Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been 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 seen as a relic of the nation's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were also changed, 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 also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly three periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime season
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or face paying out for the a lot more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar and also approaching rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists that makes it easy to book lodging however it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to travellers from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and also pay a fee 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 get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the date of issue and allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be less expensive-- if you want to save some cash, making an application for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the price is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not fail to remember to factor in mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration internet site for the most up to date at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for tourists as the first mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land entry, although not all of them are recommended because of safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of options, from which you will certainly require to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located 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 and also the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area 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 boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you originally stated ideally to prevent any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Additionally, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is less expensive and has more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives might be discouraging yet the cross country propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and flying is budget-friendly so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school way by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies as well as a range of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so excellent for rest. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at odd times in the morning and also won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will provide you a covering however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hrs for a food and toilet break-- a bit irritating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that these are the buses which bring you to your destination around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and also cheesy music videos till the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are usually off-limits to tourists unless you have made an application for a government visa beforehand. In some areas you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is tough-- 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 could be really costly.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its sunrises and also sundowns, which likewise corresponds perfectly with staying inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day .
Expect 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 discovering 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, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators as well as keep your voice down-- individuals will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an access 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 gradually opening up, indicating you can rest in low-cost accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo visitors, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but enchanting. The accommodation gives a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet magnificently decorated in teak wood) and the morning meal was generally exceptional. And also, it's nice to put cash into the hands of the residents, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you might have to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, yet it can not be counted on.
Be careful about 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 as well as transport ahead of time during peak period. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has failed to keep speed with. The majority of resorts are tiny and boutique like thus if there's somewhere particular you wish to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is specifically vital to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small cost if there are no areas offered. But don't rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also 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 a fantastic selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are wiped with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal alternative.
Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify just how much spice you like as the cooks tend to go easy on tourists!
The fish is tasty and a wonderful, fresh choice in most dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food and also beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on food selections however don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and also don't typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and 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 not drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your room or by means of a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly offered with beer, rum as well as scotch being preferred choices.
Beer stations are very easy to locate and also enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you don't wish to being in a restaurant.
Realize that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. and also bars do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at dawn is much more popular than late night drinking.
Large chains can't be discovered and brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country 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 tiny, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, but mostly you're going to get treats 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 individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public places has actually long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe country-- a lot of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the usual preventative measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women tourists should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look 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 a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories advise against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the nation remain shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major tourist locations.
Exact info on disputes and closed locations can be hard to come by. Check your government's advice prior to travelling, and ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of news from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the heat, as well as you will certainly make everybody more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however somewhere else it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, hot as well as sluggish however bear in mind: you chose to visit Myanmar and that it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by residents that want to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photographs and also more info attempt as well as speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a great deal which is usually best managed by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're spending for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, tiny parcels which contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it delivers a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, most times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as taxi drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't 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 women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar and also serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and also restaurants as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing noise so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, but it is well received. Be prepared for many residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and also is billed per item instead of kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need 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't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not deal with anything apart 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 multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airport terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can read more about your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it free of cost-- and the web is currently spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can make using the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a backpack than a luggage. Travel suitcases aren't perfect 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.