Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it had not been until 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the country'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, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Other names were additionally changed, 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 Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to See Myanmar
There are normally three seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted accommodation options tricky to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying for the more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar as well as approaching rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it easy to book lodging yet it is unbelievably warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa site. You'll need to submit a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply as well as 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 stands for 90- days from the date of issue and permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be more affordable-- if you intend to save some money, obtaining a visa through your local Myanmar embassy might be cheaper. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't forget to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical choice for tourists as the first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entrance, although not all of them are encouraged because of safety.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of alternatives, from which you will need to choose one of 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 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 border of the Thai Peninsula as well as 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 border town 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" however it is best to stay with the one you initially stated when possible to prevent any 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 considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive and has more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport alternatives might be irritating however the cross country propositions are much more enticing.
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 book flights the traditional method by wandering 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, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and also grabbing your bag off a trolley by the plane and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing businesses as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel overnight which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so wonderful for sleep. Likewise, you'll often tend to reach at odd times in the morning as well as 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' snooze. Take into consideration if it will be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very cold, the luxury buses will give you a covering 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 bit frustrating if you're trying to rest 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 and cheesy video till the very early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever ask a driver about he time of arrival. As a result of superstitions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will get to a destination conjures up bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The result? You won't obtain an answer.
You will mainly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will typically bill a cost yet understand that the fee can differ dramatically.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this really does differ depending on destination, mode of traveling as well as company. Search for a business that does include pickup as taxis are exorbitant.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful online reservation 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 necessarily indicate the bus is full. Attempt reservation in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without charges.
Buses are almost always faster than the trains, however bus rides are bumpy-- you might consider taking tablets for nausea. Boats are additionally an option for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among visitors.
There are no international car-rental firms, yet the majority of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan-- along with guesthouses and hotels elsewhere-- can organize cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing and this is most frustratingly evident in the local transport.
With minimal public transportation, taxis will be your main way of navigating particularly for getting to as well as from airports and also within cities like Yangon as well as Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- rates are set on the spot (after a fast 'how much can I get away with' calculation) and also you're going to need to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Typically the taxi to and from the airport/bus will be greater than you spent for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate amount for taxi prices.
Cabs for the day may be your far better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan and also $28 for a couple of hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger factor than time in determining the price of hiring a driver: a 12 hr trip about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each means, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar and is a big contributing element to the price.
Every person intends to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut producer during your sightseeing and tour trips. Do not hesitate to say no when you're paying for your own private transportation. After all, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, a few 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 e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest areas, and nearly all visitors develop 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 one of the numerous visitors walking toting head to foot road rash and bandages.
The huge cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 km should give you an idea. The time advised for reaching the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hrs.
Car quality is hit and miss so do not count on air-conditioning and also 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 option to get to my hotel may be through horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, yet since this is the main form of traveler transport here it is only natural that they are waiting for new bus arrivals.
Money and ATMs 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 make use of dollars, they must be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased as well as newer than 2006. Each individual note is reviewed for imperfections, discolouration as well as creases at the money exchange booths. You might also have trouble 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.
Making use of kyat is likely to be less expensive because the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- somewhere in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, most likely depending upon just how rich you look.
There are ATMs and they mostly function however see to it you have money prior to turning up at more remote spots like the coastline. In some cases they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine cost of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of charges your financial institution may bill. As well as you possibly won't have the ability to take out more than $150 each time.
ATMs dispense kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places about, however mainly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational airport to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also need cash payment. If you have actually booked your hotels ahead of time online this might save you taking additional cash for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted primarily just in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, normally charging a small charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a whole lot more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as restaurants. Businesses are recovering their costs.
Lodging prices
A dorm bed will 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 tourist 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 deluxe comes with a cost of $250 per night) with other very good alternatives can be found at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which costs around $120 a night). A modern hotel can cost USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package visitor' locations like Ngapali coastline can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a number of hostels there as well). On the plus side, you usually obtain a cost-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 meal. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or featuring something like pizza) will certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink prices
Mineral water is economical, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally affordable at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing prices
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner as well as using squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are prominent in the more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of things like souvenirs however if you haggle too hard the locals lose interest and walk away.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, and also it's just foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for sunrise and out cold by 10pm! The heat is often intolerable throughout the peak sunlight hours and the arrival of the visitor buses make it more difficult to get outstanding images and move easily.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous location of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State as well as the far, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the common precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in bathrooms so use 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 nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners due to conflict in between the government and also different ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the major traveler destinations.
Exact info on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance 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
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the heat, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.
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Every person 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 vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear selection. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far 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 but elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
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The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and slow but keep 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 locals. However, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to chat. Visitors are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are beautiful and more than happy to appear in pictures as well as try and also talk with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is typically best handled by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and 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 chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| because it supplies 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, a lot of times onto the ground.
Lots of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also taxi drivers typically roll down the window in slow-moving 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 children. Why not? Read this brilliant post by Uncornered Market.
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It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and likewise acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and restaurants as residents use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing audio so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready for the majority of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating 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 show up with your clothing laundered and unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by however tampons are get more info not so bring what you require with you.
You can't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual 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 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, far better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airports when you land or in among the stores in the street as well as the shop staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading video clips any time. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it free of cost-- and the web is currently spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can make using the web an aggravating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and also don't expect to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't far better.