Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially referred to as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been until 1989 that the ruling military junta altered the country's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was seen as a relic of the country's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Various 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 made use of interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Wet, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal accommodation choices tricky to secure and also will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or deal with paying for the 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 accommodation but it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive 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 less expensive-- if you want to save some cash, applying for a visa through your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. As an example, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research and also don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land border 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 alternative for visitors as the very first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entry, although not all of them are recommended because of safety.
No matter, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, from which you will 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 (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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster 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 border village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stay with the one you initially specified if possible to prevent any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. Additionally, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be discouraging however the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is cost effective so it might be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing firms as well as a series of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so wonderful for rest. Also, you'll have a tendency to reach at weird times in the early morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are very chilly, the high-end buses will give you a blanket however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a bit discouraging if you're attempting to rest 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 song CD's as well as tacky video up until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim region are typically out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have obtained a government visa beforehand. In some locations you'll need 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 indicates 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 renowned for its dawns and sundowns, which additionally matches well with staying indoors (maybe for a nap or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Anticipate 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 anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you just have 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 sights for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this fee is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Holiday 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 improving for solo travellers, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however enchanting. The lodging provides a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and the breakfast was generally exceptional. And also, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels and also guesthouses provide a towel however you may need to provide a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will likewise supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do too, however it can't be relied on.
Be cautious 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.
Book lodging as well as transportation beforehand throughout peak period. The tourist market in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to keep speed with. The majority of resorts are little as well as boutique like thus if there's someplace particular you wish to stay it's vital to book in advance. It is specifically necessary to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small charge if there are no spaces readily available. But 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 best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and an amazing array of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous pieces of cutlery are cleaned with a not so fantastic looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your meals state just how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on visitors!
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, fresh blended juices), ensure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections yet don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't usually feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you might get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other areas in Southeast Asia yet you can find it as well as it's great. 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 as well as guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or via 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 options.
Beer stations are easy to find and fun places to get a drink with the locals if you don't want 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 do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at dawn is much more prominent than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be located as well as brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and also beyond drink brands like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brand names and also eating from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, however mainly you're going to buy treats as well as drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Do not worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public places has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe area-- most of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are remarkably low.
Still, you should take the common safety measures of making use of hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is dirty as well as 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 really 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 hot. Consequently, numerous visitors 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 body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a vendor 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 warn against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners because of dispute between the government and various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin as well as Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major vacationer locations.
Precise information on conflicts and closed locations can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, as well as inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source 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 follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for entering 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. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so grab an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear choice. Dealing 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 as well as at the beach yet in other places it's much less usual.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be frustrating, hot and slow but remember: 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. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming and also more than happy to appear in photos and attempt as well as speak via minimal common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best managed by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, make certain 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, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. However, 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.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers often 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 youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant post by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents utilize the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound so do not be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be prepared for a lot of residents to giggle in response-- 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 clothing laundered and unless you want to turn over $20 for a load of travel myanmar safety washing, pick the items you actually require washing and also 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 extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not deal with anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area 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 plugs as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it totally free-- and the web is currently spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and do not anticipate to Skype home extremely frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't far better.