Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally referred to as 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 nation's previous British colonial past, and also Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were likewise altered, which is why you will 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are typically 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime season
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 brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted lodging options tricky to secure as well as will indicate trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the more expensive alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of visitors which makes it easy to book accommodation but it is incredibly warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to upload a passport photo and pay a charge 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 get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the date 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 want to save some cash, obtaining a visa using your local Myanmar consular office may be less expensive. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't neglect to factor in 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 website for the current at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for tourists as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the east and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land entrance, although not every one of them are suggested because of safety and security.
No matter, 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 be provided a listing of alternatives, from which you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Crossing 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 and also the cluster 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 town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stay with the one you initially mentioned if possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be specified up-front. Furthermore, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
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Myanmar's local transport options might be discouraging however the cross country propositions are far more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is economical so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the plane and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses and also a variety of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel over night which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so wonderful for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to reach at weird times in the morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are really chilly, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a covering but, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hrs for a food and toilet break-- a little bit irritating if you're attempting to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, although these are the buses which bring you to your destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as tacky music videos up 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 turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are normally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have gotten a government visa in advance. In some places 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 set routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its daybreaks and also sunsets, which likewise corresponds nicely with staying inside (probably for a nap or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Expect to go barefoot a great deal in temples on seriously grubby floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also dogs hangout, you can anticipate 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 clean off some after each visit.
Be a thoughtful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will certainly be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entry charge for Bagan and Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The costs are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Accommodation in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, meaning you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly getting better for solo tourists, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but enchanting. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house might be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and the breakfast was generally exceptional. And also, it's nice to place money into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses supply a towel but you could have to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do also, yet 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 transportation ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to keep speed with. A lot of hotels are small and boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you wish to stay it's more info 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 tourists in for a small fee if there are no spaces readily available. However do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also an impressive variety of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are wiped with a not so terrific looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an optimal alternative.
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 scrumptious as well as a terrific, fresh alternative in many dining establishments.
There is rather a great deal of sugar in the food and also beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus yet don't 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 low in Myanmar and you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia however you can discover it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply totally free water either in bottles in your room or via a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is very affordable.
Alcohol is extensively offered with beer, rum and also bourbon being preferred options.
Beer stations are easy to find and also enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to sit in a dining establishment.
Be aware that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments 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 prominent than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be located and brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation 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.
Shops are small, family owned affairs-- you will not locate a 7-Eleven. There are a few equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, yet mainly you're going to purchase treats as well as drinks from tiny, 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 smoking in public areas has long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe country-- most of the populace is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, crime levels are exceptionally low.
Still, you ought to take the usual preventative measures of using hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is dirty as well as there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely 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 warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nonetheless, as it's frequently pre-cut, search for a seller that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
A lot of government advisories advise against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners due to dispute between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major vacationer destinations.
Accurate details on disputes as well as closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, and also ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and legs in spite of the high temperatures, and also you will make everybody much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as typically enforced for getting in the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone uses skirts-- males and females 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 heat as well as 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 important! Getting in pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however in other places it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and sluggish however keep in mind: you chose to visit 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 taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by citizens who want to chat. Vacationers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Generally the people are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in pictures and try and speak via limited typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a lot which is typically best managed by providing a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and if you're paying for a guide, ensure they have excellent 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, small parcels that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it delivers a hit that amounts to 6 cups 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 as well as cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant 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 as well as likewise acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes as well as dining establishments as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound 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 polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in reaction-- 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 as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments washed as well as unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually require washing as well as clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy 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 very common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 most airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can read more regarding your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it completely free-- and the web is now spreading tomore remote areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power blackouts can make using the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. Travel suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep stairs isn't much better.