Top Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been until 1989 that the ruling military junta altered 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 Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were also altered, which is why you will certainly 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, and also draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal accommodation options difficult to secure and also will certainly imply attempting to book in advance or face paying out for the more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is incredibly warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should obtain 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 and permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local embassy might be less costly-- if you intend to save some money, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be less expensive. For example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the USA, so do your research and also do not neglect to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and also Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the most recent at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for tourists as the first mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, thinking about where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous for land entry, although not every one of them are recommended due to security.
No matter, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, where you will need 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 (positioned in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Crossing at Land Boundary 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 Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as the collection 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 boundary town 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" however it is best to adhere to the one you initially specified when possible to avoid any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Boundary Checkpoints since your exit point does not require to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options may be irritating yet the cross country propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is inexpensive so it might be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering right 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, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport as well as getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing firms as well as a series of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so great for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at strange times in the early morning and also won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours awaiting a 'top-up' nap. Take into consideration if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to rest straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the luxury buses will certainly give you a blanket however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food as well as toilet break-- a bit irritating if you're attempting to rest 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 more, some still play their funky local music CD's and cheesy music videos till the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a vehicle driver about 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 come to a location summons bad spirits as well as is taken seriously. The result? You will not obtain a response.
You will generally book buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will generally bill a fee but know that the cost can differ significantly.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this truly does vary depending upon destination, mode of travel and also company. Search for a business that does include pick-up as taxis are exorbitant.
Reserving buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful online booking site as well as the ones that do exist have a limited number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not always mean the bus is full. Attempt booking in other places.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without costs.
Buses are often faster than the trains, however bus rides are rough-- you might think about taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are likewise an alternative for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among tourists.
There are no international car-rental companies, yet most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- along with guesthouses and hotels somewhere else-- can arrange cars and drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will certainly be your main means of navigating especially for getting to and also from airports and also within cities like Yangon as well as Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a quick 'just how much can I get away with' estimation) and also you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Often the taxi to and also from the airport/bus will certainly be more than you spent for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi prices.
Cabs for the day might be your far better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan as well as $28 for a few hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger aspect than time in dictating the price of hiring a driver: a 12 hr trip around Yangon can set you back USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each way, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar and also is a substantial contributing element to the price.
Everyone wishes to take you to a craft shop, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut producer during your sightseeing trips. Do not hesitate to say no when you're paying for your very own private transportation. After all, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, some of the side journeys can be fascinating and also drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your travel plan and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes and e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) website outside the cities is much less expensive but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt among the dustiest places, as well as mostly all travelers create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can't handle it-- or else you'll be among the lots of tourists walking toting head to foot road rash and bandages.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has some of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 kilometres ought to provide you an idea. The time suggested for reaching 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 and leather seats-- that 1.5 hr journey in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Prepare for the unexpected. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hours of the morning, your only alternative to reach my hotel may be by means of horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, yet because this is the primary form of visitor transportation here it is just natural that they are waiting for new bus arrivals.
Money and ATM Machines in Myanmar
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You can make use of 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also 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 and also more recent than 2006. Each specific note is checked thoroughly for imperfections, discolouration and also creases at the money exchange stands. You might additionally have problems changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in US dollars so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Using kyat is most likely to be less costly due to the fact that the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- someplace in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is normally applied on the spot, possibly depending upon exactly how rich you look.
There are ATM machines as well as they mostly function yet ensure you have money before showing up at more remote spots like the beach. Occasionally they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine fee of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your bank could bill. As well as you probably will not have the ability to take out greater than $150 each time.
ATM machines give kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places around, however mostly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational flight terminal to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and need cash payment. If you have actually reserved your hotels ahead of time online this may save you taking added cash for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mostly only in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, usually charging a tiny cost, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a lot more costly than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being built. That includes guesthouses and also restaurants. Businesses are recovering their costs.
Lodging expenses
A dorm bed will certainly 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 vacationer hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a drab, no-frills room.
For hotels, luxury 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 other very good options 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' destinations like Ngapali beach can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a number of hostels there also). On the bonus side, you generally obtain a totally free breakfast with your holiday accommodation.
Food prices
Street food is most budget friendly-- 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 cost $7-$12.
Drink expenses
Mineral water is inexpensive, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally economical at a couple of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing costs
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner and also using squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing shoes and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of items like mementos yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and walk away.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, as well as it's just foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for dawn as well as out cold by 10pm! The heat is often intolerable throughout the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the traveler buses make it more difficult to get outstanding photos and also move around freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous location of Myanmar, together with the western Chin State as well as the far, criminal activity levels are incredibly reduced.
Still, you should take the common safety measures of making use of 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 gross as well as 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. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is very easy to find 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 as well as if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority 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 resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation continue to be closed to foreigners because of dispute in between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major visitor locations.
Exact info on problems as well as closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance before travelling, and inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good source of news from travellers 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 heat, as well as you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as often enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears 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 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the best footwear choice. Struggling with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after checking out 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 and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach yet elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners and your patience. Travelling can be aggravating, warm as well as sluggish yet remember: 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 locals. However, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to chat. Tourists are no longer a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in photographs as well as attempt as well as converse via limited common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, 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| because it delivers a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off 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 frequently 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 shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this great 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 likewise acts as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and also dining establishments as locals use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, yet it is well received. Be ready for the majority of citizens to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to turn up with your clothing laundered and unless you intend to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually need washing as well as wash your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are 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 very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can not handle anything aside 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 multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs in addition to 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 flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, do not expect 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 cafes have it free of cost-- and the web is currently spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the net a discouraging exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home very often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up numerous high stairs isn't far better.