GET THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST! (Yes. It's editable, printable & FREE)

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

 

Wondering what to wear in Myanmar (Burma)? Find out exactly what type of clothes you need to bring! We’re covering Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon, and Mandalay along with some helpful travel tips, too!

 


What to Wear in Myanmar

Written By: Annie Jarvis


 

I spent two weeks exploring Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) in March, where I visited the beautiful Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon, and Mandalay.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

This incredibly diverse country is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling around Southeast Asia; it’s fast becoming another bucket list country like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Myanmar, however, is still seen as a hidden treasure when it comes to Southeast Asia travel, and while it is now (by 2015) set up extremely well for tourism, it isn’t crowded with swarms of travelers like its neighboring countries.

 

Versatility is the key to a capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

Following the itinerary from this travel guide, we flew into Yangon from Bangkok, traveled overland through the various destinations, then flew back to Bangkok from Mandalay.

This was a good strategy so we didn’t backtrack. Traveling on our own was easy and coach buses were mostly comfortable. Unlike information available online prior to 2015, it’s not difficult to travel on your own anymore.

 

The secret to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing shown in this video!

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

If you’re thinking of heading to this incredible place, here’s a list of what to wear in Myanmar:

 

Yangon

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

Maxi Skirt / Merino Wool Tee / BackpackAnti-Chafe Balm / Sandals

 

My adventure started in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, which is known for some of the country’s best food and most famous for the Schwedagon Paya, a Buddhist temple.

The most important thing to note when visiting the Schwedagon Paya is the strict dress code. Knees and shoulders need to be covered, so pack conservative clothing like a long skirt and t-shirt. You don’t need to worry about footwear for this temple, as no shoes are allowed.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

If you don’t bring clothing that covers your knees and shoulders (men and women) are required to rent a sarong to wrap around their body before entering the temple.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

Getting around Yangon is relatively easy–you can either jump in a taxi or walk. Walking around the city is a great way to explore; there is a beautiful park located in the must-visit Kandawgyi Lake. Pack a pair of comfortable sandals that will allow you to walk around for a few hours without getting tired.

 

Tip: Yangon and other areas of Myanmar are extremely hot and humid. Pack some anti-chafing products and water in a small backpack when you’re out and about for the day!

 

Inle Lake

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

ShortsSandals / Sunscreen / Merino Wool Tee / Waterproof Jacket /

 

Inle Lake is an absolutely stunning part of Myanmar. You can hop on a bike and ride around the town, jump in a boat and see the local fishermen at work, or hike in the nearby mountains.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

Cycling and boat trips are big tourist attractions in Inle Lake; if you’re planning on joining in, bring a pair of comfortable sandals and suitable clothing like shorts and a t-shirt, so you can climb in and out of the boat with ease.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

Do not miss Inle Lake! It’s breathtaking and the tour around the lake is a must. There may be one or two “touristy” inclusions on the trip but look past that to enjoy the beauty of tranquil life here in the lake before it really becomes a show put on just for tourists.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

If you’re looking to go on a hike to Kalaw, then a decent pair of hiking boots and plenty of water is a must. Inle also gets plenty of rain, so pack a rain jacket for the downpour.

You will also need plenty of sunblock as you are bound to get a sunburn in the middle of the lake.

 

Tip: The best way to get from Yangon to Inle Lake is via bus, which takes around 12 hours. Make sure you pack some snacks and a warm layer, as the air-con will be on full blast. We booked a coach through our accommodation and it was surprisingly comfortable – it even had movies!

 

Bagan

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

T-shirt / Headlamp / Ankle Pant / Sunglasses / Sneaker / Sunscreen / Mosquito Repellant

 

Bagan is the temple town of Myanmar and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. This magical town is where travelers go to watch the sunrise from the top of the Buddhist temples as hot air balloons set off in the distance.

In August 2016, a strong earthquake killed one person and damaged many temples in Bagan, however, (to our knowledge) travel to this area has not been affected and travelers continue to visit Myanmar.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

Similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, there are a range of temples in Bagan for tourists to visit. When you plan what to wear in Myanmar (or other parts of Southeast Asia) you should always dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and small towns, covering your shoulders and knees.

A loose, knee-length skirt or airy trousers like these are a great option for covering up while allowing your legs enough movement to climb the steep steps.

 

Here’s a packing list for Siemp Reap (Angkor Wat)!

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

There are a variety of ways to get around this town, including walking, horse and cart, and even renting electric bikes. The roads in Bagan are dusty and uneven, so pack some comfortable and secure sandals to help you get around.

Another one of my biggest recommendations for Bagan is a travel headlamp or small torch. If you’re watching the sunrise at one of the temples, you will have to leave your hotel at around 4am and head there in the dark. The only available light comes from other travelers on the road. We walked but you can also take a taxi.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

We didn’t get a chance to do the hot air balloon ride and it’s important to note that this is not available year round. If this is something you want to make sure to time your trip around it’s availability.

Don’t forget to pack your sunblock and sunglasses, as well as insect repellent for walking around at night.

 

Mandalay

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

Maxi Skirt / Shorts  / Merino Wool Tee / Sandals / Sunscreen

 

Mandalay is an extremely hot and busy city. It’s known to travelers as a transport hub and a destination for the famous sites of Mandalay Hill or the Royal Palace.

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

We took a boat instead of a bus from Bagan to Mandalay and this was a great experience! We actually almost didn’t get to do it because, like the Bagan balloon rides, the cruise option is not available year round. We were the last group to make the trip before it closed for the season!

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 

If you are visiting religious sites then it is important to dress conservatively, covering your knees and shoulders. However, for exploring the city, a pair of comfortable regular shorts and a tee will be perfect for the hot weather.

 

Tip: Even if you’re not visiting religious sites, don’t wear clothing that is too revealing. Myanmar is not as touristy as other parts of Southeast Asia, and you may get a lot of attention from the locals.

 

Want to learn more about what to wear in Myanmar? Here are eight more essentials!

 

 

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 


What are your tips on what to wear in Myanmar? Comment below!


 

For more Southeast Asia packing tips, please read:

 

Suggested Travel Resources:

 


 

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

what-to-wear-in-myanmar

 


I hope you liked this post on what to wear in Myanmar. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!


 

Author Bio: Annie Jarvis is relatively new to the traveling world and has just completed a five month journey around Southeast Asia, India, and the US. She loves diving, skiing, cooking, hiking, and writing about her adventures on her Refreshing the Page blog.