An honest assessment of a complicated situation
This is one of the most important questions a traveler can ask about Myanmar right now, and it deserves an honest answer rather than a tourist promotion.
The short answer
Parts of Myanmar are relatively stable for tourism; significant parts are not. The country has been in armed conflict since the February 2021 military coup, with resistance forces (People’s Defence Force and ethnic armed organizations) fighting the military throughout much of the country. The conflict has intensified since 2023.
Currently accessible areas
Bagan (Mandalay region): temples remain accessible and have been relatively stable, though Mandalay itself has seen conflict. Inle Lake (Shan State): the immediate lake area has been relatively stable but Shan State broadly has conflict. Ngwe Saung and Ngapali beaches (Rakhine coast): accessible from Yangon by flight, relatively stable. Yangon: the commercial capital has been more stable than other regions but not without incidents.
Areas to avoid
Chin State, Sagaing Region, Kayah/Karenni State, parts of Shan State, and the Myanmar-Thai border areas have active conflict and should not be visited. Several Western governments have “do not travel” advisories for these areas.
My recommendation
Check your government’s current Myanmar travel advisory immediately before booking. The situation changes rapidly. Consider whether the ethical implications of visiting are acceptable to you given the current political context. If you do go, travel with a reputable local guide who understands the current safe routes and stays updated on the situation.