Leading Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't till 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the nation'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, and Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Other names were also changed, 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 and also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This post breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to See Myanmar
There are normally three seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal accommodation choices difficult to secure and also will certainly mean attempting to book ahead or face paying out for the much more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also impending rains are due. There is a minimal number of visitors that makes it very easy to book accommodation but it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa internet site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and pay a charge 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 arrive 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
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you want to save some money, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be cheaper. For example, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for tourists as the first mode of entry, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern as well as India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several for land access, although not all of them are advised due to safety and security.
No matter, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, where you will need to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary 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 Area 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 village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially specified when possible to avoid any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated 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 less expensive as well as has extra connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport alternatives might be irritating however the cross country propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is affordable so it might be your much better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and also getting your bag off a cart by the airplane and 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 do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses as well as a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so wonderful for rest. Likewise, you'll tend to arrive at strange times in the morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to sleep straight away.
Buses are extremely chilly, the deluxe buses will give you a covering yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit frustrating if you're attempting 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 song CD's and cheesy music videos up until the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a driver about reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are usually out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have actually obtained a government visa in advance. In some places you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is tough-- 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 any other way. Attempting to do otherwise could be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its daybreaks and also sundowns, which additionally matches nicely with remaining inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day .
Anticipate to go barefoot a great deal in temples on seriously unclean 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 permitted either so you just 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, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an access charge for Bagan and Inle Lake-- this cost 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 slowly opening, meaning you can sleep in cheaper accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are slowly getting better for solo visitors, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but enchanting. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house could be like, basic however perfectly decorated in teak) and also the morning meal was typically superior. Plus, it's nice to place money into the hands of the residents, not some large brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses supply a towel but you may need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, 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.
Book holiday accommodation and transport ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar seems to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has actually fallen short to maintain pace with. Many hotels are small as well as boutique like so if there's someplace certain you want to stay it's important to book in advance. It is especially necessary 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 areas readily available. But 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 during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also a remarkable range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Several pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so wonderful looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an excellent alternative.
Inform the staff if you do not consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is tasty as well as an excellent, fresh option in a lot of 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 a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), see to it you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections but don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned and seasoned in oil, salt as well as lime juice and also don't normally feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you might get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia but 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 not drink the water but 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 cheap.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as bourbon being preferred options.
Beer stations are easy to find as well as fun locations to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to sit in a restaurant.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. as well as 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 discovered and brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and beyond drink brands like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and more info consuming from local restaurants.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted about, but primarily you're going to buy treats and also drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't fret, just step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking in public areas has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- most of the population is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the common safety measures of using hotel storage lockers or safes for your belongings. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Also take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you ill.
Fruit is simple 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 and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
The majority of government advisories warn 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 actually resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners because of dispute between the government as well as various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the major tourist locations.
Precise details on disputes and closed locations can be challenging to come by. Check your government's advice before travelling, and also inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of news from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone 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 typically enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so get a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are vital! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will 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
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travel can be frustrating, hot and slow but remember: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, 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 the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are charming as well as are happy to appear in pictures and also try and chat with limited common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a lot which is normally best dealt with by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have excellent clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it delivers a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. However, 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 residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers usually roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this great 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 as well as also functions as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes as well as dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the place of the kissing noise so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for many locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and also is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your garments washed as well as unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly need washing and clean your smaller sized items yourself 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 tissue or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hrs in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, far 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 street and also the store staff will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more concerning your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' connection, don't anticipate to be downloading video clips whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power failures can use the net an irritating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and also hefting it up many high stairs isn't better.