Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however 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 country's previous British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were additionally changed, which is why you will certainly see Rangoon now 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 used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the concern: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are typically three 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 period is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the limited lodging options difficult to secure and will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying for the a lot more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar and upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists that makes it very easy to book accommodation yet it is unbelievably warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa website. 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 authorization within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the date of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be less expensive-- if you wish to save some money, applying for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be cheaper. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and also do not neglect to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration internet site for the current at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual option for travellers as the initial mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several for land access, although not every one of them are advised because of safety and security.
No matter, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, from which you will require to pick among 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 and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula as well as the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the boundary village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned if possible to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Boundary Checkpoints given that your exit point does not require 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 more affordable as well as has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

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Myanmar's local transport choices might be discouraging yet the long distance propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is economical so it may be your 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 involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also 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 inexpensive with competing firms and also a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so wonderful for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at strange times in the morning and will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting on a 'top-up' nap. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to take a nap immediately.
Buses are really chilly, the deluxe buses will give you a covering but, 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 irritating 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also cheesy music videos up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State and also Tenasserim region are usually out-of-bounds to vacationers unless you have actually requested 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 difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise may be extremely costly.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its daybreaks and also sundowns, which additionally corresponds nicely with remaining inside (possibly for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously grubby 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 exploring Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you simply have 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 and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee 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.


Accommodation in Myanmar

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Hostels are gradually opening up, meaning you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years earlier. Things are slowly improving for solo travellers, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however enchanting. The lodging offers a feel for what a local house might be like, basic yet beautifully decorated in teak) as well as the breakfast was normally superior. Plus, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses supply a towel however you could have to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will also provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, yet it can not 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.
Book lodging as well as transportation in advance throughout peak season. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to maintain speed with. The majority of hotels are tiny and boutique like so if there's someplace particular you intend to stay it's vital to book ahead of time. It is specifically vital to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take tourists in for a small charge if there are no spaces offered. But don't rely on the local monks being able to help you out.

Food and Drink in Myanmar


Order local dishes: it is always the best selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also an incredible selection of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so terrific looking water supply and also dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an ideal choice.
Tell the staff if you do not eat something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify how much spice you like as the chefs often tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious and a terrific, fresh alternative in the majority of restaurants.
There is rather a lot of sugar in the food and also drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), see to it you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and also don't normally include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations 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't drink the water but most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your space or using a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is really cheap.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum and bourbon being popular options.
Beer stations are simple to discover as well as fun places to get a drink with the locals if you do not intend to being 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 daybreak is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brands like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be purchasing local brands and consuming from local dining establishments.
Stores are small, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' stores dotted about, but primarily you're going to purchase snacks and beverages from small, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't worry, simply step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where smoking cigarettes in public areas has long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe area-- the majority of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you ought to take the usual safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is dirty and there isn't always soap in bathrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth as well as nose when biking around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. As a result, several visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you unwell.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. Nevertheless, as it's often pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Most government advisories alert against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has brought about the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government as well as different ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major traveler destinations.
Exact info on conflicts and closed locations can be hard to come by. Check your government's advice before taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from visitors on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the high temperatures, as well as you will make everybody much 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 highly encouraged as well as often enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Numerous tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country 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 and at the beach yet in other places it's much less usual.

Culture

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The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow however keep in mind: you selected to go to Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens who wish to get more info chat. Vacationers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are beautiful and more than happy to appear in photos and attempt and chat through limited common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a great deal which is typically best dealt with by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have excellent clear English before you book.

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The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| because it supplies a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, most 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 slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this great 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 functions as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as locals utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential 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 most citizens 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 as well as is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really need 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 not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not deal with anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 several adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at a lot of airports when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network selections below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'rapid' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it totally free-- and also the internet is currently spreading tomore remote places. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as don't anticipate to Skype home extremely frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Luggage aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.

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