Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Leading Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as much more inclusive of the numerous 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 as well as Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are normally three seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options tricky to secure and also will indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying for the a lot more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar as well as impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of visitors that makes it easy to book lodging but it is exceptionally warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to upload a passport photo as well as pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should obtain approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the day of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you wish to save some money, obtaining a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be less expensive. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and also do not fail to remember 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 at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for visitors as the very first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and also India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entry, although not every one of them are advised due to safety.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, from which you will need to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border 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 Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stay with the one you initially stated ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints given that your exit point does not require to be mentioned up-front. Additionally, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper and has more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives may be discouraging but the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is inexpensive so it might be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also getting your bag off a trolley by the airplane and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also 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 inexpensive with competing firms as well as a series of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so excellent for rest. Likewise, you'll tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting on a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to rest immediately.
Buses are really cold, the high-end buses will certainly offer you a blanket but, 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 bit irritating if you're attempting to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and tacky video till the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a vehicle driver about reaches of the southerly Mon State and also Tenasserim area are typically out-of-bounds to visitors unless you have gotten a government visa ahead of time. In some locations you'll need 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 indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Attempting to do otherwise could be very costly.
Work your sightseeing around the heat-- Myanmar is famous for its sunrises and sunsets, which additionally matches perfectly with staying indoors (perhaps for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Anticipate to go barefoot a whole lot in temples on seriously grubby floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also 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 simply need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can clean off some after each visit.
Be a considerate 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 keep your voice down-- individuals will certainly be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this fee is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The costs are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.


Holiday accommodation in Myanmar

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Hostels are slowly opening up, implying you can sleep in affordable accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are gradually getting better for solo tourists, though costs are still far more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however charming. The lodging gives a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic yet beautifully decorated in teak wood) and also the breakfast was generally superior. And also, it's nice to place money right into the hands of the citizens, not some big brand chain.
A lot of hostels, hotels and also guesthouses offer a towel yet you might have to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will likewise provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels as well as guesthouses do too, however 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.
Book lodging and also transportation in advance throughout peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the infrastructure has failed to maintain speed with. A lot of hotels are small and boutique like so if there's someplace certain you want to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is specifically vital to book in advance during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small fee if there are no rooms available. But do not depend on the local monks being able to help you out.

Food and also 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 remarkable range of curries and also salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so excellent looking water supply as well as dishcloth. Prepackaged chopsticks are a perfect option.
Inform the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals mention 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 dining establishments.
There is quite a lot of sugar in the food as well as beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), ensure you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on food selections but don't anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated and seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and don't generally feature salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar and also you could get sick once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other locations in Southeast Asia however you can discover it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't drink the water but most hotels, hostels and guesthouses supply complimentary water either in bottles in your area or via a large water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is really cheap.
Alcohol is commonly offered with beer, rum as well as bourbon being preferred options.
Beer stations are easy to locate and fun places to get a drink with the locals if you don't want 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 also bars do the same around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at dawn is much more prominent than late night drinking.
Big chains can not be discovered as well as brands remain in short supply. Myanmar myanmar travel peninsula plaza isn't a country of fast-food chains and beyond drink brand names like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be buying local brand names as well as eating from local restaurants.
Shops are small, family owned affairs-- you won't locate a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of comparable 'Grab 'n' Go' shops populated around, yet primarily you're going to purchase snacks as well as 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 individuals smoking indoors- this can be a surprise if you come from a nation where smoking cigarettes in public locations has long been banned.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an incredibly safe country-- most of the populace is Buddhist as well as with a belief in karma, crime levels are exceptionally low.
Still, you need to take the typical precautions of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross and 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 nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, numerous travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, try to find a seller that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of 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 actually resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to conflict between the government and also different ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and far from the significant visitor locations.
Accurate details on problems as well as closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's recommendations before travelling, and inquire about the situation when 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 as well as legs despite the heat, as well as you will certainly make everybody more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the best footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however in other places 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. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and slow but remember: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. However, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by residents who want to talk. Tourists are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are beautiful and also more than happy to appear in photos and try and converse via limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a whole lot which is normally best dealt with by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention and if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great 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, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it delivers a hit that's equivalent to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and cab drivers often roll down the window in slow 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 youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant write-up by Uncornered Market.

Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally functions as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops as well as dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for many residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and also is billed 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 require washing and also wash your smaller sized items on your own 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 paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual 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 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 most airport terminals 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 choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'rapid' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it free of charge-- and also the net is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power outages can make using the web a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and do not expect to Skype home very often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a backpack than a suitcase. Travel suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up several steep staircases isn't far better.

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