Myanmar welcomed just over 973,000 foreign tourists in 2025, a decline from the 1.06 million arrivals recorded the previous year, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Deputy permanent secretary U Myo Win Nyunt said the majority of visitors came from China, Thailand and South Korea, and stressed that efforts are under way to improve services through hotel renovations and staff training.

Despite the dip, Myanmar continues to draw travellers with its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. The country’s most famous site, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, remains a spiritual and architectural marvel, its golden stupa towering over the city. In Mandalay, the U Bein Bridge—believed to be the world’s longest teakwood bridge—offers striking sunset views and a glimpse into local life. Further north, Bagan’s vast plain of more than 2,000 temples and pagodas provides one of Asia’s most breathtaking archaeological landscapes, while Inle Lake captivates visitors with its floating villages and leg-rowing fishermen.

These destinations, alongside lesser-known gems such as Mount Popa and the ancient city of Mrauk U, continue to anchor Myanmar’s appeal as a tourism hotspot. Officials hope that by strengthening infrastructure and hospitality standards, the country can recover visitor numbers and reaffirm its place on Southeast Asia’s travel map.

-2026-01-23

On 1/23/2026 at 9:22 AM, geovalin said:

These destinations, alongside lesser-known gems such as Mount Popa and the ancient city of Mrauk U, continue to anchor Myanmar’s appeal as a tourism hotspot.

This sounds like junta propaganda. Arakan including Mrauk U is controlled by the rebel Arakan Army.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar