Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially called Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet 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 viewed as a relic of the country's previous British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. 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 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 three periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high period 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 accommodation choices difficult to secure and will certainly mean trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the a lot more costly options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar and upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it very easy to book accommodation however it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also 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 day of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be cheaper-- if you wish to save some money, requesting a visa using your local Myanmar consular office might be less expensive. For example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not forget to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for visitors as the initial mode of access, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are several for land entrance, although not all of them are advised because of safety.
Regardless, you must define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of options, from which you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border 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 border 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 go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stay with the one you originally specified when possible to prevent any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be irritating yet the cross country propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and flying is budget-friendly so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the traditional means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and also grabbing your bag off a cart by the airplane and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies and also a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so great for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at strange times in the early morning and also will not 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' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same evening to take a nap straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hours for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit discouraging if you're trying to sleep 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 even more, some still play their funky local song CD's as well as cheesy video until the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. Due to superstitions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will get to a location invokes bad spirits and is taken seriously. The result? You will not obtain a response.
You will mostly reserve buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will generally charge a cost however understand that the fee can differ substantially.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel and also company. Try to find a firm that does include pickup as taxis are extortionate.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful online booking site as well as the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not always indicate the bus is full. Attempt booking in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without costs.
Buses are often faster than the trains, yet bus rides are rough-- you may take into consideration taking tablets for nausea. Boats are additionally a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst travellers.
There are no international car-rental companies, yet many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- along with guesthouses and also hotels elsewhere-- can arrange cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing and also this is most frustratingly apparent in the local transport.
With minimal public transportation, taxis will certainly be your major way of getting around especially for getting to and also from airports and also within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- rates are established on the spot (after a quick 'just how much can I get away with' computation) and also you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Commonly the taxi to and 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 quantity for taxi prices.
Taxis for the day may be your better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan and also $28 for a few hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger element than time in dictating the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hr journey about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while taking a trip 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 cost.
Everyone wants to take you to a craft store, a silk factory or a nut producer throughout your sightseeing journeys. Do not be afraid to say no when you're paying for your very own personal transportation. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, some of the side trips can be interesting and also drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your schedule and you may be happy you opted for their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electric motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest areas, and nearly all visitors develop a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can't manage it-- or else you'll be just one of the lots of vacationers walking toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has some of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 km ought to provide you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hrs.
Car quality is hit and miss so don't count on air-conditioning as well as leather seats-- that 1.5 hour trip 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.
Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Plan for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hours of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be via horse and cart. There is still a haggling process to be had, however considering that this is the major form of visitor transportation here it is just all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money as well as ATM Machines in Myanmar
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You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to utilize dollars, they must be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also more recent than 2006. Each specific note is checked thoroughly for flaws, discolouration as well as creases at the currency exchange booths. You might also have problems changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in US bucks so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Using kyat is likely to be cheaper since the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, most likely depending upon how rich you look.
There are ATM machines and they mostly function but ensure you have cash before showing up at more remote spots like the coastline. In some cases they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM charge of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your bank may bill. As well as you probably won't be able to take out greater than $150 each time.
ATMs give kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places about, yet mainly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational airport terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also require cash payment. If you have actually booked your hotels in advance online this may save you taking added cash for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mostly only in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and also Mandalay also take them, normally billing a small charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a lot more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being constructed. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Companies are recouping their costs.
Accommodation costs
A dorm bed will set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a standard private room with en-suite from around $35 for a single bed. In traveler hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dull, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being an example where luxury comes with a rate of $250 per night) with various other great alternatives coming in at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which costs around $120 a night). A contemporary hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package visitor' locations like Ngapali beach can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a number of hostels there also). On the plus side, you typically get a totally free morning meal with your lodging.
Food costs
Street food is most cost effective-- 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 cost $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise affordable at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour costs
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner and making use of squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are preferred in the more touristy locations.
It's possible to negotiate on costs of items like mementos yet if you haggle too hard the locals lose interest and walk here away.
Tipping is not typical technique in Myanmar, and it's only 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 intolerable throughout the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the visitor buses make it more difficult to get outstanding images and also walk around freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous location of Myanmar, along with the western Chin State and also the far, criminal activity levels are incredibly reduced.
Still, you should take the typical safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female tourists should not experience any kind 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.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and also nose when biking around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Subsequently, numerous tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures 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, look for a seller that has 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 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 shut to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government and also various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major traveler destinations.
Exact info on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to taking a trip, as well as ask 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
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders as well as 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 tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and also commonly enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so pick up a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot and flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to 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 at the beach however somewhere else it's much less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and also slow-moving yet bear in mind: you picked to go to Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that intend to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Normally individuals are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in photos as well as try and chat with limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a whole lot which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're spending 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, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that amounts 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.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers typically roll down the window in slow traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the children. Why not? Read this great article by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and restaurants as locals make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be prepared for a lot of residents to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is normally done by hand as well as is billed per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you really require washing and also wash 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 really typical in developing nations where the plumbing system can not handle anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time zone 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 in addition to 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 one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more concerning your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, do not anticipate to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it for free-- as well as the internet is now spreading tomore remote 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 travel suitcase. Travel 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 many steep staircases isn't far better.