There’s nothing better than a cold pint after a long day of site-seeing and travel. Although Myanmar has only recently opened its culture and tradition up to the world, there is still a good number of places where you can unwind and relax.
Here are a few of the most loved bars and pubs by tourists across Myanmar.
Yangon
Yangon, as a bigger city, has a few more options than most other towns you’ll find yourself in during your holiday in the country.
ATLAS Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Opening hours: 5:00PM – 12:00AM
Located on the 12th floor, this open rooftop bar offers not just great cocktails, but also fantastic views of Yangon’s skyline.
You can see the city’s biggest landmark, the Shwedagon Pagoda, shining golden from this bar. Mind you, this bar is a bit on the expensive side- but you’re paying more for the view and atmosphere than anything else!
Win Star
Opening hours: 9:00 AM- 11:PM
Located on Sanchaung Street, this beer station is the biggest among the many small pubs and cafés littered around People’s Park.
It serves a healthy number of ex-pats and is popular among the locals too! The beer here is relatively inexpensive- you’ll be able to down about 10 glasses for $6!
The Blind Tiger
Opening hours: 4:00PM- 12:00AM
Easy to miss on Seik Kan Thar Road, the Blind Tiger is quite the establishment. This bar offers special in-house infused vodka and gin drinks, the most popular of which is their chili-infused vodka mix.
Although the prices are higher than most bars, averaging at around $5, they have great deals too, with a happy hour every day!
Burbrit Taproom
Opening hours: 11:00AM-11:00PM
If you’re looking for something other than the usual lager, the Burbit Taproom specializes in interesting craft beers. With their own brewery, they have a selection of around 9-10 unique beers, favorites among which are the Nevada Ipa, Coffee Staut and Red Ale.
This spot is also centered around a sports bar theme, which makes for a great atmosphere after a long day of sightseeing!
Terminal 5
Opening hours: 4:00PM-12:00AM
Unlike most other places to get a pint in Yangon, this bar is reasonably priced. This bar is great value for money, sticking to the basics – well-chilled beer and good food.
Many tourists have found this bar to be a perfect stop in the evening, to get away from the hot and humid air and to wind down with a budget drinking experience.
Mandalay
Ginki Mandalay, Bar & Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 11:00PM
Located at the corner of 71st street & 28th street, this quaint joint is well-loved by travelers. It offers not just a range of cuisines, but also an excellent bar menu.
Visitors are pleasantly surprised by their variety of quality cold beers and cocktails. Most tourists who drop by in the evening often go back a second time to enjoy a few drinks in the ambiance of the terrace and palm trees!
Ned Kelly Restaurant and Pub
Opening hours: all-day
Styled as an Irish pub, this open rooftop bar offers tourists a decent selection of drinks and beers. They have a menu of about 8 signature drinks, which come at a 50% discount and are now well received by the pub’s patrons.
In addition to this, they offer Guinness at half-price throughout a few select days in the week, and daily happy hours from 4:40 PM to 6:30 PM.
The Rock Gastro Bar
Opening hours: 10:00AM – 11:00PM
You’ll find a variety of drinks at this American country-style bar, but the standard order is Heineken from the tap. They offer almost comically sized massive mugs of beer at very affordable rates. I
n addition to the usually imported brands of beer, this bar also stocks up on local brands. It’s a great opportunity to try out some of the local staples like Mandalay Beer and Gagon Beer here!
Uncle Chan Beer Station
Well off the beaten path, this small family-run joint offers an experience more rustic than your usual drinking spot. If you’re familiar with Chinese-style barbeque, you’ll find the food here enjoyable.
In addition, this joint offers cold beer at ridiculously low prices – each beer costs about $0.60. However, don’t expect the best reception or ambiance – it caters to a largely local customer base and has absolutely no pretensions!
As authentic a Myanmar drinking experience as you can get!
Landmark Sky Bar
Opening hours: 9:00PM- 1:00AM
One of the few bars which stay open past midnight, the Landmark Sky Bar offers unmatched views of the city and the surrounding region from the 32nd floor! With a modern ambiance, a drink at this spot is definitely worth a visit at sunset.
The bar offers a good selection of cocktails, but the repeat order is their Dry Ice Beer.
Bagan
Although Bagan is a smaller town with fewer options, two particular bars have become must-dos for those who prefer a drink after a tiring day of travel.
Hti Bar
Opening hours: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM
Popular with tourists, this bar offers shisha in addition to the usual drink and cocktail options at very reasonable prices. Patrons find the flavors of shisha new and interesting, unique to Myanmar.
Further, the beer is inexpensive, with a Tuborg draft for under $1, Buy 1 Get 1 on beer, and happy hours from 5-7PM. Their options for rum sour are also a popular order off their bar menu.
Ostello Bello Mingalabar
In the same compound as the popular hostel of the same name, this bar offers the basic choices in drinks. If you’re looking for a place to chill and hang out with young people from all around the world, this bar is the place for you.
Catering to the hotel’s residents, it hosts a mostly international crowd and is great for meeting new and interesting people! There are beer pong watches that last through the night and the bar offers reasonably priced cocktails during its daily happy hour.
Naypyidaw
Although left forgotten by travelers and tourists, this young capital city still has a few up and coming bars and pubs to visit.
Breeze Bar
Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
Great for a cheery vibe, this bar offers a live band in the midst of bamboo huts and palm trees. It is also one of the only bars to stock up on imported brands – the locals here love a Bud.
Most patrons will appreciate the band and they also offer shisha!
Peacock Café and Bar
Opening hours: 10:00AM- 11:00PM
One of the few rooftop bars in town, this spot offers cocktails, beer, wine, and a host of other imported drinks.
It is well-loved for its enthralling view of the city below. It’s great if you’re looking for a comfortable place to spend your evening in the capital city. It is also affordable and is known around the city for its great food!
I hope this quick guide has helped point you to a few places to wind down in Myanmar! While you go hopping around looking for some good places to drink, try and step out of your comfort zone a bit more by trying the local beer brands, like Myanmar Beer and Dagon Lager Beer!
The local rum is a good option too, and much less expensive, costing under a dollar. Although young, Myanmar’s crop of western-style pubs and bars are promising, with new places opening up every week!
Looking for a place to stay in Myanmar?
Booking.com
LIKE IT? PIN IT
