Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally called Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't until 1989 that the ruling military junta  changed 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 former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were also 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 Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?

Ideal Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:

October to March: Dry, winter

March to May: Hot, summer season

May to October: Wet, rainy period

The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying for the a lot more pricey alternatives left over.

March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of tourists which makes it very easy to book accommodation however it is exceptionally warm.



Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 nations.

To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required to submit a passport photo and pay a cost of $50.

It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should obtain 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 date of issue and enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar

Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be more affordable-- if you intend to save some cash, requesting a visa using your local Myanmar consular office might be less expensive. For instance, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research and also do not forget to consider mailing expenses.

It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the most up to date at the time you travel.

Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for travellers as the very first mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land access, although not all of them are suggested due to safety.

No matter, you must define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be provided a list of options, where you will require to choose among the following:

Myanmar Designated International Airports:

Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:

Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to north Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the boundary 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 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 border village 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" yet it is best to adhere to the one you originally stated ideally to avoid any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.

You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be mentioned up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.

Flying in and also out of Yangon is more affordable and also has much more links than Mandalay.

Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance


Credit: myanmartours.us

Myanmar's local transportation options might be discouraging yet the long distance propositions are much more appealing.

Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and flying is affordable so it may be your better choice.

You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering right into a travel agent.

Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and also getting your bag off a cart by the airplane as well as flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And also a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing companies and a series of deluxe levels.



Credits: seawander.asia

The majority of buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so terrific for sleep. Also, you'll often tend to reach at odd times in the morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting for a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to take a nap straight away.

Buses are very chilly, the luxury buses will certainly provide you a blanket yet, wear your warm layers.

Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're trying to rest through the night.

Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local song CD's and tacky music videos till the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be turned off.

Never ever ask a driver about reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are normally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have gotten a government visa beforehand. In some areas 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 means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go differently. Attempting to do otherwise may be very expensive.

Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its dawns and also sundowns, which likewise matches well with remaining inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day warmth.

Anticipate to go barefoot a great deal 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 great deal 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 wipe some after each visit.

Be a mindful temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just views for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- individuals will certainly be praying.

Anticipate to pay an entry cost 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.





Accommodation in Myanmar


Credits: tripadvisor.com



Hostels are gradually opening up, meaning you can rest in affordable accommodation than you could a few years back. Things are gradually improving for solo tourists, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Guesthouses are rustic yet captivating. The accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic however magnificently decorated in teak wood) as well as the morning meal was normally remarkable. Plus, it's nice to put cash into the hands of the residents, not some huge brand chain.

The majority of hostels, hotels and guesthouses give a towel but you may need to offer up a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, but it can not be relied on.

Be careful 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 transport beforehand during peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has fallen short to maintain pace with. Many resorts are tiny as well as boutique like thus if there's somewhere specific you intend to stay it's important to book in advance. It is particularly essential to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no spaces readily available. Yet do not rely upon 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 dining establishments and also a fantastic selection of curries and also salads

Use chopsticks: Several items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so excellent looking water supply get more info as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are an optimal choice.

Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals specify how much spice you like as the cooks have a tendency to go easy on tourists!

The fish is scrumptious and an excellent, fresh alternative in the majority of dining establishments.

There is rather a great deal of sugar in the food and drinks. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), see to it you request 'no sugar'.

Salads feature greatly on menus yet do not expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are seasoned as well as seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice and also don't usually include salad leaves.

Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and also you might get ill once.

Street food isn't as prolific as other places in Southeast Asia however you can find it and also it's great. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).

You can't drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your room or using a big water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is very inexpensive.

Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and also scotch being preferred choices.

Beer stations are very easy to find and also fun areas to get a beverage with the locals if you don't wish to being in a restaurant.

Know that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. and bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at sunrise is much more preferred than late night drinking.

Huge chains can not be located and also brands remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains and beyond drink brands like Coke and also Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brands and consuming from local dining establishments.

Shops are small, family owned affairs-- you won't discover a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated about, but mostly you're going to get snacks as well as drinks from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Don't worry, just step in, they want your business.

There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public places has long been banned.

Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an extremely safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and also with an idea in karma, crime levels are exceptionally low.

Still, you should take the typical safety measures of utilizing hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Women tourists should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.

Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is unclean and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.

Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Likewise take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, numerous travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.

Fruit is easy to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. Nonetheless, as it's typically pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.

Safety
Most government advisories warn 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 individuals. A few other parts of the country stay shut to foreigners as a result of conflict between the government and various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the significant visitor destinations.

Precise information on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations before taking a trip, and inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from visitors on the ground.



What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also 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 and also t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.





Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com

Everybody uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so pick up one a the market if you have the chance.

Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after seeing 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 find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach yet in other places it's less common.



Culture


Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com

The local individuals are extremely genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be aggravating, warm and also slow-moving yet bear in mind: you chose to go to Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.

You may get stopped a lot by residents that wish to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally the people are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in photographs as well as attempt as well as converse with minimal common words or sign language.

You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is usually best managed by providing a smile and also a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have excellent 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, tiny parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| because it delivers a hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs of coffee. However, 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.

Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after eating 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 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 women. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as also acts as a sunscreen.



It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as residents make use of the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to determine the area of the kissing sound so do not be upset!

Burmese Phrases
The two essential expressions you need in Myanmar are:

Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah

Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee

Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready 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 normally done by hand and is charged per item instead of kilo so try to show up with your garments laundered and unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly need washing and also wash your smaller items yourself 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 very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything aside from bodily fluids.

Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hrs in advance 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 have to get over it or, better still, buy a local SIM. You can get one at most airports when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more regarding your network choices here. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading video clips at any time. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it for free-- as well as the internet is now spreading tofarther places. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and power outages can use the web an aggravating exercise.

Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, and also don't expect to Skype home very frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to work at times!

You'll be much better with a backpack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms of transportation and hefting it up several high staircases isn't better.

Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar

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