Myanmar Dry Season Travel 2026: Hidden Gems & Perfect Weather

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Recommended Dry Season Travel Destination in Southeast Asia

Myanmar

A Hidden Gem I Want to Keep All to Myself

Ⓒ Text & Photos by Yuju

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As winter approaches, are you looking for a warm Southeast Asian getaway?

This time, I'm introducing Myanmar, a place where you can enjoy fantastic weather, abundant sights, and a relaxed atmosphere if you visit during the dry season (November to February).

Myanmar, a unique destination brimming with hidden charms. I highly recommend it as a dry season travel destination in Southeast Asia, especially for those who love ancient ruins and nature!

Why is Myanmar Special?

Why Myanmar, you ask?

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1. Perfect Weather

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Myanmar's dry season is the best time to visit, with almost no rain and pleasant temperatures – neither too hot nor too cold. The average daytime high is around 30°C, and nights are cool with lows around 15°C. You can think of it as similar to autumn weather in Korea. Rainfall during the dry season is also close to 0%, making it perfect for outdoor activities!

How to Check Myanmar's Weather?

Before your trip, you can check real-time weather using apps like AccuWeather, Weather.com, and Windy. Since there are regional differences, make sure to check the temperature and wind speed for major tourist spots. Hot air balloon experiences, in particular, are sensitive to wind, so it's crucial to check local weather before booking!

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2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Unique Experiences

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It's a country brimming with sights, from Bagan, where over 2,000 temples spread across the landscape, to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, all places where history and culture truly come alive.

Also, with clear weather during the dry season, you can admire Bagan's temple landscape from a hot air balloon or have an unforgettable experience with the traditional fishermen of Inle Lake.

3. Tranquil and Relaxed Atmosphere

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Unlike bustling tourist destinations like Bangkok in Thailand, Myanmar is still less known, allowing you to enjoy a serene and peaceful journey.

As you travel, you'll find that Myanmar people are generally gentle, and they'll greet you with a smile if you say 'Mingalabar'.

Myanmar Travel in 2024

Safety Information

Currently (as of 2024), Myanmar has announced a one-year trial operation of visa-on-arrival for foreigners entering for tourism purposes through Yangon and Mandalay international airports, starting from October 21st. However, some areas may still be risky following the military coup.

Avoid border areas like Myawaddy. While major tourist destinations such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake are relatively safe, there have been reports of extortion targeting foreigners within Mandalay, so please be cautious.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated northern Shan State, eastern Shan State, and Kayah State as no-travel zones due to issues like employment fraud and drugs, so please be wary of these areas.

After December 27, 2024, martial law was declared in Myanmar, making smaller cities outside Yangon dangerous. Additionally, cholera has recently been prevalent, so it's advisable to observe the situation in January before traveling.

✔ Make sure to regularly check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisories before you go ⤵︎

Myanmar Travel Preparation Checklist?

1. Passport & Visa: Preparing your visa and return ticket is a must!

Notably, a visa is mandatory for Myanmar. You can easily apply through Myanmar's official e-visa website.

Processing takes about 3-5 days, and once approved, you can stay for 28 days. The visa fee is about $50, so keep that in mind.

2. Cash

Crinkled banknotes might be refused, so make sure to bring USD $100 bills in good condition! While credit cards were usable in hotels and department stores, USD seemed to be the preferred currency in Myanmar.

Additionally, it's a good idea to plan on spending all your Myanmar banknotes before you leave. The reason is that they are rarely accepted for exchange back into foreign currency in countries like ours (Korea), other Southeast Asian nations, or Japan.

I recently learned that the KB Kookmin Traveler's Card and Hana Bank Travelog Debit Card can also be used for Myanmar currency! It's always a good idea to thoroughly check which payment cards are accepted internationally before you go.

Moreover, Myanmar can be pricier than other Southeast Asian countries, especially for transportation, so I recommend bringing a generous amount of USD.

3. Light Outerwear

Be prepared for temperature fluctuations between day and night by packing a cardigan or a light jacket. If you're heading to Inle Lake in January, it's even better to bring a thin padded jacket. I remember shivering quite a bit in the early mornings there!

4. Book in Advance

Hot air balloon experiences are incredibly popular, so make sure to book in advance. When reserving hotels, choosing to pay in local currency can sometimes give you a better exchange rate. It's also wise to book buses ahead of time. Carefully considering travel times, bus schedules, and locations when planning your itinerary will make your trip much smoother.

5 Must-Visit Destinations in Myanmar

I visited Myanmar in January 2019. It was during the dry season, so the weather was cool and pleasant, making it perfect for independent travel. Let me recommend four of my favorite places I visited in Myanmar!

1. Bagan

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The vast plains dotted with over 2,000 temples were awe-inspiring – pictures simply can't do them justice. Although I didn't get to ride a hot air balloon, watching the sunrise from atop a temple was an experience I'll never forget.

And one more thing! At the hotel where I stayed, called Old Bagan, you can enjoy breakfast with a view of the ancient ruins! While the breakfast itself wasn't particularly hearty, the beautiful view made for a wonderful memory.

Bagan is home to countless historical sites, and the view from high up is absolutely magnificent. Exploring the various ruins on an e-bike, almost like 'stamp collecting' each one, was a really fun experience!

While there aren't actual stamps to collect, it was delightful to explore each of these well-preserved historical sites.

And while I was there, I wore 'Longyi,' Myanmar's traditional attire. It was my first time trying on a Longyi, but it was so comfortable and easy to move in! At night, I got to admire the ruins under a sky full of countless stars, making it a romantic journey both day and night.

2. Nyaungshwe (Inle Lake)

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Nyaungshwe is the town where Inle Lake is located. If you find yourself passing through Nyaungshwe, I highly recommend visiting Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung. This temple holds deep religious significance, housing the ashes of monks and offering a glimpse into young novice monks studying.

Also, if you enter from Nyaungshwe, you'll find Inle Lake. It's a place where you can see floating villages and traditional fishermen. You can also enjoy boat tours on the tranquil lake, experience traditional floating markets, and even stay in a stilt house right on the water, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lake's unique charm.

3. Yangon

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Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is famous for its shimmering golden Shwedagon Pagoda. It's a place that holds a different kind of charm between day and night. I visited during the day, but the sunshine was quite intense, so I took a break in the shade before moving on.

The overwhelming size and beauty of the golden pagoda are truly breathtaking! At night, this golden temple becomes even more enchanting, and since it's not as hot as during the day, many tourists intentionally visit in the evening. If you get the chance to go, wearing a longyi as you explore would make for a wonderful memory!

4. Mandalay

★Recommended when the situation stabilizes​

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Mandalay was the capital of Myanmar's last dynasty, and it's particularly famous for its traditional architecture and the sunsets at U Bein Bridge. My personal recommendation, however, is Mandalay's ⁦Hsinbyume Pagoda.

I was really disappointed that I didn't have enough time to visit Mandalay Hill and U Bein Bridge, but I managed to capture some 'life-shot' photos at ⁦Hsinbyume Pagoda, which instantly swept away all my regrets. It truly remains a memorable place for that reason.

Additionally, Mandalay has an airport, making it convenient for departures, and there are many value-for-money hotels, attracting many foreign tourists. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently advised caution due to issues like job scams, drugs, and extortion targeting foreigners, so I recommend visiting once the situation stabilizes.

A Hidden Gem in Southeast Asia

For me, Myanmar is truly a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. Traveling during the dry season allows you to fully enjoy the pleasant weather, stunning temples, unique culture, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a country I definitely want to visit again.

While the current situation might be a bit precarious, if you're dreaming of a warm and special trip this winter, why not consider exploring Myanmar, focusing on its safer regions?

If you prepare thoroughly before your trip, check the latest information, and steer clear of restricted areas, you're sure to create some wonderful memories! ღ

For a Safe Journey

✔ Avoid areas with military activity (border regions).

✔ Refrain from traveling late at night or visiting secluded places.

✔ Using a local guide can help you travel safely.

✔ For transportation, using taxis or the Grab app is convenient!​