Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been up until 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the nation's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was seen as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were likewise changed, which is why you will see Rangoon currently referred to as Yangon.
For tourism, Burma travel is Myanmar travel. Same same, as they say in Southeast Asia.
Both the names Burma as well as Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to See Myanmar
There are commonly 3 periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, and brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options challenging to secure and also will mean trying to book ahead or face paying out for the much more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of visitors which makes it easy to book lodging yet it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll be required to upload a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should obtain approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the date of issue and also allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local embassy may be cheaper-- if you intend to save some cash, looking for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be less expensive. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research as well as don't neglect to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal alternative for visitors as the first mode of entrance, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land entrance, although not every one of them are advised because of security.
No matter, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, where you will certainly require to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the boundary 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 Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the collection 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary 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 preferably to avoid any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not require to be stated up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is cheaper and also has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be aggravating but the cross country propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and flying is budget-friendly so it may be your far better option.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the plane and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies as well as a range of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Additionally, you'll tend to reach at weird times in the morning as well as will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are very cold, the deluxe buses will certainly provide you a covering however, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also cheesy music videos until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are generally out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have actually gotten a government visa beforehand. In some locations you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Attempting to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and also sundowns, which additionally matches well with staying inside (maybe for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day heat.
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole 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 exploring Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted either so you simply need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can clean off some after each visit.
Be a considerate temple visitor, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for tourists. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators as well as keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an entry charge for Bagan and Inle Lake-- this cost is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Lodging in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening up, indicating you can sleep in affordable accommodation than you could a few years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo visitors, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however enchanting. The accommodation offers a feel for what a local house could be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) and also the breakfast was normally remarkable. Plus, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you may need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do also, yet it can't be depended on.
Beware the curfew-- some guesthouses may lock the door at night, leaving you unable to access your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Book holiday accommodation and also transport beforehand during peak season. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually failed to keep pace with. Most resorts are tiny as well as boutique like thus if there's someplace certain you intend to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is specifically essential to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no rooms offered. But do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food as well as Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the very best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments as well as an amazing variety of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Several pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so wonderful looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes specify how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is tasty and an excellent, fresh option in most restaurants.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food and beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however don't expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated and seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice as well as do not generally include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar as well as you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia yet you can find 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 consume the water but most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or through a big water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is really low-cost.
Alcohol is commonly offered with beer, rum and also scotch being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to find and fun places to get a beverage 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 restaurants close by 9 p.m. and also bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains as well as beyond drink brand names like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and consuming from local restaurants.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, yet mainly you're going to purchase snacks and beverages from small, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public areas has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe country-- the majority of the population is Buddhist and with a belief in karma, crime levels are exceptionally reduced.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of using hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so use 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 carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your air click here conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your immune system with nutrients in 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
Most government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government and also different ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, near the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major visitor locations.
Accurate information on conflicts and also closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's advice before travelling, as well as inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of news from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders as well as legs in spite of the heat, as well as you will make everybody a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and also usually enforced for entering the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so get an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Getting in pagodas indicates going barefoot as well as flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach yet in other places it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow-moving however keep in mind: you selected to check out Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. However, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful as well as more than happy to appear in photos and attempt and also talk with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is usually best managed by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have great clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since 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 residents have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers commonly roll down the window in slow traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this fantastic write-up by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar and likewise acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound so do not be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you require in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals 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 as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your garments laundered and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require washing and also clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not manage anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that odd half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of flight terminals when you land or in one of the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more concerning your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home very frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.