a unique perspective, take a sunset boat ride on the Irrawaddy River (15,000-20,000 MMK per person for a shared boat, 45,000-60,000 MMK for private). The silhouettes of temples against the setting sun create unforgettable views.

Dine at La Pizza afterward for a break from Burmese cuisine. Their wood-fired pizzas (15,000-20,000 MMK) are surprisingly authentic and provide a nice variety.

Day 4: Morning in Bagan, Afternoon Flight to Inle Lake

Morning: Rural Bagan

Venture to the outskirts of Bagan to experience rural Myanmar life. Visit Byatta village, where you can observe traditional palm sugar and peanut oil production. The families welcome visitors and sell their products directly at fair prices.

Get an authentic insight into local culture with a home-cooked lunch (arrange through your hotel, approximately 15,000 MMK/$7 USD per person). I’ll never forget sitting cross-legged on bamboo mats, learning to eat with my right hand while the family’s grandmother taught me to say “sa pi bi” (I’ve eaten well).

Afternoon: Flight to Inle Lake

Return to Nyaung U Airport for an afternoon flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. The flight takes approximately 40 minutes and costs $80-120 USD.

From Heho Airport, it’s a 1-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the main town at Inle Lake. A shared taxi costs approximately 10,000 MMK ($5 USD) per person, while a private taxi is around 30,000 MMK ($15 USD).

For accommodations in Nyaung Shwe, budget travelers should try Gypsy Inn (rooms from $25 USD). Mid-range options include Viewpoint Ecolodge (from $70 USD), while luxury travelers will enjoy Sanctum Inle Resort (from $180 USD).

Evening: Nyaung Shwe Exploration

Explore Nyaung Shwe on foot or by rented bicycle (3,000 MMK/$1.5 USD per day). Visit the Mingala Market if you arrive before 4 PM, then enjoy dinner at Inle Heart View Restaurant for delicious Shan cuisine. Try Shan khao swè (Shan noodles), a regional specialty (5,000-7,000 MMK/$2.5-3.5 USD).

Day 5: Inle Lake and Return to Yangon

Early Morning: Inle Lake Boat Tour

Arrange a boat tour through your hotel (25,000-35,000 MMK/$12-17 USD per boat, not per person). Start early (7 AM) to see the famous leg-rowing fishermen and the morning market.

A standard tour includes:

  • Floating gardens, where locals grow tomatoes and other produce
  • Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, housing five sacred Buddha images
  • Inpawkhon weaving village, where lotus fiber textiles are made
  • Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, known as the “Jumping Cat Monastery” (though the cats no longer jump)

Local Phrase: When visiting craft workshops, use “kyei zu tin ba de” (thank you) if you don’t purchase anything. This acknowledgment of their time goes a long way.

A common tourist mistake is visiting too many craft workshops, which can be time-consuming and sometimes feel like tourist traps. I recommend selecting just 1-2 that genuinely interest you (I find the blacksmith and lotus weaving most fascinating).

Afternoon: Return to Yangon

After lunch at a floating restaurant (12,000-20,000 MMK/$6-10 USD), return to Nyaung Shwe to collect your luggage and transfer to Heho Airport. Take an afternoon flight back to Yangon (approximately $100-140 USD).

The flight takes around 1 hour. Upon arrival in Yangon, take a taxi to your hotel in the downtown area (8,000-12,000 MMK/$4-6 USD).

Evening: Farewell Dinner

For your final evening, enjoy dinner at Le Planteur, one of Yangon’s finest restaurants set in a colonial mansion with garden views (main courses 30,000-50,000 MMK/$15-25 USD). While expensive by Myanmar standards, it’s a beautiful setting to reflect on your journey.

After dinner, visit Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar at the Sakura Tower for panoramic night views of Shwedagon Pagoda illuminated against the skyline (drinks 8,000-15,000 MMK/$4-7 USD).

Conclusion: Making the Most of 5 Days in Myanmar

Five days is admittedly a whirlwind tour of a country that deserves weeks of exploration. Yet even this brief introduction reveals Myanmar’s incredible diversity, from golden pagodas to ancient temples and serene lake communities.

5-Step Action Plan for Your Myanmar Trip:

  1. Book flights 3-4 months in advance for the best rates, especially for domestic connections.
  2. Apply for your e-visa at least 2 weeks before travel, even though processing usually takes less time.
  3. Pack light but appropriately – modest clothing for temples (covering shoulders/knees), comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
  4. Download offline maps, translation apps, and accommodation confirmations before arrival.
  5. Bring new US dollar bills and notify your bank of travel plans to ensure access to funds.

Sustainability Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (like LifeStraw). Myanmar has a significant plastic waste problem, and buying bottled water quickly adds up. Most hotels offer drinking water refills, and the filter ensures safety. This simple step saves approximately 15,000 MMK ($7 USD) over five days while preventing plastic waste.

The magic of Myanmar lies not just in its spectacular sights but in the gentle warmth of its people. Despite political complications and ongoing challenges, the everyday citizens you’ll meet demonstrate remarkable resilience and genuine hospitality. Travel mindfully, spend your money with local businesses whenever possible, and take the time to learn a few phrases in Burmese.

When I think back to my first visit versus my most recent one, what strikes me is how the country continues to change while its core cultural identity remains steadfast. The Myanmar of 2025 will undoubtedly present new developments, but the golden land’s timeless essence will continue to captivate travelers willing to venture beyond the standard Southeast Asian circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myanmar Travel

Is Myanmar safe for tourists in 2025?

The areas covered in this itinerary (Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake) are generally safe for tourists. However, other regions of Myanmar currently face political instability and travel restrictions. Always check your government’s travel advisories before booking. During my visits, I’ve never felt unsafe in these tourist areas, but remain aware of your surroundings as you would in any destination.

How much should I budget for 5 days in Myanmar?

Excluding international flights, budget travelers can manage with $50-70 USD per day, mid-range travelers should budget $100-150 USD per day, and luxury travelers will spend $200+ USD daily. My personal mid-range expenses for this itinerary in 2023 averaged about $120 USD per day, including domestic flights.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Myanmar?

While ATMs are available in tourist areas, they’re not always reliable. Many smaller businesses, restaurants, and guesthouses accept only cash. High-end hotels and some restaurants in Yangon accept credit cards, but often add a 3-5% surcharge. I recommend carrying enough cash for 2-3 days of expenses at all times.

Do I need vaccinations for Myanmar?

Standard travel vaccinations are recommended, including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended depending on your specific itinerary. Consult with a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip for current recommendations.

What’s the best way to get around Myanmar?

For this 5-day itinerary, flying is necessary due to time constraints. However, if you have more time, overnight buses between destinations are safe, comfortable, and significantly cheaper (though they take much longer). Within cities, taxis, bicycle rentals, and e-bikes (in Bagan) are ideal options.

Can I wear shorts and sleeveless tops in Myanmar?

While locals are generally tolerant of foreign dress, modest clothing is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites where shoulders and knees must be covered. I pack lightweight, breathable pants and tops with sleeves that cover the shoulders for temple visits. In Yangon, locals tend to dress more formally than in other Southeast Asian capitals.

Is the internet reliable in Myanmar?

Internet access has improved dramatically in recent years but remains inconsistent. Expect decent connectivity in your hotels in Yangon, slightly slower service in Bagan and Inle Lake. Some remote areas still have no coverage. Download essential information, maps, and entertainment before your trip.

References