Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't up until 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the country'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, as well as Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were likewise altered, which is why you will 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 and Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the climate is warm yet not stifling, and also brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the a lot more costly choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of visitors that makes it very easy to book accommodation but it is unbelievably hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is available to visitors from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to submit 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 arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the day of issue as well as permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be less costly-- if you intend to save some cash, making an application for a visa using your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. For instance, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not fail to remember to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and also Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration internet site for the most recent at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for visitors as the first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east as well as India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entrance, although not every one of them are suggested due to safety.
Regardless, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on the internet application which denotes how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will be provided a listing of options, where you will require to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and Yangon)
Going Across 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned ideally to avoid any kind of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less costly as well as has much more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

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Myanmar's local transport alternatives may be frustrating but the long distance propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is economical so it may be your better option.
You can still book flights the old-school means by wandering right 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 and also grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft as well as flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies as well as a series of deluxe levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so fantastic for rest. Additionally, you'll often tend to arrive at weird times in the early morning and also will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Take into consideration if it will certainly be cheaper to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same night to rest straight away.
Buses are really cold, the high-end buses will give you a covering yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and also toilet break-- a bit discouraging if you're trying to rest through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, although 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 as well as tacky music videos until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding reaches of the southern Mon State as well as Tenasserim region are generally out-of-bounds to tourists unless you have applied for a government visa beforehand. In some places you'll need a guide to chaperone you. Check before you make plans.
Leaving the beaten path is difficult-- even within the 'open' parts, Myanmar's developing infrastructure indicates that there are established routes you can travel and you'll struggle to go any other way. Attempting to do otherwise might be very costly.
Work your sightseeing and tour around the heat-- Myanmar is popular for its daybreaks and sundowns, which additionally corresponds well with staying inside (possibly for a nap or pool dip if you have one) throughout the mid-day .
Expect to go barefoot a great deal in temples on seriously unclean floors. In temples where birds are nesting or monkeys and also dogs hangout, you can anticipate to step in a lot of animal faeces while you're discovering Myanmar's temples. Socks aren't permitted either so you just need to get used to it. Have wipes for your feet so you can clean off some after each visit.
Be a considerate temple visitor, the majority of Myanmar's temples are places of worship, not just sights for vacationers. Respect 'do not climb/do not enter' indicators and also keep your voice down-- people will be praying.
Expect to pay an entrance charge for Bagan as well as Inle Lake-- this cost is charged to all foreigners and there's no getting around it. The charges are: Bagan-- $20; Inle Lake-- $10.


Lodging in Myanmar

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Hostels are slowly opening up, implying you can sleep in affordable accommodation than you could a couple of years ago. Things are slowly getting better for solo travellers, though expenses are still far more of what you'll pay elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Guesthouses are rustic however captivating. The accommodation provides a feel for what a local house could be like, basic but beautifully decorated in teak) and the morning meal was typically exceptional. Plus, it's nice to place cash into the hands of the citizens, not some large brand chain.
Most hostels, hotels as well as guesthouses provide a towel yet you might have to offer up a refundable $10 down payment on check-in. Hotels will certainly additionally provide some form of toiletries. Some hostels and also guesthouses do as well, however it can't be relied on.
Be cautious about the curfew-- some guesthouses may lock the door at night, leaving you unable to access your bed. Check before you go out for the night.
Reserve lodging as well as transport beforehand during peak period. The tourist sector in Myanmar seems to have experienced a boom which the infrastructure has actually fallen short to keep speed with. Most resorts are small as well as boutique like so if there's someplace certain you intend to stay it's vital to book beforehand. It is particularly essential to book ahead during high period (November to March). In some rural areas, monasteries will take travellers in for a small fee if there are no rooms offered. But don't rely upon the local monks being able to help you out.

Food as well as Drink in Myanmar


Order local dishes: it is always the best option. There are noodles at night bus stops, fermented tea leaf salads in local restaurants as well as an amazing variety of curries and salads
Use chopsticks: Several items of cutlery are wiped with a not so wonderful looking water supply and dishcloth. Packaged chopsticks are an ideal choice.
Tell the staff if you do not consume something. If you like a little spice in your meals state how much spice you like as the chefs tend to go easy on vacationers!
The fish is scrumptious and a great, fresh alternative in a lot of dining establishments.
There is rather a lot of sugar in the food and also beverages. If you aren't a fan of sugar there's an option to skip the sugar (tea, coffee, fresh blended juices), see to it you request for 'no sugar'.
Salads feature heavily on menus however don't expect a fresh crunch-- most salads are marinaded as well as seasoned in oil, salt and also lime juice and also do not typically include salad leaves.
Hygiene standards are low in Myanmar as well as you may get ill once.
Street food isn't as prolific as other areas in Southeast Asia however you can locate it as well as it's excellent. Street food will tend to be about 1,000-1,700 kyat a meal (under $2).
You can't drink the water but most hotels, hostels as well as guesthouses supply cost-free water either in bottles in your area or via a large water dispenser at reception. Or else, bottled water is very affordable.
Alcohol is widely available with beer, rum and scotch being preferred options.
Beer stations are very easy to find as well as fun areas to get a beverage with the locals if you don't want to sit in a restaurant.
Know that there isn't a late night culture in Myanmar-- most restaurants close by 9 p.m. and also bars follow suit around 10-- 11 p.m. This is a country where meditation at daybreak is more prominent than late night alcohol consumption.
Large chains can't be found as well as brands are in short supply. Myanmar isn't a nation of fast-food chains as well as beyond beverage brand names like Coke and Schwepps Tonic, you're going to be getting local brand names and also eating from local dining establishments.
Stores are tiny, family owned affairs-- you won't find a 7-Eleven. There are a couple of equivalent 'Grab 'n' Go' stores populated around, however primarily you're going to purchase snacks and beverages from tiny, local businesses. They can look a bit intimidating, like you're intruding by strolling in. Don't worry, just step in, they want your business.
There are individuals smoking indoors- this can be a shock if you come from a nation where smoking in public locations has long been outlawed.
Health and Safety in Myanmar
Health
Myanmar is an exceptionally safe country-- the majority of the population is Buddhist as well as with an idea in karma, criminal activity levels are exceptionally reduced.
Still, you should take the normal preventative measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Female tourists should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when cycling around. Also take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, numerous tourists use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. Nevertheless, as it's commonly pre-cut, search for a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority 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 caused the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. Some other parts of the nation stay shut to foreigners as a result of dispute in between the government as well as different ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the major traveler destinations.
Exact details on disputes and closed locations can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great resource of news from tourists on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everybody more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are strongly encouraged and typically enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so grab an inexpensive one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Getting in pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwelcome distraction. 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 dress conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach but somewhere else 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 irritating, hot as well as sluggish but bear in mind: you picked to check out Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. However, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by residents who intend to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually the people are charming as well as are happy to appear in photographs and attempt as well as converse with limited typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by providing a smile and also a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and also if you're spending for a guide, make sure they have good clear English before you book.

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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, little parcels that contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it supplies a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, most times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spew 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 kids. Why not? Read this fantastic 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 as well as also works as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as dining establishments as residents use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to determine the location of the kissing audio so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you require in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, however it is well received. Be ready for many locals to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and is billed per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothing washed and also unless you want to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly need washing as well as wash your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by but tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal 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 ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to overcome it or, better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports when you land or in among the shops in the street as well as the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more regarding your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'rapid' connection, 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 coffee shops have it free of charge-- and also the internet is now spreading tomore remote areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power blackouts can use the internet an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate 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 luggage. Suitcases aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up many steep staircases isn't here far better.

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