A 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, has sent shockwaves through the region, endangering the country's tourism industry and causing widespread panic among residents and visitors alike. The quake, which struck on March 28, 2025, has raised concerns about potential casualties and infrastructure damage, particularly in the popular tourist areas surrounding Mandalay.
Mandalay, known for its ancient monasteries and royal palaces, is a key destination for travelers in Southeast Asia. Initial reports from Myanmar have not confirmed any casualties or significant structural damage, but the proximity of tourist hotspots to the epicenter has left many worried. Travel companies in Bagan, Inle Lake, and Pyin Oo Lwin are currently assessing the situation, with some already canceling or rerouting tours in Mandalay.
Hotel staff across Mandalay reported feeling violent tremors as tourists rushed out of buildings in panic. One tourist, Mai Anh from Vietnam, who had been in Bangkok since February 26, recounted her experience: "The body jumped up as if someone was shaking it. I ran down to the lobby and stood there for about two minutes." She had just returned to her hotel after visiting the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and decided to cancel her trip to Chiang Mai due to fear.
In Bangkok, over 1,000 kilometers away from Mandalay, skyscrapers shook violently, causing swimming pool water to overflow and prompting hundreds of tourists to flee into the streets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand quickly undertook structural inspections at high-rise hotels and issued public safety recommendations. Despite no reported damage in Bangkok, the psychological impact on international tourists, already on edge from recent weather disruptions and political protests, has been significant.
Hoang Nhat, another tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, was in a hotel in the Baiyoke area when the earthquake struck. "We quickly ran outside when we saw ceiling panels and lights falling. Some people were panicking," he said, noting that his group was not allowed back into their rooms for over an hour after the quake.
Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Vietravel, confirmed that the company had two groups totaling 40 people in Bangkok, with one group evacuating the Baiyoke Sky building immediately while the other had already been outside. Meanwhile, Ha Duy Luan, director of Van Thinh Tour, reported that his group of 25 had just left a commercial center when the earthquake hit, and fortunately, everyone managed to reach safety and continue their tour.
Tour guide Anh Minh, who was leading a group near the BTS Talat Plu station during the quake, described the scene: "People began to flee from buildings, and there were screams everywhere. Having experienced an earthquake in Taiwan, I instructed my group to remain calm and find safe shelter."
As the earthquake's impact reverberated through the region, major travel companies and booking platforms reported a surge in cancellations and postponements, particularly for trips to Myanmar. Domestic tourism in Thailand is also witnessing a shift, with travelers changing their bookings from Bangkok to coastal areas like Krabi and Koh Samui, perceived as less risky.
In response to the earthquake, cruise companies operating on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar halted operations for 48 hours to assess potential damage. Although Myanmar's main airport near Mandalay reported no operational issues, regional aviation authorities are on high alert for aftershocks. Airports in Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, issued precautionary notices to airlines, although no flights were disrupted at the time of reporting.
As the situation unfolds, airlines such as AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Myanmar Airways are closely monitoring developments, with the possibility of flight cancellations looming if further seismic activity occurs. The earthquake could not have come at a worse time, as March marks the peak tourism season in Southeast Asia, when global travelers flock to the region for spring vacations and festivals.
Travel advisories from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union may be updated in the coming days, reflecting the growing concerns over safety in the region. Additionally, travel insurance providers are reviewing coverage terms for tourists heading to Myanmar in light of the current situation.
The recent earthquake echoes a previous disaster in late August 2016, when a 6.8 magnitude quake damaged at least 187 temples and pagodas in Myanmar, resulting in three fatalities. This history adds to the urgency of the current situation, as both tourists and local residents brace for the potential aftershocks of the latest seismic event.
As authorities coordinate emergency responses and assess the damage, the tourism industry in Myanmar faces an uncertain future. The combination of natural disaster and the peak travel season has created a precarious situation, with many hoping for a swift recovery and return to normalcy.
