Some travelers recommended starting in Mandalay and progressing to Yangon, with stops at Bagan and Inle Lake. This route is highlighted for encompassing major attractions and providing a mix of cultural and scenic experiences. Another suggestion for a Myanmar itinerary involves flying into Yangon, exploring the city, and then visiting Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake, which is suggested for an 8-day trip.

For those interested in including a beach visit, the itinerary can be adjusted. One traveler suggested incorporating Ngapali Beach, accessible by a flight from Yangon, for a relaxing stay after exploring the cities. However, travel during the monsoon season (like July) could limit beach options due to weather conditions, as noted by one user who advised against beach visits during this period.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning for transportation time, as overland travel can be time-consuming in Myanmar. They recommended considering internal flights to save time, which could be particularly beneficial for shorter itineraries.

According to forum posts, Myanmar visas can be obtained through an e-visa application. Travelers must upload documents such as a covid vaccination certificate, flight confirmations, and hotel booking details in PDF format on the official e-visa website (evisa.moip.gov.mm).

Some travelers said that the e-visa website often requires additional documentation compared to what might be demanded if applying through an embassy. The e-visa approval typically comes within 36 hours.

Travelers have called out that previously, Myanmar State Insurance was mandatory for visa approval, but recent changes now allow proof of health insurance from any internationally recognized insurance company.

For many users, the tourist e-visa is valid for 28 days from the date of entry, and the visa approval letter is typically valid for 90 days from the issue date.

Some travelers prefer train travel in Myanmar for experiencing the country's landscape, despite trains being slower than buses. Trains can only be booked a day before travel, and using an agent might cost at least double the fare.

For quicker travel, many users recommend buses as a faster alternative to trains. Companies like JJ Express offer overnight bus services that are safe and comfortable. It's common to book bus tickets through hotels or guesthouses rather than online to avoid higher prices.

In some instances, travelers discussed the use of shared taxis as a viable option for intercity travel, especially when buses are not available or when direct routes are not serviced by buses.

Flights are suggested for long distances or when time is limited, although they are more expensive compared to other forms of public transportation. Flights can connect major tourist destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan.

Some travelers have experienced issues with payment methods on Myanmar's eVisa application site. Users mentioned difficulties in processing payments using certain credit and debit cards, particularly those issued by banks in countries with sanctions against Myanmar. One user managed to process their payment only after several attempts with different cards and finally succeeded using a Thai debit card.

There appears to be confusion regarding insurance requirements for the eVisa. While some users indicated the necessity of purchasing insurance from Myanmar-based companies as part of the eVisa process, others noted that their own international travel insurance was accepted. This inconsistency has led to uncertainties during the application process.

Technical problems have also been a common issue. Users reported slow loading times and unresponsive dropdown menus on the eVisa website. These technical difficulties have hindered users from completing their applications smoothly, requiring multiple attempts or alternative approaches such as using different browsers or devices.

Additionally, there seems to be a lag in updating the eVisa website with current entry requirement information, causing confusion among travelers who receive conflicting information from other sources like embassies or recent travel updates.

According to forum posts, Pandaw is a popular choice for river cruises in Myanmar, offering a variety of itineraries along the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers. Travelers have praised their services and the comprehensive details provided on their website. Other luxury operators mentioned include Scenic, APT, Regent, VJV, Belmond, and Travel Marvel.

Some travelers noted that Pandaw cruises, while established, can be expensive. It was also mentioned that direct cruises from Yangon to Mandalay are not available; instead, they operate to/from Pyay, which is a 6-hour road journey from Yangon. Users suggested cruising between November and February for cooler weather.

Travelers should be aware that the operation status of these river cruises can be uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other local factors. As of the latest updates, there is uncertainty about when these cruises will resume regular operations.

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for traveling between Mandalay and Bagan, including buses, private taxis, and boats. The journey duration and experience can vary depending on the mode of transport chosen.

Some travelers mentioned that there are buses operating between Mandalay and Bagan, which take about 5 hours. However, the availability of online booking for these buses might be limited, and it is often recommended to book them in person once in Myanmar.

For a scenic route, travelers can opt for a slow boat between Mandalay and Bagan. This journey takes about 8-9 hours and provides a unique view of the river and its surroundings, although it is subject to seasonal availability and might not operate during the monsoon season.

For a more comfortable and flexible trip, hiring a private taxi between Mandalay and Bagan is also a viable option. This can be more expensive but offers convenience, especially for those looking to create a custom itinerary.