Top Myanmar Travel 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 till 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, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were likewise altered, which is why you will 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 also Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This post breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 3 seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the restricted accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying out for the more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of tourists that makes it very easy to book lodging yet it is extremely warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to travellers from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes 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
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you wish to save some money, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. For instance, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into 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) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration web site for the latest at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for tourists as the very first mode of access, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and also India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land access, although not all of them are suggested because of safety and security.
No matter, you must define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of options, from which you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and also 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 most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 border town 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 stay with the one you originally specified ideally to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and has a lot more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options might be discouraging but the cross country propositions are a lot more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is budget friendly so it might be your far better option.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing companies and also a range of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so excellent for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to reach at odd times in the early morning and also will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a covering however, 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 and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that these are the buses which bring you to your destination around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and also cheesy video till the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are normally out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have actually obtained 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 indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go otherwise. Trying to do otherwise might be extremely costly.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is well-known for its sunrises and also sunsets, which additionally matches well with staying inside (possibly for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day heat.
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously grubby floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also 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 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, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs as well as keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an entrance 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.
Lodging in Myanmar
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are gradually opening up, implying you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo visitors, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The lodging provides a feel for what a local house might be like, basic but wonderfully decorated in teak wood) and also the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to place cash right into the hands of the locals, not some big brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel yet you might need to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do as well, yet it can't be relied on.
Be cautious about the curfew-- some guesthouses might lock the door at night, leaving you unable to get to your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve lodging as well as transport in advance during peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are tiny and also boutique like so if there's somewhere certain you wish to stay it's important to book ahead of time. It is particularly necessary to book ahead during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. However don't rely on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food and also Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the best choice. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and a remarkable array of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are wiped with a not so great looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an ideal choice.
Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes specify just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious and also a terrific, fresh choice in the majority of restaurants.
There is rather a great deal of sugar in the food and drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's a choice to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections yet do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and also do not generally feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and also it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can not consume the water yet most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or by means of a big water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is extremely cheap.
Alcohol is widely offered with beer, rum and also scotch being prominent options.
Beer stations are easy to find and also enjoyable areas to get a drink with the locals if you don't intend to being in a restaurant.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and also bars do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at daybreak is a lot more prominent than late night drinking.
Large chains can't be found and also brands remain 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 buying local brand names and consuming from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you will not find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, however mostly you're going to purchase treats and beverages 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 people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where cigarette smoking in public places has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and also with an idea in karma, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the common precautions of utilizing hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is dirty and there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many tourists use the a/c in their room here but sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a seller that has kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories caution against travel 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 caused the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners because of dispute between the government and also different ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Exact information on conflicts as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance before travelling, and ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders as well as legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the clothing of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as usually enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and also tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so grab an inexpensive one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear option. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however somewhere else it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are extremely genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm as well as sluggish but remember: you picked 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 residents. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by locals that intend to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are beautiful and more than happy to appear in photos and attempt and also converse through minimal typical words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is generally best handled by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're paying for a guide, make sure they have great clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks 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 possibly popular| due to the fact that it delivers a hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product 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 and also taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit 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 women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic 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 coffee shops as well as dining establishments as residents utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the location of the kissing audio so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, yet it is well received. Be prepared for a lot of residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to turn up with your clothes laundered and unless you want to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you really need washing and clean your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not manage anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that odd half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous 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 overcome it or, far better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports when you land or in among the shops in the street and also the shop staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more concerning your network choices here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it absolutely free-- and the net is now spreading tomore remote places. However tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power outages can make using the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't 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 travel suitcase. aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering as well as out of myriad forms of transport as well as hefting it up many steep stairs isn't better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar