Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been up until 1989 that the ruling military junta altered the nation's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was viewed as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were also altered, 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 made use of interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to See Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm yet not stifling, and attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying for the much more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a minimal number of visitors that makes it easy to book lodging but it is extremely warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get authorization within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue as well as allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you intend to save some money, getting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. As an example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research and also do not fail to remember to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the latest at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual alternative for travellers as the initial mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entrance, although not every one of them are encouraged due to security.
Regardless, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of options, from which you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the boundary to north 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 boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as 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 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" however it is best to stay with the one you initially stated preferably to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and has more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options may be discouraging however the long distance propositions are far more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and also flying is economical so it may be your far better option.
You can still book flights the traditional means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane as well as flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing businesses and also a range of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so terrific for rest. Additionally, you'll often tend to reach at strange times in the early morning as well as won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting for a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to rest immediately.
Buses are very cold, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're trying to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that 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 also tacky music videos until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are usually off-limits to travelers unless you have applied for a government visa ahead of time. In some areas you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is hard-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure means that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise could be extremely pricey.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is well-known for its sunrises and sunsets, which also matches perfectly with remaining indoors (possibly for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're checking out 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 mindful temple visitor, a lot 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-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an entry fee 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.
Accommodation in Myanmar
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Hostels are slowly opening, implying you can rest in cheaper accommodation than you could a few years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo tourists, though costs are still much more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however charming. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house could be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) and also the breakfast was normally remarkable. And also, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you might have to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, but it can't be counted on.
Be careful about the curfew-- some guesthouses might lock the door at night, leaving you unable to get to your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Book accommodation as well as transport ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to maintain pace with. Many hotels are tiny and also boutique like thus if there's someplace particular you wish to stay it's important to book beforehand. It is specifically important to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small cost if there are no spaces offered. However do not count on 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 selection. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also an amazing selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is tasty and also an excellent, fresh option in here the majority of restaurants.
There is rather a lot 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), ensure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice and also don't typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you may get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other places in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and it's good. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can not consume the water but most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or by means of a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is very affordable.
Alcohol is extensively offered with beer, rum and also bourbon being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to locate and enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to sit in a restaurant.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more popular than late night drinking.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains as well as beyond drink brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and consuming from local dining establishments.
Stores are small, family owned affairs-- you will not locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated about, however mostly you're going to get snacks and beverages from little, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not fret, simply step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public places has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe country-- the majority of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, crime levels are remarkably low.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female tourists should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in bathrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when biking around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has caused the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government as well as various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and far from the significant vacationer locations.
Precise information on problems as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, as well as you will certainly make everybody more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tees are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and also commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so pick up one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach yet somewhere else it's less typical.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow-moving yet bear in mind: you chose to go to Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents who want to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are charming and more than happy to appear in photos as well as attempt and also speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by offering a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, make sure they have great 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 that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that's equivalent to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also taxi drivers usually roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the children. Why not? Read this fantastic article by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar and also works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as 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 audio so do not be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, yet it is well received. Be ready for many citizens to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments washed and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you really require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is very common in developing countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European and North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at most airports when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more about your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, do not anticipate to be downloading video clips whenever. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it absolutely free-- 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, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.