Getting Around Popular Destinations In Myanmar
You can travel the famous destinations around Myanmar in four ways.
Travel by Flight
Myanmar’s airlines consist of the state-run Myanmar Airways and several private airlines which run services on domestic routes. There is an array of private airlines such as Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Air Bagan. Travel by flight is the fastest route compared to the given long travel time overland and also the flight tickets are relatively inexpensive. There are frequent flight routes between big cities like Mandalay, Yangon, Nyaun-U and Heho. During the high season, flight schedules are subject to change at short notice, essential to always double-check departure times at least 24 hours before departure and again on the day itself.
Travel by Boat
Boat is a great alternative to flying and it is scenic and enjoyable. There are a variety of boats, run by government from ferries to luxurious private cruise ships. Boat trips range between overnight cruising and 1- or 2-hour boat trips. The most popular cruise for travelers is the fast 9-hour boat journey between Bagan and Mandalay. Fast boats are clean, comfortable and quick, while slow boats are always filled with merchandise. During dry season, fewer boats are available and you might need to book in advance.
Travel by Bus
Traveling by bus is the simplest and cheapest way to get around Myanmar. Most long-distance buses are reasonably comfortable, and new fancy VIP express buses have been introduced, used on major roads which connected famous destinations. Travelled by bus can take up longer time. It takes about 8 hours to travel from Yangon to Mandalay. But you can enjoy the scenery along the journey. You can also get around by private vans, but buses are usually faster, cheaper and a way to get around on a budget.
Travelled by Train
Travelled by train is popular among young people who seek for adventures but it is very time-consuming. It takes about 16 hours between Yangon and Mandalay. Tickets should be purchased at railway stations at least one day in advance. Sleepers can be booked a week or more before the trip. Tickets costs from 1,000ks to 10,000ks depending on the seat class and journey length. Travelling by train can be a bit uncomfortable due to small seat, train can be smelly and bathroom are unclean. But there are areas of great beauty you can enjoy only by travelling on train. Rail trip are likely for those who are on a low budget.
Local Transport
In Yangon, you don’t have to worry about transportation. The entire city run by buses and with 200-500Ks, you can go around the city. Moreover, you can go any other famous destinations from Yangon by flight, bus or train. If you are planning to continue your journey from Yangon, we recommend you to spend night at hotels near airport or bus station to avoid traffic and save time. For other cities and small towns, they rely mostly on motorcycle taxis and trishaws as the main modes of local transport.
Sources
https://www.asiahighlights.com/myanmar/best-ways-to-travel-around.htm
https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/myanmar-burma/getting-around/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/myanmar-burma/narratives/practical-information/transport/getting-around
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