Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however 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 also Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were also altered, which is why you will 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 used interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 3 periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation alternatives tricky to secure and will imply attempting to book in advance or face paying out for the more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a minimal number of travelers that makes it easy to book lodging but it is unbelievably warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo as well as pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply as well as you should obtain authorization within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the date of issue and also allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be less costly-- if you wish to save some cash, applying for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be less expensive. For instance, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the USA, so do your research and also don't neglect 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 also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the current at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the normal option for tourists as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land entry, although not all of them are recommended due to security.
Regardless, you have to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of choices, from which you will certainly require to pick 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 as well as Yangon)
Going Across 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 Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 truth, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stick to the one you originally mentioned if possible to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be mentioned up-front. In addition, you may exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has much more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options may be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish as well as flying is inexpensive so it might be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the old-school method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as getting your bag off a cart by the plane and 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 budget-friendly with competing firms and a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel over night which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so fantastic for sleep. Additionally, you'll have a tendency to reach at odd times in the morning as well as will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to take a nap straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the high-end buses will provide you a covering however, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food as well as toilet break-- a bit discouraging 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 location around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local music CD's and cheesy video up until the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. Because of superstitions based on a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will arrive at a destination invokes bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not obtain an answer.
You will generally book buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a fee however know that the charge can vary 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. Try to find a firm that does include pickup as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful on-line reservation website and also the ones that do exist have a restricted number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not necessarily mean the bus is full. Attempt reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without fees.
Buses are almost always faster than the trains, yet bus rides are bumpy-- you could think about taking tablets for nausea. Boats are additionally a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst tourists.
There are no international car-rental companies, but a lot of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and also Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses as well as hotels in other places-- can arrange cars as well as 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 transportation, taxis will certainly be your major means of navigating particularly for getting to and also from airports and within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- rates are established on the spot (after a fast '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. Frequently the taxi to as well as 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 fares.
Taxis for the day might be your much better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan as well as $28 for a few hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger element than time in dictating the price of hiring a driver: a 12 hr journey around Yangon can set you back USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each means, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar and also is a significant contributing variable to the price.
Every person wishes to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut manufacturer throughout your sightseeing journeys. Don't hesitate to say no when you're paying for your own personal transport. Nevertheless, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, several of the side trips can be interesting and also drivers may take you to some cool places that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you opted for their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) outside the cities is much more affordable yet beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt one of the dustiest locations, and also nearly all tourists create a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses as well as something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can't handle it-- or else you'll be one of the several visitors walking around toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 kilometres ought to give 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 do not count on air-conditioning as well as leather seats-- that 1.5 hour trip 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.


Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Get ready for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hours of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be via 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 ATM Machines in Myanmar

Credits: mmtimes.com

You can make use of 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also 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 specific note is reviewed for problems, discolouration and creases at the money exchange booths. You may 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.
Making use of kyat is most likely to be more affordable due to the fact that the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- somewhere in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, possibly depending on exactly how rich you look.
There are ATMs as well as they mainly function however make sure you have cash before showing up at more remote spots like the coastline. Sometimes they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM cost of about $4 for each withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of charges your financial institution might bill. And also you possibly will not be able to withdraw more than $150 at once.
ATMs give kyat only. There are lots of exchange places around, however mainly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational airport to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also require cash payment. If you have reserved your hotels in advance online this may save you taking additional money for holiday accommodation.

Credit cards are accepted mostly just in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and also Mandalay also take them, typically charging a little charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a lot more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being constructed. That includes guesthouses and also dining establishments. Companies are recouping their expenses.
Lodging expenses
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 vacationer hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a drab, no-frills room.
For hotels, deluxe resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a fine example where luxury comes with a rate of $250 per night) with various other great options coming in at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which costs around $120 a night). A modern hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package vacationer' locations like Ngapali coastline can set you back as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a couple of hostels there too). On the bonus side, you generally get a free breakfast with your holiday accommodation.
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 cost $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is also affordable at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner as well as using squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing shoes and also taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the more touristy locations.
It's possible to bargain on prices of products like mementos but if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also leave.
Tipping is not typical technique in Myanmar, and also it's only foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar

Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for dawn and also fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is usually unbearable during the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the traveler buses make it more difficult to get impressive images and move freely.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State as well as the far, crime levels are remarkably low.
Still, you need to take the typical precautions of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross and there isn't always soap in washrooms so use 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 warm. Consequently, numerous tourists 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 commonly pre-cut, look for a vendor that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories alert against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. Some other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of conflict in between the government and also 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 and also Thailand, and also far from the significant vacationer locations.
Accurate details on problems as well as closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's advice before 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 cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the heat, as well as you will make everybody much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also commonly enforced for entering the temples and also pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so get an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Getting in pagodas indicates 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 seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however somewhere else it's much less usual.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow-moving but bear 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 citizens. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by citizens that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Normally the people are beautiful and more than happy to appear in photos and also attempt as well as speak through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile and also 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.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it delivers a hit that amounts to six cups of coffee. Yet, 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 locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also taxi drivers usually 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 website is, you should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this fantastic write-up by Uncornered Market.

Credits: mekongtourism.org
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 cafes as well as dining establishments as residents utilize the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound so don't be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial 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 residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments washed as well as unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you really need washing and clean your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are very 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't deal with anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to get over it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at the majority of flight 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 mins. You can learn more about your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos any time. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the net is now spreading tomore remote areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the web a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as do not 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. Luggage aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up several high staircases isn't much better.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *