As of August 2024, Myanmar citizens can travel to 45 countries visa free or visa on arrival, further enhancing their global mobility and fostering international connections. Myanmar, located in the western part of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. In 1989, the country’s official English name changed from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar, a name it has held in the Burmese language as Myanma (or Mranma Prañ) since the 13th century. The capital city, known as Rangoon in English, also adopted its common Burmese name, Yangon, in 1989.
TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “As of August 2024, Myanmar citizens enjoy increased global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 countries. This boost in international connectivity complements Myanmar’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, the capital city adopted its Burmese name, Yangon, that same year. Myanmar’s geography, featuring complex northern mountain ranges and significant monsoon influences, shapes its distinct climate and hydrology, including key rivers like the Irrawaddy and Salween.“
Geography and Climate
The northern mountains of Myanmar feature a series of ranges forming a complex knot at Mount Hkakabo, marking the northeastern limit of the Indian-Australian Plate’s encroachment, which has been colliding with the southern edge of the Eurasian Plate for the past 50 million years. This region contains the sources of several of Asia’s great rivers, including the Irrawaddy and the Salween (Thanlwin).
Myanmar’s climate is influenced by its geographical position and relief, lying primarily under the influence of monsoon winds. The north-south alignment of ranges and valleys creates alternating zones of heavy and scanty precipitation, with most of the precipitation coming from the southwest monsoon.
Outbound Tourism and Travel Trends
Myanmar’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, including Bolivia, Brunei, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Haiti. This accessibility encourages Myanmar’s residents to explore international destinations, fostering a growing trend in outbound tourism.
Myanmar’s outbound tourism has been expanding as more citizens seek to explore new destinations, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a growing interest in international travel. Popular outbound destinations for Myanmar travelers include nearby countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as destinations like Dubai and Japan. This trend is supported by improved connectivity and a broader range of flight options from Myanmar’s major airports.
Visa free Countries:
Brunei
Bolivia
Burundi
Cambodia
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Cook Islands
Djibouti
Dominica
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Indonesia
Iran
Jordan
Kenya
Laos
Macao (SAR China)
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Montserrat
Mozambique
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niue
Philippines
Rwanda
Samoa
Seychelles
Singapore
Somalia
Sri Lanka
St. Helena
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
Vietnam
Zambia
Busiest Airports in Myanmar
Yangon International Airport (YIA): Serving over 2 million passengers and 30,000 flights in 2022, YIA stands as Myanmar’s busiest and largest airport. Strategically located between India and China, it connects major global cities. With future expansions, it is expected to handle up to 20 million passengers annually.
Mandalay International Airport: Situated 40 km from Mandalay’s center, this airport is a key hub for flights from Singapore, China, and Thailand, providing easy access to attractions like Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake.
Heho Airport: Serving the scenic Shan State, Heho Airport connects major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan, facilitating travel to popular tourist destinations such as Inle Lake and Taunggyi.
Key Airlines in Myanmar
Myanmar National Airlines (MNA): The state-owned flag carrier operates domestic and regional international services, connecting 28 domestic destinations with five international ones, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.
Myanmar Airways International (MAI): A privately owned airline based in Yangon, MAI operates scheduled international services mainly in Southeast Asia, enhancing Myanmar’s connectivity with the region.
Air Thanlwin: Formerly known as Yangon Airways, Air Thanlwin operates domestic flights, linking major cities and tourist destinations within Myanmar.
Cruise Ports and Waterways
The Port of Yangon: Handling approximately 90% of Myanmar’s import and export activities, the Port of Yangon is crucial for the country’s trade, with significant tidal ranges facilitating maritime operations.
Major Tourist Attractions
Sule Pagoda: Located in downtown Yangon, this ancient pagoda is a serene place for meditation, believed to be over 2,000 years old and housing a hair relic of Buddha.
Mount Popa: An extinct volcano topped by the Popa Taungkalat Monastery, offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Home to a massive 65-meter reclining Buddha, this temple is renowned for its serene ambiance and architectural beauty.
Shwedagon Pagoda: The most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, over 2,000 years old, adorned with gold plates and thousands of diamonds, making it a breathtaking architectural marvel.
Sports Tourism
Myanmar’s national game, Chinlone, played with a woven cane ball, is a captivating sport. Visitors can enjoy impromptu matches in urban areas, adding a unique cultural experience to their travel.
Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage, diverse geographical features, and growing outbound tourism trends make it an intriguing destination for travelers. With modernizing airports, key airlines connecting regional destinations, and numerous tourist attractions, Myanmar is poised to become a significant player in the global tourism landscape.
Source: Travel and Tour World
