Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially called Burma acquired 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were likewise changed, 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 as well as Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Wet, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, as well as draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the limited accommodation options difficult to secure and also will certainly mean trying to book ahead or face paying for the much more pricey choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar as well as upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of tourists which makes it easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is exceptionally hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll be required to upload a passport photo and pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins 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 permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be less costly-- if you wish to save some money, obtaining a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. As an example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and also don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual alternative for visitors as the very first mode of access, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. However, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous for land access, although not every one of them are recommended due to safety.
No matter, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes exactly how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be provided a listing of choices, where you will certainly need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary 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 as well as the collection 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 border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially specified preferably to avoid any hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints because your exit point does not require to be stated up front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper as well as has extra links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives may be aggravating however the long distance propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish as well as flying is cost effective so it may be your far better option.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so terrific for sleep. Likewise, you'll tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting for a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to sleep immediately.
Buses are really cold, the luxury buses will certainly provide you a covering but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food and toilet break-- a bit frustrating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that 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 tacky music videos until the very early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about fate, crime levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you should take the common precautions of making use of 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 check here unclean and also there isn't always soap in bathrooms so use 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. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
A lot of government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners because of dispute between the government and different ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the significant tourist destinations.
Exact info on conflicts as well as closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's advice before 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
Most of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will make everybody more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tees are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and also commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the blistering heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however somewhere else it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot as well as sluggish however remember: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who intend to talk. Visitors are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Normally the people are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in pictures and attempt as well as converse via limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a whole lot which is typically best managed by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, ensure they have good clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating 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 delivers a hit that's equivalent 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.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant short article 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 and also works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops as well as dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing audio so don't be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be ready for most citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and also is billed per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed as well as unless you want to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you really need washing and wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by however tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange 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 connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to get over it or, better still, buy a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of airport terminals when you land or in among the stores in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more concerning your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' connection, don't expect to be downloading videos whenever. On-line accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as cafes have it free of cost-- and the internet is now spreading tomore remote areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power interruptions can use the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home extremely frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a luggage. Travel suitcases aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms of transport and hefting it up many steep staircases isn't much better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar