Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn't up until 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 nation's former British colonial past, and Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were additionally altered, 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 and also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Wet, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the climate is warm but not stifling, as well as attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the minimal accommodation choices challenging to secure and also will certainly indicate attempting to book ahead or face paying for the more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of travelers that makes it very easy to book lodging but it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll need to submit a passport photo and pay a cost 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 stands for 90- days from the date of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be less expensive-- if you intend to save some cash, obtaining a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office may be less expensive. As an example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research as well as do not neglect to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common option for visitors as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entrance, although not all of them are recommended because of safety.
Regardless, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of alternatives, where you will require to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay as well as 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 southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster 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 border 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 stick to the one you originally mentioned ideally to prevent 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. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is more affordable and also has extra connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
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Myanmar's local transport alternatives might be discouraging however the long distance propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and flying is affordable so it might be your much better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and also getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are inexpensive with competing companies and also a range of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, yet isn't so terrific for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning as well as won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting on a 'top-up' nap. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to sleep straight away.
Buses are really chilly, the luxury buses will certainly give you a blanket but, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every couple of hrs for a food and toilet break-- a little bit irritating if you're attempting 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 more, some still play their funky local song CD's as well as tacky music videos up until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a driver about he time of arrival. Because of superstitions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will reach a destination summons bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not get an answer.
You will mainly book buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually charge a cost but know that the fee can vary substantially.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel and company. Search for a business that does include pick-up as taxis are outrageously priced.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one convenient on-line reservation website as well as the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're informed they're sold out, it doesn't always imply the bus is full. Attempt reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without charges.
Buses are usually faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy-- you may consider taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are likewise an alternative for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst tourists.
There are no international car-rental agencies, however the majority of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses and also hotels in other places-- can organize cars and drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing and also this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will certainly be your primary means of navigating especially for getting to and also from flight terminals as well as within cities like Yangon as well as Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a quick 'how much can I get away with' estimation) and you're going to need to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Commonly the taxi to and also from the airport/bus will certainly be greater than you spent for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate amount for taxi fares.
Taxi cabs for the day may be your much better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing in Bagan and also $28 for a couple of hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger aspect than time in dictating the price of hiring a driver: a 12 hr trip about Yangon can cost USD 70 while travelling further afield to read more Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each method, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar as well as is a substantial contributing factor to the expense.
Everybody wishes 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 very own personal transport. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, a few of the side journeys can be intriguing and drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your schedule and you may be happy you chose their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) outside the cities is much more inexpensive yet beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far among the dustiest places, as well as mostly all visitors develop a dust cough. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not handle it-- otherwise you'll be just one of the lots of tourists walking around toting head to foot road rash and also bandages.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 kilometres should provide you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
Car quality is hit and miss so do not count on air-conditioning and leather seats-- that 1.5 hour trip in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
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Plan for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hrs of the early morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be by means of horse and cart. There is still a haggling procedure to be had, yet because this is the major form of tourist transport here it is only natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money and ATMs in Myanmar
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You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to make use of dollars, they have to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and newer than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for problems, discolouration and also creases at the currency exchange booths. You may likewise have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in United States bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Using kyat is most likely to be cheaper because the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is normally applied on the spot, most likely depending on how rich you look.
There are ATMs and they mainly work however see to it you have money prior to turning up at more remote places like the beach. Sometimes they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM cost of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of charges your bank may charge. As well as you probably will not have the ability to take out more than $150 each time.
ATM machines dispense kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places about, but mainly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational airport to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines as well as need cash payment. If you have actually reserved your hotels in advance online this might save you taking added cash for lodging.
Credit cards are accepted mainly only in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, typically charging a little 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 constructed. That includes guesthouses and restaurants. Businesses are recovering their costs.
Accommodation 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 traveler hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a drab, no-frills room.
For hotels, deluxe hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a fine example where luxury comes at a cost of $250 per night) with other very good options being available at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which sets you back around $120 a night). A contemporary hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package tourist' destinations like Ngapali beach can set you back as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a couple of hostels there as well). On the plus side, you usually get a complimentary breakfast with your lodging.
Food prices
Street food is most inexpensive-- around $1-$2 for a plate of something basic. Local restaurants cost around $2-$4 a meal. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or including something like pizza) will certainly set you back $7-$12.
Drink prices
Mineral water is cheap, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is also low-cost at a number of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Expect to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner and also making use of squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing footwear as well as taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are preferred in the more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of items like souvenirs yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also walk away.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, as well as it's only foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for sunrise as well as out cold by 10pm! The heat is frequently intolerable throughout the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the visitor buses make it more difficult to get amazing photos as well as walk around freely.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State and also the far, criminal activity levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients in this way. Nevertheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, look for a seller that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
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 stay 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 and Thailand, and also far from the significant visitor locations.
Precise information on conflicts and closed locations can be hard to find. Check your government's recommendations before travelling, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from tourists 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, as well as you will make everybody 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 often enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.
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Every person uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Entering pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the blistering heat is an undesirable distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 find people in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet elsewhere it's less usual.
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 as well as sluggish however keep in mind: you selected to check out Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. However, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens who intend to chat. Vacationers are no longer a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful and also are happy to appear in photographs and also attempt and also speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by offering a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and if you're spending for a guide, make sure they have excellent clear English before you book.
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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of residents have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers typically roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the children. Why not? Read this fantastic article by Uncornered Market.
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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 item in Myanmar and additionally acts as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and also restaurants as locals utilize the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to determine the place of the kissing audio so don't 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, however it is well received. Be ready for the majority of locals to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your clothes washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you really require washing and also clean your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not cope with anything other than 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 several adaptors for European and North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at many airports when you land or in among the shops in the street as well as the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network options here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. On-line accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is currently spreading tofarther locations. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power blackouts can make using the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as don't expect to Skype home extremely frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up numerous high staircases isn't far better.