Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been 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 seen as a relic of the country's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were additionally altered, which is why you will certainly 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 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 season
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm yet not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation choices difficult to secure as well as will certainly mean trying to book ahead or face paying for the a lot more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it easy to book accommodation but it is exceptionally hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply as well as 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 stands 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 consular office might be less costly-- if you intend to save some money, getting a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be less expensive. For example, the price is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and also do not neglect to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for travellers as the initial mode of entry, with routine 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 east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entry, although not every one of them are advised because of safety and security.
No matter, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of options, from which you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay as well as Yangon)
Crossing at Land Border 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 boundary 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 Area 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 boundary of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially specified ideally to avoid any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not require to be mentioned up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options might be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are far more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish as well as flying is economical so it may be your better option.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and grabbing your bag off a trolley by the aircraft as well as 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 also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing companies and a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at weird 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 great deal of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will give 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 hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a bit aggravating if you're trying to sleep 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 song CD's and also tacky video till the early hours of the 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 about reaches of the southern Mon State and also Tenasserim area are generally off-limits to travelers unless you have made an application for a government visa beforehand. In some areas you'll require 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 differently. Attempting to do otherwise may be very expensive.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and also sunsets, which likewise corresponds nicely with remaining inside (possibly for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also 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 mindful 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.
Expect to pay an entrance charge for Bagan and also 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, implying you can sleep in more inexpensive accommodation than you could a couple of years back. Things are gradually getting better for solo tourists, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The lodging gives a feel for what a local house could be like, basic yet beautifully decorated in teak) and also the breakfast was typically remarkable. Plus, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you may need to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do also, but it can't 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 lodging and transport beforehand throughout peak period. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to maintain speed with. A lot of resorts are little as well as boutique like so if there's somewhere specific you want to stay it's necessary to book in advance. It is particularly important to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small cost if there are no areas readily available. However don't depend on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the very best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and an amazing range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an ideal option.
Inform the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes specify how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on travelers!
The fish is scrumptious as well as a fantastic, fresh alternative in a lot of dining establishments.
There is quite a lot of sugar in the food and also drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus yet do not expect 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 low in Myanmar as well as you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and also 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 and 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 offered with beer, rum and also bourbon being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to locate as well as fun locations to get a drink with the locals if you do website not intend to being in a restaurant.
Be aware that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and bars do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is much more popular than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be found and brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brand names like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brands as well as eating from local dining establishments.
Stores are little, family owned affairs-- you won't find a 7-Eleven. There are a few equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted about, yet primarily you're going to get snacks and also drinks from small, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking 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 nation where smoking in public places has actually long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- a lot of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the normal safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in bathrooms so use your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's often pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to problem in between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the major tourist locations.
Precise info on problems and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great resource of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone a lot 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 also commonly enforced for entering 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. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so pick up an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet elsewhere it's much less usual.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be discouraging, warm as well as sluggish however keep in mind: you selected to go to Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are charming as well as are happy to appear in pictures as well as try and also talk through minimal usual words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a lot which is normally best dealt with by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, make sure they have great clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs 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.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth as well as cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the kids. 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 additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents use the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so don't be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, yet 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 normally done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually need washing and 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 countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything apart from 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 have to overcome it or, much better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports 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 choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it free of charge-- and also the net is now spreading tomore remote areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can make using the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time 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 work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't far better.