Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been 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 seen as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous 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 and also Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are generally 3 periods in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted lodging options tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying out for the more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists which makes it very easy to book lodging yet it is incredibly warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo and pay a charge 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 arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the date of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be less expensive-- if you want to save some cash, requesting a visa using your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. As an example, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not forget to factor in mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration web site for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for travellers as the very first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land entrance, although not every one of them are advised due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of options, from which you will certainly need to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Crossing at Land Border Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the boundary to north Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border 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 border of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to adhere to the one you initially stated ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be specified up front. In addition, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is cheaper as well as has more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is affordable so it might be your far better option.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a 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 also getting your bag off a trolley by the airplane as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies and also a range of luxury levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at strange times in the early morning and also won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to take a nap immediately.
Buses are extremely cold, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a bit discouraging 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 cheesy music videos up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are normally out-of-bounds to vacationers unless you have actually made an application for a government visa ahead of time. In some locations you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Attempting to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is well-known for its dawns as well as sunsets, which likewise corresponds perfectly with remaining inside (possibly for a nap or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and dogs hangout, you can expect to step in a great deal 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 mindful temple visitor, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for tourists. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this cost is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.


Accommodation in Myanmar

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Hostels are gradually opening, meaning you can rest in economical accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo travellers, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however lovely. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic however wonderfully decorated in teak wood) as well as the morning meal was typically remarkable. Plus, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the citizens, not some large brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels and also guesthouses give a towel but you may need to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will additionally provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, however it can not be counted on.
Be cautious 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.
Reserve holiday accommodation and also transportation in advance during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are little and boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you want to stay it's necessary to book ahead of time. It is specifically vital to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no spaces available. But do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.

Food and also 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 a fantastic variety of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are wiped with a not so terrific looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is tasty and also an excellent, fresh choice in a lot of dining establishments.
There is quite a lot of sugar in the food as well as beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), make certain you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections but do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned and seasoned in oil, salt as well as lime juice and also don't typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia yet you can find it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can't drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or by means of a huge water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is extremely economical.
Alcohol is extensively available with beer, rum and whiskey being popular options.
Beer stations are simple to discover and also enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you do not intend to being in a dining establishment.
Be aware 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 country where meditation at dawn is much more prominent than late night drinking.
Big chains can't be found and also brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains as well as beyond drink brands like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and consuming from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't discover a 7-Eleven. There are a few equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated around, however primarily you're going to get snacks and beverages from tiny, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, 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 places has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe area-- the majority of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely low.
Still, you need to take the typical precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross and there isn't always soap in washrooms so use your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, many travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients this way. Nonetheless, as it's frequently 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
Most government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners because of dispute between the government and various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the significant vacationer locations.
Precise information on conflicts and also closed locations can be difficult to come by. Check your government's advice prior to travelling, and ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from tourists on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the heat, as well as 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 highly 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 males and females. Numerous visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so get an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas indicates going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Dealing with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach but somewhere else it's less typical.

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. Travel can be discouraging, warm as well as sluggish but keep in mind: you selected to go to Myanmar and that 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 residents that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photos and attempt as well as speak through minimal common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by offering a smile as well as a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.

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The red stained pavements 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| because it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. Yet, 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 residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and cab drivers typically 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 shouldn't 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 website from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as also works as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the area of the kissing audio so don't be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be ready for a lot of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.

Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is normally done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and unless you want 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 easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can't deal with anything besides 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 multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airports when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more about your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' connection, don't anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and coffee shops have it absolutely free-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther places. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power failures can use the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and also don't anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up several high staircases isn't far better.

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