Overview
Myanmar (Burma) is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations, from the temple-strewn plain of Bagan and the stilt villages of Inle Lake to the golden dazzle of Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every journey involves at least one stop, usually through a Gulf or Asian hub. If you are researching cheap flights to Myanmar, the price charts on this page show how fares move through the year.
Best time to fly to Myanmar
The dry, cooler season from November to February is the most comfortable time to travel and the busiest. March to May is very hot, with central Bagan and Mandalay often well above 38C. The southwest monsoon runs roughly late May to October, bringing heavy rain to Yangon and the coast, though the central dry zone stays more manageable. The shoulder weeks in October, early November and late February can offer thinner crowds. Use the When to book chart above to time your booking.
Main gateway cities & airports
Most UK travellers arrive into Yangon International Airport (RGN), the country's principal hub with the widest choice of international flights. Mandalay International Airport (MDL) serves the centre and north and is convenient for Bagan and Inle Lake. Nay Pyi Taw (NYT) has only limited international service.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies nonstop between the UK and Myanmar. Practical one-stop options from London include Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Thai Airways via Bangkok, Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. From London, allow roughly 15 to 18 hours in total including the connection; from Manchester the journey is similar, typically via Doha, Dubai or Istanbul. Bangkok Airways and Myanmar National Airlines add short regional hops from Bangkok and Singapore.
Popular places to visit in Myanmar
- Bagan: thousands of 11th to 13th century temples across a vast plain, unforgettable at sunrise.
- Inle Lake: Shan Hills scenery, floating gardens and the famous leg-rowing fishermen.
- Yangon: faded colonial streets and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda.
- Mandalay: the last royal capital, teak U Bein Bridge and traditional craft workshops.
- Ngapali Beach: quiet Bay of Bengal sands for a relaxed end to a trip.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Myanmar
- Compare connecting hubs: Doha, Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore routings can differ significantly, as the price charts on this page show.
- Travel in the shoulder or monsoon months for lower fares and fewer visitors.
- Book around two to three months ahead and look at midweek departures, which are often cheaper.
- Consider flying into Mandalay if your itinerary begins at Bagan or Inle Lake.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa. Most tourists apply online for the official Myanmar eVisa before departure; it is normally single entry for 28 days, and your passport should have at least six months' validity. The currency is the Myanmar kyat (MMK); carry clean, undamaged US dollar notes as a backup and expect to use cash, as card payments and ATMs can be unreliable. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking, as it currently advises against travel to parts of the country. To time your booking, refer to the When to book chart above.
