Myanmar for Photographers : A Photography destination guide

The Allure of Myanmar: A Photographer’s Dream

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, presents a visual tapestry that is profoundly unique and deeply moving. For a photographer, it is less a destination and more an immersion into a world where time seems to move at a different pace. The country’s long period of relative isolation has preserved a cultural and aesthetic integrity that is increasingly rare, offering a canvas of unparalleled photographic potential.

Why Myanmar’s Visuals are Unique

The visual identity of Myanmar is a complex and compelling blend of elements that come together to create scenes of extraordinary beauty. It’s a place where the image you capture is often layered with centuries of history and profound cultural meaning.

• A Living History: The country offers a rare look at the convergence of past and present. You might photograph a young monk in ancient crimson robes checking a smartphone, or capture the silhouette of a thousand-year-old pagoda against the backdrop of a developing city. This juxtaposition of ancient tradition and evolving modernity provides a rich narrative for visual storytelling.
• Authentic Cultural Access: Many parts of Myanmar still feel untouched by the homogenizing effects of mass tourism. This allows for genuine encounters and the opportunity to document daily life as it unfolds organically—from the quiet devotion at a local monastery to the vibrant energy of a village market.
• Diverse and Dramatic Landscapes: The geography of Myanmar is as varied as its culture. Your lens can sweep across the misty, temple-studded plains of Bagan, focus on the serene water world of Inle Lake, climb to the rugged, remote mountains of the Chin State, or frame the surreal karst formations of Hpa-An. Each region offers a distinct mood and set of photographic challenges.
• The Grace of the People: The people of Myanmar are remarkably welcoming and possess a quiet dignity that translates beautifully into portraits. The sight of children with faces adorned in the golden paste of thanaka, the gentle smiles of market vendors, and the serene expressions of novices and nuns create endless opportunities for compelling human-interest photography.

The Golden Light and Timeless Atmosphere

Beyond the specific subjects, it is the intangible qualities of light and atmosphere that truly define photography in Myanmar. The country is bathed in a quality of light that seems almost pre-ordained for the camera, lending a painterly feel to even the most mundane scenes.

The “golden hours” here are legendary. At sunrise, a soft, often dusty or misty light filters across the landscape, wrapping temples in a warm glow and creating long, dramatic shadows. Sunsets are equally spectacular, particularly during the dry season when dust particles in the air ignite the sky in fiery hues of orange, pink, and red. This is the light that transforms a simple photograph of the U Bein Bridge into an iconic, silhouetted masterpiece.

To travel through Myanmar is to feel a sense of stepping into a different era. The reliance on traditional modes of transport like horse-drawn carts in rural areas, the timeless agricultural practices, and the architectural grandeur of ancient capitals all contribute to an atmosphere that feels suspended in time. This allows a photographer to create images that are not just documents of a place, but evocations of a feeling—a sense of peace, of history, and of enduring spirit. The vibrant colors found in daily life—the deep red of a monk’s robe against weathered teak, the brilliant gold leaf of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the kaleidoscope of produce at a floating market—add the final, brilliant strokes to this extraordinary visual canvas.

Planning Your Photographic Expedition

A successful photography trip to Myanmar is built on a foundation of thoughtful planning. Timing your visit, packing the right equipment, and understanding the local logistics will free you to focus on what matters most: capturing the country’s profound beauty. This guide covers the essential preparations to ensure your journey is as smooth as your compositions.

Best Seasons for Photography

Myanmar’s climate is defined by three distinct seasons, each offering unique photographic advantages and challenges. The ideal time for your visit depends entirely on the kind of images you hope to create.

Dry Season (November – February)

Widely considered the best time for general travel, the dry season offers the most comfortable and predictable conditions for photographers. The weather is pleasant, with warm days, cooler nights, and consistently clear blue skies.

• This is the prime season for capturing the iconic hot air balloons drifting over the temples of Bagan at sunrise, as they only operate during these months.
• The clear air provides excellent visibility for vast landscape shots and sharp architectural details.
• Be aware that this is also peak tourist season. Popular locations, especially sunrise and sunset spots, can be crowded. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance is essential.

Hot Season (March – May)

As temperatures rise, the landscape transforms. This period presents a different, more challenging, but potentially rewarding environment for photographers. Fewer tourists mean a more solitary experience at many sites.

• The air is often thick with haze from the heat and agricultural burning, which can soften distant landscapes but also creates intensely dramatic, fiery sunsets with a deep red and orange glow.
• This is an excellent time to document the parched, cracked earth and the resilience of life in the dry zone, offering a starkly different aesthetic to the lushness of other seasons.
• The heat can be draining, so plan shoots for the early morning and late afternoon, and prioritize hydration.

Green Season (June – October)

The arrival of the monsoon rains breathes life back into the country, blanketing it in a stunning, almost impossibly vibrant shade of green. For photographers who embrace dramatic weather, this season is a visual feast.

• The landscapes, from the rice paddies around Hpa-An to the hills of Shan State, are at their most lush and photogenic.
• The skies are often filled with dramatic, churning cloud formations that add immense mood and scale to your images. The periods just before or after a rainstorm can offer some of the most beautiful light.
• The primary challenge is the rain itself, which can be persistent. Travel logistics can be more difficult, with some rural roads becoming impassable. A waterproof camera bag and protection for your gear are non-negotiable.

Essential Photography Gear Checklist

Packing for Myanmar involves balancing versatility with portability. The country’s diverse environments, from dusty temple plains to humid lakeside villages, demand a well-considered kit.

Cameras and Lenses

Your lens selection will define your ability to capture the full range of scenes Myanmar has to offer. Consider bringing the following:

• Primary and Backup Body: A reliable mirrorless or DSLR camera is your main tool. Given the remote nature of some locations, bringing a smaller backup body is a wise precaution.
• Wide-Angle Lens (e.g., 16-35mm): Essential for conveying the immense scale of the Bagan temple fields, capturing the entirety of grand temple interiors, and for sweeping landscapes.
• Mid-Range Zoom (e.g., 24-70mm): This will likely be your most-used lens. It’s the perfect all-rounder for street photography in Yangon, documenting life in the floating villages of Inle Lake, and general travel shots.
• Telephoto Lens (e.g., 70-200mm): Invaluable for creating compressed, layered compositions of distant temples, isolating details, and capturing candid portraits from a respectful distance. It is the classic lens for photographing silhouettes of monks and locals on Mandalay’s U Bein Bridge.

Key Accessories

The right accessories are just as important as your camera and lenses, especially in Myanmar’s unique conditions.

• Sturdy Tripod: Absolutely crucial for capturing sharp images in the low light of dawn, dusk, and inside dimly lit temples. It’s also necessary for any long-exposure work.
• Filters: A circular polarizing filter will help manage reflections and deepen blue skies, particularly useful on Inle Lake. Neutral Density (ND) filters can help you achieve longer shutter speeds for creative motion blur with water or clouds.
• Extra Batteries & Power Bank: Electricity can be intermittent, especially outside major cities. Carry at least two or three spare, fully-charged batteries for your camera each day, and a high-capacity power bank to recharge them and your other devices in the evening.
• Dust Cleaning Kit: The plains of Bagan are notoriously dusty. A rocket blower, microfiber cloths, and lens pens are essential for keeping your sensor and lenses clean and functioning properly.

Navigating the Country: Logistics for Photographers

A little logistical planning goes a long way in ensuring you can get to the right place at the right time for the perfect light.

• Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Myanmar. The e-Visa system is generally efficient and straightforward. Always check the official government portal for the most current information and application procedures well before your departure.
• Getting Around: For long distances between key hubs like Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake, domestic flights are the most time-efficient option. For shorter journeys or for a more immersive experience, hiring a private car and driver offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to stop whenever a photographic opportunity arises. Overnight buses are a budget-friendly alternative but can be taxing.
• Accommodation: In key photographic areas, consider booking hotels that are known to cater to photographers, sometimes offering rooftop views or convenient locations for early morning starts. Ensure your accommodation has reliable electricity for charging your gear.
• Connectivity and Backups: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes but is often slow and unreliable. Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is an inexpensive and effective way to stay connected. Most importantly, have a disciplined backup routine. Each night, transfer your photos from your memory cards to a laptop and/or a portable external hard drive. Never rely on a single copy of your images.

Iconic Photography Locations You Cannot Miss

Bagan: The Land of a Thousand Temples

The sheer scale of Bagan is difficult to comprehend until you witness it. Over 2,000 ancient temples, stupas, and pagodas rise from a vast, dusty plain, creating a landscape that feels suspended in time. For photographers, it is a place of pilgrimage, offering endless compositions under a sky that performs a daily spectacle of light and color.

Sunrise and Sunset Spots

The quintessential Bagan experience is watching the sun rise or set over the temple-studded horizon. While climbing many of the taller temples is now restricted to preserve them, several man-made viewpoints and specific, designated pagodas offer stunning panoramic vistas. It’s essential to check with a local guide for the most current and accessible locations. The goal is to find an elevated spot that gives you a clean view across the plain.

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunrise to secure a good position and set up your tripod. The pre-dawn light is soft and ethereal.
• The iconic hot air balloon shots are a highlight of any trip. The balloons fly during the cool, dry season, typically from early October to early April. For the best compositions, position yourself so the balloons rise with the sun behind them, creating magnificent silhouettes.
• Sunset offers a warmer, golden light that bathes the red-brick temples in a fiery glow. This is an excellent time for telephoto shots, compressing the layers of distant pagodas.

Beyond the Sunrise

While the grand vistas are breathtaking, Bagan’s magic also lies in its details. Spend the midday hours exploring the interiors of the larger temples, where the harsh sun is replaced by a cool, contemplative darkness. This is where you can find some of the most compelling images.

• Look for intricate carvings, faded murals, and the serene faces of countless Buddha statues housed within the temple walls. A wide-angle lens is invaluable for capturing the scale and atmosphere inside.
• The contrast of a young monk’s crimson robes against the weathered, ancient brick of a temple is a timeless and powerful image. These moments often happen spontaneously as monks go about their daily routines.
• In temples like the Sulamani Temple or Htilominlo Temple, watch for shafts of light piercing through high windows, illuminating the dusty air and creating dramatic, cinematic light beams. Patience is key to capturing someone walking through these rays of light.

Inle Lake: A World on Water

Inle Lake is a complete ecosystem, a place where life, commerce, and tradition are inextricably linked to the water. From floating gardens to entire villages built on stilts, the lake provides a photographic narrative that is both serene and vibrant.

The Leg-Rowing Fishermen

The image of the Intha fishermen, with their unique one-legged rowing technique, is synonymous with Inle Lake. Capturing their graceful, acrobatic movements is a rewarding challenge. The best light is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low, creating beautiful reflections and silhouettes on the water’s surface.

• Hire a private long-tail boat and ask your driver to take you out at dawn. This allows you to find authentic fishermen working away from the main tourist channels.
• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of their conical nets or a telephoto lens to isolate them against the backdrop of the distant mountains.
• It is important to note that many fishermen near the main town of Nyaungshwe now pose for photographers. While they create spectacular images, this is a performance, and they will expect a tip in return for their efforts.

Floating Villages and Markets

Beyond the fishermen, the lake is a canvas of daily life. A boat trip through the stilt villages of Maing Thauk or Ywama reveals a world where children paddle to school and shopkeepers sell goods from their canoes. The five-day rotating market is a highlight, a bustling hub of color and activity where people from the lake and surrounding hills come to trade. Documenting these scenes offers a genuine glimpse into the local culture. Look for artisans at work in lotus-weaving workshops, silversmiths, and cheroot (cigar) rollers.

Mandalay: The Last Royal Capital

Mandalay is not just a city; it’s a hub of Burmese culture, religion, and history. While the city itself can be chaotic, its surroundings hold some of Myanmar’s most photogenic and significant sites.

U Bein Bridge at Sunset

The U Bein Bridge, a 1.2-kilometer structure made of teakwood, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Asia. At sunset, it becomes a stage for a captivating play of silhouettes. Monks, fishermen, and locals crossing the bridge are framed against a sky ablaze with color.

• For a classic composition, rent a small wooden boat to position yourself on the water. This allows you to frame the bridge’s posts with the setting sun behind it.
• Alternatively, find a spot on the shore and use a telephoto lens (70-200mm is ideal) to compress the scene, capturing tight shots of people walking along the bridge and creating a sense of layered activity.

Monastic Life and Ancient Cities

Mandalay is a center of Buddhist learning, with thousands of monks living in its monasteries. The morning alms-giving ceremony offers a chance to photograph a deeply spiritual ritual, though it requires utmost respect and discretion. Nearby, you’ll find Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the “world’s largest book,” with 729 stone-inscription caves each housing a marble slab. The repeating white stupas create incredible patterns and leading lines for photographers. A day trip to the ancient capitals of Inwa (Ava) and Sagaing offers further opportunities, with crumbling ruins in Inwa and the countless white and gold stupas dotting Sagaing Hill.

Yangon: Colonial Faded Grandeur

Yangon, the country’s former capital, is a city of contrasts. The magnificent, glittering Shwedagon Pagoda presides over a city where crumbling colonial architecture stands beside modern development. It is a paradise for street and architectural photographers.

The Shwedagon Pagoda

The spiritual heart of Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a breathtaking sight at any time of day. Its massive golden stupa, which is said to contain relics of four previous Buddhas, dominates the city skyline. Photographically, it offers different moods depending on when you visit.

• Dawn: Experience the pagoda with few crowds and witness the quiet devotion of early morning pilgrims in soft, gentle light.
• Dusk: As the sun sets, the golden stupa takes on a warm, intense glow. This is when the lights are turned on, creating a magical atmosphere against the deep blue of the twilight sky.
• Night: The fully illuminated stupa against the black sky is a powerful sight. Look for reflections on the marbled floors, especially after a brief rain shower.

Street Photography Gold

The streets of downtown Yangon are a treasure trove for photographers. The faded grandeur of British colonial-era buildings, with their peeling paint and overgrown balconies, provides a textured and atmospheric backdrop. Dive into the bustling street markets around the city center to capture the vibrant energy of daily life, from vendors selling fresh produce to steaming food stalls. For a unique perspective, take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train. This slow-moving loop around the city is a “portrait studio on wheels,” offering endless opportunities to capture candid moments of commuters, sellers, and families as they go about their day.

Beyond the Postcards: Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

While the iconic sites of Myanmar are essential, the country’s soul often reveals itself in less-trafficked regions. For the photographer seeking unique narratives and visuals that go beyond the familiar, these destinations offer profound rewards, challenging your skills and deepening your understanding of this complex land.

Hpa-An: Karst Landscapes and Sacred Caves

In the south, the landscape around Hpa-An transforms dramatically. Here, serene rice paddies are punctuated by dramatic limestone karsts that jut vertically towards the sky, creating a topography ripe for photographic exploration. The visual appeal is in the contrast between the flat, verdant plains and the sheer, weathered rock faces.

• Dramatic Landscapes: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the karst mountains against the rice fields. The hours around sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, as the low-angled light sculpts the mountains and creates long, elegant shadows.
• Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda: This is one of Myanmar’s most surreal sights—a golden pagoda balanced atop a slender, seemingly impossible rock formation in the middle of a man-made lake. It offers endless compositional possibilities. Photograph it during the golden hour for warm reflections in the water, or use a polarizing filter during the day to deepen the blue of the sky and manage reflections.
• Saddan Cave’s Bat Exodus: A true spectacle of nature, the daily dusk departure of hundreds of thousands of bats from Saddan Cave is a challenging but rewarding event to capture. You will need a high ISO and a fast lens. Rather than trying to freeze individual bats, consider a slightly slower shutter speed to convey the sheer motion of the river of bats flowing into the twilight sky.

Mrauk U: The Forgotten Kingdom

If Bagan is a sun-drenched epic, Mrauk U is a moody, atmospheric poem. This former Arakanese capital has a distinct character, with fortress-like stone temples that often sit shrouded in the morning mist. It feels older, more mysterious, and far more isolated than its famous counterpart.

• Atmospheric Conditions: Embrace the mist. It is not a hindrance but a key character in Mrauk U’s visual story. Arrive at key viewpoints before dawn and wait for the fog to roll through the valleys, partially obscuring and revealing the ancient structures. A tripod is essential for the long exposures required in this low light.
• Unique Architecture: The temples here, like the labyrinthine Shittaung and Htukkanthein pagodas, are built from dark stone, not brick. Their interiors are often dark, winding corridors filled with thousands of Buddha images. This provides an opportunity for low-light photography focusing on texture, shadow, and repeating patterns.
• Authentic Encounters: Mrauk U is less a tourist site and more a living landscape where local life unfolds among the ruins. Children play, and farmers tend their fields at the foot of ancient temples. This offers rich opportunities for candid environmental portraits and documentary photography that tells a story of continuity and time.

The Chin Hills: Portraits of a Vanishing Culture

Venturing into the remote, rugged mountains of the Chin State is an expedition for the serious photographer interested in cultural documentation. This region is home to several ethnic groups, some of whom are known for the now-disappearing tradition of facial tattoos on women.

• Documenting Tattooed Women: This is a profound privilege, not a tourist attraction. It is absolutely imperative to approach this experience with the utmost cultural sensitivity. You must hire a reputable local guide who speaks the dialect and has established relationships with the communities. This guide is your facilitator and interpreter, ensuring that any photography is based on mutual respect and explicit permission. The goal is to create dignified portraits that honor the women and their stories, not to simply take a picture. Be prepared to spend time, share tea, and build a human connection before even thinking of raising your camera.
• Rugged Landscapes: The Chin Hills offer a completely different visual palette. Think rolling, mist-covered mountains, terraced fields clinging to steep hillsides, and small villages connected by winding dirt roads. The photography here is about capturing the relationship between the people and their challenging, beautiful environment.
• A Glimpse of Tradition: A journey here is a step into a different era. Your photography can document traditional ways of life, from weaving textiles to farming techniques. It is an opportunity to create a cohesive photo essay that speaks to a unique and resilient culture in transition.

Mastering the Shot: Field Tips and Techniques

Beyond knowing where to point your camera, understanding how to capture Myanmar’s essence requires a blend of technical skill and cultural awareness. The country’s unique light and its deeply personal moments demand a thoughtful approach. Here are some field-tested tips to help you create more compelling and respectful images.

Respectful Portrait and People Photography

The people of Myanmar are often as memorable as its temples. Their warmth and openness can lead to incredible portrait opportunities, but approaching these interactions with sensitivity is paramount. A photograph should be a moment of connection, not just a transaction.

• The Power of a Smile: Non-verbal communication is your most valuable tool. A genuine smile and a friendly nod can bridge any language gap. Before you even think of raising your camera, make eye contact and acknowledge the person. This simple act transforms you from a tourist into a visitor.
• Asking for Permission: Learning how to ask is a sign of respect. You can gesture by pointing to your camera and then to the person with an inquisitive look. For a more direct approach, the simple phrase “Dat pon yai lo ya ma la?” (Can I take a photo?) will be greatly appreciated, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. A nod or smile back is your green light; a shake of the head or an uncomfortable look means you should smile, say thank you, and walk away.
• Build Rapport First: The best portraits come from genuine interactions. Spend a few moments observing or engaging before asking for a photo. At a market, buy a piece of fruit from a vendor. In a workshop, show interest in their craft. This small investment of time builds trust and results in a more natural and relaxed portrait.
• Candid vs. Posed Moments: While candid street photography can capture the unscripted flow of life, portraits require consent. Be aware that in highly touristed areas, such as near the U Bein Bridge or with the Inle Lake fishermen, some individuals may pose specifically for photographers and expect a payment. Decide on your own ethical stance on this; sometimes a small payment supports a local, but it can also create a transactional dynamic. For authentic moments, focus on interactions away from the main tourist hubs.

Technical Tips for Myanmar’s Unique Conditions

Myanmar’s environment presents specific technical challenges and opportunities. From the harsh midday sun to the dimly lit interiors of ancient temples, being prepared will elevate your photography from simple snapshots to evocative images.

Dealing with High Contrast

One of the biggest challenges is the extreme dynamic range you’ll encounter. The bright, tropical sun outside a temple entrance creates a stark contrast with the dark, cavernous interiors. Your camera’s sensor will struggle to capture detail in both the deep shadows and bright highlights simultaneously. To overcome this, use the exposure bracketing feature on your camera to take a series of shots at different exposures (one dark, one medium, one bright). These can later be merged into a single High Dynamic Range (HDR) image in post-processing, revealing detail across the entire scene.

Compositional Elements

Look for ways to add depth and context to your images. Myanmar is rich with compositional aids that can transform a good photo into a great one.

• Sense of Scale: The temples of Bagan and the pagodas of Mandalay are immense. To convey their grandeur, include a human element. A lone monk in a crimson robe walking through a vast temple courtyard or a local farmer cycling past an ancient stupa provides a crucial sense of scale and adds a narrative layer.
• Framing: Use the environment to your advantage. Ancient stone doorways, arched windows in a monastery, or the intricate patterns of a temple wall can all be used to frame your subject. This technique adds depth, draws the viewer’s eye, and creates a more considered and artful composition.

Capturing Motion

Life in Myanmar is in constant motion. Capturing this dynamism can bring your portfolio to life. Use a sturdy tripod to experiment with shutter speed.

• Long Exposures: If you find yourself at a waterfall during the green season, a slow shutter speed (1/2 second or longer) will turn the rushing water into a smooth, silky cascade. At the Shwedagon Pagoda at night, a long exposure can blur the movement of walking devotees, creating a sense of serene energy against the static, golden stupa.
• Panning: In a bustling market or on a busy street, try panning. Select a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/15th to 1/60th of a second), focus on a moving subject like a cyclist or a trishaw, and follow their movement smoothly with your camera, pressing the shutter as you go. The goal is to keep the subject sharp while blurring the background, effectively conveying speed and energy.

A Photographer’s Guide to Cultural Etiquette

Beyond the technical aspects of photography, creating meaningful images in Myanmar requires a deep understanding and respect for its culture. The connection you build with the country and its people will be reflected in your work. Acting as a respectful guest, rather than just a photographer, will open doors to more authentic experiences and powerful photographs.

Dress Code and Conduct at Religious Sites

Myanmar’s pagodas, temples, and monasteries are not just ancient monuments; they are active places of worship and central to community life. Showing reverence is paramount. Adhering to the dress code is the most immediate way to show respect.

• Cover Up: Both men and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees before entering any religious compound. This rule is strictly enforced. It’s wise to carry a lightweight scarf or a traditional longyi (a sarong-like garment) with you, which can be easily worn over your clothes when needed.
• Barefoot is Best: You must remove all footwear, including socks, before stepping onto the grounds of a pagoda or monastery. The tiled or stone surfaces can get very hot in the sun, but this is a non-negotiable sign of respect. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, like sandals or loafers, to make frequent temple visits more convenient.
• Maintain a Quiet Demeanor: Remember that you are in a sacred space. Speak softly, avoid loud conversations, and move calmly. Be mindful of people who are praying or meditating, and give them ample space without pointing your camera directly at them during their devotions.

Interacting with Locals and Monks

The people of Myanmar are generally welcoming and curious, but cultural norms guide social interactions. A smile is a universal language, but knowing a few local customs will go a long way in building rapport.

• Photographing Monks: Monks in their crimson robes are a quintessential image of Myanmar, but it’s crucial to approach them with sensitivity. Always ask for permission before taking a close-up portrait, often a simple smile and a gesture towards your camera is enough. Do not interrupt them during prayer, study, or meals. Women should be particularly careful not to touch a monk, as they are forbidden from physical contact with females.
• The Head is Sacred: In Buddhist culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Never touch a person’s head, not even a child’s, as it is deeply disrespectful.
• Use Your Right Hand: The left hand is traditionally considered unclean. When giving or receiving anything—be it money, a gift, or a business card—always use your right hand or both hands as a sign of respect.

Navigating Modern Myanmar

Thoughtful preparation and awareness are key to a smooth and responsible photographic journey. Understanding the practicalities of travel and your role as a visitor will ensure your focus remains on capturing the beauty of the country ethically.

As with any international travel, responsible planning is essential. It is always a prudent step to consult your home country’s official travel advisories before your departure for the most current information and safety guidance to ensure a well-informed trip.

• Cash is King: While major hotels in Yangon and Mandalay may accept credit cards, Myanmar is predominantly a cash-based economy. The local currency is the Kyat (MMK). It is advisable to bring clean, crisp US dollars to exchange upon arrival. Ensure you have enough Kyat for daily expenses like meals, transport, and small purchases, especially in rural areas.
• Be an Ethical Observer: Your camera gives you a unique lens through which to see the world, but it also comes with responsibility. Strive to tell stories with dignity and honesty. Avoid intrusive photography, pay fairly for goods or services, and remember that you are a guest. The goal is not just to take a beautiful picture, but to leave a positive and respectful footprint.