Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation formally known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't till 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, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. 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 and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are typically 3 periods in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, and also brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the limited lodging options tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or face paying out for the much more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar and also impending rains are due. There is a limited number of tourists that makes it very easy to book accommodation yet it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to travellers from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. 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 arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue and allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be less expensive-- if you want to save some money, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar consular office might be cheaper. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the USA, so do your research as well as don't forget to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the most up to date at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual alternative for tourists as the initial mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entry, 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 the internet application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of options, from which you will certainly require to pick one of 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 as well as 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 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 collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stay with the one you initially specified ideally to avoid any kind 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 given that your exit point does not need to be mentioned up-front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and also has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport choices may be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and also flying is budget friendly so it may be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering right 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 getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing firms as well as a range of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so fantastic for rest. Likewise, you'll often tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and also will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to rest straight away.
Buses are extremely chilly, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a blanket however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit irritating if you're attempting 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 more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as cheesy music videos up until the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about he time of arrival. Because of superstitious notions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will reach a destination summons bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The result? You won't get a response.
You will primarily reserve buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will typically charge a cost however be aware that the charge can vary significantly.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this truly does vary depending upon destination, mode of travel and also company. Try to find a company that does include pick-up as taxis are outrageously priced.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one handy online booking website and also the ones that do exist have a restricted number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not necessarily imply the bus is full. Try booking in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without costs.
Buses are generally faster than the trains, but bus rides are rough-- you might think about taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst visitors.
There are no international car-rental companies, yet the majority of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan-- along with guesthouses and also hotels in other places-- can organize cars and also drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
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Myanmar is still developing and this is most frustratingly apparent in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will be your major method of getting around particularly for getting to as well as from airport terminals and also within cities like Yangon as well as Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a fast 'just how much can I get away with' computation) as well as you're going to need to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Usually the taxi to and also from the airport/bus will certainly be more than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate amount for taxi fares.
Taxis for the day might be your much better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan as well as $28 for a few hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger aspect than time in determining the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hr journey around Yangon can cost USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each method, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is expensive in Myanmar and also is a significant contributing aspect to the price.
Everybody intends to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut manufacturer during your sightseeing journeys. Don't hesitate to say no when you're paying for your own personal transportation. After all, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, a few of the side journeys can be interesting and drivers may take you to some cool locations that aren’t on your itinerary and you may be happy you opted for their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much cheaper however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt one of the dustiest places, and also almost all travelers create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses as well as something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- or else you'll be among the many vacationers walking around toting head to foot road rash and also plasters.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 km ought to provide you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus station (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
Car quality is hit and miss so don't count on air-conditioning as well as leather seats-- that 1.5 hr journey in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with absolutely nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
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Prepare for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the very early hours of the morning, your only alternative to get to my hotel may be using horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, however considering that this is the major form of visitor transportation here it is just natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money as well as ATMs in Myanmar
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You can utilize 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars as well as the local money, kyat (pronounced read more ‘chat').
If you're going to use dollars, they need to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and newer than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for flaws, discolouration and creases at the money exchange kiosks. You could additionally have difficulty changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in United States bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Utilizing kyat is likely to be cheaper because the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- somewhere in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is normally applied on the spot, probably relying on just how rich you look.
There are ATMs and also they mostly function but see to it you have cash prior to turning up at more remote places like the beach. Sometimes they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine charge of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your financial institution could bill. And you most likely will not be able to withdraw greater than $150 each time.
ATM machines dispense kyat only. There are lots of exchange places around, however primarily the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational airport terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines as well as need cash payment. If you have booked your hotels ahead of time online this might save you taking additional cash for accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mainly only in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, generally charging a little charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more costly than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being constructed. That includes guesthouses as well as restaurants. Companies are recovering their costs.
Lodging expenses
A dorm bed will certainly set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a basic private room with en-suite from around $35 for a single bed. In visitor hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dingy, no-frills room.
For hotels, luxury hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a good example where luxury comes with a rate of $250 per night) with various other excellent choices being available at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which sets you back around $120 a night). A contemporary hotel can cost USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package vacationer' destinations like Ngapali coastline can set you back as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a couple of hostels there too). On the bonus side, you normally get a complimentary breakfast with your lodging.
Food expenses
Street food is most affordable-- around $1-$2 for a plate of something basic. Local restaurants cost around $2-$4 a dish. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or including something like pizza) will certainly set you back $7-$12.
Drink expenses
Mineral water is cheap, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally inexpensive at a number of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing prices
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to spend for the privilege of being a foreigner and making use of squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on costs of items like mementos however if you bargain too hard the locals lose interest as well as leave.
Tipping is not common method in Myanmar, and also it's just foreigners who tip.
Taking in the sights in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for sunrise as well as out cold by 10pm! The heat is typically excruciating during the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the tourist buses make it harder to get outstanding pictures and also move around freely.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, together with the western Chin State as well as the far, crime levels are remarkably low.
Still, you ought to take the typical preventative measures of utilizing hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money 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.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and nose when cycling around. Likewise take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperature levels 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 as well as if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories caution against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually caused the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners as a result of conflict in between the government and also different ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate info on disputes as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to travelling, and also inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, as well as you will make everybody much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as typically enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
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Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with laces in the blistering heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation 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 also at the beach yet elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
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The local people are extremely genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travel can be irritating, warm and slow-moving yet bear in mind: you chose to visit Myanmar and that it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens who wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming and also more than happy to appear in photos as well as try and chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a great deal which is usually best handled by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and also if you're paying for a guide, ensure they have good clear English before you book.
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The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels that 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 hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spat out, most times onto the ground.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers often roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after chewing 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 kids. Why not? Read this great short article by Uncornered Market.
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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 likewise acts as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize 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 a lot of citizens to giggle in reaction-- 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 as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need washing and wash your smaller sized 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't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not manage anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead 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, much better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at most airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the web 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 hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.