Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't 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 seen as a relic of the country's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. 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 used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the climate is warm but not stifling, as well as draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the restricted lodging alternatives tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying out for the a lot more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises 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 unbelievably hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa web 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 obtain approval 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 date of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you intend to save some money, obtaining a visa using your local Myanmar consular office might be less expensive. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not fail to remember to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical option for tourists as the first mode of entry, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land access, although not all of them are advised due to security.
No matter, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, where you will need to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Crossing at Land Border 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to adhere to the one you initially mentioned when possible to avoid any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is less expensive and has more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options may be aggravating however the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is budget-friendly so it may be your far better option.
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 people off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as getting your bag off a cart by the airplane and also 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 a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing firms as well as a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at weird times in the early morning and will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' nap. Consider if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to rest immediately.
Buses are extremely chilly, the high-end buses will provide you a blanket yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hours for a food as well as 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 as well as cheesy music videos up until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southern Mon State and Tenasserim region are generally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have actually requested a government visa ahead of time. In some locations you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise may be very expensive.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and also sunsets, which likewise corresponds nicely with remaining indoors (perhaps for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Anticipate to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously grubby floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys as well as dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a great deal of animal faeces while you're checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you just need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a mindful temple visitor, most of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for travelers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators as well as keep your voice down-- people will certainly be praying.
Expect to pay an entry cost 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.


Holiday accommodation in Myanmar

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Hostels are gradually opening up, indicating you can rest in economical accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo travellers, though prices are still far more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic however beautifully decorated in teak) and also the morning meal was usually superior. Plus, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels and also guesthouses provide a towel however you could need to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do also, 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.
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 fallen short to maintain speed with. A lot of hotels are little and boutique like so if there's somewhere specific you want to stay it's necessary to book ahead of time. It is particularly necessary to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small fee if there are no areas readily available. Yet don't depend on 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 a fantastic array of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Several pieces of cutlery are wiped with a not so great looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify just how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious as well as a fantastic, fresh alternative in many dining establishments.
There is quite 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 ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on food selections yet don't expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned and also seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice as well as do not typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and also you might get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other areas in Southeast Asia yet you can find it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can not drink the water but most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or through a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, mineral water is really inexpensive.
Alcohol is commonly offered with beer, rum as well as scotch being prominent choices.
Beer stations are easy to locate and also enjoyable areas 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 restaurants close by 9 p.m. and also bars do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at sunrise is more popular than late night alcohol consumption.
Huge chains can't be found and also brand names are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brands like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brands and consuming from local restaurants.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you will not find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted around, however mostly you're going to get snacks and also drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a 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 surprise if you come from a nation where smoking in public locations has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe country-- a lot of the population is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of making use of hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Female visitors 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 utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's often pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories alert 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 actually caused the mass displacement of countless 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 areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major traveler locations.
Precise information on problems and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, as well as inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of information 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 as well as tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also typically enforced for entering the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody wears skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so pick up an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet in other places it's much less usual.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, warm and also sluggish however keep in mind: you selected 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, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You myanmar travel association may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that wish to talk. Travelers are no longer a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming as well as are happy to appear in photos as well as try and speak through limited usual words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a great deal which is typically best managed by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers typically 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 should not give to the children. 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 girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and likewise acts as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes as well as restaurants as residents utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to determine the location of the kissing sound so don't be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: 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 locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered as well as unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require washing and also wash your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hours 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 get over it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' connection, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tomore remote areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and also 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 suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up many steep stairs isn't much better.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *