A Guide to Social Enterprise for Travelers in Myanmar
Updated June 2020
I hear from so many travelers to Myanmar who want to make sure that their money goes to the people, and not to the government or croonies. In the past few years, there has been a big boom in creative social enterprises in Myanmar, and I wanted to shine a light on them.
What is a Social Enterprise?
The BC Centre for Social Enterprise defines it like this:
Social enterprises are revenue-generating businesses with a twist. Whether operated by a non-profit organization or by a for-profit company, a social enterprise has two goals: to achieve social, cultural, community economic and/or environmental outcomes; and, to earn revenue.
On the surface, many social enterprises look, feel, and even operate like traditional businesses. But looking more deeply, one discovers the defining characteristics of the social enterprise: mission is at the centre of business, with income generation playing an important supporting role (from The Centre for Community Enterprise).
My friends Dan and Audrey have a comprehensive post on using social enterprise to improve your travel if you would like to dive deeper.
I'll be focusing on social enterprises in Myanmar that target tourists and expats. You know, the sort of ones that you would be most likely to check out.
Social Enterprises in Yangon
The most common entry point for visitors to the country, visiting these spots in Yangon can be a good place to start your trip (and see what's available) and stop by before you depart to fill up your checked bag with goodies before you fly home, or find a nice place to grab a bite to eat. This is also where the largest concentration of them exists.
HLA DAY - Shop
Hla Day works with Myanmar artisans, disadvantaged groups and small businesses to design, develop and sell quality handmade products with a contemporary twist.
Each step of the way, the team at Hla Day works with local groups helping them come up with ideas for products, assisting with training and design, and paying a reasonable wage. The goal is to help support the livelihoods of their producers, many of whom are struggling to overcome disability, exclusion and poverty.
Hla Day aims to capture the unique flavors of Myanmar design by locally sourcing all materials and celebrating traditional skills enabling both customers and producers to enjoy and benefit from unique and quality Myanmar handicrafts.
As well as carrying smaller, less expensive items that are easy to throw in your bag before you leave the country such as jailed journalist Wa Lone’s children’s book Jay the Journalist from Third Story Children’s Books, they also carry a selection of high-end jewelry from Turquoise Mountain and chin textiles.
Oh, and "Hla day" means beautiful in Burmese :)
Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.
Location
81 Pansodan Street, 1st Floor (middle lower block) Yangon, Myanmar Google Maps
Daily: 10am - 9pm
Contact:
info@hladaymyanmar.org / +95 9452 241 465 / Website
Pomelo - Shop
One of the earliest in the game, Pomelo is much like Hla Day (in fact, they were once one-in-the-same...) and carrying many of the same products.
Another fair trade shop offering contemporary hand-made products with a Myanmar style. They provide opportunities for artisan partners so they can improve their lives, working with dozens of disadvantaged groups, developing their business and administration skills as well as providing design insight.
I particularly appreciate the recent signage that they have put up, which talks about each of the organizations that they work with. Brilliant touch!
Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.
Location
Flagship Store: 89 Thein Phyu Street, Yangon Google Maps
Daily: 9:30am - 9:30pm
Contact
shop@pomeloformyanmar.com / +95 1 295 358 / Website
Pann Nann Ein - Shop
One of my favorite producers in Myanmar, Pann Nann Ein supports individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously raising awareness of neglected disability issues, including physical disabilities, mental health problems, learning disabilities, and language and speech impediments.
Products include really cool dropcut cards made with traditional longyi fabric, unique postcards, and other fabric-based products like bags, journals, bookmarks, and picture frames. Until recently, Pann Nann Ein just sold their products through stores like Hla Day, Pomelo and the like, but as of June 2017, has just opened up their own showroom in downtown Yangon.
This article (1/2 way down) has a good interview with one of the founders, Hnin Phyu Kaung, illustrating the impact on their members:
“Before members join, they never go outside their house. Now they become very confident. They can talk freely because they have money, and they have business. Some of the group members can save money, and they have dream to build a house in their village and go on holiday around the whole country for pilgrimage. One of the deaf girls planned to have a baby but she didn’t have a job and her husband did not have good health. When we met, she worked very hard and saved money. Now she has a son and is very happy.”
Location
YMCA Building 2nd Floor - Thein Phyu Rd just south of Mahabandula, Yangon Google Maps
Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm
Contact
pann.nann.ein@gmail.com / Website
Helping Hands - Shop
Helping Hands pairs up skilled artisans to work along side former street kids to teach them the art of restoring old teak furniture that Myanmar is famous for.
While likely not the best option for a traveler heading home looking to fill a small hole in their luggage, if you're an expat in Yangon, they could have just the thing to jazz up your little home.
Location
92b Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda St, Yangon Google Maps
Monday - Saturday
Contact
aungmyo777@hotmail.com / +95 9 779 080398 / Website
(might be worth calling ahead and asking for Aung to make sure someone is around who speaks English)
ChuChu - Shop
Another cool and unique community-based, environmental artisan workshop. Situated across the river from Yangon in Dala, local family groups are given responsibility for the production of certain items, and then come together to finish off the end products. Profits are distributed back into the artisans’ pockets.
This organization is best known for it’s bright “upcycled” bags, but they work with used umbrellas, plastic bags and even cement bags for their products. My favorites are the belts and cases made of rubber from used tubes and tires.
If you can’t make it out to Dala yourself, you can find a selection of their products at Hla Day and Pomelo in downtown Yangon. Check out this article from Frontier Myanmar for more info and their catalog.
Location
507, Khaye Road, Dala Township, Yangon Google Maps
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Contact
chuchurecycle@gmail.com / +95 9 792 582795 / Website
Sone-Tu Chin Weavings - Shop
Founded in 2002 by Mai Ni Ni Aung, Sone-Tu came out of a want, and a need to preserve traditional techniques and styles that were quickly being lost. Locals who were struggling to pay their bills could no longer afford to make, let alone buy these traditional pieces. This time consuming process can take 3 weeks for an experienced weaver to create one 80”x20” single-patterned shawl.
Since then, they have become known around the world, having created a sustainable and growing system to pay the elderly mentors to train the next generation of weavers (now numbering over 120). The project overwhelmingly supports women and children and proud of their motto “Preserving Culture through Opportunity.”
Location
138 Bogalazay Street, Room 6, Yangon Google Maps
Monday - Saturday
Contact
chinweavings@sonetu.com / +95 9450064782, +95 9254005121 / Website
FXB Myanmar - Shop
FXB has a showroom featuring products made by artisans who have graduated from the FXB training diploma program. Products include scarves, pillows, clothing, toys, and even small furniture.
FXB's programs help educate hundreds of young students every year coming from at-risk backgrounds, with a focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and support. Their training programs aim to give better job opportunities in the tourism industry as the country continues to open up. They even run community theatre programs targeting topics such as women's and children's rights.
Location
No.294/3, Shwe Gon Daing Road, Middle Shwe Gon Daing Ward. (In Front of Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda) Bahan Township. Yangon Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 7pm
Contact
+95 9 73016552 / Website
The Able - Eat
This spot, freshly opened in mid-2019, calls itself a “Sign Language Book Cafe.” This neatly decorated place offers a menu of Myanmar dishes, drinks and coffee as well as a healthy supply of books (Myanmar and English).
Staffed by a team of friendly audibly-challenged staff, you’ll order with the help of a little flip book, and maybe even learn a sign or two while you’re here. Those challenged with disabilities often find it almost impossible to find work in Myanmar, and the team here is lovely and really seems to be rocking.
It can be a little tricky to find as it’s one floor up from street level. But the drinks, wifi, and good times are worth the visit for sure. It’s a favorite spot for me.
Location
58, First Floor, Bogalayzay Street, Lower Block
Yangon Google Maps
Daily: 11am-8pm
Contact
myokyawthu2007@gmail.com / +95 9 963 034495 / Website
Linkage Training Restaurant & Art Gallery - Eat
Hidden on the first floor of a side street in downtown Yangon, LinkAge offers cooking and service vocational training for Yangon street children. For you, it also offers a tasty Myanmar / Chinese fusion menu.
The goal of the operation is to train street kids, and help get them back to school.
It can be a little tricky to spot (especially at night) , but look for the sign on the west side of the street. You'll head up a set of stairs to get to the little restaurant and gallery.
Quick tip, call ahead and make a reservation for the tiny table for two on the balcony overlooking the street below. Generally speaking, it's probably a good idea to call ahead in the evenings since the place only has a few tables.
Location
No. 141, 1st floor, Seikkantha Street, Between Mahabandoola & Merchant Road, Yangon Google Maps
Tues-Sun: 11am-2pm, 6pm-10pm
Contact
contact@LinkAge-Restaurant.org / +95 9 792 028152 / Website
Yangon Bakehouse - Eat
Focusing on empowering women, Yangon Bakehouse delivers delicious salads, sandwiches, and baked goods at their two cafes in Yangon. It's particularly good if you're looking for baked good with a more euro-style (ie: less sugar).
Their training is a 10 month program, which includes 3 months of classroom theory and 7 months of on-the-job training. It's not all about baking however, with classes on health & hygiene, reproductive health, family planning, savings strategies and more. Their graduation rate is over 80% and show a 500% increase in earning power when they finish.
Location
Pearl Condo Training Cafe - Block C, Ground Floor, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp Google Maps
7am - 7pm (7 Days a week)
Junction City Mall Cafe - 5th Floor @ Corner of Bogyoke Aung San Road & Shwedagaon Pagoda Road, Pabedan Tsp Google Maps
9am -9pm Sun-Thurs
9am-10pm Fri-Sat
Contact
Shwe Sa Bwe - Eat
For more European fare, this French restaurant on lovely Inya Lake has a service and culinary training program for young Myanmar Nationals. Each year, they sponsor 20 local students with free tuition to learn under the tutelage of their experienced teachers. They are also a non-profit, with all proceeds being funneled back into the school.
Their set menu rotates every three weeks, so it’s always fresh. Check the Shwe Sa Bwe Facebook page for their current offering.
Location
20 Malikha Street, Mayangone, Yangon Google Maps
Tuesday through Saturday for Lunch from noon, and Dinner from 6:30pm
(reservations recommended)
Contact
shwesabwe@gmail.com / 09421005085 / Website
Doh Eain - Experience
Heritage restoration and “placemaking” organization Doh Eain really became noticed a few years ago after spearheading an alley restoration project. Downtown Yangon’s alleyways used to be filled with garbage and essentially unpassable, but in the past few years, the city has made an effort to keep them clean. Doh Eain took that to the next level by helping remake these spaces for the community and children. They have now crowdfunded for and completed 6 alleyway projects.
Doh Eain offers walking tours beginning at their office on 41st Street, first introducing you to the project, passing by some of their workspaces, and hearing some of the local stories the past, and the exciting future of downtown Yangon. The entire tour (including snack) lasts about 90min and costs $15 USD (min 4 people)
Location
No 112, 41st street (between Mahabandoola and Merchant Road), Botahtaung Township, Yangon Google Maps
Contact
contact@doheain.com / 09789749423 09421028872 / Website
Three Good Spoons - Experience
This not-for-profit social business provides cooking classes not only for tourists, but locals as well. If you’re coming for a visit, you’ll probably be more interested in their Myanmar cooking class option featuring staples such a mohinga and Shan kauk sway (shan noodles).
Classes are provided in English, and Vegetarian / Vegan options are available.
Location
Level 2/102A Dhammazedi Road, Bahan, Yangon Google Maps
Advanced Bookings Required
Contact
info@threegoodspoons.com / 09769707175 / Website
Social Enterprises in Bagan / Nyaung U
One of the hotspots for travelers to Myanmar, Bagan also has some great ways for you to make sure your tourism dollars leave a lasting impact beyond the hotels and restaurants you'll frequent during your stay. See my Bagan Travel Guide for more planning info.
Mboutik - Shop
This showroom and shop carries a variety of interesting and unique gifts from the region, including textiles, rattan, and jewelry. To top it off, 100% of the profit is allocated to the group that produced the item as the overhead for the business operations of the organization and store are covered by foreign aid organizations.
Supported by Action Aid (a prominent anti-poverty organization), their network in Myanmar is based around supporting women in the "Dry Zone" where food scarcity is a real issue. Their Craft Producer Network focuses on education and training, even providing day care and a monthly stipend when they are in school. After they are finished, they are encouraged to create and join Women Producers Support Groups where they are taught basic business skills such as bookkeeping. It's a really great program that reaches deep into villages to assist women.
Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.
Location
Sabae St, New Bagan Google Maps
Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Contact
mboutiksedn@gmail.com / +95(0)6160358 / Website
Pomelo - Shop
The same Pomelo from Yangon has a new satellite location in Nyaung U (Bagan). Smaller than the main store, they still have plenty of interesting postcards, cutting boards, bags, baskets and more from many other good social enterprises in the country.
Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.
Location
Thi Ri Pyitsaya 4 St (Restaurant Row) - Across from Weatherspoons, Nyaung U Google Maps
Daily: 10:00am - 9:30pm (with a break in the afternoons)
Contact
shop@pomeloformyanmar.com / Website
Sanon Training Restaurant - Eat
This training restaurant helps give opportunity to disadvantaged youth from the region with on-the-job training, English classes, and other support for a year, as well as help to find a job in the industry afterward. In the short time that it has been around, there have already been several success stories of graduates being picked up for excellent jobs in hospitality.
As a restaurant, Sanon offers a fairly ambitious menu that mostly delivers in spades. If you're sick of Myanmar beef curry, you could always go for the Tilapia Filet on Sautéed Leek & Apples with Preserved Lime, Caper and Anchovy Butter. Seriously. But it's busy, so book ahead, and be sure to get a little tour of the kitchen before you leave.
Location
Pyu Saw Hti Street, Nyaung U (Next to Thante Hotel) Google Maps
Oct-March: Daily 11am-10pm
April-Sept: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm
Contact
contact@sanon-restaurant.org / +959451951950 / Website
Three Treasures Bagan - Experience
Improving local livelihoods through inclusive tourism is the mantra behind the UKAID award-winning Three Treasures Bagan. Ian, Thandar and their team look to change the local/foreigner dynamic by creating an environment where guests engage with and learn from local people and communities, including local organic farmers.
An off-shot of a Swiss-based NGO Myanmar SEEDS, Three Treasures offers hands-on bamboo crafting classes, photo tours, meditation courses and even day-long romantic tour options. Recommended.
Location
No. O-25, Thazin Road, New Bagan Google Maps
Contact
+95 977 950 16 97 / admin@myanmar-treasures.com / Website
Social Enterprises in Kalaw
The quiet hill station of Kalaw is one of my favorite places in the entire country, with its mix of cooler temps perfect for hikes, tree-lined streets and yummy food. (See my Kalaw Travel Guide for more info)
Clover Social Enterprise Gift Shop - Shop
Started by a local trekking guide and a graduate from Sprouting Seeds, Clover Social Enterprise Gift Shop sells handicrafts from several producers and social enterprise producers (like Pann Nann Ein) in a small shop just south of the main highway. Of particular note are interesting hand-painted bowls, cotton scarves with natural dyes, and rubber wallets that you might not come across in other shops.
Location
Aung Chan Tha Street, south of the highway and across from Parami Hotel Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 5pm
Contact
clover.nov2016@gmail.com / +95 9 250 023 898 / Website
RDA Fair Trade Shop - Shop
This little shop on the outside of the Kalaw Market offers a few goods made in the local villages, including a small selection of clothes, hand-made paper products, and beadwork. You can probably see everything in the shop in a couple of minutes, but it's worth a visit regardless.
The RDS (Rural Development Society) was founded in 1992 by U Tommy Aung, and is best known for its water and development projects in the region. In addition, they help with micro-financing. Sales from the shop go directly to fund these projects.
Location
Min Street, south of the highway near the market Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 5pm
Contact
rdskalaw@gmail.com / Website
Sprouting Seeds Cafe & Bakery - Eat
This lovely cafe about 8min walk from the town center is a great way to avoid the noise of the main street in a comfy little spot up the hill. With locally-sourced produce for the meals, real french pastries made on site, and their own home-made ice cream... there is something for everyone. The interior is nice and comfy, encouraging people to set together at their comfy tables. Outside are a few picnic tables with umbrellas for shade for enjoying those lovely, fresh Kalaw days.
The parent organization, Whispering Seed, has been involved in projects in Myanmar for many years. In the pipeline, Sprouting Seeds plans to offer cooking classes, an on-site yoga studio, and more.
They focus their support on orphans and other disadvantaged youth, offering a safe home, job skills training, and help starting their own businesses.
Location
85 Thida Lan, Kalaw Google Maps
Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 7pm
Contact
+95 9 767 472669 / Website
Social Enterprises in Pindaya
The town most famous for its caves also has a new social enterprise in town.
Plan Bee - Experience
This non-profit has been teaching local villagers in Southern Shan State the value of bees and beekeeping as bee colonies collapse in the west. This includes education, training, and support. So far, they have helped create 19 small cooperatives of new beekeepers.
For travelers coming through, you can purchase Plan Bee honey from their small shop, as well as other beeswax products (and halva!). You can even arrange a one-of-a-kind beekeeping learning tours and community based workshops where you will learn to make beeswax candles or balms. Best to contact them in advance to arrange.
If you can't make it to Pindaya, you should be able to find some Plan Bee honey in some supermarkets in Myanmar as well.
Location
Sue Bo Gone Ward, Pindaya Google Maps
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Contact
planbeemyanmar@gmail.com / Website
Social Enterprises in Nyaungshwe & Around Inle Lake
The gateway to Inle Lake has a social enterprise scene that is about to launch. This is great news for travelers who flock to the lake for a few days and want to take a special something home with them.
Sunflowers Organic Dye Weaving Studio - Shop
This little studio / shop is at the edge of town, on the road heading toward Maing Thauk. You should be able to see the bight red and yellow sign from the road. Inside, you may find the young women weaving, and a small little shop of scarves and other weaved goods. Prices for mostly cotton works are inexpensive and colors more muted (natural dyes) than what you would find a lotus weaver on the lake.
Location
No. 246, Nandawun 6th Quarter, Maing Thauk Road
Nyaung Shwe Google Maps
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Contact
09 45001 1956 / Website
Inle Canoe Lady - Experience
About 45-60min by boat south of Nyaungshwe is the floating village of Pauck Par. Here, a group of ladies from the village will give you a tour around by canoe, zipping up and down the lanes by the school, local store and seeing all of the more than 200 homes reflecting in the water. Canoe is the best way to experience life on the lake in my opinion, and shouldn’t be missed.
The canoes are hand-carved teak and particularly lovely. Thanks to some handles and a bit of a seat, a little easier to get in and out of than the typical. Lifejackets, hats and umbrellas are provided.
Bring a postcard with postage already attached and drop it at the floating mailbox in the village.
Location
Under Eyeful Restaurant
Pauck Par village
Daily
Contact
09 43029116 / Website
Social Enterprises in Hpa-An
Lovely Hpa-An in Kayin State is a great place to explore for a couple of days with a large number of limestone caves and karst formations in the area. And now with some social enterprises popping up too.
Veranda Youth Community Café - Eat
This brand new place in Hpa-An is the first social business project of the Tounge La' Yat Education Gathering Group (EGG) which is a Karen State based organization. The cafe was created by alumni of their education programs.
On the menu at the little cafe by the lake is Genius Coffee from Shan State, a host of teas, juices and a long list of Myanmar salads. It's a bit of a wander from the town center (~25min), but there are worst places to wander than little Hpa-An.
Location
Zwegabin Street (between Ingone Street and Kan Thar Yar lake), Hpa-an Google Maps
Mon-Sat: 11am - 7pm
Contact
veranda.hpaan@gmail.com / +95 9 793 629265 / Website
Social Enterprises in Lashio
Lashio is off the beaten path for most travelers to Myanmar, but this capital in Northern Shan State has plenty of room for growth with beautiful countryside and renowned markets with a heavy Chinese flavor.
Myanmar Adventure Outfitters - Experience
If you're looking for motorcycle journeys on back roads, waterfall jumping at local swimming holes, and hiking and homestays in places that don't see much foreign traffic, Byron and his team at Myanmar Adventure Outfitters in Lashio may be right for you.
Byron and his family have years of experience in the region, as well as plenty of NGO experience. They created MAO to help introduce more tourism in the region around Lashio and towards China, as well as teach the locals about all they have to offer. By training local guides, and making the local ethnic tribes a part of the process, he hopes that will lead to more development in the region.
Location
Lashio, Shan State Google Maps
Contact
info@myanmaradventureoutfitters.com / +95 9795366426 / Website
Thanks to all of the good folks who put me in touch with new organizations. Special shoutout to Adriana who has the pulse on local projects that empower the community. You can read more about how she makes a difference shopping locally with her life in Yangon here.
Did I miss any that you know of? Let me know in the comments below, or send me an e-mail so I can check them out and add them to the list.
