Myanmar (Burma)

It’s becoming a top travel destination in Southeast Asia. And because of its growing popularity, it’s now able to cater to those who love luxury holidays and want to see the best of what Myanmar can offer. From the finest hotels to some of the most relaxing cruises found anywhere in the world, Myanmar can meet the demands of any discerning traveler.

What follows is our ultimate luxury travel guide in Myanmar, as compiled by our Discovery DMC travel designers. If there’s anything below that awakens a desire to explore this beautiful country, don’t hesitate to contact us, or click the links below, to learn more about it or to book it for your upcoming trip to Myanmar!

Transportation

Into Myanmar

As the demand to visit Myanmar grows, more and more airlines are offering routes to the major cities in the country, usually Yangon or Mandalay. So start the entire journey off right with the luxury and comfort of flying with some of the world’s best airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines. The airports even offer chartered private jets or space to land your own.

Within Myanmar

The country’s infrastructure is steadily getting improvements, but it’s generally a slow process. The renewed highway between Yangon and Mandalay now allows some of the fastest travel times, besides flying, to get between the two cities. The train will show you some beautiful scenes from the countryside between cities, but is slow and physically enduring. The best way to go long distances, if you have time, is by river cruise.

Whether by land, water, or air, Myanmar has plenty of luxury transportation options!

By Land

Private Driver and Tour Guide

One of the easiest and most comfortable ways to see the country is by using a private driver. You can arrange them in advance so that they’ll pick you up from the airport or you can ask your hotel to arrange one to fit your itinerary. They can usually speak English, drive safely, and are always willing to help with suggestions or bookings. They can be hired by the hour, day, or week. Rates start around 100 USD, depending on the length and distance of the desired route.

By Water

Luxury River Cruise

Out of all the ways to get around Myanmar, taking a luxury cruise is the ultimate blend of comfort, style, as well as a taste of the colonial extravagance of yesteryear. There are many river cruise operators, but only a few really fulfill the definition of “luxury travel”.

The Strand Cruise

Associated with the famous Strand Hotel in Yangon, the Strand Cruise runs only between Mandalay and Bagan for three or four-night excursions. It’s one of the most recent additions to the country’s luxury cruise offerings, just inaugurated in 2016. The Strand Cruise also offers land excursions in English and even onboard satellite Wi-Fi.

Sanctuary Ananda

The Sanctuary Ananda has eight itineraries, going between Mandalay and Bagan, Bhamo, or Yangon each ranging from three to eleven nights. The ship itself was built by local craftsmen using traditional materials and claims to have not only the largest suite on the river, the Owner’s Suite, but is also the only all-balcony ship on the Irrawaddy. It even has designated accommodation for your private guide, if you decide to bring him or her with you.

And because it’s run by Sanctuary Retreats, a subsidiary of tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, you also get the option to add Abercrombie & Kent’s land excursions to your itinerary, if you want to explore beyond the river.

Belmond’s Orcaella

Built in 2013, this 50-passenger ship runs between Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and Bhamo. Run by Belmond, the same company that manages the famous luxury hotel, the Governor’s Residence, the Orcaella also tours the less popular Chindwin River.

Belmond’s Road to Mandalay

Belmond also run the luxury cruise ship, Road to Mandalay. Originally a German river cruiser, the journeys with the ship started in 1996 and can accommodate up to 82 passengers. As the name implies the ship runs only between Bagan and Mandalay for two and seven-night itineraries.

Anarawhta

Built in 2015, the Anarawhta is one of the newest ships on the river. This luxury cruise goes between Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon for four to eleven nights and can accommodate up to 46 passengers.

Luxury Sailing

Explore the Mergui Archipelago on the Clan VI, Myanmar’s first superyacht which was built by the famous Italian shipyard Perini Navi, At 40m/131 ft, this modern sailing yacht sleeps up to 12 guests in 5 cabins.

By Air

Domestic Airlines

If you want speed and comfort when traveling around Myanmar, flying is the best option for you. There are only a handful of airlines in the country, with only one, Myanmar National Airlines (formerly Myanma Airlines), that is owned by the state. In comparison, the domestic Myanmar airlines are more expensive for the same distance in other countries, but the amount of time saved and the higher level of comfort makes it worth it.

Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons aren’t a luxurious way to get around, but it definitely it a luxurious way to sightsee. The image of hot air balloons over the expanse of temples in Bagan is one of the most memorable images of the country.

Currently, the country has two major hot air balloon companies: Oriental Ballooning and Eastern Safaris (the company that runs Balloons Over Bagan). Eastern Safaris also run hot air balloon flights at Inle Lake and Oriental Ballooning has flights in Mandalay, Pindaya, Inle Lake, and Ngapali Beach. It’s highly recommended to book in advance and even then prices for the flights are still around $300, depending on the season, type of balloon, and services included.

Private Helicopter

For those who want to sightsee or travel at the ultimate level of speed and comfort, a private helicopter is the only way to get around and explore Myanmar. Using a private helicopter in Myanmar allows for breathtaking bird’s-eye views as well as opportunities to go to areas of the country where not many travelers have visited before.

Accommodation

Deciding where to sleep after a long day of adventuring or relaxation is part of the fun of luxury travel. With Myanmar, the options do not disappoint, with many linked to historical buildings and exemplify the best of Myanmar architecture and design. Here’s our curated list of the top10 luxury hotels in Myanmar, ordered by location.

Yangon:

Belmond Governor’s Residence

Built in the 1920’s, this teak mansion was once home to governors serving the British Crown Colony of Burma. Now the home offers its luxuries and comforts to those who want to unwind under the breezy verandas, eat under the light of lanterns in the night air, or take in the sun and cool off in the fan-shaped swimming pool.

The Strand Hotel

Another colonial architecture landmark, The Strand Hotel was opened by two of the Sarkie Brothers in 1901. Since that time, the hotel has changed hands and operations, even briefly used to house Japanese troops during World War II. Eventually, the hotel was sold to a Burmese businessman who, after a total renovation in 1993, turned it into the hotel people see today. Now, in 2016, the hotel is undergoing renovations, closed until November.

Inle Lake:

Sanctum Inle Resort

The Sanctum Inle Resort is unique on this list because its focus is to offer a unique opportunity to their guests – one of peace. The arches and cloisters are part of the physical cues to their attention on the quiet, monastic life. Simple details make their rooms comfortable, yet calming. Along with the cuisine, a meditation on the confluences of East and West, it’s all in an effort for their guests to detach and contemplate.

Inle Princess Resort

Another Inle Lake hotel high on our list also values the quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The Inle Princess Resort values its location and attempts to respect that by enforcing a no noise policy. TVs are not allowed in the rooms and boats must turn off their engines 200 meters from the property. What guests get because of that are moments of tranquility and a deeper connection to the nature surrounding the resort, from the lake, to the mountains, to the gardens.

Thahara Inle Heritage

The focus of the Thahara Inle Heritage hotel is friendship and intimacy. In Pali, an ancient language of Myanmar, Thahara means friendship. The hotel only has six bungalows, each balanced over the waters of Inle Lake on stilts and surrounded by the gently undulating vegetation and gardens on the water surrounding the hotel.

Bagan:

Aureum Palace Bagan

Set amidst the backdrop of the sparse vegetation throughout the temple plains of Bagan, Aureum Palace becomes an oasis with its 27 acres of lush, tropically landscaped gardens and the villas that beautifully populate the complex. The different villas are located and designed for the best in relaxation and comfort.

Bagan Lodge

Located in New Bagan, Bagan Lodge’s villas become sanctuaries for their guests. Each villa offers a private terrace or balcony in addition to their classic Burmese design and generous modern amenities. Along with their luxurious pool and spa, the hotel becomes the perfect place to go after a long day of adventure and exploring.

Ngapali Beach:

Sandoway Resort

Sandoway Resort is one of the standout luxury hotels on Ngapali Beach. The entire resort covers 7.6 acres and has some of the best views of the ocean from each of their 38 villas. Their cottages and deluxe rooms do not disappoint either, with hardwood interiors, comfortable furnishings, and relaxing views of the gardens and the beach. Sandoway Resort even boasts an in-house library and sunset terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the ocean beyond.

Ngapali Bay Villas

A special point of pride for the Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa resort is that each of their 28 villas is an ocean view, with their four Sea Front Villas directly on the beach. Each villa even has a private plunge pool or terrace. With the floor to ceiling windows, white marble, and teak wood furnishing each villa, guests can relax with nature while enjoying comforts greater than home.

Putao:

Malikha Lodge

For the traveler or travelers going a little bit off the beaten path in Northern Kachin State, Malikha Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Sitting above the Nam Lang River, the Lodge gives all guests a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. The bungalows are a great example of traditional Myanmar style construction and architecture, with thatched roofs and without using nails or screws.

What to Do?

It’s difficult to list and describe all the remarkable activities and places you can experience while on your luxury vacation in Myanmar. Of course, by now most travelers have heard of the hot air balloon flights in Bagan and the beautifully varied people and wildlife of Inle Lake. However, there are activities in other areas of the country which have yet seen the boom of tourists simply because it’s not a well-known possibility – yet.

To the south, in the Mergui Archipelago, there are opportunities to dive and yacht around its 800 untouched islands. To the north, you now have the chance to trek and explore the start of the Himalayan mountain range – areas only the bravest and adventurous have dared to attempt. And not only that, in both regions and throughout the country, you’ll also be able to meet the varied and striking ethnic tribes that make Myanmar such a unique country.

For those who want something less strenuous, but not less interesting, there are many things to do within the cities as well. There’s the excitement of getting your fortune told from some of the most revered fortunetellers in Mandalay or Yangon. You can also improve your well-being and self-defense by taking a private Lethwei class, otherwise known as Myanmar kickboxing, with a Myanmar champion. You can also explore and learn more about the city by taking a tour or dining with local experts.

Before You Book Your Tickets

Before any foray into international exploration, make sure you have the necessary documents and items to help ensure that your arrival, journey, and departure goes as easy as possible. For more information about visas, restricted areas, vaccinations, and Wi-Fi questions, please read more on our Myanmar Travel Information FAQ page.