Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but 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, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were likewise 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 Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are generally 3 periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime 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 draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the limited lodging choices tricky to secure and will imply attempting to book in advance or deal with paying for the a lot more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar as well as upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists that makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is extremely warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa web site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 mins 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 allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you want to save some cash, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be cheaper. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research as well as don't forget to consider mailing expenses.
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 also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal alternative for travellers as the very first mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple avenues for land access, although not all of them are suggested due to security.
No matter, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be provided a list of options, from which you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center 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 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 cluster 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 boundary village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you originally stated when possible 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 also Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is less expensive and also has extra connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
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Myanmar's local transportation options might be discouraging but the cross country propositions are a lot more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is budget-friendly so it might be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and also 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 also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses and also a range of deluxe levels.
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Most buses travel over night which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at strange times in the early morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to sleep straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the high-end buses will provide you a blanket but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food and toilet break-- a little bit irritating if you're attempting 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 cheesy video until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are normally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have gotten a government visa ahead of time. 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 indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise may be extremely pricey.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its daybreaks and also sundowns, which likewise corresponds well with staying indoors (perhaps 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 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, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance cost for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this fee is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The costs are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Accommodation in Myanmar
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Hostels are slowly opening up, implying you can sleep in economical accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually improving for solo tourists, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however enchanting. The accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet magnificently decorated in teak wood) and the breakfast was generally exceptional. And also, it's nice to place money right into the hands of the locals, not some large brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses provide a towel however you may need to provide 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, however it can not be depended on.
Beware 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 accommodation and transport ahead of time during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to keep pace with. A lot of resorts are little and also boutique like thus if there's someplace particular you intend to stay it's essential to book in advance. It is especially essential 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 readily available. Yet 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 very 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: Lots of pieces of cutlery are cleaned with a not so wonderful looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes mention just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious and also an excellent, fresh alternative in most dining establishments.
There is rather 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, freshly blended juices), make certain you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and also don't normally include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia yet 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 however most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your space or via a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is extremely inexpensive.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and whiskey being prominent choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as enjoyable locations to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to being in a dining establishment.
Know 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 sunrise is more popular than late night drinking.
Big chains can't be discovered as well as brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brands as well as eating from local dining establishments.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, but 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 fret, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public areas has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe area-- the majority of the population is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
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 money is unclean and 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 and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, several travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's often pre-cut, search for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories caution against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually led to the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the nation stay shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government and also various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major tourist locations.
Precise info on conflicts and also closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before 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 source of information from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will make everybody a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for getting in 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. Many vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so grab a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwelcome 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 and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but in other places it's much less typical.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and slow but remember: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Vacationers are no longer a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Typically the people are beautiful and more than happy to appear in photos as well as try and also talk 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 (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're spending for a guide, make certain they have good 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 as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's possibly 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 by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, most times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this brilliant short article by Uncornered Market.
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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 likewise serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to identify the place of the kissing noise so do not be alarmed!
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 ready for the majority of 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 charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need washing and clean your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries read more are easy to find by but tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really usual in developing countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual 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 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 get over it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at most 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 options right here. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips whenever. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it completely free-- and the net is now spreading tofarther places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance 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 operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up several high stairs isn't much better.