Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, and Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were likewise altered, which is why you will 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, 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 visit 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 condition is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the limited holiday accommodation alternatives tricky to secure as well as will imply attempting to book ahead or deal with paying out for the much more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it very easy to book accommodation yet it is incredibly hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa site. 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 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 date of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be more affordable-- if you intend to save some money, looking for a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be less costly. As an example, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't forget to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for travellers as the initial mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple avenues for land entrance, although not every one of them are recommended because of safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of alternatives, from which you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Crossing 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area 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 stay with the one you originally specified ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. In addition, you may exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper as well as has extra connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be aggravating however the cross country propositions are a lot more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and also flying is inexpensive so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing businesses and also a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so terrific for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to arrive at odd times in the early morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to rest immediately.
Buses are really cold, the luxury buses will give 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 hrs for a food and toilet break-- a bit frustrating if you're trying to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, although these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as tacky video up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State and Tenasserim region are typically out-of-bounds to travelers unless you have obtained a government visa beforehand. In some locations you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is tough-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are established routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Trying to do otherwise might be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its sunrises and also sundowns, which likewise corresponds well with remaining inside (probably for a snooze or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day warmth.
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed 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, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for tourists. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an access charge for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.


Lodging in Myanmar

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Hostels are gradually opening up, meaning you can rest in economical accommodation than you could a couple of years back. Things are slowly improving for solo travellers, though prices are still a lot more of what you'll pay in other places in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however captivating. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house may be like, basic yet magnificently decorated in teak) as well as the morning meal was typically remarkable. Plus, it's nice to put money into the hands of the locals, not some big brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels and also guesthouses provide a towel however you may need to provide a refundable $10 deposit on check-in. Hotels will likewise supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and guesthouses do as well, yet it can not be depended on.
Beware 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.
Reserve lodging as well as transportation in advance 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. The majority of resorts are little as well as boutique like thus if there's somewhere specific you want to stay it's important to book ahead of time. It is particularly important to book in advance during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small fee if there are no rooms readily available. However don't depend on the local monks being able to help you out.

Food as well as Drink in Myanmar


Order local dishes: it is always the very best choice. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local dining establishments and a remarkable range of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Many items of cutlery are wiped with a not so terrific looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Tell the staff if you do not consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals state how much spice you like as the cooks have a tendency to go easy on travelers!
The fish is scrumptious as well as a terrific, fresh alternative in a lot 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 an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, newly blended juices), make sure you request 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on food selections but do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't normally include 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 yet you can find it and also it's good. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can not consume the water however most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or by means of a huge water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is really economical.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as scotch being popular options.
Beer stations are easy to find and fun areas 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 do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a nation where meditation at dawn is more prominent than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brand names 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 getting local brands and also eating from local dining establishments.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a few equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated about, but mostly you're going to get snacks and beverages from little, 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 people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public places has long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe area-- most of the populace is Buddhist and with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross and there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, numerous travellers use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nonetheless, as it's often pre-cut, search for a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Many government advisories alert against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of problem between the government and also various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major traveler locations.
Accurate info on disputes and also closed locations can be challenging to come by. Check your government's recommendations prior to travelling, and also ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source 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 despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone 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 warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so get a cheap one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but elsewhere it's less common.

Culture

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The local people are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and also slow-moving but remember: 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. Nevertheless, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are lovely and more than happy to appear in photos and attempt as well as speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi 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 good clear English before you book.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it supplies a website hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Great deals of residents have the tell tale red discolored 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 children in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the children. 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 girls. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and also functions as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to recognize the location of the kissing sound so do not be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
Both most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, 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 anticipating it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and also is billed per item instead of kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really need washing as well as wash 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 tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely typical in developing nations 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 in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several 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 get over it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at many airports when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more regarding your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it free of charge-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther areas. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can make using the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Travel suitcases aren't perfect on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.

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