Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it had not been till 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, as well as Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were additionally changed, 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 as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime season
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, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation choices difficult to secure and also will certainly mean trying to book in advance or face paying for the more pricey alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and impending rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it easy to book accommodation but it is extremely hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll need to upload a passport photo and also pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 mins 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 day of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, getting a visa using your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. For example, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research and also don't fail to remember to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical option for tourists as the very first mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entry, although not all of them are suggested due to security.
Regardless, you need to define 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, where you will need to select 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 north Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula as well as the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the boundary village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned ideally to prevent any type of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be stated up front. In addition, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance

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Myanmar's local transport options might be discouraging however the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is economical so it may be your better option.
You can still book flights the traditional way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and getting your bag off a trolley by the airplane and also flight announcements are made by a person 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 inexpensive with competing companies and a variety of high-end levels.

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A lot of buses travel overnight which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so excellent for rest. Also, you'll often tend to arrive at weird times in the 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 awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to take a nap straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, 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 expect to stop every few hours for a food and also 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 music CD's as well as tacky video till the early hours of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about 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 come to a destination summons bad spirits as well as is taken seriously. The result? You will not get a response.
You will mostly reserve buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a cost however be aware that the charge can vary significantly.

Credits: seat61.com

Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this truly does vary depending upon destination, mode of traveling as well as company. Try to find a business that does include pick-up as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one handy online booking website and the ones that do exist have a restricted number of tickets. If you're informed they're sold out, it does not necessarily mean the bus is full. Attempt reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without costs.
Buses are often faster than the trains, yet bus rides are rough-- you could think about taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also an option for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst tourists.
There are no international car-rental firms, but a lot of 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

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Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly obvious in the local transport.
With minimal public transportation, taxis will be your main way of navigating especially for getting to and from flight terminals as well as 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' calculation) and you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Typically the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will certainly be more than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi fares.
Taxi cabs for the day may be your far better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan and also $28 for a few hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger variable than time in determining the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey about Yangon can cost USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each means, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is expensive in Myanmar and also is a massive contributing element to the cost.
Every person wants to take you to a craft shop, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut producer during your sightseeing journeys. Don't hesitate to say no when you're paying for your own private transportation. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, several of the side trips can be intriguing as well as drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest areas, and nearly all tourists establish a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- otherwise you'll be among the lots of vacationers walking toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has some of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 km should give you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus station (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 journey 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.


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Plan for the unexpected. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the very early hours of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be by means of horse and cart. There is still a haggling process to be had, yet since this is the main form of traveler transportation here it is just all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.

Money and ATM Machines in Myanmar

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You can utilize 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars as well as the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to use dollars, they must be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also newer than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for problems, discolouration as well as creases at the currency exchange booths. You might additionally have difficulty changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in United States dollars so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Making use of kyat is most likely to be more affordable because the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, most likely depending on just how rich you look.
There are ATMs and also they mainly function yet ensure you have cash prior to turning up at more remote places like the beach. Occasionally they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM cost of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any type of fees your financial institution may charge. As well as you probably will not be able to take out greater than $150 at a time.
ATM machines give kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places around, however primarily 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 also require cash payment. If you have actually booked your hotels ahead of time online this may save you taking extra 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, generally charging a tiny fee, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more costly than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Companies are recouping their costs.
Accommodation costs
A dorm bed will 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 tourist hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dull, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a good example where luxury comes at a cost of $250 per night) with other very good alternatives being available at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which costs around $120 a night). A contemporary hotel can cost USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package visitor' destinations like Ngapali beach can set you back as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a couple of hostels there too). On the bonus side, you normally obtain a free breakfast with your accommodation.
Food prices
Street food is most cost effective-- 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 set you back $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise cheap at a number of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour costs
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner as well as using squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing shoes and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are preferred in the more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of products like mementos yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also leave.
Tipping is not common practice in Myanmar, as well as it's just foreigners that tip.
Sightseeing in Myanmar

Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for daybreak and out cold by 10pm! The heat is often intolerable during the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the visitor buses make it more difficult to get outstanding pictures 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 and also the far, crime levels are exceptionally reduced.
Still, you should take the normal safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Women visitors should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in bathrooms so use your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a seller that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Most government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually led to the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the nation stay closed to foreigners due to problem in between the government as well as various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major vacationer locations.
Precise information on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's recommendations prior to taking a trip, and also ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of news from visitors 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, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tees are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.

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Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women 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 as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so grab an inexpensive one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are essential! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching 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 as well as shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet elsewhere it's less common.

Culture

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The local people are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and also slow-moving but remember: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming and are happy to appear in photos and attempt as well as converse with limited usual words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention and if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.

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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that amounts to six cups of coffee. Yet, 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 citizens have the tell tale red discolored teeth as well as cab drivers commonly roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit 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 children. 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 ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally functions as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing check here sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as locals utilize the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so don't be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hello there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it respectful, yet it is well received. Be ready for most locals to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally 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, pick the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by however 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 cope with anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone 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, much better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airports when you land or in among the shops in the road and the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can learn more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it completely free-- and the net is now spreading tomore remote locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can use the net a frustrating 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 operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and also out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up several high stairs isn't far better.

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