Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been till 1989 that the ruling military junta altered the country'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 more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. 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 and Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are usually three seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the climate is warm however not stifling, and also draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the limited holiday accommodation choices challenging to secure and will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or face paying out 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 tourists which makes it easy to book holiday accommodation but it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll need to upload a passport photo and also 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 arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the day of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local embassy might be less costly-- if you wish to save some money, looking for a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and also do not forget to consider 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 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for tourists as the very first mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land entrance, although not every one of them are encouraged because of safety.
No matter, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a listing of options, from which you will 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 (situated in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Crossing at Land Boundary 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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border 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 town 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 specified ideally to prevent any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives may be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is cost effective so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method 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, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing businesses and also a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so great for sleep. Additionally, you'll often tend to arrive at strange times in the early morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on 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 straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the high-end buses will give you a blanket but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're trying 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 even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also cheesy music videos until the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are generally off-limits to vacationers unless you have actually requested a government visa beforehand. In some places you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its dawns as well as sunsets, which likewise matches nicely with staying inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Expect to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously unclean floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also dogs hangout, you can expect to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you simply 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 travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance charge for Bagan and Inle Lake-- this cost 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 gradually opening, implying you can rest in low-cost accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo visitors, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house may be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and also the breakfast was normally superior. And also, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels and also guesthouses supply a towel but you might need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do as well, but it can't be counted on.
Be careful about the curfew-- some guesthouses might lock the door at night, leaving you unable to access your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve accommodation and transport in advance during peak season. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are small and boutique like so if there's someplace certain you intend to stay it's essential to book ahead of time. It is particularly necessary to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small fee if there are no rooms readily available. However don't rely on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments and also an amazing selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect alternative.
Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes specify just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on travelers!
The fish is scrumptious and also a fantastic, fresh choice in most restaurants.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food as well as drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't normally include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia however you can locate it as well as it's good. 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 as well as guesthouses supply totally free water either in bottles in your space or using a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is extremely economical.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum as well as scotch being prominent alternatives.
Beer stations are easy to find and also enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to being 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 preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Big chains can't be found and also brand names are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brand names like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brand names and also eating from local restaurants.
Stores are small, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, yet mainly you're going to buy snacks and beverages from little, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't fret, just 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 areas has long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe area-- the majority of the populace is Buddhist as well as 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 travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and also there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go more info near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, search for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories alert 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 dispute between the government and various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the major tourist locations.
Accurate details on disputes as well as closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's recommendations before taking a trip, and inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the high temperatures, and also you will make everybody more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as tees are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for getting in the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears 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 as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so pick up a cheap one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. 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 as well as shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and sluggish but remember: you selected to check out Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. However, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals who intend to chat. Visitors are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful and more than happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt as well as converse with limited typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're paying for a guide, make sure they have excellent clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. However, 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 locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also cab drivers frequently roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the children. Why not? Read this great 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 sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops as well as dining establishments as locals make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the place of the kissing audio so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, however it is well received. Be ready for the majority of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your garments washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually need washing as well as wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple 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 usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't cope with anything besides 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 as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, far better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at most airport terminals when you land or in among the shops in the street and also the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more concerning your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power blackouts can make using the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't anticipate to Skype home extremely frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. 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 several high staircases isn't much better.