Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't till 1989 that the ruling military junta altered the nation'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 Myanmar as much 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 used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Go To Myanmar
There are normally 3 periods 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 period is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal accommodation alternatives tricky to secure as well as will certainly 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 rises in Myanmar and impending rains are due. There is a limited number of tourists that makes it very easy to book lodging however it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and you should obtain 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 allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy may be less costly-- if you intend to save some cash, applying for a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. For instance, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not fail to remember to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration web site for the most recent at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for travellers as the initial mode of entry, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entry, although not all of them are suggested because of safety and security.
Regardless, you have to 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 options, where you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area of northwestern Myanmar on the border 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 initially specified ideally to prevent any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Boundary Checkpoints given that your exit point does not need to be specified up front. Furthermore, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable and also has much more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be aggravating but the long distance propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is economical so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a list of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing companies as well as a range of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so excellent for sleep. Additionally, you'll have a tendency to reach at strange times in the early morning and also won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to rest immediately.
Buses are extremely chilly, the luxury buses will give you a blanket yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit aggravating 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local music CD's and tacky music videos until the early hrs of the early 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 driver regarding fate, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you need to take the typical precautions of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is dirty and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, 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 traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the nation remain closed to foreigners due to conflict between the government and various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the major tourist destinations.
Accurate information on conflicts and also closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before taking a trip, as well as inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the high temperatures, and you will certainly make everyone much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as typically enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone wears skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Lots of travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so get a cheap one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are essential! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Battling with laces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also 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 usual.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm as well as sluggish however keep in mind: 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 citizens. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are wonderful and also more than happy to appear in pictures and also attempt as well as talk through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a great deal which is typically best managed by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have great clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it provides 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, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red discolored teeth as well as cab drivers often 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 kids. 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 website ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar as well as also acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and also dining establishments as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the place of the kissing audio so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both essential expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand as well as is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need washing and clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are 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 really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not manage anything aside 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 numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of flight terminals when you land or in among the stores in the street and also the shop personnel 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 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 becoming the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it completely free-- and the web is now spreading tofarther areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power failures can make using the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as 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. Suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't much better.