Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma got 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 previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as much more inclusive of the numerous 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 Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are generally 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the limited holiday accommodation alternatives challenging to secure as well as will indicate trying to book ahead or face paying out for the more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also impending rains are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll be required to upload a passport photo and pay a charge 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 arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the date of issue and allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be less expensive-- if you want to save some money, looking for a visa by means of your local Myanmar consular office may be more affordable. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the USA, so do your research as well as don't fail to remember to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration website for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common option for tourists as the initial mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land access, although not every one of them are recommended because of safety.
Regardless, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, from which you will certainly require to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to northern Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as the cluster 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 village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stay with the one you originally stated ideally to prevent any 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. Additionally, you might exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is more affordable and has extra connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
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Myanmar's local transportation alternatives may be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are far more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is economical so it may be your much better option.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering right 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, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing firms as well as a variety of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so wonderful for rest. Additionally, you'll have a tendency to reach at strange times in the morning as well as won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting for a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are extremely cold, the deluxe buses will certainly provide you a blanket but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hours for a food as well as toilet break-- a bit discouraging if you're attempting 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 also cheesy video up until the very early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a 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 arrive at a location conjures up bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The result? You will not get a response.
You will mainly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a cost yet understand that the charge can differ substantially.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this really does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel and also company. Look for a company that does include pick-up as taxis are outrageously priced.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one handy on-line booking portal and the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not always indicate the bus is full. Try reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without costs.
Buses are almost always faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy-- you might consider taking tablets for nausea. Boats are additionally an alternative for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst travellers.
There are no international car-rental agencies, but many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- along with guesthouses as well as hotels somewhere else-- can organize cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
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Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly obvious in the local transport.
With minimal public transport, taxis will be your main way of navigating especially for getting to and from airports as well as within cities like Yangon as well as Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a fast 'just how much can I get away with' computation) as well as you're going to need to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Frequently the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will be more than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi fares.
Taxis for the day may be your better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of sightseeing in Bagan and also $28 for a couple of hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger variable than time in determining the cost of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each method, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar and is a huge contributing variable to the expense.
Everyone wants to take you to a craft shop, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut producer during your sightseeing journeys. Do not be afraid to say no when you're paying for your own personal transportation. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, a few of the side journeys can be interesting as well as drivers may take you to some cool places that aren’t on your schedule and you may be happy you opted for their recommendations!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much more affordable but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt among the dustiest areas, and nearly all visitors develop a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can't manage it-- otherwise you'll be one of the several travelers walking around toting head to foot road rash as well as bandages.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has some of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 kilometres should give you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus station (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
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 nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
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Prepare for the unforeseen. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the extremely early hours of the early morning, your only alternative to reach my hotel may be using horse and cart. There is still a haggling procedure to be had, however since this is the primary form of traveler transportation here it is only all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money and also ATMs in Myanmar
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You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars as well as the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to utilize dollars, they need to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and more recent than 2006. Each individual note is reviewed for defects, discolouration and folds at the currency exchange kiosks. You could also have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in United States dollars so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Utilizing kyat is likely to be cheaper because the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is normally applied on the spot, most likely relying on just how rich you look.
There are ATMs as well as they mainly work but see to it you have cash before showing up at more remote areas like the coastline. Sometimes they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine charge of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any type of costs your bank may bill. And you probably will not have the ability to take out more than $150 at once.
ATM machines dispense kyat only. There are lots of exchange places around, however mainly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational airport terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and require cash payment. If you have booked your hotels ahead of time online this might save you taking extra money for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mostly just in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, usually charging a tiny charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a whole lot more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being developed. That includes guesthouses and also dining establishments. Companies are recouping their expenses.
Accommodation costs
A dorm bed will certainly set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a standard personal 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 dingy, no-frills room.
For hotels, deluxe resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the  Inle Princess Resort  being an example where high-end comes at a rate of $250 per night) with various 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 vacationer' destinations like Ngapali coastline can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a number of hostels there also). On the plus side, you generally get a free morning meal with your lodging.
Food costs
Street food is most economical-- 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 cost $7-$12.
Drink expenses
Bottled water is inexpensive, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally low-cost at a number of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Expect to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner and also using squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing shoes as well as taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to negotiate on costs of items like souvenirs however if you haggle too hard the locals lose interest and also leave.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, as well as it's just foreigners that tip.
Taking in the sights in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for daybreak and out cold by 10pm! The heat is frequently unbearable during the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the vacationer buses make it harder to get remarkable pictures and move around freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous location of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State and the far, crime levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you ought to take the common safety measures of making use of hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Female visitors should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is gross and there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to 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 as well as nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room however 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. Nonetheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, search for a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories advise against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually caused the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners because of conflict between the government and also various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the major tourist locations.
Precise info on problems and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's advice before travelling, as well as ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great resource 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 also legs in spite of the high temperatures, as well as you will make everybody much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants more info and also tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and commonly enforced for entering the temples as well as 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. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so grab an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Entering pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces 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 better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however elsewhere it's less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are incredibly genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be discouraging, warm as well as sluggish however remember: you chose to go to Myanmar and that it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents that intend to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally the people are beautiful and are happy to appear in photographs and also attempt and also talk through limited typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have good clear English before you book.
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The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, small parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it supplies a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. However, 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.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and cab drivers often roll down the window in slow traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the kids. Why not? Read this fantastic write-up 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, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar as well as also functions as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to recognize the area of the kissing noise so don't be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be ready for the majority of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and is charged per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your garments washed as well as unless you wish to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you really require washing as well as wash your smaller sized 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 tissue or sanitary products-- this is really common in developing nations 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 hrs in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin plugs in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, get 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 store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more concerning your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'rapid' connection, do not anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line accessibility has improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it totally free-- and also the net is currently spreading tomore remote areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power interruptions can use the net an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as don't expect to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Suitcases aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering as well as out of myriad forms of transportation and also hefting it up several high staircases isn't far better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar