Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as much more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Other names were also 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 as well as Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are generally three seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm yet not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the minimal lodging alternatives tricky to secure and will imply attempting to book ahead or face paying out for the more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it easy to book holiday accommodation however it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and also pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get 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 and allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, getting a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office might be more affordable. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't neglect to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to get in 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 Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common option for tourists as the first mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entrance, although not all of them are suggested because of safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, from which you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and also 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 southernmost 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 boundary village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned if possible to avoid any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. In addition, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot 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 far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and also flying is affordable so it might be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the old-school method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as getting your bag off a trolley by the plane and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies and a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so terrific 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 hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Consider if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very cold, the high-end buses will certainly offer you a covering but, 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 as well as toilet break-- a bit frustrating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though 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 as well as cheesy video until the very early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are usually out-of-bounds to travelers unless you have actually requested a government visa ahead of time. In some areas you'll need 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 indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise might be very costly.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and sunsets, which also matches well with staying indoors (perhaps for a nap or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day .
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously grubby floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're exploring 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 considerate temple visitor, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply views for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Expect to pay an entry charge for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this fee is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The costs are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Lodging in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, meaning you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo travellers, though expenses 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 might be like, basic however magnificently decorated in teak) and the breakfast was generally superior. And also, it's nice to place money into the hands of the citizens, not some large brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you might have to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will likewise supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, but it can't be relied 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 lodging as well as transportation beforehand throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the facilities has actually fallen short to maintain pace with. Many hotels are little as well as boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you wish to stay it's important to book beforehand. It is specifically necessary to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. Yet do not count on 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 an incredible array of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Lots of pieces of cutlery are cleaned with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal alternative.
Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes mention how much spice you like as the cooks tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious as well as a fantastic, fresh alternative in a lot of dining establishments.
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, newly blended juices), make sure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus yet don't expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned and seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't generally feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other places in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and also it's good. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't drink the water but most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or by means of a huge water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is extremely inexpensive.
Alcohol is extensively offered with beer, rum and also whiskey being popular choices.
Beer stations are very easy to locate and also enjoyable areas to get a beverage with the locals if you do not intend to being in a dining establishment.
Realize 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 dawn is much more prominent than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be located and also brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains as well as beyond beverage brands like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brand names as well as eating from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a few equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated about, but mostly you're going to get snacks and also drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't fret, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public areas has long been banned.
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 making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and there isn't always soap in washrooms so use 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 nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, numerous 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 immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
The majority of government advisories warn against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the country stay closed to foreigners due to conflict in between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate details on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to 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 tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also typically enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- men and women 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 heat as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an undesirable distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you clothe 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 yet elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, hot as well as 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 citizens. Nevertheless, bargain 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 charming as well as more than happy to appear in photographs and also try and chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is generally best managed by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're paying for a guide, ensure 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 eating betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi 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 fantastic write-up by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and likewise works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to recognize the location of the kissing sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important 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 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 show up with your garments washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European and North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, 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 as well as the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more about your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps website taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it free of charge-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't anticipate 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 knapsack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.