Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s most intriguing destination. The country is rich in tradition, culture, and history. Myanmar is still undergoing urbanization and offers a mix of old and new. It has marvellous scenic beauty, ancient temples, thrilling culture, and untouched beaches.
The country offers graceful balancing rocks, pagodas, and Old Bagan as major tourist attractions. It also boasts tourist-friendly beaches and fabulous natural landscapes.
It is home to several Buddhist temples and is popular among Buddhists. Apart from being a religious destination, it also gives travelers a breath-taking view like no other. There is no dearth of places to explore in Myanmar, and you will surely be inspired by the lakes and pagodas. But before you leave, remember to buy travel medical insurance to stay protected against the unexpected.
Myanmar Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Medical treatment and advice provided anywhere besides Mandalay and Yangon may not be competent. Most pharmaceutical products for sale in Myanmar are considered to be counterfeit and should not be trusted. Medical evacuation, if required, can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. Be a smart traveler and buy travel medical insurance for a hassle-free vacation.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Myanmar?
It is not mandated by law to have travel medical insurance. But adequate travel health insurance can cover the cost of any medical treatment and evacuation abroad. Chances are that having travel medical insurance in Myanmar can save you tons of money that you would have to shell out for medical treatment in private hospitals.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Myanmar?
As most pharmaceutical products are believed to be counterfeits, you may have to buy the original medicines from the more expensive dealers in major cities. Cash payment is usually required before treatment in most hospitals in Myanmar. Buy travel medical insurance, as these additional costs will burn holes in your pockets.
Things to Do for Travelers in Myanmar
- Meditate at Sule Pagoda: Sule Pagoda is a great place of meditation and peace in the middle of the busy city of downtown Yangon. It is believed to be more than 2,000 years old and is the most popular destination among travelers and devotees alike. People interested in history can enter the pagoda and marvel at the ancient relics of Buddha.
- Hike to Mount Popa: When in Mandalay, don’t miss the opportunity to hike to the top of Mount Popa by taking 777 man-made steps. It is an extinct volcano housing Popa Taungkalat Monastery on its top. This is the best vantage point in the country that gives you an amazing 360-degree view of lush green foothills and plains.
- Visit Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Myanmar is full of beautiful Buddhist temples, but none come close to the charm of Chauk-Htat-Gyi. It houses a reclining Buddha statue that is a whopping 65 meters (more than 210 feet) tall. Fanatics of ancient culture and history can hire a local tour guide to learn more about the temple in detail.
- Boating in Inle Lake: Inle Lake is the highest lake in the country and home to numerous endangered species of fish. The waterway is peppered by stilt houses, and the boat ride offers stunning views as you head towards the village of In Dien.
- Laze Around Ngwe Saung Beach: This little-known beach is a hidden gem that offers incredible, picturesque locations and has all the hallmarks of a great beach. Pale sands, blue seas, and palm trees offer the perfect place to spend your lazy days. Ngwe Saung (or Silver Beach) is also famous for scuba diving and snorkelling. The cafes and restaurants nearby serve delectable traditional meals and lip-smacking seafood.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Myanmar
- Water-related activities: Avoid bathing, swimming, or wading in freshwater and untreated pools to avoid catching this disease. That's because you don't want to risk falling prey to a disease linked with contaminated water.
- When you're out and about: Myanmar is relatively wet and humid. So make sure you have a cap, hood, or jacket with you should you get caught in the downpour. Mosquitos and insects are aplenty, particularly after rainwater accumulates in urban streets.
- Mosquito-borne diseases: Myanmar is relatively wet and humid, which provides the best conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Mosquitos are known to carry viral diseases like chikungunya and dengue fever. Prevent mosquito bites by using a net when outdoors and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Before You Travel to Myanmar – Do This
- Pack insect repellent, as mosquitos are considered to be very dangerous.
- Carry copies of your passport and travel medical insurance, as you may be stopped for security checks around the border.
- Check the national weather and meteorological news the week before travel, because the airports might be non-functional due to bad weather.