Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't up until 1989 that the ruling military junta altered 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 Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were additionally 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 and Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This 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 usually 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer 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 attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or deal with paying out for the a lot more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and impending rains are due. There is a limited number of visitors that makes it very easy to book lodging yet it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should obtain approval 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 and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be more affordable-- if you want to save some money, looking for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not neglect to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical choice for travellers as the initial mode of entrance, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several avenues for land entry, although not every one of them are advised because of safety and security.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of options, where you will certainly require to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area of northwestern Myanmar on the border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stay with the one you originally specified ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints since your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is less costly and also has a lot more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices might be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is budget-friendly so it might be your much better choice.
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 individuals off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and also getting your bag off a cart by the airplane as well as flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing firms as well as a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so excellent for rest. Also, you'll tend to arrive at odd times in the morning and also will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same evening to sleep straight away.
Buses are very cold, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a blanket however, 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 as well as toilet break-- a bit discouraging 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 location around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as cheesy music videos until the very early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a driver about reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are normally off-limits to visitors unless you have actually made an application for a government visa beforehand. In some areas 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 otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise might be very expensive.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its dawns and also sundowns, which additionally matches well with staying indoors (maybe for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Expect to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys as well as 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 just have 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 simply views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an access fee for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.
Accommodation in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, implying you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are gradually getting better 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 feel for what a local house could be like, basic but perfectly decorated in teak wood) and the morning meal was generally superior. Plus, it's nice to place money into the hands of the residents, not some large brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses provide a towel but you may need to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly additionally provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, yet 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.
Reserve lodging as well as transportation beforehand throughout peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar seems to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually failed to keep speed with. Many resorts are tiny and boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you wish to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is especially essential to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small cost if there are no rooms available. But do not 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 dining establishments as well as an impressive array of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Several pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state just how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious and also an excellent, fresh option in most dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food as well as drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), ensure you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice as well as do not usually feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia yet you can find 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 drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your space or using a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as scotch being prominent choices.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun locations to get a beverage with the locals if you do not wish to being in a dining establishment.
Be aware that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is more popular than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be discovered and brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains as well as beyond drink brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and also consuming from local restaurants.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you won't find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, but primarily you're going to purchase snacks and also drinks from small, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public locations has actually long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe country-- a lot of the population is Buddhist as well as with a belief in karma, criminal activity levels are exceptionally reduced.
Still, you should take the usual 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 cash is filthy and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so use 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 as well as nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's usually pre-cut, try to find a seller that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
The majority of government advisories advise against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners due to problem between the government and various ethnic armies gathered 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, as well as far from the major tourist destinations.
Exact details on problems as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, and ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of news from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the high temperatures, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so grab an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Battling with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach yet elsewhere it's less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, warm as well as sluggish however keep in mind: you picked to visit Myanmar and that it's not the same as 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 citizens that wish to chat. Travelers are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming as well as are happy to appear in photographs as well as try and also talk with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a great deal which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending 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 chewing betel quids, small parcels that contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that's equivalent to six cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers commonly roll down the window in slow traffic to spit 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 brilliant post 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 as well as likewise serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and restaurants as residents make use of the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so don't be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for many residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is normally done by hand and also is billed per item as opposed to check here kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing and also wash 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 very common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not handle anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin plugs in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of flight terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more concerning your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it free of cost-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power outages can make using the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home very frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation as well as hefting it up several steep staircases isn't much better.