Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally called Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't up 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 nation's former British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were additionally 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 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 Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high period is November to February when the climate is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the limited holiday accommodation options tricky to secure as well as will mean trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of vacationers which makes it easy to book lodging however it is unbelievably hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is 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 and pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins 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 is valid for 90- days from the date of issue and permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy may be less costly-- if you intend to save some money, applying for a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office may be less expensive. For example, the cost is just ₤ 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 as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration web site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for tourists as the first mode of entrance, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land access, although not all of them are suggested due to security.
No matter, you must define 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 choices, where 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 (located in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary 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).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to adhere to the one you initially mentioned when possible to avoid any hold up in the processing 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 stated up front. In addition, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and has more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options may be irritating yet the long distance propositions are a lot more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is economical so it may be your much better option.
You can still book flights the traditional 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, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies and a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so terrific for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a great deal 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 rest immediately.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will give you a blanket but, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating 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 music CD's and tacky video up until 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 as well as Tenasserim area are usually off-limits to tourists unless you have actually 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 hard-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are set routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go any other way. Attempting to do otherwise might be very pricey.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its dawns and also sundowns, which likewise corresponds well with remaining indoors (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Expect 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 simply have to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a mindful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and also keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entry 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.
Lodging in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, indicating you can sleep in economical accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually 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 lovely. The holiday accommodation offers a feel for what a local house may be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and the breakfast was normally superior. Plus, it's nice to put cash into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses offer a towel yet you could need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly also provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do also, but it can't be relied 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 also transportation beforehand throughout peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have actually experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are small and also boutique like so if there's somewhere specific you wish to stay it's essential to book ahead of time. 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 fee if there are no areas readily available. Yet don't rely on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the very best choice. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments and an outstanding variety of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't eat something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify just how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious and a great, fresh alternative in many dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food and drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), make certain you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't generally include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other places in Southeast Asia but you can discover 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 drink the water but most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your area or via a big water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is extremely economical.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and whiskey being popular choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun locations to get a beverage with the locals if you do not intend to being in a restaurant.
Know that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. as well as bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more preferred than late night drinking.
Huge chains can not be discovered 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 buying local brand names as well as eating from local dining establishments.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated around, yet mostly you're going to get snacks and beverages from tiny, 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 places has long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of utilizing 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 gross and there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your read more a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure 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 thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation continue to be shut to foreigners because of conflict in between the government and also various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major tourist locations.
Exact details on disputes and closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and 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 and tees are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also commonly enforced for entering 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. 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 grab a cheap one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering 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 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 less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and slow but remember: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not like 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 locals that intend to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in pictures as well as try and also chat via limited usual words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole 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 also if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have good clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it supplies a hit that's equivalent to six mugs of coffee. But, 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 taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow 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 shouldn't 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 and likewise acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and restaurants as locals utilize the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing audio so do not be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
Both 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 many locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and also is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and also unless you intend to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require 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't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not deal with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, much better still, get a local SIM. You can obtain one at the majority of flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it absolutely free-- and the web is currently spreading tomore remote areas. However tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power outages can make using the web a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not anticipate to Skype home very often, 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. aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't far better.