The Top Luxury Hotels in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Ngapali for Myanmar Luxury Tour

A country steeped in history, Myanmar has become a major destination in Southeast Asia, with a flourishing tourism industry that sees more than 1.3 million visitors a year across its borders. An amazing place to visit, with the stunning temples of Bagan and the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda, and with a culture that retains its traditional ways, this simple destination is definitely not overwhelming. And despite the economic and social developments in recent years, Myanmar still feels like a trip into the annals of the National Geographic, circa 1900. However, while the countryside remains traditional, the major cities can cater to a range of visitors, with a good number of luxury hotels available for those that are less inclined to the basics.

Top luxury hotels in Yangon

Shangri-La Service Apartment Yangon (5 star)

One of the most desirable addressed in Yangon, the Shangri-La apartments feature a wide range of facilities, including gym, spa, pool, and tennis court. Set in 15 acres of grounds on Kan Yeik Thar Road in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township overlooking the serene Kandawgyi Lake, the rooms in this 50-star hotel start at around US$252 per night. Rooms all feature en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, IDD phones, and safe storage, and servants quarters if required. Suitable for single occupants up to a family of six, these luxury apartments range from normal rooms for three to penthouse apartments with a roof terrace.

Shangri-La Service Apartment Yangon

The Strand Yangon (5 star)

With rooms starting at around US$220 per night, the Strand in Yangon is one of the finest hotels in Southeast Asia, and has been open for more than 100 years. Located on the Strand Road, the hotel is the first to receive a Blue Plaque from the Yangon Heritage trust and was popular with famous adventurers and extraordinary raconteurs. A five-star hotel with accommodation ranging from twin and double rooms to luxurious penthouse suites, all rooms have Wi-Fi, hot running water in private bathrooms, comfortable luxurious furnishings, and all the modern amenities you would expect from such a prestigious hotel. An oasis of calm in the bustle of Yangon, the Strand is renowned for its Strand Café.

The Strand Yangon

Belmond Governor’s Residence (5 star)

A 1920s colonial mansion, this delightful 5-star hotel on in the Embassy Quarter on Taw Win Road in Dagon Township was once the private residence of the governor of the British Crown Colony of Burma, and was turned into a hotel in 2006. With rooms ranging from around 205 dollars per night, and with a unique locations close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, this luxurious and sumptuous hotel exudes the elegance that came with its prestigious position. Set in its own sculpted grounds, the hotel features lotus pools with water lilies, as well as a full spa, alfresco dining room overlooking the nearby pagoda, swimming pool, and a stocked library from its colonial past.

Belmond Governor’s Residence

Yangon Excelsior (5 star)

With over 70 rooms and suites to choose from, this “Traveller Made” brand partner hotel is located on Bo Soon Pat Street and dates back to around 1870, when it was the headquarters of the British Steel brothers Company. Rooms are designed with elegant warmth, and the atmosphere takes you back to the luxurious colonial days of Burma. With prices starting at around US$160 per night, the Excelsior Hotel, just five minutes from the 2,000-year-old Sule Pagoda boasts ultra-modern facilities and exquisite service.

Yangon Excelsior

Pan Pacific Yangon (5 star)

For breathtaking view of the city, the Pan Pacific Hotel is one of the best in Yangon. Featuring an outdoor infinity pool, luxurious spa, fitness center, air-conditioning throughout, and an ostentatious five-star restaurant, the Saan, the hotel is rated as the best value 5-star hotel in Burma. All rooms have private bathrooms with free toiletries, free Wi-Fi access, and sumptuous furnishings, and the luscious Teak Bar offers the best cocktails in Yangon. Rooms start at around US$140 per night and up, and is ideally located for transport in the city, as well as being a five-minute drive from Shwedagon Pagoda.

Pan Pacific Yangon

Top luxury hotels in Bagan

Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan (5 star)

Located in the Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone, the Aureum Palace is one of the most sumptuous hotels in Bagan. An expansive resort set in 27 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, this unique is a tranquil paradise in the middle of the magical Bagan. Prices range from as low as US$176 per night for this 5-star hotel, and the polished rooms feature minibars and flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, separate lounge and kitchen in the suites, and private pools and butlers in the villas. With 2 restaurants and 3 bars, you are spoilt for choose for food and drinks, and they include airport transfers and horse-drawn carriage rides for free. Located in Min Nanthu Village, the hotel is right next to the Bagan Nyaung Oo Golf Club.

Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

Bagan Lodge (4 star)

A 4-star boutique hotel on Myat Lay Road in New Bagan, just five-minutes’ drive from Lawka Nandar Pagoda and Damayarzaka Pagoda, the Bagan Lodge offers modern rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and patio, and has a luxury spa for pampering as well as an outdoor pool with surrounding gardens. The lodge also has an outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness center, and large restaurant, as well as two bars. With prices ranging from around US$154 per night and offering free airport transfers, the hotel is well-rated for couples on honeymoon, with an exquisite honeymoon suite.

Bagan Lodge

Heritage Bagan Hotel (4 hotel)

Located on the Bagan-Nyaung Oo airport road in the Myay Nal Lay Quarter near Nyaung Oo airport, the Heritage Bagan Hotel is a 4-star lodge hotel just 2km from the Izza Gawna Pagoda. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, luxurious gardens, fitness center, and spa and wellness center, the hotel boasts a 5-star restaurant serving a wide range of local and international cuisines. Rooms start at around US$80 per night, and offer private bathrooms with bath and shower, garden views, and air-conditioning, and the hotel has an outdoor hot tub and sun terrace.

Heritage Bagan Hotel

Top luxury hotels in Mandalay

Hilton Mandalay (5 star)

Set in the heart of the city of Mandalay, the 5-star Hilton Mandalay lies in four acres of beautifully sculpted gardens, in a prime location overlooking Mandalay Hill and the Royal Palace at the junction of 26th and 66th streets in Chan Aye Tharzan. All air-conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, and safe, and the hotel boasts all-day buffet breakfasts and a la carte dinners in its five signature restaurants and an executive lounge with all day refreshments and sun terrace. A fully fitted fitness center, spa and wellness center, and large outdoor pool with whirlpool are featured in the stunning gardens, and rooms start from around only 100 dollars per night.

Hilton Mandalay

Rupar Mandalar Resort (4 star)

Located at the corner of 53rd and 3rd streets, in Chan Aye Tharzan Township, the Rupar Mandalar Resort is a romantic hotel with an exotic atmosphere. Features of the hotel include swimming pool, beauty spa and wellness center, and a free Thai Massage on check-in, as well as three on-site restaurants offering a range of Thai, European, and local food throughout the day. Rooms all feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, cable TV, and balcony with seating area. Just 34km from Mandalay Airport and 15 minutes from the city center, the rooms start at around US$110 per night and up.

Rupar Mandalar Resort

Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort (4 star)

Part of the Accor Hotels Group, the Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort is located on 9 Kwin 416 B 10th Street at the foot of Mandalay Hill in Aungmyaythazan Township. Every room in the resort has a garden view, and offers air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with bathtub and shower, balcony seating area, flat-screen TV, and minibar. Wi-Fi is available free throughout the hotel, and it has a large swimming pool, fitness center, luxury spa and wellness center, the Kipling Lounge and Cigar Bar, and three restaurants that are open all day. Prices start at around US$140 per night and upwards.

Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort

Top luxury hotels in Ngapali

Amazing Ngapali Resort (5 star)

Located on Ngapali Beach in Zee Phyu Gone Village, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the Amazing Ngapali Resort is a 5-star resort that lies just 2km from the Ngapali Golf Course and 3km from Thandwe Airport. Rooms all include flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, minibars, private bathrooms, and terraces with sea views. Suites also have kitchens, lounge rooms, and whirlpool tubs. The resort is set in its own lush gardens, with an outdoor pool, alfresco restaurant, and cocktail bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and the rooms start at around just 80 dollars per night.

Amazing Ngapali Resort

Amara Ocean Resort (4 star)

Located in Gaut Village at the edge of Ngapali Beach, the Amara Ocean Resort is a delightful 4-star hotel that offers free Wi-Fi, sea views in all rooms, outdoor pool in sculpted private gardens, and spa and wellness center. Its signature restaurant serves a wide range of Asian cuisines, as well as European dishes and Rakkine cuisine all day, and the bar is open 24 hours. The hotel also has two pools, both indoor and outdoor. Rooms all have private bathrooms with bathtub and shower, private balcony with sea views, and sumptuous furnishings. Prices start at around US$124 per night.

Amara Ocean Resort

Thande Beach Hotel Ngapali (4 star)

Located on Gyeiktaw Main St, just off Ngapali Beach, the Thande Beach Hotel is renowned for its warm Burmese welcome and hospitality, and offers free Wi-Fi throughout, wellness center and spa, outdoor pool with attached children’s’ pool, and a beachfront bar and restaurant. All rooms are teak-lined and fitted with rattan furniture, with fine local fabric decorations and traditional handicrafts. Rooms all have private bathrooms with bath or shower, sea and garden views, satellite TV, and minibar. Prices range from as little as 54 dollars per night for this beautiful beachfront hotel, with free breakfast on the beach.

Thande Beach Hotel Ngapali

Summary

While other countries may have a better tourism infrastructure, Myanmar is fast catching up, and its luxury tourism industry has really taken off, with a wide range of luxurious and sumptuous four and five starred hotels in all the major cities. Choose from the cityscape luxury of Yangon to the landscaped hotels in Bagan itself or the delights of beachfront living in Ngapali. Wherever you go, you can find some of the world’s best luxury hotels in today’s Myanmar.