Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally called Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet 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 nation's previous British colonial past, and also Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were additionally 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 used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as 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 season
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, and 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 ahead or deal with paying out for the much more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of travelers which makes it easy to book 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 site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and pay a fee 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 get here 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
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be more affordable-- if you intend to save some money, obtaining a visa through your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and don't neglect 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 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration web site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for tourists as the first mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- 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 methods for land entry, although not every one of them are suggested due to security.
Regardless, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, where you will certainly 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 (located in between Mandalay as well as 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 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 border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stay with the one you initially stated ideally to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options might be aggravating but the cross country propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and also flying is cost effective so it may be your much better option.
You can still reserve flights the traditional means by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting 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 actually is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing companies and a series of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. 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 cold, the luxury buses will certainly give you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and toilet break-- a bit aggravating if you're attempting to rest 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 tacky music videos until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty 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 also Tenasserim area are generally off-limits to travelers 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.
Leaving the beaten path is hard-- 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. Trying to do otherwise might be very pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its dawns and sundowns, which additionally matches well with staying indoors (perhaps for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Expect 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 checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted either so you simply need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a thoughtful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an access fee for Bagan and also 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 up, indicating you can rest in more inexpensive accommodation than you could a couple of years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo tourists, though costs are still a lot more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however charming. The accommodation offers a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic but magnificently decorated in teak wood) and also the breakfast was normally remarkable. Plus, it's nice to put cash right into the hands of the citizens, not some large brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you may need to provide a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will certainly also supply 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.
Book lodging as well as transportation 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 pace with. Many hotels are small and boutique like so if there's somewhere specific you want to stay it's essential to book in advance. It is especially essential to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small charge if there are no spaces offered. However do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is always the best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments as well as an outstanding selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are wiped with a not so terrific looking water supply and 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 how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious as well as a terrific, fresh alternative in most 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, fresh blended juices), make certain you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as 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 locations 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 dish (under $2).
You can't drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your space or by means of a huge water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is very inexpensive.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum as well as scotch being popular options.
Beer stations are easy to find and fun locations to get a drink with the locals if you don't intend to being in a dining establishment.
Know that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. and also bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at daybreak is a lot more preferred than late night drinking.
Huge chains can't be found and brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond drink brand names like Coke as well as Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and also consuming from local dining establishments.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you won't find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, yet mainly you're going to buy treats as well as beverages from little, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't 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 in public areas has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are remarkably low.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Female tourists should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and there isn't always soap in shower rooms 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. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Most government advisories warn 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 resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners due to problem in between the government and various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major vacationer destinations.
Exact details on disputes and closed locations can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance before taking a trip, and also inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the heat, and also you will make everybody 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 going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone 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 warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so get an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but somewhere else it's much less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, hot as well as slow however remember: you chose 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 cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to talk. Visitors are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Normally the people are lovely and also are happy to appear in photographs and also try and converse with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain 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, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| since it delivers a hit that's equivalent 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, a lot 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 fantastic 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, an aesthetic 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 coffee shops and also restaurants as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be upset!
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 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 normally done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your garments laundered and unless you want to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need washing and also clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by but tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really usual in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange 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 plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, much better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to myanmar travel packages be a 'fast' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips at any time. Online access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it totally free-- and also the internet is currently spreading tomore remote places. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can make using the web a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as 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 luggage. aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.