How to Find Cheap Hotels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

Yangon, Myanmar (formerly known as Rangoon, Burma) is one of the most exotic destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Despite the ruling military junta, which limits information coming in and out of the country, Yangon is a sacred, beautiful city of temples and teeming wildlife.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Accommodations in Yangon, Myanmar

1. Consider a luxury hotel with plenty of amenities, even if on a budget. Such accommodations can be surprisingly cheap, ranging from $80 to $150 per night.

2. Stay at one of the lovely bed and breakfast inns in Yangon, which are as cheap as $30 to $40 per night.

3. Choose one of Yangon's popular budget hotels. For $20 per night, you can still find a room with air-conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerator and breakfast.

Transportation in Yangon, Myanmar

1. Fly to Yangon International Airport.

2. Use taxicabs to get around Yangon. They are very cheap, taking you almost anywhere in the city for around a dollar.

3. Hire a rickshaw driver for a bit of local flavor.

Experience Yangon, Myanmar

1. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and a symbol of old Burma.

2. Feed an elephant a banana by hand at the Yangon Zoo.

3. Watch the sun set on the Ayeyarwaddy River, considered sacred by native Myanmarese.

Tips & Warnings

• Although Internet access (along with most other modern communication methods) are still heavily monitored by the government, restrictions have been easing in recent years.

• Since Myanmar is a strict Buddhist country, alcohol is not always available. Green tea and coffee are the beverages of choice.

• Always remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist temple.

• The confusing and controversial name changes are a result of the rise of the current government in 1989. Using the name Rangoon or Burma, as opposed to the official monikers of Yangon and Myanmar, largely depends upon whether your government recognizes the military junta that runs the country. The United States is not one of those countries.

• Malaria is still a problem in Myanmar. Have all proper vaccinations at least one month before leaving and bring plenty of malaria tablets.

• Avoid the city buses, which are usually overcrowded, with as many as two dozen people clinging to the outside of the vehicle.

• Do not take photographs of the military, bridges or government buildings. You can be given a lengthy prison sentence for this.