Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't till 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the nation's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was viewed as a relic of the country's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were likewise altered, which is why you will certainly see Rangoon now referred to as Yangon.
For tourism, Burma travel is Myanmar travel. Same same, as they say in Southeast Asia.
Both the names Burma and Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the concern: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Wet, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the limited lodging options difficult to secure and also will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or face paying for the more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and approaching rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists which makes it easy to book accommodation yet it is unbelievably hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and you should obtain authorization within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some cash, applying for a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. As an example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not neglect to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common option for tourists as the very first mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and also India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous methods for land entry, although not every one of them are suggested due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, from which you will certainly require to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Crossing at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to northern Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to adhere to the one you initially stated when possible to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. In addition, you might exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be discouraging yet the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is affordable so it might be your much better option.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport and also getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing firms as well as a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so excellent for sleep. Additionally, you'll have a tendency to reach at weird times in the early morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are very cold, the deluxe buses will offer you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hrs for a food as well as toilet break-- a little bit frustrating if you're trying to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and cheesy video till the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and Tenasserim region are usually off-limits to travelers unless you have gotten a government visa in advance. In some places you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is hard-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise may be extremely costly.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its dawns as well as sunsets, which also corresponds well with staying inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Anticipate to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys as well as dogs hangout, you can expect to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted either so you simply have to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can clean off some after each visit.
Be a mindful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for visitors. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entry fee for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Lodging in Myanmar
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Hostels are slowly opening, meaning you can rest in low-cost accommodation than you could a couple of years back. Things are gradually improving for solo travellers, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The holiday accommodation gives a feel for what a local house could be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak) and also the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to place cash right into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels and also guesthouses provide a towel yet you could have to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will certainly also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do too, but it can't be relied on.
Be cautious about the curfew-- some guesthouses may lock the door at night, leaving you unable to get to your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve holiday accommodation and transport in advance during peak period. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has actually fallen short to maintain speed with. A lot of hotels are tiny as well as boutique like thus if there's somewhere specific you want to stay it's essential to book in advance. It is especially essential to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small charge if there are no spaces available. But do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and a remarkable array of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so terrific looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes mention how much spice you like as the cooks tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is scrumptious as well as a fantastic, fresh choice in many dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food as well as drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), make certain you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections yet do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice as well as don't typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other areas in Southeast Asia but you can discover it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can't drink the water but most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or via a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is very low-cost.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as scotch being prominent choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun places to get a drink with the locals if you do not intend to being in a dining establishment.
Know that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. as well as bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at daybreak is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Huge chains can't be found and brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and also beyond drink brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brand names as well as consuming from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, however mostly you're going to get snacks and beverages from small, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, just step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you read more come from a country where smoking in public locations has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe country-- the majority of the population is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, crime levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you ought to take the normal precautions of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, several travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Many government advisories alert against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually caused the mass displacement of countless individuals. Some other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government as well as various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major tourist locations.
Precise info on conflicts and also closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's recommendations prior to travelling, as well as ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will make everybody much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as tees are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and usually enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Many travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get a cheap one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however somewhere else it's less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and slow yet bear in mind: you selected to check out Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by locals that intend to talk. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are beautiful and also more than happy to appear in photographs and also attempt and chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a great deal which is typically best managed by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending for a guide, make sure they have excellent clear English before you book.
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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers usually roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the children. Why not? Read this brilliant short article by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to identify the location of the kissing noise so don't be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be prepared for a lot of residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require washing as well as wash your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by but tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street as well as the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more about your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it free of charge-- as well as the net is now spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power failures can use the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't far better.