Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been until 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 nation's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were additionally altered, which is why you will 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are typically three periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the climate is warm yet not stifling, and attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the limited lodging choices challenging to secure and also will certainly indicate trying to book in advance or deal with paying for the a lot more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and upcoming rains are due. There is a minimal number of visitors that makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation but it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and you should obtain 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 allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be less costly-- if you want to save some money, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be more affordable. For instance, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not forget 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; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the latest at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for visitors as the first mode of entrance, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several avenues for land access, although not all of them are suggested due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of alternatives, from which you will certainly require to select one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stay with the one you initially stated ideally to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not require to be specified up front. In addition, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is more affordable and also has extra links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options may be aggravating however the cross country propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish as well as flying is cost effective so it might be your better option.
You can still reserve flights the traditional means 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 as well as grabbing your bag off a trolley by the plane and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And also a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are inexpensive with competing companies and a series of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel over night which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so excellent for sleep. Additionally, you'll tend to reach at strange times in the morning and will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to rest immediately.
Buses are extremely cold, the high-end buses will give you a blanket but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a bit discouraging 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 even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and also tacky music videos until the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are normally out-of-bounds to travelers unless you have made an application for a government visa ahead of time. In some places you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is challenging-- 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. Trying to do otherwise might be very pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its daybreaks and sunsets, which also matches well with staying inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Anticipate to go barefoot a great deal in temples on seriously grubby floorings. 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 checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you just need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe 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' indicators and also keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an access charge for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Lodging in Myanmar
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Hostels are slowly opening up, 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 costs are still much more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however lovely. The holiday accommodation gives a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet wonderfully decorated in teak wood) as well as the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the locals, not some large brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels and also guesthouses offer a towel yet you could need to provide a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will certainly additionally supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do also, but it can't be depended on.
Beware 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 as well as transportation beforehand during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to maintain speed with. Most hotels are small and boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you want to stay it's important to book beforehand. It is specifically essential to book ahead during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small fee if there are no spaces readily available. But do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the best selection. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments and also an amazing variety of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Several pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so wonderful looking water supply and also dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an excellent alternative.
Inform the staff if you don't 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 travelers!
The fish is scrumptious and also a wonderful, fresh alternative in the majority of dining establishments.
There is quite a lot of sugar in the food and also beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), see to it you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated and also seasoned in oil, salt as well as lime juice and do not usually include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you may get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia yet you can discover it and it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can not drink the water yet most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or using a huge water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is really affordable.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and bourbon being prominent options.
Beer stations are very easy to find as well as fun areas to get a drink with the locals if you don't want to sit in a restaurant.
Realize that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and also bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at dawn is much more preferred than late night drinking.
Huge chains can't be located and brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brands like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brand names and also consuming from local restaurants.
Stores are little, family owned affairs-- you will not locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted around, however mostly you're going to purchase treats and also beverages from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not fret, simply step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public areas has actually long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe country-- most of the population is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, crime levels are extremely low.
Still, you ought to take the common preventative measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women visitors should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is dirty as well as there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth as well as nose when biking around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, numerous tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients this way. Nonetheless, as it's frequently pre-cut, look for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Most government advisories caution 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 actually caused the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the country stay closed to foreigners because of dispute in between the government and also various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and get more info northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, as well as far from the significant visitor destinations.
Exact info on conflicts and also closed areas can be hard 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 good resource of news from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, and also you will certainly make everyone much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so get an inexpensive one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Battling with laces in the blistering heat is an unwelcome distraction. 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 people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach yet elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
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The local people are extremely genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and slow-moving however keep in mind: you selected to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that intend to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Typically the people are beautiful and are happy to appear in pictures as well as try and also chat via minimal typical words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is normally best handled by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and also if you're paying for a guide, make sure they have good clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, little parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| because it delivers 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, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red stained teeth and cab drivers frequently roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating 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 youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant 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 item in Myanmar and likewise works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and also dining establishments as locals utilize the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two crucial phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, however it is well received. Be prepared for most residents to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand as well as is billed per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really need washing and clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy 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 extremely typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can't manage anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hours ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin connects along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, far better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at many flight terminals when you land or in among the stores in the street as well as the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can find out more concerning your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it for free-- and the web is currently spreading tofarther places. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and power outages can use the net an irritating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, as well as do not expect to Skype home extremely frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a backpack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms of transportation and hefting it up numerous high stairs isn't far better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar