The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
Myanmar's visa situation has been in flux since the 2021 military coup. Entry requirements change frequently and without warning. Before booking anything, check the latest DFAT advisories on smartraveller.gov.au — this is not a country where you can wing it with paperwork.
When available, the Myanmar eVisa costs USD $50 and allows a 28-day stay. Apply online at evisa.moip.gov.mm at least 3 business days before travel. You'll need a passport photo, your passport details and a credit card. Approval is usually within 24-72 hours. Print out the approval letter — you'll need to show it at immigration on arrival.
Visa on arrival has been available intermittently at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports. When operating, it costs USD $50 for a 28-day tourist visa. Bring two passport photos, a completed application form and USD in crisp, unmarked bills. This option can be suspended without notice, so always have your eVisa sorted as a backup.
Your Australian passport must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry. You'll need at least two blank pages for the visa stamp. Make sure your passport is in good condition — Myanmar immigration officers have been known to refuse entry for damaged passports. Carry a photocopy of your passport separately from the original.
Tourist visa extensions are technically possible through the Immigration and National Registration Department in Yangon or Mandalay. In practice, extensions are difficult to obtain and not guaranteed. The standard extension is 14 days and costs around USD $36. Don't count on getting one — plan your trip within the original 28-day window.
A business visa allows 70 days and costs USD $70. Requires a letter of invitation from a Myanmar-registered company. Can be extended for up to 12 months with proper sponsorship. If you're doing any kind of work, consulting or business development, this is what you need. Tourist visas do not permit any form of work.
Some land border crossings with Thailand have historically been open to tourists — notably Myawaddy/Mae Sot and Tachileik/Mae Sai. However, since the coup many land borders have been closed or restricted. Do not attempt overland entry without confirming the current status. The Thai-Myanmar border situation changes week to week.
Large parts of Myanmar are off-limits to foreign tourists without special permits — including much of Chin State, Kachin State, Shan State (border areas), and Rakhine State. Even areas that were previously open may now be restricted due to conflict. Stick to established tourist routes: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, unless you have explicit government permission.
Myanmar has been under military rule since the February 2021 coup. Armed conflict is ongoing in multiple states. The Australian Government advises "Do Not Travel" to many parts of Myanmar and "Reconsider Your Need to Travel" for the rest. If you do go, you're accepting significant risk. The Australian Embassy in Yangon has limited ability to help in emergencies. This is serious — not a bureaucratic formality.
In 2024, Myanmar activated its conscription law requiring citizens aged 18-35 (men) and 18-27 (women) to serve. This doesn't directly affect foreign tourists, but it has caused widespread unrest and increased military checkpoints. You may encounter more scrutiny at checkpoints and airports. Carry your passport and visa documents at all times.
Passport with 6+ months validity. Approved eVisa printout. Two passport-sized photos (just in case). Hotel booking confirmation. Return or onward flight ticket. USD cash in crisp, new bills for any fees. Travel insurance that explicitly covers Myanmar (many policies exclude conflict zones). Register with the Australian Embassy in Yangon on arrival.
What to eat (and what to eat with caution)
Myanmar food is an underrated gem — influenced by Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine but with its own distinct identity. Expect lots of oil, fermented flavours, and curries served with mountains of rice. Street food is everywhere and dirt cheap. It's not as spicy as Thai food, but the flavour depth will surprise you.
A rich, savoury fish broth with rice noodles, banana stem, lemongrass, ginger and crispy fritters on top. Eaten for breakfast by practically everyone in Myanmar. You'll find mohinga stalls on every street corner from dawn. Costs around 1,000-2,000 Kyat (under a dollar). If you only try one Burmese dish, make it this one.
From Shan State in the east — thin rice noodles with a tomato-based meat sauce (usually chicken or pork), topped with crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens and chilli oil. Available as soup or dry. Found everywhere but best in Shan State itself or at Shan restaurants in Yangon. Light, flavourful and addictive. Around 1,500-3,000 Kyat.
Myanmar's most famous dish internationally. Fermented tea leaves mixed with cabbage, tomatoes, fried garlic, peanuts, sesame seeds, dried shrimp and chilli. Eaten as a snack with green tea or as a side dish. The flavour is unlike anything you've had — earthy, tangy, crunchy and slightly bitter. You'll either love it immediately or need a few goes. Stick with it.
Myanmar curries are oil-heavy — the meat is slowly cooked in a pool of oil with turmeric, onions and spices until incredibly tender. Don't be put off by the oil — it's meant to be there and acts as a preservative. Pork, chicken, fish and mutton are the standards. Served with rice, soup, and a spread of side dishes (vegetables, condiments, ngapi — fermented fish paste). A full curry meal at a local place runs 3,000-5,000 Kyat.
Samosas (Indian influence but distinctly Burmese), mont lin ma yar (stuffed pancake balls — like a Burmese takoyaki), bein mont (chickpea tofu fritters), and e kya kway (fried dough sticks dipped in condensed milk or coffee). Street food runs 500-2,000 Kyat per serve. Markets like Yangon's Bogyoke Aung San Market have dedicated food sections.
Teashops are the social heart of Myanmar. Men gather from dawn at low plastic tables for sweet milky tea (lahpet yay cho), mohinga, samosas and conversation. It's a tradition that has survived every political upheaval. Sit down, order a tea (around 300-500 Kyat), watch the world go by. You'll get curious looks but friendly ones. This is where you see real Myanmar life.
Yangon's Chinatown (19th Street) is legendary for barbecue skewers, hot pot and beer at night. Indian food is everywhere — biryani, chapati, dhal — thanks to Myanmar's colonial-era Indian community. Mandalay has excellent Chinese food due to proximity to the Yunnan border. If Burmese curries aren't doing it for you, these alternatives are cheap and reliable.
Tap water is absolutely NOT safe to drink. Stick to sealed bottled water — check the seal is intact. Ice in local teashops is often made from unfiltered water, so skip it outside tourist restaurants. Traveller's diarrhoea is very common — bring Imodium and rehydration salts. Avoid raw vegetables and salads at street stalls. If food has been sitting out in the heat for hours, give it a miss. Busy stalls with high turnover are your safest bet.
Burmese eat with their right hand (left hand is considered unclean). Spoons are provided at most restaurants for foreigners. Meals are communal — dishes are placed in the centre and everyone shares. It's polite to leave a small amount on your plate to show you've had enough. If invited to eat at someone's home, always accept — refusing is considered rude. And yes, the rice portions are enormous.
Street food: 500-2,000 Kyat per item. Teashop breakfast: 1,000-3,000 Kyat. Local curry restaurant: 3,000-5,000 Kyat for a full meal with sides. Mid-range restaurant: 8,000-15,000 Kyat. Western food in Yangon: 10,000-25,000 Kyat (Yangon has decent Western restaurants but they're expensive by local standards). You can eat incredibly well for under AUD $10 a day if you stick to local food.
Local beers
Myanmar has a surprisingly solid beer scene dominated by a few major brands. Beer is cheap, widely available and a big part of social life — especially at the outdoor beer stations that line the streets of Yangon and Mandalay at night. Drinking culture is relaxed and welcoming to foreigners.
The country's flagship lager and by far the most popular beer. Clean, crisp and perfectly drinkable — it's won international awards. Around 1,500-2,500 Kyat at a beer station, 3,000-5,000 Kyat in a restaurant. Available everywhere from five-star hotels to roadside stalls. This is the default order and there's nothing wrong with that. Comes in bottles and draught.
The second most popular brand. Slightly lighter and less bitter than Myanmar Beer. Popular in Upper Myanmar (Mandalay, Bagan area) as you'd expect from the name. Same price range as Myanmar Beer. Some blokes prefer it, some don't — try both and pick your side. Also available as Mandalay Strong (8% ABV) if you want to accelerate proceedings.
Named after the old name for Yangon. A lager that's slightly cheaper than Myanmar Beer and popular with locals on a budget. Perfectly fine — nothing special but nothing wrong with it either. Around 1,000-2,000 Kyat at beer stations. If someone hands you one, drink it and don't complain.
Yoma is another local lager. There's also ABC Stout if you fancy a dark beer — strong at 8% and genuinely good. Andaman Gold is a newer brand trying to compete. The market is dominated by Myanmar Beer and Mandalay but these alternatives are worth a go when you see them. Prices are similar across all local brands.
Beer stations are Myanmar's answer to the pub. Outdoor seating, plastic chairs, draught beer towers on every table, and endless plates of barbecue and fried snacks. They line the streets of Yangon (especially Chinatown's 19th Street) and Mandalay. Draught beer is cheapest here — about 800-1,500 Kyat per glass. A full session with food and beer can cost under 15,000 Kyat. This is where you want to spend your evenings.
The most famous drinking street in Myanmar. In Yangon's Chinatown, 19th Street between Mahabandula and Anawrahta roads turns into a massive open-air beer garden every evening. Tables spill onto the road, barbecue smoke fills the air, and the atmosphere is electric. Draught beer, grilled skewers and cold salads. If you only have one night in Yangon, spend it here.
Tiger, Heineken, Chang and other imports are available in supermarkets and upmarket bars but cost 2-3 times more than local brands. No reason to bother when Myanmar Beer is genuinely good. Some bars in Yangon's expat areas carry Australian and European craft beers at eye-watering prices. Save your money for the beer stations.
Palm toddy (htan yay) is a mildly alcoholic fermented palm sap — sweet and refreshing, sold by roadside vendors especially in rural areas. Myanmar whisky and rum are cheap but rough — strictly for the adventurous. Grand Royal is the most popular local whisky brand. Don't expect Scotch quality but at 3,000 Kyat a bottle, expectations should be calibrated accordingly.
There's no official nationwide drinking age enforced in Myanmar, but the legal age is technically 18. During political unrest, beer stations and bars may close early or without notice due to curfews. Since the coup, nighttime curfews have been imposed in various cities — typically 1am or midnight. Check the current situation locally. Drinking in public is generally fine at beer stations but stumbling around drunk in conservative areas will attract the wrong kind of attention.
Myanmar people are friendly drinkers. If locals at the next table invite you to join them, accept — it's a genuine gesture. They'll probably order food for you too. Return the favour by buying a round. Cheers is "aung myin par say" but most people just clink glasses and say "cheers." Beer stations are one of the best ways to meet locals and have genuine conversations. Don't be shy.
Transport options
Getting around Myanmar is part of the adventure — and sometimes the challenge. Infrastructure is underdeveloped, roads can be rough, and distances are large. But the transport options that exist are cheap and have a certain charm. Domestic flights save massive amounts of time. Plan your routes carefully and build in buffer time.
Grab operates in Yangon and is by far the easiest way to get around the city. Download it before you arrive. Prices are cheap — a 30-minute ride might cost 3,000-5,000 Kyat. Beats haggling with taxi drivers every time. GrabBike (motorbike taxi) is also available and cheaper. Outside Yangon, Grab doesn't exist — you're back to traditional taxis and negotiation.
Outside of Grab, taxis in Myanmar don't use meters. You must agree on the price before getting in. In Yangon, a trip across town should cost 3,000-5,000 Kyat. In Mandalay, prices are similar. Drivers generally don't speak much English — have your destination written in Burmese or show it on Google Maps. Taxis are mostly older models without air conditioning, so prepare to sweat.
Myanmar is a big country and roads between major destinations can be brutal. Flying saves days of travel. Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, and Mann Yadanarpon Airlines operate domestic routes. Yangon to Mandalay is about 1.5 hours (vs 8-10 hours by bus). Yangon to Bagan about 1.5 hours. Flights cost USD $60-150 one way. Book through your hotel or a local travel agent — online booking can be hit or miss.
VIP and express buses run between major cities and are surprisingly comfortable — reclining seats, air conditioning, snacks and water included. JJ Express and Mandalar Minn are the best operators. Yangon to Mandalay is about 8-10 hours and costs 15,000-25,000 Kyat. Yangon to Bagan is similar. Night buses are popular and save a night's accommodation. Book through your hotel or Aung Mingalar Bus Station in Yangon.
Myanmar's trains are old, slow and frequently late. But the Yangon Circular Railway (a 3-hour loop around the city) is a must-do experience — costs 200 Kyat and shows you real Yangon life. The Mandalay-Hsipaw route crosses the famous Goteik Viaduct — spectacular scenery. Upper class has padded seats and fans. Ordinary class is wooden benches. Don't expect punctuality — bring snacks and patience.
The best way to explore Bagan's 2,000+ temples. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are rented from most hotels and guesthouses for 8,000-10,000 Kyat per day. No licence required, easy to ride, and the flat terrain of Bagan is perfect for them. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Watch out for sand — the roads between temples can be sandy and slippery.
The slow boat from Mandalay to Bagan down the Irrawaddy River takes about 10 hours and costs USD $35-45 for foreigners. It's a scenic and memorable way to travel. Government ferries are cheaper but less comfortable. Private operators like MGRG and Shwe Keinnery run tourist boats with better facilities. Bring sunscreen, a hat and snacks. The river views are stunning.
In smaller towns, motorbike taxis and trishaws (bicycle rickshaws) are the main transport. Agree on the price first — short trips are usually 1,000-2,000 Kyat. Trishaws are slow but charming. Motorbike taxis are faster but helmets are rarely provided. In Mandalay, you can hire a motorbike and driver for a full day of sightseeing for about 20,000-30,000 Kyat.
Myanmar's roads are dangerous. The country has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Southeast Asia. Roads outside cities are often single-lane, poorly maintained and shared with ox carts, motorbikes and pedestrians. Night driving is particularly hazardous — many vehicles don't have working headlights. If you're hiring a car, always get a driver. Don't drive yourself unless you have genuine experience with developing-world roads.
Due to ongoing conflict, some routes and regions may be closed or require permits. Always check with your hotel or a reliable local travel agent before booking transport to areas outside the main tourist trail (Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan-Inle Lake). The situation changes frequently. Your hotel staff will be your best source of current, on-the-ground information about which routes are safe and open.
Currency and ATMs etc
The Myanmar Kyat (MMK/K) is the local currency. The exchange rate has been volatile since the coup — as of early 2025, the official rate and the black market rate can differ significantly. USD is widely accepted for hotels and tourist services. Cash is king — Myanmar is largely a cash economy, so plan accordingly.
Bring crisp, clean, unmarked US dollar bills. Myanmar is obsessive about the condition of USD notes — any tears, marks, folds or pre-2006 series notes will be refused. Seriously — a tiny pen mark will get a bill rejected. Bring $100 and $50 notes for the best exchange rates. Smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) are useful for paying tourist-priced entrance fees, which are often quoted in USD.
Since the coup, the official Central Bank rate and the market rate have diverged massively. The black market rate can be 50-80% better than the official rate. Money changers in Yangon (especially around Bogyoke Market and Sule Pagoda) offer close to market rates. Your hotel will also change money but at a worse rate. Never change money with random people on the street — scams are common.
ATMs exist in Yangon, Mandalay and major tourist towns. KBZ Bank and CB Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. Maximum withdrawal is usually 300,000 Kyat per transaction with fees of 5,000-6,500 Kyat per withdrawal. ATMs can run out of cash, especially in smaller towns and during political upheaval. Never rely solely on ATMs — always carry USD cash as backup.
Credit card acceptance is very limited. Some upmarket hotels, restaurants and shops in Yangon accept Visa and Mastercard, but don't count on it. A 2-3% surcharge is common. Outside Yangon, it's essentially cash only. Even in Yangon, many mid-range establishments are cash only. Bring enough USD and Kyat to cover your entire trip without relying on cards.
Myanmar is cheap by Australian standards. Street food: 500-2,000 Kyat. Local restaurant meal: 3,000-5,000 Kyat. Beer at a beer station: 800-2,500 Kyat. Budget guesthouse: 15,000-25,000 Kyat. Mid-range hotel: 40,000-80,000 Kyat. Domestic flight: 50,000-120,000 Kyat. You can travel comfortably on AUD $30-50 per day if you eat locally and stay in mid-range accommodation.
Myanmar has a two-tier pricing system. Foreigners pay significantly more for temple entry fees, national park fees and some transport. Bagan zone fee: 25,000 Kyat. Inle Lake zone fee: 15,000 Kyat. Shwedagon Pagoda: 10,000 Kyat. These fees are non-negotiable and fund conservation. Hotels also charge foreigners in USD while locals pay in Kyat. It's annoying but it's how it works.
Tipping is not traditional in Myanmar but is increasingly expected in tourist areas. 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated. Round up for taxi drivers. 5,000-10,000 Kyat per day for tour guides. 3,000-5,000 Kyat for hotel porters. Tipping with small USD notes ($1-2) is also acceptable. The gesture means more here than in most countries — wages are genuinely low.
Be cautious when changing money — count carefully and watch for sleight of hand. Some money changers will short-change you or mix in counterfeit Kyat notes. Only use reputable money changers (your hotel can recommend one). Never change money with street hustlers who approach you — this is a classic scam setup. If a rate seems too good to be true, it is.
Spread your money across multiple locations — hotel safe, money belt, wallet, daypack. Don't carry all your cash on you. Keep a reserve of USD $200-300 in pristine notes hidden separately for emergencies. Photocopy or photograph your notes' serial numbers in case of theft. The key rule in Myanmar: cash is everything, plan for it, protect it, and always have more than you think you'll need.
Sending money into Myanmar is complicated due to international sanctions and a fractured banking system. Western Union operates in Myanmar but with limitations. Wise (TransferWise) does not currently support transfers to Myanmar. If you need to support someone in Myanmar, discuss the best current method with them — Wave Money and KBZ Pay are popular local mobile payment systems that locals use to receive domestic transfers.
Traps and dangers — How to stay safe!
Myanmar's safety situation has deteriorated significantly since the 2021 coup. The main tourist corridor (Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan-Inle Lake) remains relatively safe for visitors, but the broader context of civil war, military rule and economic collapse means you need to be far more cautious here than in most of Southeast Asia. This is not Thailand or Vietnam — treat it accordingly.
The military seized power in February 2021 and the country has been in turmoil since. Armed resistance, airstrikes, and fighting occur in many states — Sagaing, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Kachin, Shan and parts of Rakhine. Yangon, Mandalay and the main tourist sites have been relatively stable but protests, roadblocks and military operations can flare up anywhere. The Australian Government advises against travel to most of the country. Take this seriously.
Anti-military protests still occur, sometimes without warning. Stay well clear of any gatherings, protests or demonstrations — the military has used lethal force against protesters. Do not photograph protests, military personnel, or military installations. Having protest-related content on your phone could cause problems at checkpoints. Keep your political opinions to yourself — locals may agree with you but expressing dissent publicly is dangerous for everyone.
Checkpoints are common on roads between cities and at town entrances. Have your passport and visa ready. Be polite, cooperative and patient. Don't argue. Don't take photos. If asked to show your phone, comply (consider what's on it before you travel). Most checkpoint interactions for tourists are brief and uneventful, but they can be intimidating. Stay calm and let your documents do the talking.
Despite the political situation, petty crime against tourists has historically been very low in Myanmar. Burmese people are genuinely honest and theft is culturally frowned upon. That said, economic hardship has increased crime in urban areas. Keep valuables secure, don't flash cash, and use hotel safes. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets like Bogyoke in Yangon. Standard precautions apply.
The military regularly shuts down or throttles internet access, blocks social media and monitors communications. VPNs are essential but technically illegal (widely used anyway). Facebook and some messaging apps may be blocked without notice. Don't post anything political on social media while in Myanmar. Assume your communications could be monitored. Download offline maps and have backup communication plans.
Malaria is a risk in rural areas — take prophylaxis if you're travelling outside major cities. Dengue fever is common, especially during the wet season (May-October). Healthcare facilities are basic, even in Yangon — serious medical issues will require evacuation to Bangkok. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation (minimum USD $100,000 coverage). Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you need.
Myanmar is prone to cyclones (especially in the Irrawaddy Delta, May-November), earthquakes (the country sits on active fault lines), and flooding during monsoon season. The 2008 Cyclone Nargis killed over 130,000 people. Monitor weather reports, especially during monsoon season. If staying in coastal or delta areas, know your evacuation routes.
Drug laws are extremely harsh. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana, methamphetamine or other drugs can result in years in prison. Myanmar's prisons are among the worst in the world. The Golden Triangle (Shan State border area) is a major drug production region — stay well away. If someone offers you drugs, decline immediately. This is not a place to take any risks.
Do not photograph military personnel, military installations, checkpoints, police stations or government buildings. This can lead to detention and confiscation of your camera/phone. At temples, ask before photographing monks or sacred objects. Drone photography is effectively banned — don't even think about bringing a drone. If in doubt, don't take the photo. The consequences are not worth it.
Register with the Australian Embassy in Yangon. Share your itinerary with family. Get comprehensive travel insurance with conflict-zone and medical evacuation coverage. Carry your passport at all times. Keep digital copies of all documents in your email. Have an emergency cash reserve in USD. Download offline maps. Know the location of the Australian Embassy (88 Strand Road, Yangon, +95 1 251810). Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave.
Getting connected on arrival
Getting a local SIM in Myanmar used to be simple and cheap. Since the coup, the military has increased control over telecommunications, including internet shutdowns, social media blocks and SIM registration requirements. That said, you can still get connected — it just requires a bit more awareness of the landscape.
The state-owned carrier with the widest coverage, including rural areas. A tourist SIM costs around 1,500 Kyat. Data packages are cheap — 4GB for 30 days costs about 5,000 Kyat. MPT has the most reliable coverage outside major cities. Being state-owned, it's also the most likely to be affected by government-ordered shutdowns. Available at the airport and phone shops throughout Yangon.
A Qatari-owned carrier (though ownership has been transferred to local entities post-coup). Good coverage in urban areas, decent data speeds. SIM cards available at the airport and phone shops. Data packages similar to MPT. Ooredoo has faced government pressure and network quality has been inconsistent since 2021. Still a viable option, especially in Yangon and Mandalay.
Norwegian Telenor sold its Myanmar operations in 2022 due to the political situation. The network now operates as Atom under local ownership. Coverage and service quality have declined since the handover. Still functional in major cities but less reliable than it used to be. If you had a Telenor SIM from a previous trip, it may no longer work.
A military-linked carrier (joint venture with Viettel). Many locals and activists boycott Mytel for ethical reasons. It has decent coverage and competitive prices but using it financially supports the military. Many travellers choose to avoid it on principle. The decision is yours, but be aware of the context.
SIM cards are available at Yangon International Airport (arrivals hall), Mandalay Airport and phone shops throughout cities. Airport stalls will set up the SIM and activate it for you. Bring your passport — SIM registration is mandatory. The process takes about 10 minutes. Phone shops on the street can also sell and activate SIMs but the airport is easiest for tourists.
The military regularly throttles or shuts down internet access, particularly mobile data. Facebook, Twitter and some other platforms have been blocked (though many people use VPNs to access them). Internet speeds can drop dramatically without warning. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before you arrive. Don't rely on mobile data for anything critical.
VPNs are technically illegal in Myanmar but widely used by locals and foreigners alike. Download and configure a VPN before you arrive — ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark are popular options. You'll need one to access Facebook, some news sites and potentially WhatsApp. The risk of prosecution for using a VPN is very low for tourists but technically exists. Use discretion.
Hotels and guesthouses generally have WiFi, though speeds vary wildly. Cafes in Yangon and Mandalay often have WiFi — coffee shops on Inya Road in Yangon are popular with remote workers. WiFi is more reliable than mobile data for getting online during network throttling. Don't do sensitive banking or personal business on public WiFi without a VPN.
Your phone may be checked at military checkpoints. Delete any politically sensitive content, protest photos, or military-related images before entering Myanmar. Disable lock-screen notifications for sensitive apps. Consider using a secondary phone with minimal personal data. This sounds paranoid but multiple travellers and journalists have had their phones confiscated and searched since the coup.
If your phone supports eSIM, buy a Myanmar data eSIM from Airalo or Nomad before you leave Australia. This gives you data as soon as you land without queuing at the airport. Prices start from AUD $5-10 for a few days of data. You can still buy a local SIM for calls and texts once you arrive. Having an eSIM as backup means you're never completely offline, even if local networks are throttled.
Where to go to relax, have a few beers and a feed, and meet other Aussies
Let's be honest — Myanmar doesn't have a big Australian expat community. The coup drove many foreigners out and the scene is a fraction of what it was. But Aussies who are in Myanmar tend to be an interesting, resilient bunch — aid workers, journalists, adventurers and the occasional stubborn retiree who refused to leave. Here's where you might find them.
The area around Inya Lake in Yangon is where most remaining expats live and socialise. Several restaurants and bars along Inya Road cater to the international community. The Inya Lake Hotel bar has been a gathering spot for decades. It's not a raucous scene — more quiet drinks and conversation. But if there are Aussies in Yangon, this is where they'll gravitate.
A colonial-era institution. The Strand Hotel's bar is old-school — teak furnishings, white-jacketed staff, and cocktails that cost more than a local's daily wage. Not where you'll find everyday Aussies, but it's where you go for a special drink and to feel the weight of history. The gin and tonic here is a rite of passage for visitors to Yangon. Expensive by Myanmar standards (cocktails 8,000-15,000 Kyat) but worth one visit.
One of the few surviving expat-focused bars in Yangon. Craft beer, pub food, live music on weekends. Located in Botahtaung Township. Before the coup this was a buzzing expat hub — it's quieter now but still operating and still the best bet for meeting international residents over a beer. They show sport on screens and the food is decent Western fare.
Not an expat spot per se, but the atmosphere here is so good that every visitor ends up on 19th Street eventually. You'll meet other travellers, share beer towers with locals, and eat incredible barbecue. It's the most social drinking environment in Myanmar. Pull up a plastic chair, order a tower of Myanmar Beer and some skewers, and let the evening unfold. You'll make friends.
Mandalay has a smaller expat community than Yangon, centred around a few bars and restaurants near the moat and 78th Street. The Golden Duck restaurant has been a long-time expat favourite. There are a few Western-style bars but the scene is intimate — everyone knows everyone. If you're in Mandalay for more than a couple of days, you'll likely meet the same faces repeatedly.
The temples are the main attraction, not the nightlife. But Nyaung-U (the main town near Bagan) has a strip of restaurants and bars along the main road that attract tourists. Bibo Bar and Weather Spoons (yes, a Myanmar take on the British pub chain) are popular spots for sunset drinks. The crowd is international travellers, not expats. Good place to swap stories with other backpackers and tourists.
Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake, has a laid-back traveller scene. Several restaurants and bars along the canal serve decent food and cold beer. The vibe is relaxed and social — it's the kind of place where you end up chatting to strangers and making plans together. Not an Aussie hangout specifically, but you'll meet fellow travellers easily. Live and Let Drink is a popular bar name that tells you everything about the vibe.
A significant number of Australians in Myanmar work for NGOs, the UN or aid organisations. They tend to socialise in a loose circuit of bars and restaurants in Yangon's expat areas. If you're introduced to this crowd (through hostels, volunteer work or just being friendly at the right bar), you'll get insider knowledge about the country that no guidebook provides. Australians are well-represented in Myanmar's aid community.
There's no equivalent of the Woolshed or ANZAP in Myanmar. No pub showing the footy. Finding Aussies requires more effort — ask at your hotel, check Facebook groups like "Expats in Myanmar" or "Yangon Expats," or just be sociable at the bars listed above. The Aussie community is small but tight-knit. One introduction tends to lead to many.
Myanmar is not a destination for the Aussie expat lifestyle. If you want cold beers with mates watching the NRL, go to Thailand, Philippines or Bali. If you want an authentic, raw, challenging travel experience in a beautiful country with extraordinary people — Myanmar delivers like few other places can. Come with an open mind and low expectations for Western comforts. You'll leave with stories that'll last a lifetime.