Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been till 1989 that the ruling military junta changed 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 much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were likewise altered, 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 used interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to See Myanmar
There are normally 3 seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime season
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the climate is warm but not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the minimal accommodation choices difficult to secure and will mean attempting to book in advance or face paying for the more costly options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar and impending rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is exceptionally hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and you should obtain approval 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 may be cheaper-- if you want to save some money, obtaining a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office might be more affordable. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not neglect to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for travellers as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, thinking about where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern as well as India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land access, although not all of them are suggested because of safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of options, from which you will certainly need to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Crossing at Land Border Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to north 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 Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the border 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 reality, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you originally stated preferably to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper and has extra connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options might be irritating however the long distance propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is inexpensive so it may be your far better option.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also grabbing your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing firms and a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so wonderful for rest. Likewise, you'll often tend to arrive at odd 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 awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to take a nap immediately.
Buses are very chilly, the luxury buses will certainly give you a covering however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food as well as toilet break-- a little bit frustrating if you're trying to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though 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 as well as tacky video till the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are usually out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have actually applied for a government visa in advance. In some locations you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off 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 otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is well-known for its sunrises as well as sundowns, which likewise corresponds 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 lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted 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 mindful temple visitor, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just sights for visitors. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an access charge for Bagan and Inle Lake-- this cost is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Lodging in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are gradually opening up, meaning you can rest in low-cost accommodation than you could a couple of years back. Things are slowly improving for solo travellers, though expenses are still much more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The holiday accommodation gives a feel for what a local house could be like, basic but perfectly decorated in teak) as well as the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to put money into the hands of the citizens, not some large brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you may need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will additionally supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do too, however it can not be counted on.
Be cautious 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.
Reserve holiday accommodation and also transportation ahead of time during peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has fallen short to maintain pace with. A lot of resorts are little as well as boutique like so if there's someplace specific you want to stay it's necessary to book in advance. It is especially necessary to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. But do not count on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the very best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also an impressive selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal alternative.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on tourists!
The fish is scrumptious and a fantastic, fresh choice in most dining establishments.
There is quite a lot of sugar in the food as well as drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), make certain you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections but don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice as well as don't generally feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and also you might get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and 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 through a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum and also scotch being preferred 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.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at daybreak is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Huge chains can't be found and brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond drink brand names like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brand names as well as eating from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, however mostly you're going to get snacks and also drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public places has actually long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women visitors 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 use your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be really 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, several travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories warn against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country continue to be closed to foreigners due to conflict in between the government and also 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 and also Thailand, as well as far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate info on disputes and closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's recommendations before travelling, and ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of news from tourists 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, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for going into 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 vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as 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 important! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend 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 common.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow-moving however bear in mind: you picked to check out Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nevertheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are charming as well as are happy to appear in photographs and also try and chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is typically best managed by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello 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 great clear English website 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 as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers typically 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 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 ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally functions as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and also dining establishments as residents make use of 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 upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential 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 expecting it.
Various 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 washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller 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't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can not manage anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European and North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of flight terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther locations. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can make using the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't expect to Skype home very often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't far better.