Myanmar is a beautiful and affordable country for backpackers. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, you can have an incredible experience without breaking the bank. Traveling to Myanmar on a budget is totally doable! Here’s how you can save money on accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions while still enjoying everything this amazing country has to offer.
Save on Accommodation
Stay in Guesthouses and Budget Hotels
Accommodation in Myanmar is relatively cheap when compared to other Southeast Asian countries. You’ll find plenty of budget options in the main tourist areas. Guesthouses and 1- or 2-star hotels often offer comfortable rooms with basic amenities for around $15-25 USD per night. In places like Bagan or Mandalay, you can find a comfortable double room with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for as low as $20 USD.
Use Hostelworld or Booking.com
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To get the best deals, it’s a good idea to book ahead using websites like Hostelworld or Booking.com. Last-minute bookings can sometimes be pricier, so try to reserve a room at least a day or two in advance.
Opt for Dorm Rooms
If you’re a solo traveler, staying in dorm rooms is an excellent way to save money. Dorm beds typically cost around $6-10 USD per night in hostels located in Yangon or Mandalay. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers too!
Free Wi-Fi at Cafes
To avoid spending on expensive data plans, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi that many cafes and restaurants in the country offer. It’s common to find good connectivity, especially in tourist-heavy spots.
Cheap Eats: Myanmar’s Affordable Food
Eat at Local Restaurants
The cheapest way to eat in Myanmar is to stick to local restaurants. Outside of high-end hotels or touristy restaurants, meals are incredibly budget-friendly. You can get a traditional meal for as low as $1 or $2 USD. Try dishes like Shan noodles or Burmese curry, which are both filling and delicious.
Hit the Street Food Stalls
Street food in Myanmar is not only cheap but also incredibly tasty. Buying from street stalls is often the cheapest way to eat, with snacks and small meals costing well under $1 USD. You can find delicious snacks like samosas, mohinga (a popular fish soup), and grilled skewers just about everywhere.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Follow the crowd to find spots where locals are dining. These small hole-in-the-wall places often serve authentic food at budget prices. Local people usually know where to find cheap and good food, so if a restaurant is crowded, it’s likely a good choice.
Carry Snacks
It’s a good idea to have some snacks with you. Buy snacks from local markets or convenience stores to avoid spending on meals throughout the day. Crackers, fruit, and local baked goods are cheap and filling options.
Transportation on a Budget
Buses are the Cheapest Option
Buses are a fantastic budget option and offer great connectivity between cities in Myanmar. An overnight bus from Yangon to Bagan or Mandalay will cost around $10-20 USD, depending on the company and level of comfort. These buses are also time savers, getting you to your destination while you sleep, which means one less night of paid accommodation!
Use Local Trains
Local trains are another super cheap transportation option, though they are often slower than buses. For instance, the famous Yangon Circular Train is just $0.10 USD for a three-hour scenic ride around the city. It’s an interesting way to experience local life while keeping your travel costs low.
Shared Taxis and Ridesharing
If you’re traveling with others, shared taxis can be an affordable way to cut down on transportation costs. Bargain with drivers, as they are often happy to negotiate a better price. In larger cities like Yangon, Grab (a rideshare app) is available and offers fair pricing for short journeys around the city.
Rent Motorbikes or Bicycles
In areas like Bagan or Inle Lake, renting a motorbike (electric bikes are common) or a bicycle can be a cheap and fun way to explore. Renting a bicycle often costs just around $1-2 USD per day while electric motorbikes go for around $5 USD per day. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace without spending on transport.
Exploring on a Budget: Cheap or Free Activities
Free Walking Tours
In Yangon and Mandalay, you’ll find free walking tours led by locals who work for tips. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture while keeping your spending low. They cover popular attractions and introduce you to areas you might not discover on your own.
Visit Markets
Myanmar’s busy markets are some of the most fascinating (and free!) attractions in the country. Visit Bogyoke Market in Yangon or Nyaung U Market near Bagan to wander around and soak in the local culture. These markets are a sensory overload, with fresh produce, spices, jewelry, and textiles. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s fun to explore.
Temples and Pagodas
Many of Myanmar’s temples and religious sites are free to visit or ask for a small donation. Make sure to visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon or the incredible temples scattered throughout Bagan. You’ll find plenty of beautiful, historical sites to enjoy at low or no cost at all.
Watch the Sunset in Bagan
Watching the sunset among the temples of Bagan is magical, and best of all, it’s free! You can climb designated pagodas or find a good ground spot to see the sunset over the ancient temples. Just pack some snacks and enjoy a peaceful evening without spending a penny.
Explore Nature and Lakes
Myanmar is home to breathtaking natural beauty, which you can experience without spending any money. Take a trip to Inle Lake and watch fishermen using unique leg-rowing techniques; explore the nearby villages, temples, and floating gardens. If you’re in the mountains, head to Kalaw for hiking trips that cost very little.
Money-Saving Tips
Bring Enough Cash
Myanmar is still very much a cash-based society, so it’s important to carry enough money with you. ATMs can sometimes be unreliable or charge high fees for international cards. In most small towns and local establishments, you won’t be able to use a credit card, so plan accordingly.
Limit Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to monuments, temples, and pagodas vary widely. While some places are free to visit, popular tourist spots like Inle Lake or Bagan charge a small visitor fee. Keep these expenses in mind when planning your budget, but know that even these fees are affordable (typically around $5-10 USD).
Travel Off-Season
Visiting Myanmar during the off-peak season (monsoon season, roughly May to October) can mean lower prices for accommodation and tours. Monsoon rains are not constant, so you can still enjoy many sunny days without the high tourism crowds and peak pricing.
Budget-Friendly Destinations in Myanmar
Yangon
Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar, and it’s very affordable for budget travelers. Visit the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, stroll around Kandawgyi Lake, and enjoy street food or cheap local eats. Spend time exploring colonial architecture and bustling markets without spending too much.
Bagan
Bagan is home to over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas. It’s a must-visit on any Myanmar itinerary but doesn’t have to be expensive. Rent an electric bike and spend your days temple-hopping. Entry costs a modest fee, but exploring the temples is free afterward.
Mandalay
Mandalay is a budget-friendly destination with tons to see and do. Whether it’s climbing Mandalay Hill for amazing views or visiting nearby ancient cities like Mingun, you won’t spend much money. There are many temples, riverside walks, and free things to enjoy.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a peaceful spot and a great place for budget travelers. Entrance fees are low, and you can easily spend days exploring floating gardens, markets, and nearby villages. Renting a bicycle or hopping on a cheap boat tour are affordable ways to explore.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Myanmar doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With cheap accommodation, affordable food, and plenty of free or low-cost activities, it’s easy to see why the country is a favorite destination for budget backpackers. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to explore Myanmar without worrying about your wallet!
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