Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially referred to as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't up until 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, as well as Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were likewise 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are commonly three seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season 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 lodging alternatives difficult to secure and will indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying out for the much more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists which makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is extremely hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet 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 approval 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 day of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be cheaper-- if you intend to save some cash, looking for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be cheaper. As an example, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not forget to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the latest at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for visitors as the initial mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land access, although not every one of them are encouraged because of security.
Regardless, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes exactly how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, where you will certainly need to pick one of 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 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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and 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" but it is best to stay with the one you initially specified when possible to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave 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. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and has extra links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are a lot more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and also flying is affordable so it may be your better option.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses and also a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so wonderful for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at odd times in the early morning and will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are really chilly, the high-end buses will certainly offer you a covering 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 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 and cheesy video till the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and Tenasserim region are normally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have actually obtained a government visa ahead of time. In some areas you'll require a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is hard-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure means that there are set routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go otherwise. Attempting to do otherwise might be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its daybreaks and sunsets, which also matches perfectly with remaining inside (maybe for a nap or pool dip if you have one) during the mid-day warmth.
Expect to go barefoot a whole 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 checking out Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted 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 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 keep your voice down-- individuals will be praying.
Expect to pay an entry fee for Bagan and also 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 gradually opening up, indicating you can sleep in low-cost accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo travellers, though prices are still much more of what you'll pay somewhere else in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic but captivating. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic but perfectly decorated in teak wood) as well as the morning meal was typically remarkable. And also, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the locals, 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 likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do too, but it can not be counted on.
Be careful about the curfew-- some guesthouses may lock the door at night, leaving you unable to get to your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve accommodation and transport ahead of time throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar seems to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has actually fallen short to maintain speed with. The majority of resorts are little as well as boutique like so if there's somewhere particular you want to stay it's vital to book in advance. It is specifically 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 offered. 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 selection. There are noodles during the night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and a fantastic array of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous pieces of cutlery are cleaned with a not so wonderful looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state how much spice you like as the cooks tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is tasty as well as an excellent, fresh choice in most 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 an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, freshly blended juices), ensure you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on menus however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded and seasoned in oil, salt as well as lime juice and also don't usually include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar and you may get ill 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 meal (under $2).
You can't consume the water but most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply totally free water either in bottles in your space or using a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, bottled water is really cheap.
Alcohol is extensively available with beer, rum and scotch being preferred alternatives.
Beer stations are very easy to find and fun places to get a beverage with the locals if you do not intend to sit 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 daybreak is a lot more preferred than late night alcohol consumption.
Huge chains can't be found and brand names remain in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond beverage brands like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brand names as well as eating from local dining establishments.
Shops are tiny, family owned affairs-- you won't find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated around, yet primarily you're going to get snacks as well as beverages from tiny, local businesses. They can look a little bit intimidating, like you're intruding by walking in. Do not worry, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where cigarette smoking in public places has actually long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- most of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief 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 valuables. Women travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross as well as there isn't always soap in washrooms so use 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 also nose when cycling around. Also take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories advise against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has brought about the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the country stay closed to foreigners due to conflict between the government and also different ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and far from the significant visitor locations.
Accurate information on problems as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, and also ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from travellers on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and 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 as well as t-shirts are the clothing of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for getting in the temples as well as pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so grab a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the best footwear option. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but elsewhere it's much less usual.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot as well as sluggish however keep in mind: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Normally individuals are charming and are happy to appear in pictures as well as try and chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is generally best managed by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and 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 spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, small parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, most times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers usually roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating 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 fantastic 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 product in Myanmar as well as likewise works as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and restaurants as locals utilize the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, however it is well received. Be prepared 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 usually done by hand and is billed per item instead of kilo so try to show up with your clothes washed and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the here items you truly 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't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual 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 area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous 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, better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at the majority of airport terminals 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 mins. You can read more concerning your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it for free-- as well as the web is currently spreading tofarther areas. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Travel suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't much better.

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