Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't 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 country's previous British colonial past, and also Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were also changed, which is why you will 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 used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 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 period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, and also brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will imply trying to book ahead or face paying out for the a lot more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a minimal number of visitors which makes it easy to book lodging yet it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to visitors from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo and pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply as well as 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 stands for 90- days from the date of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be less costly-- if you intend to save some money, looking for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy may be cheaper. For example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and also don't fail to remember to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration web site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual alternative for travellers as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several avenues for land access, although not every one of them are advised due to security.
Regardless, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, where you will require to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located 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 most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also 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).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you initially specified when possible to prevent any type 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 since your exit point does not require to be stated up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
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Myanmar's local transportation options might be irritating however the cross country propositions are a lot more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is budget friendly so it may be your much better option.
You can still book flights the traditional way 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 listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the plane as well as flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies and also a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so fantastic for rest. Also, you'll have a tendency to reach at strange times in the early morning and also will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will certainly give you a covering but, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food and toilet break-- a bit aggravating if you're trying to rest 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 song CD's and also tacky video till the early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State and Tenasserim region are usually out-of-bounds to travelers unless you have actually made an application for a government visa in advance. In some locations 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 means that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its daybreaks and also sundowns, which also corresponds nicely with remaining inside (perhaps 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 simply need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can clean off some after each visit.
Be a mindful temple visitor, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an entrance fee for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Holiday accommodation in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening up, indicating you can sleep in cheaper accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are slowly getting better for solo travellers, though expenses are still much more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but captivating. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic but perfectly decorated in teak) as well as the breakfast was normally exceptional. And also, it's nice to put cash right into the hands of the locals, not some big brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you may have to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, yet it can not be depended on.
Be careful 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 beforehand during peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to keep speed with. The majority of hotels are tiny and also boutique like so if there's someplace specific you want to stay it's necessary to book in advance. It is especially important to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. Yet do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food as well as Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also a remarkable variety of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so wonderful looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an optimal option.
Inform the staff if you don't eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state just how much spice you like as the cooks have a tendency to go easy on visitors!
The fish is scrumptious as well as a fantastic, fresh alternative in a lot of dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal 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), see to it you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt as well more info as lime juice and also don't normally 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 areas in Southeast Asia however 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 but most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or through a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is very economical.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum as well as bourbon being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to locate and also fun locations to get a beverage with the locals if you don't wish 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.
Large chains can not be located and also brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and also beyond drink brands like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brands and consuming from local dining establishments.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not locate a 7-Eleven. There are a few equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, but primarily you're going to purchase snacks and beverages from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't 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 in public areas has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe country-- most of the populace is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, crime levels are exceptionally low.
Still, you should take the normal safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and also nose when biking around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, many tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperature levels can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's often pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make sure 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 and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the nation remain closed to foreigners due to conflict between the government and also different ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate details on problems 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 an excellent source of information from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, as well as you will make everyone a lot 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 and commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as 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 males and females. Several vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but somewhere else it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local people are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot 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. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Vacationers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photographs and attempt as well as speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a lot which is generally best dealt with by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and also if you're spending 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 spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| since it delivers a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant post by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
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 also acts as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also restaurants as citizens utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to determine the place of the kissing audio so don't be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, 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.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and also is billed per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually require washing as well as clean your smaller items yourself 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 typical in developing nations 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 connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also 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 considered to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. On-line accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it free of charge-- as well as the web is currently spreading tofarther places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can make using the net a discouraging exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and don't anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Travel suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Entering and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.