Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation formally referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been up until 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, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were additionally changed, 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 used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, 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 minimal lodging choices difficult to secure and will imply attempting to book in advance or face paying out for the much more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar and upcoming rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it easy to book accommodation but it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo and pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also 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 day of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be cheaper-- if you intend to save some cash, looking for a visa using your local Myanmar consular office might be more affordable. As an example, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for visitors as the initial mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration 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 due to safety.
Regardless, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, from which you will need to select one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located 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 border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town 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 stay with the one you originally stated ideally to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is less expensive as well as has more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be discouraging however the cross country propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is affordable so it might be your better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also 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. As well as a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses and a series of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Additionally, you'll often tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are really cold, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food as well as toilet break-- a little bit frustrating 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 music videos till the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are usually out-of-bounds to travelers unless you have actually applied for a government visa in advance. In some places you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is challenging-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise might be really costly.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and also sunsets, which likewise corresponds perfectly with staying inside (maybe for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Anticipate to go barefoot a great deal in temples on seriously grubby floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're exploring 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 clean off some after each visit.
Be a considerate temple visitor, a lot 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-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an access fee for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this fee is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Accommodation in Myanmar
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Hostels are gradually opening up, indicating you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly getting better for solo tourists, though costs are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but lovely. The holiday accommodation provides a feel for what a local house might be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and also the morning meal was normally exceptional. And also, it's nice to place money into the hands of the locals, not some large brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses provide a towel but you might have to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do too, 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 lodging and also transportation in advance throughout peak season. The tourist industry in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to maintain speed with. Many hotels are small as well as boutique like thus if there's someplace specific you intend to stay it's essential to book beforehand. It is especially essential to book ahead during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small cost if there are no spaces readily available. Yet 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 choice. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments and a remarkable range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals state just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious as well as a terrific, fresh option in the majority of restaurants.
There is rather a lot of sugar in the food and also drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus yet don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice and do not typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you could 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 not drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your space or through a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum and also scotch being preferred choices.
Beer stations are very easy to discover and enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you don't want to sit in a restaurant.
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 daybreak is more popular than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be located and also brand names are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brands like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting 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 few comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, but primarily you're going to purchase treats as well as drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Don't worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where smoking in public areas has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- most of the populace is Buddhist and with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the common safety measures 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 dirty and there isn't always soap in restrooms 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 as well as nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller 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 actually resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the nation continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of problem between the government and various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the read more frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the significant tourist destinations.
Precise information on problems as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to travelling, and also ask about the situation once 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
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everybody much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as typically enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so pick up one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are essential! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however somewhere else it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be irritating, warm and slow but keep in mind: you selected to check out Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. However, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by locals who want to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are beautiful and are happy to appear in pictures as well as try as well as speak through limited usual words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a great deal which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile and also a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're spending for a guide, make sure 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 chewing betel quids, tiny parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the kids. Why not? Read this great short article by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and also dining establishments 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 sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be ready for many residents to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your garments 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 very easy to find by yet 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't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to overcome it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airports when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can read more regarding your network choices here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, don't expect to be downloading video clips at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it free of charge-- as well as the internet is currently spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Getting in and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.