Myanmar’s stunning gold pagodas, ancient towns and forested landscapes are completely worthy of any travel-lover's attention. When the time is right, we look forward to once again visiting a family-run workshop in Bagan, learning from a community project in Pakkoku, or simply mingling with villagers in Kalaw. Any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.
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Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Intrepid Travel strongly condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar. We halted all trips in Myanmar in 2020 and are currently not operating in the country. Any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.
Due to violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar, we're not operating in the country and have no plans to run trips there in the near future
Resuming trips in Myanmar isn't a decision Intrepid made lightly. In 2003, we responded to the call for a boycott on travel to Burma by the then democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party was denied the right to govern the country by the military dictatorship.
After the elections in November 2010, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the subsequent call to end the travel boycott by the NLD, Intrepid was prompted to consider returning to Myanmar (Burma).
By reintroducing our grassroots style of travel, we contributed to improving the circumstances of the Burmese people by way of initiating a two-way exchange. Firstly, resuming trips gave them a chance to interact with visitors from other countries, thus giving a rare glimpse into life and governance in other parts of the world.
Secondly, taking passengers to Myanmar helped to build awareness of the complex issues this country continues to face, as well as positively contributing to the economy.
Unfortunately, the military coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to again reconsider our approach. Intrepid Travel strongly condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar. We halted all trips in Myanmar in 2020 and are currently not operating in the country. Any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.
Note: this information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
Internet can be accessed at most hotels, but be aware, the speed may be slower than what you are used to, particularly in rural areas.
Locals typically earn low wages, so while tipping isn’t mandatory, leaving porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers a small 5-10% tip is a gracious way to show your appreciation.
Note: this information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
International roaming in Myanmar is now possible with a growing number of mobile network providers. Check with your service provider before leaving home.
Squat toilets are most common in Myanmar, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided.
Street food snack = 500-1000 MMK
Bottle of beer in a bar or restaurant = 2000-2500 MMK
Banquet in a small, locally-run restaurant = 3000-5000 MMK
Dinner in a high-end hotel restaurant = 15,000+ MMK
Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Myanmar. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.
Note: this information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
Some hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards but Myanmar is largely a cash economy. It’s best to carry cash for purchases.
Note: this information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
ATMs are widely available in larger cities, though they can be unreliable. It is not uncommon for ATMs to run out of funds or not work due to power cuts. You may need to try several ATMs before having success withdrawing funds.
It's advisable to still bring US dollars to exchange.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
For a current list of public holidays in Myanmar go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/Myanmar/public-holidays/
No vaccines are required in order to enter Myanmar but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travellers visiting Myanmar. Though most local are tolerant, homosexuality is a cultural taboo and gay and transgendered people are rarely out. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, regardless of sexual orientation. Travellers should be aware that, although it is almost never enforced, same-sex intercourse is legally punishable with up to 10 years in prison in Myanmar.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.