Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been 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 former British colonial past, and Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were likewise altered, 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 short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can go to 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 yet not stifling, and brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options challenging to secure and will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or face paying out for the a lot more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar as well as upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of visitors that makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation but it is extremely hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa web site. You'll be required to upload a passport photo as well as 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 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 might be cheaper-- if you intend to save some money, applying for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research as well as do not fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into 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) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the most up to date at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common alternative for visitors as the initial mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand as well as 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 advised because of safety.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of choices, where you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay as well as Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the boundary to northern Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as the collection 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 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" however it is best to adhere to the one you initially mentioned preferably to prevent any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be specified up-front. Additionally, you might exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less costly as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
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Myanmar's local transport options may be aggravating but the long distance propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is economical so it might be your better option.
You can still book flights the old-school way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing firms as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so fantastic for sleep. Also, you'll often tend to arrive at odd times in the morning and also will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will certainly be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are really cold, the high-end buses will certainly provide you a covering however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're trying 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 more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as tacky music videos up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly ask 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 typically out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have obtained a government visa ahead of time. 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 struggle to go differently. Trying to do otherwise might be extremely pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its dawns as well as sundowns, which also corresponds nicely with staying inside (possibly for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
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 anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're discovering 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 thoughtful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just sights for tourists. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators as well as keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Expect to pay an entry 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
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Hostels are slowly opening, implying you can sleep in cheaper accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo travellers, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but enchanting. The lodging gives a feel for what a local house could be like, basic but wonderfully decorated in teak wood) as well as the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to put money into the hands of the residents, not some large brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you may need to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will certainly additionally supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as 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.
Reserve holiday accommodation and transport ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to maintain speed with. The majority of resorts are little and also boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you intend to stay it's essential to book ahead of time. It is particularly important 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. Yet do not count on the local monks being able to check here help you out.
Food as well as 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 a remarkable range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Lots of pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so great looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal option.
Tell 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 cooks tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is tasty as well as a great, fresh alternative in most dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal 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), ensure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on food selections however do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and seasoned in oil, salt as well as lime juice and also do not typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia but you can discover it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't drink the water yet most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply free water either in bottles in your space or via a huge water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is extremely economical.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum as well as bourbon being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to find and also fun places to get a drink with the locals if you don't want to sit in a restaurant.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. as well as bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at sunrise is more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brand names and consuming from local dining establishments.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted around, however mostly you're going to buy treats as well as drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not fret, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a country where cigarette smoking in public locations has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist as well as with a belief in karma, crime levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the common safety measures of using hotel 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 shower rooms so use your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look 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 hot. As a result, several travellers use the a/c in their room but 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 as well as if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories caution against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of dispute between the government as well as various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major tourist destinations.
Accurate information on conflicts and also closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice prior to taking a trip, as well as inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, and you will make everybody much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as 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 men and women. Lots of travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so get a cheap one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot and also flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome 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 strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less common.
Culture
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The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, warm as well as slow-moving however bear in mind: you picked to see Myanmar which 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 taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that intend to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Normally the people are wonderful and also more than happy to appear in photos and attempt and also talk with limited usual words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is typically best dealt with by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.
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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it supplies a hit that amounts to six cups of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth as well as taxi drivers usually 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 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 item in Myanmar as well as also works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing noise so don't be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you require in Myanmar are:
Hello there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, 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 typically done by hand as well as is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments laundered and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing and also clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are very 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 very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 numerous 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 overcome it or, better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more concerning your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online access has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it totally free-- and the web is currently spreading tofarther places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and don't expect to Skype home extremely frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.