Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally referred to as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been 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 seen as a relic of the nation's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were also 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 Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are generally 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, as well as attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options challenging to secure and will imply attempting to book in advance or deal with paying for the a lot more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it easy to book accommodation but it is exceptionally hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo and also pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and 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 may be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. As an example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't neglect 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 three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for visitors as the initial mode of entrance, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land access, although not all of them are advised due to safety and security.
No matter, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes exactly how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be provided a listing of options, from which you will require to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated 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 north 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 border of the Thai Peninsula as well as the cluster 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 village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to adhere to the one you originally specified ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. Additionally, you might leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable and also has extra connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport alternatives may be irritating but the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and flying is budget-friendly so it may be your far better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a trolley by the airplane and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly 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 as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so terrific for rest. Also, you'll often tend to reach at weird times in the morning as well as will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are very chilly, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hours for a food and toilet break-- a 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 even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also cheesy music videos until the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim area are generally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have made an application for a government visa ahead of time. In some locations you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is tough-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Trying to do otherwise might be really expensive.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its sunrises and also sunsets, which also corresponds nicely with remaining inside (maybe for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously unclean floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys as well as dogs hangout, you can expect to step in a lot 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 clean off some after each visit.
Be a mindful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just sights for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an access charge for Bagan as well as 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
Credits: tripadvisor.com
Hostels are slowly opening, indicating you can sleep in cheaper accommodation than you could a few years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo tourists, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however charming. The lodging gives a feel for what a local house could be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) as well as the breakfast was typically remarkable. Plus, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the residents, not some large brand chain.
Many hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses supply a towel but you may need to provide a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do too, however it can not be depended on.
Beware the curfew-- some guesthouses might 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 beforehand throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has actually failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are small as well as boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you wish to stay it's important to book ahead of time. 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 spaces offered. But don't count on the local monks being able to help you out.
Food as well as Drink in Myanmar
Order local dishes: it is constantly the very best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and a fantastic range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Several items of cutlery are wiped with a not so fantastic 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 cooks tend to go easy on visitors!
The fish is delicious and also an excellent, fresh option in the majority of restaurants.
There is rather 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), make certain you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus but don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't usually feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other places in Southeast Asia however you can locate it and it's good. 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 guesthouses supply totally free water either in bottles in your area or via a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is really cheap.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and bourbon being popular options.
Beer stations are simple to locate and fun places to get a drink with the locals if you don't want to sit in a dining establishment.
Realize 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 country where meditation at sunrise is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can't be discovered and brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brand names like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brands and also eating from local restaurants.
Shops are small, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, however mostly you're going to get snacks and 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 individuals smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a nation where smoking cigarettes in public locations has actually long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe area-- the majority of the populace is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, crime levels are exceptionally reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and there isn't always soap in washrooms so use your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, try to find 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 caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation continue to be shut to foreigners because of dispute between the government and various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate details on problems and closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before travelling, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs despite the heat, as well as you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for taking in the sights so grab one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear selection. Struggling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 as well as strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach however somewhere else it's less usual.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, warm and also slow however keep in mind: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not like 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 chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photographs and also try and chat with minimal common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as 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, little 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 byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers typically 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 should not give to the children. Why not? Read this fantastic write-up by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the place of the kissing sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be prepared for most citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating travel corner myanmar it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually require washing and wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by but tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not cope with 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 overcome it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airports when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos at any time. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it absolutely free-- as well as the net is currently spreading tomore remote areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and don't anticipate to Skype home extremely often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a luggage. Travel suitcases 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 high stairs isn't much better.