Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't 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 country's previous British colonial past, and also Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. 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 and Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the inquiry: 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 season
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, as well as draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the restricted lodging choices tricky to secure and will certainly imply trying to book in advance or face paying for the more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of visitors which makes it very easy to book lodging however it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa site. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and 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 is valid for 90- days from the date of issue and enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, looking for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be cheaper. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and don't neglect to factor in mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the current at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for visitors as the very first mode of access, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, thinking about where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several for land access, although not every one of them are encouraged due to security.
No matter, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a listing of alternatives, where you will certainly need to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border 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 boundary 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 Area of northwestern Myanmar on the border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stick to the one you initially stated preferably to prevent any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you might exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is less costly as well as has extra links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be irritating but the cross country propositions are a lot more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is cost effective so it may be your far better option.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering 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 terminal and also getting your bag off a trolley by the plane and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing businesses and a variety of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency 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 great deal of hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to rest immediately.
Buses are really chilly, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food and also toilet break-- a bit discouraging if you're trying to sleep 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 music videos up until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are usually off-limits to vacationers unless you have actually applied for a government visa beforehand. In some places you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is challenging-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies 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 costly.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its dawns and sunsets, which also matches perfectly with staying indoors (possibly for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. 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 allowed either so you just need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a thoughtful temple visitor, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply views for visitors. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and also keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Accommodation in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are gradually opening up, indicating you can sleep in affordable accommodation than you could a couple of years back. Things are gradually improving for solo travellers, though costs are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but enchanting. The accommodation offers a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and the breakfast was normally superior. And also, it's nice to put cash right into the hands of the residents, not some large brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels and also guesthouses supply a towel yet you might need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly also provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do too, however it can't be counted 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.
Reserve lodging and also transportation in advance during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has failed to keep pace with. A lot of hotels are little and boutique like so if there's somewhere specific you intend to stay it's important to book beforehand. It is specifically essential to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no rooms available. Yet do not depend on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments as well as an incredible array of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Lots of items of cutlery are wiped with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal choice.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes specify just how much spice you like as the chefs have a tendency to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is tasty and a great, fresh alternative in many dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food as well as beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), see to it you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections but don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice as well as do not usually feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and you might get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia but you can discover it and also it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't consume the water yet most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your space or using a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is really low-cost.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as scotch being prominent options.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun locations to get a drink with the locals if you don't want to being in a restaurant.
Understand 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 country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brand names are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and 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 little, family owned affairs-- you won't discover a 7-Eleven. There are a few equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, yet mainly you're going to buy treats as well as drinks from small, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not fret, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public areas has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe area-- the majority of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are remarkably low.
Still, you ought to take the usual preventative measures of utilizing hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is dirty and also there isn't always soap in bathrooms 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 very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, several travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your immune system with nutrients in this way. However, 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 as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of countless individuals. Some other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners as a result of conflict in between the government and also different ethnic militaries gathered 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 destinations.
Exact details on problems as well as closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's recommendations prior to travelling, and also ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for getting in the temples and 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. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so get an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Battling with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing 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 certainly find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
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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 frustrating, hot and slow but remember: you picked to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by locals who want to talk. Tourists are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Typically the people are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photographs as well as attempt as well as talk through minimal usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot 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, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have good clear English before you book.
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The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| because it supplies 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, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers frequently 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 children. 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 product in Myanmar as well as additionally works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the location of the kissing sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, yet it is well received. Be ready for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments washed and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you really need washing and also clean your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time area 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 need to overcome it or, better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the store personnel will have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can read more concerning your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'rapid' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading videos any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it free of cost-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can use the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also don't read more expect to Skype home very frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't far better.