Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Yangon

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$3-8 per day

Street food stalls, local tea shops, markets, occasional basic restaurants

Transportation

$1-4 per day

Public buses, circular train, walking, occasional shared taxis

Activities

$2-10 per day

Free temple visits, walking tours, occasional pagoda entrance fees, local markets

Eat at local tea shops and street stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public circular trains and buses instead of taxis (usually 85-90% savings on transport)

Visit temples and pagodas during free hours rather than paying entrance fees

Stay in local neighborhoods like Southeastasia rather than downtown tourist areas (generally 30-50% cheaper accommodation)

Buy snacks and water at local markets instead of hotel shops (typically 70% less expensive)

Take group tours instead of private guides (usually 50-70% cost reduction)

Negotiate taxi fares beforehand or use ride-sharing apps with fixed pricing

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport (typically 5-8x more expensive daily)

Eating only in hotel restaurants and tourist areas (usually 100-200% markup over local prices)

Not carrying small bills for street vendors and public transport (often leads to overpaying)

Booking accommodation in prime tourist zones without comparing local neighborhood options (generally 40-80% price difference)