Myanmar in May

March to May is hot and dry in Myanmar (formerly Burma), a beautiful Buddhist country in South East Asia, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 38 ° C (72 – 100 °F). Making outdoor exploration sometimes difficult in middle of the day. The Bagan Temples in Mandalay are perfect early morning for idyllic sunrises, or charming sunsets late afternoon, when the heat is lower. It is much cooler around Inle Lake in the Shan Hills, as is the capital Yangon due its coastal location. Despite the heat it is worth bringing warm clothes for travel into the highlands and hill stations where it can become chilly in the evenings. In April, most of the country takes part in the New Year Water Festival when water is flung just about everywhere to celebrate the onset of the rainy season and drive out bad luck for the year ahead.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Myanmar

Take a 10-day journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious countries: Myanmar. You’ll discover the charming nation’s most adored destinations, flying in a hot-air balloon over Bagan’s temple-studded plains, observe expert leg-rowers at Inle Lake, circumambulate gilded temples, and get to know the people and their livelihoods.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,400
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Ancient Bagan to Hedonistic Ngapali

Experience mysterious Myanmar from top to bottom on this thrilling 14-day journey through its hotspots. You’ll take in the temples of ancient Bagan, interact with locals at a local silk weaving factory, and cruise down the calm waters of Inle Lake, all the while spending your nights in some of Myanmar’s best hotels.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,200
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Charming Putao

Discover Myanmar's charming Putao region on this exciting 5-day luxury journey. Have close encounters with local Lisu, Rewang and Shan villagers, explore the Nam Lang River, take a scenic cruise down the Malikha river, and see the area by bike, while staying at the cozy Malikha Lodge.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,900
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Cultural Highlights and Himalayan Foothills

Explore Myanmar’s great outdoors on this exhilarating 14-day adventure. You’ll make friends with local villagers, check out Bagan’s 2,000 temples, cruise down the legendary Inle Lake, raft the exciting Malikha river, and stay in some of Myanmar’s most luxurious hotels, like the iconic Governor’s Residence.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,700
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Culture and Coastline - Mrauk U to Ngapali Beach

Spend 9 luxurious days taking in Myanmar’s ancient culture in ancient Mruak U, and lazing on its stunning coastline on beautiful Ngapali beach. You’ll meander through age-old temples and palaces, make friends with Chin tribespeople, and enjoy free time looking out upon the Bay of Bengal, while staying in luxury hotels.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,300
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Exploring the Tattooed Tribes of Chin State

This 6-day luxury Myanmar adventure will take you to remote ethnic villages in the Northwest of the country. Make friends with members of the Mon Chin, Dai Chin and Magan Chin tribes, whose female members have intricate facial tattoos. You’ll trek alongside scenic rivers and farms, and stay in luxury hotels. 

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,500
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Gems & Dolphins in Central Myanmar

Discover the history, industry, and beautiful nature of Central Myanmar (Burma) on this exciting six-day adventure. You’ll visit a colonial outpost in Pyin Oo Lwin, a local gem mining area, and spend a few days cruising down the Ayeyarwady river to enjoy encounters with its eponymous dolphins.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
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Hill Tribes of the Mysterious Shan State

Discover Myanmar’s hidden hilltribes in the country’s Shan state on this whirlwind 4-day luxury adventure. You’ll make friends with the traditional tribespeople, and learn about their day-to-day lives, rituals, customs, and more, while staying at the peaceful New Kyaing Tong Hotel. 

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $93,100
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Lost Islands of Mergui

Spend 5 days discovering the stunning hidden treasure that is the Mergui archipelago and this luxury Myanmar trip. You’ll dive at one of the world’s best dive sites, while staying on a luxurious private liveaboard boat, enjoying fun beachside activities, and meeting members of the Sea Gypsy clan. 

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,900
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Recommended Festivals For Myanmar in May

Novitiation Ceremonies

Novitiation Ceremonies

March-May

Seeking enlightenment and escaping hell, the novitiation ceremony celebrates young men becoming novices in Buddhism. A religious celebration, this fascinating cultural tradition involves a parade where the new novices walk about dressed as princes. Invaluable among Buddhist families, this is a rite of passage for young Burmese men. There is no exact age when young boys can become a novice, and no exact time of year when this must take place, however most novitation ceremonies occur between March and May, as this is when schools close for the summer vacation.

Location Countrywide, Myanmar

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