Price US$154 | |
Ride Duration 1h 15m | |
Earliest Departure 07:55 | |
Latest Departure 07:55 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Most tourists land in Yangon, Myanmar’s former colonial capital, and head straight to more exotic and exciting locations.
While you shouldn’t write Yangon off altogether, Taunggyi is a city that often gets overlooked for places like Bagan or Mandalay. However, spend some time here, and you’ll see why it should be on every traveler’s radar.
After checking out some of these suggestions, you’ll be chomping at the bit to find a way to get from Yangon to Taunggyi.
Myanmar is packed full of pagodas, so it can feel overwhelming when choosing which ones to visit and which ones to skip.
However, you absolutely have to check out the Kakku Pagodas. This forest of nearly 2,500 stupas actually takes the shape of Buddha’s footprint and is one of the most unique places you can visit. The best part is that it’s still relatively off the tourist trail, so you will have the place mostly to yourself.
If you want to see how modern monks live, another unique site is The Jumping Cats Monastery. It’s a very opulent working monastery, and you can actually watch cats jump through hoops, which is how it got its name!
These are great places to stop on your way to Inle Lake or other areas in Shan State.
Now that it’s firmly on your Myanmar bucket list, you may be wondering, How do I get from Yangon to Taunggyi? Check out your options below.
The distance from Yangon to Taunggyi is about 450 km (~280 miles), which is often covered by bus.
Using overland public transportation is typically the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Myanmar. However, infrastructure isn’t the most effective, so a drive of this distance can take upwards of 16 hours.
It is possible to hire a private transfer, but it’s a much more luxurious option. Because you’ll be required to rent the entire vehicle, prices can range from US$300-$400 each way.
While the government has worked hard to improve infrastructure, this trip can still feel a little chaotic.
Try to get a window seat if you can. After you make it through Yangon’s traffic, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views of the mountains that divide Shan State from the Burmese lowlands.
If long car and bus rides aren’t for you, it’s also possible to fly from Yangon to Taunggyi.
You should note that flights in Myanmar often operate like buses. You may take off and land a few times before reaching your final destination, so don’t panic if you notice that your plane is descending earlier than expected.
When you consider how far it is from Yangon to Taunggyi, a few extra stops on your flight may be worth it to avoid that 12-hour bus ride!
When traveling in Myanmar, you’ll need to weigh up cost versus travel time or efficiency. But, unfortunately, when it comes to transport from Yangon to Taunggyi, you can’t have it all.
Taking the bus will be your cheapest option, but it can take 16 hours.
Hiring private transport is expensive, but you have control over your schedule. Plus, you’ll be picked up and dropped off directly at your accommodation.
Finally, flights can be a bit of a gamble. If you time your purchase right, they can cost as little as US$25. However, if you are traveling during peak season or can’t find a good deal, you may have to fork out over US$300 for the exact same flight.
Whatever you choose, the best way to get from Yangon to Taunggyi will help you maximize your time in Myanmar’s fifth-largest city.
Bus
If you’re on a budget, the bus is a great way to get to Taunggyi. You have three options to choose from: standard, tourist, and VIP, all with different amenities and price points.
All buses will allow you to bring about 20 kg of luggage plus a carry-on bag.
A standard bus is the cheapest option. Aung Thein Peik Express operates this route for US$8 per person.
The biggest downside to booking the standard bus is that it can take 16 hours to arrive. However, the bus will have AC and reclining seats, and a meal is included.
Tourist buses cost between US$8-17 per person and generally take about 12 hours to arrive in Taunggyi. Amenities include AC, reclining seats, and personal TV screens. Shwe Taung Yoe Express operates this bus each day.
Both the standard and tourist bus options do not allow you to cancel or change your ticket once it has been booked. So, make sure your plans are solid before you book.
VIP buses are the nicest of the three options, with tickets starting at $17. Mandalar Minn Express operates this route daily. It offers passengers food and drinks in addition to reclining seats, AC, and personal TVs. This ride also takes 12 hours, so the extra amenities may be worth the cost.
Pro Tips – it can get very loud on the bus, especially at night. Bring an eye mask and good headphones or earplugs if you want to try to sleep.
All three bus companies tend to blast their AC. And even though they might give you a blanket, it may not be enough to keep you warm. So bring a sweatshirt and a pair of socks just in case.
Flight
Yangon to Taunggyi flights are also available. You will fly from Yangon to Heho, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Air KBZ has a few departures per day, so you should be able to find something that fits your travel schedule.
Flights range from US$25-$450, so check for deals and set fare alerts to make sure you don’t overpay for your ticket.
Once you land in Heho, you’ll need to take a taxi for the remaining 38 km (about 25 miles) to Taunggyi. Taxis are easy to grab outside of the airport and should cost around US$30. As an added bonus, you’ll get dropped off directly at your accommodation. It’s always nice when you don’t need to worry about that extra step.
Private Transfer
Your final option for transport from Yangon to Taunggyi is to book a private transfer.
Mahar Thanlwin has minivans for hire, which can fit up to nine passengers depending on how much luggage you have. You’ll pay for the entire minivan, which costs between US$386-$400.
If you are traveling with a smaller group, you can always hire a car with Zar Ya Nee. These vehicles cost US$475 and can seat up to five people. The trip will take about 12 hours.
Both of these options are charged per vehicle, so you can split the cost with your group.
The best thing about a private transfer is you will be picked up and dropped off directly at your accommodation, and you get to set your own travel schedule.
Once you get to Taunggyi and have the opportunity to explore Shan State, a long day of travel will be well worth it!
These scenarios may not seem like the recipe for love at first, but have everything it takes to turn the trip of a lifetime into a lifetime of happiness.
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