Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally known as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't 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 country's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were additionally changed, 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Best Times to See Myanmar
There are commonly three seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm however not stifling, as well as attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal accommodation choices challenging to secure as well as will imply trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar and impending rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is exceptionally warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa site. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a fee of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get 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 enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy might be less costly-- if you intend to save some cash, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. For instance, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and do not forget to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in 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 internet site for the current at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common alternative for tourists as the first mode of entrance, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entry, although not every one of them are advised due to security.
No matter, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be given a listing of options, from which you will certainly require to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Crossing 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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary 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" yet it is best to adhere to the one you initially stated if possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not need to be specified up-front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

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Myanmar's local transportation choices may be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is budget friendly so it might be your much better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering 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 and getting your bag off a trolley by the airplane and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies as well as a series of deluxe levels.

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The majority of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so great for sleep. Additionally, you'll often tend to arrive at strange times in the morning as well as will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very chilly, the deluxe buses will certainly offer you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food and toilet break-- a bit aggravating if you're trying to sleep 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 even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and tacky video up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southerly Mon State and Tenasserim region are normally off-limits to visitors unless you have gotten a government visa in advance. In some places you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Getting off the beaten path is challenging-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure implies that there are set routes you can travel and you'll have a hard time to go differently. Attempting to do otherwise may be really pricey.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is renowned for its daybreaks and also sunsets, which likewise corresponds perfectly with remaining inside (maybe for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Expect to go barefoot a lot in temples on seriously unclean floorings. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys as well as dogs hangout, you can expect to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't allowed either so you just have to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can wipe some after each visit.
Be a considerate temple visitor, a lot of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not simply sights for visitors. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' signs and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Anticipate to pay an entrance fee for Bagan and also Inle Lake-- this charge is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The fees are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.


Accommodation in Myanmar

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Hostels are gradually opening up, indicating you can rest in more inexpensive accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are slowly improving for solo visitors, though costs are still a lot more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic yet lovely. The holiday accommodation provides a feeling for what a local house might be like, basic yet perfectly decorated in teak) and also the morning meal was usually exceptional. And also, it's nice to put money right into the hands of the locals, not some huge brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses give a towel but you might have to provide a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly also supply some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do also, but it can't be relied on.
Be cautious about the curfew-- some guesthouses might lock the door at night, leaving you unable to get to your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve holiday accommodation and transportation ahead of time throughout peak season. The tourist market in Myanmar appears to have actually experienced a boom which the facilities has failed to keep pace with. Many hotels are small and boutique like so if there's somewhere certain you intend to stay it's essential to book in advance. It is especially necessary to book ahead during high season (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take visitors in for a small charge if there are no rooms available. Yet do not rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.

Food and also Drink in Myanmar


Order local dishes: it is constantly the very best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants and also an incredible array of curries as well as salads
Use chopsticks: Numerous items of cutlery are cleaned with a not so great looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are a suitable choice.
Tell the staff if you don't consume something. If you like a little spice in your dishes state how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is delicious as well as a fantastic, fresh choice in many dining establishments.
There is quite a great deal of sugar in the food as well as beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an alternative to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), make certain you ask for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature greatly on food selections however do not anticipate a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinated as well as seasoned in oil, salt and lime juice as well as don't typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are reduced in Myanmar as well as you could get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as various other areas in Southeast Asia but you can discover it and it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a dish (under $2).
You can not drink the water however most hotels, hostels and also guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your room or using a huge water dispenser at reception. Otherwise, mineral water is really economical.
Alcohol is commonly available with beer, rum as well as bourbon being preferred choices.
Beer stations are very easy to locate and also fun locations to get a drink with the locals if you don't wish to sit in a restaurant.
Understand that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most dining establishments close by 9 p.m. as well as bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at sunrise is more popular than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can not be discovered as well as brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a country of fast-food chains and also beyond beverage brands like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brands and consuming from local restaurants.
Shops are little, family owned affairs-- you will not discover a 7-Eleven. There are a few equal 'Grab 'n' Go' shops dotted about, yet mainly you're going to buy treats and beverages from little, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't fret, just step in, they want your business.
There are people smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a country where smoking cigarettes in public locations has actually long been prohibited.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an unbelievably safe country-- a lot of the population is Buddhist and also with a belief in karma, crime levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly 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. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many visitors use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller that has kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories warn against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the nation stay shut to foreigners because of dispute between the government and different ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the significant tourist locations.
Precise information on conflicts and closed areas can be hard 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 an excellent resource of news from travellers on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the high temperatures, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as typically enforced for entering the temples and also pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat and also tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so grab an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear option. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and 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 common.

Culture

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The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, hot and sluggish however remember: you chose 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, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by citizens who want to chat. Travelers are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are lovely and also more than happy to appear in photos and try and chat via limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is usually best managed by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great 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 also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spat out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the youngsters. 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 girls. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and likewise acts as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be ready for a lot of citizens 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 charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually 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 need with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that odd 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 North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at most airport 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 minutes. You can read more regarding your network options right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it free of charge-- and also the internet is currently spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work read more at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a luggage. aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up many high stairs isn't better.

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