Myanmar Tourism on the Rise: Cultural Cities and Coastal Escapes Draw Global Travellers

tourists at a souvenir shop

Myanmar is steadily reasserting its place on Southeast Asia’s travel map, welcoming more than 800,000 foreign visitors in the first ten months of 2025. With growing arrivals from neighbouring and regional markets, the country is focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and digital promotion to strengthen its tourism recovery and global appeal.

Visitor Numbers Highlight Regional Demand

According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar received approximately 809,000 international visitors between January and October 2025. Chinese, Thai, and Korean nationals made up the largest share of arrivals, reflecting Myanmar’s strong regional travel links and its popularity for short-haul cultural and leisure trips.

While the total represents a slight decline compared to the previous year, tourism authorities see the figures as a stable foundation for long-term growth. In 2024, Myanmar recorded 1.06 million foreign visitors, underlining the country’s potential to rebuild international confidence and demand.

Top Destinations Across Myanmar

Most overseas visitors continue to gravitate toward Myanmar’s cultural and historical heartlands. Yangon remains the primary gateway, offering colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and iconic landmarks such as the Shwedagon Pagoda. Bago and Bagan attract travellers seeking ancient temples and UNESCO-listed heritage, while Taunggyi serves as a base for exploring Inle Lake and the surrounding Shan State.

Beyond cultural tourism, coastal and riverine destinations are also drawing interest. Beaches in the Ayeyawady Region are increasingly popular with visitors looking for quieter seaside experiences, adding diversity to Myanmar’s tourism offerings.

Visa Easing and International Promotion

To encourage international travel, Myanmar is gradually relaxing visa-related requirements, making entry simpler for foreign tourists. These measures are complemented by proactive marketing efforts, including participation in international tourism exhibitions, the organisation of familiarisation tours for travel professionals, and ongoing digital tourism promotion campaigns.

By increasing its visibility on global platforms and engaging directly with the travel trade, Myanmar aims to rebuild awareness and showcase its varied tourism experiences, from spiritual journeys to nature-based escapes.

Sustainable Tourism and ASEAN Cooperation

As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar is aligning its tourism development with regional standards and sustainability goals. The country is promoting responsible tourism practices through cooperation with neighbouring nations, adherence to ASEAN tourism benchmarks, and encouragement of green energy use within the tourism sector.

This focus on sustainability supports long-term destination resilience while appealing to environmentally conscious travellers seeking authentic and low-impact travel experiences.

Looking Ahead for Myanmar Travel

With regional markets leading the recovery and renewed efforts to improve access and promotion, Myanmar’s tourism sector is positioning itself for gradual but meaningful growth. By balancing cultural heritage, natural beauty, and sustainable development, the country is laying the groundwork to welcome a broader range of international travellers in the years ahead.

Web contact details:  

Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar https://tourism.gov.mm/

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