Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't until 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the country'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 more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were also changed, which is why you will 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 made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as 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 Visit Myanmar
There are typically three periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high period is November to February when the climate is warm however not stifling, and also draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying out for the more expensive alternatives 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 visitors that makes it easy to book lodging however it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to travellers from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to upload a passport photo and pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply as well as 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 day of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, looking for a visa by means of your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the price is simply ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and do not fail to remember to consider 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; and at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the latest at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for visitors as the first mode of access, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, thinking about where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several for land access, although not all of them are encouraged because of security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of options, from which 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 (situated 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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster 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 town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially stated preferably to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is inexpensive so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve 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 individuals off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll tend to reach at odd times in the morning as well as won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to rest straight away.
Buses are really chilly, the deluxe buses will certainly give you a blanket yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food and toilet break-- a little bit frustrating if you're trying 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 and cheesy music videos until the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southern Mon State and Tenasserim region are normally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have obtained a government visa beforehand. In some places you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is challenging-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise might be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its daybreaks and sunsets, which likewise matches well with staying indoors (perhaps for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you just need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a thoughtful temple visitor, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply views for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and also keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an entrance fee 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.
Holiday accommodation in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, implying you can rest in cheaper accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually improving for solo visitors, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The accommodation offers a feel for what a local house may be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) as well as the morning meal was generally exceptional. Plus, it's nice to place cash right into the hands of the locals, not some big brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel however you may need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will additionally provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do too, however it can not be depended 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.
Reserve accommodation as well as transportation ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are little and also boutique like thus if there's someplace certain you wish to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is particularly important to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no rooms offered. But do not count on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the very best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments as well as a fantastic variety of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Lots of items of cutlery are wiped with a not so terrific looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an optimal option.
Inform the staff if you don't eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes mention how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious and also an excellent, fresh option in the majority of restaurants.
There is rather a lot of sugar in the food and also drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), see to it you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice as well as do not usually include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other areas in Southeast Asia but you can locate it as well as it's great. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can't consume the water but most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or via a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is extremely cheap.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and whiskey being popular choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun locations to get a drink with the locals if you don't want to sit in a restaurant.
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 more popular than late night alcohol consumption.
Huge chains can't be found and also brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brands like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brand names and consuming from local dining establishments.
Shops are small, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted around, however primarily you're going to purchase snacks and also beverages from small, 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 people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a nation where smoking in public areas has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- a lot of the populace is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you need to take the common preventative measures of using hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross as well as 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 carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, several travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you unwell.
Fruit is easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories alert against traveling 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. Some other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to conflict in between the government and also different ethnic armies 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, and far from the major tourist locations.
Accurate details on disputes as well as closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's advice before travelling, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely more info Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs regardless of the high temperatures, as well as you will make everyone much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as often enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of tourists 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 an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas means going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but 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 as well as your patience. Travel can be frustrating, hot and sluggish but remember: you selected to check out Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents who want to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are charming as well as are happy to appear in pictures as well as try and also talk through minimal typical words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending for a guide, make sure 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, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it supplies a hit that's equivalent to six mugs of coffee. But, 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 locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and cab drivers often roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also 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 girls. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and likewise acts as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and dining establishments as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing audio so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally 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 wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple 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 not handle anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that odd half-hour difference| to its time zone 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 as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more about your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading video clips whenever. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very 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. aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't much better.