Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially called Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the question: 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, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate trying to book in advance or face paying out for the much more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar and upcoming rains are due. There is a minimal number of vacationers that makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll be required to submit a passport photo and pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should obtain approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the date of issue and enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be cheaper-- if you want to save some cash, obtaining a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. For example, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't forget to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common alternative for travellers as the very first mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues 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 the internet application which denotes how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, where you will need to select one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern 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 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 adhere to the one you initially mentioned if possible to avoid any kind of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be discouraging yet the long distance propositions are a lot more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is affordable so it might be your better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and also grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are inexpensive with competing firms as well as a series of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to reach at strange times in the early morning and also won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same evening to rest immediately.
Buses are really chilly, the deluxe buses will certainly give you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and toilet break-- a bit irritating 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 song CD's as well as tacky video up until the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and Tenasserim area are normally out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have actually obtained a government visa ahead of time. In some locations you'll require 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 means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go differently. Trying to do otherwise might be very expensive.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises as well as sunsets, which likewise corresponds nicely with remaining inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously grubby 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 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 considerate temple visitor, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for visitors. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entry cost for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this fee 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, indicating you can sleep in more inexpensive accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo tourists, though costs are still far more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however lovely. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house may be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) as well as the breakfast was generally superior. Plus, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the residents, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you might have to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will additionally supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, however it can not be counted 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 transport ahead of time during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has fallen short to maintain speed with. The majority of resorts are little as well as boutique like thus if there's somewhere specific you intend to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is specifically vital to book ahead during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small fee if there are no areas readily available. However don't rely on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the best selection. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments as well as an incredible selection of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so wonderful looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes mention just how much spice you like as the cooks have a tendency to go easy on tourists!
The fish is tasty and a wonderful, fresh choice in most restaurants.
There is rather a lot of sugar in the food as well as beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and do not usually feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other areas in Southeast Asia but you can find it and it's great. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can not consume the water yet most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply totally free water either in bottles in your space or using a huge water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum and whiskey being preferred choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover and enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you don't want to sit in a dining establishment.
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 country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more preferred than late night drinking.
Big chains can't be located as well as brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains as well as 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 dining establishments.
Shops are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not locate a 7-Eleven. There are a few equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated about, 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. Do not worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public locations has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe country-- a lot of the populace is Buddhist and here with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of utilizing hotel storage 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 filthy and there isn't always soap in washrooms 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 extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is easy to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has actually 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 advise 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 resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation remain shut to foreigners because of problem between the government and various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major traveler locations.
Precise information on problems as well as closed areas can be hard to come by. Check your government's recommendations before travelling, and also ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, and 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 outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as usually enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears skirts-- men and women 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 as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so grab an inexpensive one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are essential! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with laces in the scorching heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be discouraging, warm and also sluggish however remember: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens who want to chat. Visitors are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are charming and more than happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt and also talk through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best dealt with by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending 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, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to six cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and cab drivers often roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew 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 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 girls. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar and also functions as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also dining establishments as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the place of the kissing audio so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready for the majority of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and also is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to turn up with your clothing laundered and also unless you intend to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by but tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that odd half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple 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, much 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 as well as the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it free of cost-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't expect to Skype home extremely frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. Suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.