Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally called Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but 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 nation's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Other names were additionally changed, 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are typically three periods in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime season
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, and also brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation alternatives difficult to secure and also will mean trying to book ahead or face paying out for the much more expensive alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of tourists which makes it very easy to book lodging however it is exceptionally warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa web site. You'll need to submit a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes 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 stands for 90- days from the day of issue and also enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, applying for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. For instance, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and also don't forget to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 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 entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, thinking about where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east as well as India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land entry, although not all of them are encouraged due to security.
No matter, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of choices, from which you will need to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay and 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 most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula as well as the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area of northwestern Myanmar on the border 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 border 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 mentioned ideally to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports and Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be specified up-front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is less expensive and has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport alternatives might be aggravating however the long distance propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is economical so it might be your far better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also grabbing your bag off a trolley by the plane and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are inexpensive with competing businesses and also a variety of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
The majority of buses travel over night which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so wonderful for sleep. Also, you'll tend to reach at weird times in the morning as well as won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are extremely cold, the luxury buses will certainly provide you a blanket yet, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hrs for a food as well as toilet break-- a bit aggravating 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and cheesy music videos up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a driver about he time of arrival. Due to superstitious notions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will come to a destination conjures up bad spirits as well as is taken seriously. The result? You won't obtain an answer.
You will mainly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually charge a fee yet understand that the cost can vary significantly.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this really does vary depending on destination, mode of travel and also company. Try to find a business that does include pick-up as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful on-line booking website and the ones that do exist have a limited number of tickets. If you're informed they're sold out, it doesn't always imply the bus is full. Try booking elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without fees.
Buses are generally faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy-- you may take into consideration taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst tourists.
There are no international car-rental companies, however a lot of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses as well as hotels elsewhere-- can organize cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing and this is most frustratingly apparent in the local transport.
With limited public transportation, taxis will certainly be your major means of navigating especially for getting to as well as from airports and also within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a fast 'how much can I get away with' calculation) and also you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Commonly the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will be greater than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi prices.
Cabs for the day may be your 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 larger aspect than time in determining the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey around Yangon can set you back USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each way, can be quoted at USD 200. myanmar airways international Gas is pricey in Myanmar as well as is a big contributing factor to the cost.
Every person wants to take you to a craft store, a silk factory or a nut producer throughout your sightseeing trips. Don't 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 flip side, several of the side trips can be intriguing and also drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your itinerary and you may be happy you opted for their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much more inexpensive but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far among the dustiest areas, and mostly all vacationers create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses and something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can't handle it-- otherwise you'll be among the lots of tourists walking around toting head to foot road rash and bandages.
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 advised for reaching the bus terminal (22km away from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
Car quality is hit and miss so don't count on air-conditioning and also 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.
Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Plan for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the extremely early hours of the morning, your only choice to reach my hotel may be through horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, yet given that this is the major form of visitor transport here it is only all-natural that they are waiting on 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 immaculate. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and more recent than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for imperfections, discolouration as well as folds at the currency exchange stands. You might additionally have problems changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in US bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Making use of kyat is most likely to be more affordable due to the fact that the USD exchange rate is informal-- somewhere between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, possibly depending upon how rich you look.
There are ATM machines and they mainly work however make sure you have money prior to turning up at more remote spots like the coastline. In some cases they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM fee of about $4 for each withdrawal which is in addition to any fees your financial institution could bill. And also you most likely will not have the ability to withdraw more than $150 each time.
ATMs dispense kyat only. There are lots of exchange places about, but mainly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational flight terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also need cash payment. If you have actually reserved your hotels beforehand online this might save you taking extra money for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted primarily just in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, normally charging a little charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel 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. Businesses are recouping their expenses.
Lodging costs
A dorm bed will set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a basic personal room with en-suite from around $35 for a single bed. In visitor hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dingy, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the  Inle Princess Resort  being an example where high-end comes with a price of $250 per night) with other great options can be found at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which sets you back around $120 a night). A modern hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the  Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package visitor' locations like Ngapali coastline can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a couple of hostels there also). On the plus side, you usually get a totally 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 dish. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or featuring something like pizza) will set you back $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is low-cost, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise low-cost at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing prices
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner and utilizing squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing shoes and taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to negotiate on prices of things like souvenirs yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest as well as leave.
Tipping is not common method in Myanmar, and also it's just foreigners that tip.
Taking in the sights in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for dawn as well as fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is usually excruciating during the peak sunlight hours and the arrival of the vacationer buses make it harder to get fantastic images and also walk around freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous location of Myanmar, along with the western Chin State and the far, crime levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you need to take the usual safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Women visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy and there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. As a result, several visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, look for a vendor that has kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories alert against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually caused the mass displacement of thousands of people. A few other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners because of dispute between the government and various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and far from the major tourist destinations.
Accurate details on disputes and closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before travelling, as well as inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great resource of news from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the heat, and you will make everybody more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and commonly enforced for entering the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the heat as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so pick up an inexpensive one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are vital! Going into pagodas implies going barefoot as well as flip flops are the most effective footwear selection. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but elsewhere it's less common.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are incredibly genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be irritating, hot and slow yet keep in mind: you chose to visit Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents that wish to talk. Travelers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming and also are happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt as well as chat with minimal common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a lot which is generally best dealt with by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're spending for a guide, make sure 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 chewing betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| because it supplies a hit that's equivalent to six cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers commonly roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the kids. Why not? Read this great write-up by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar and also functions as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops and also dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to determine the place of the kissing noise so don't be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, but 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.
Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is normally done by hand and is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly need washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself 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 extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't manage anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to overcome it or, much better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at a lot of flight terminals when you land or in one of the shops in the road and the store personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can find out more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, do not expect to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it for free-- and the net is now spreading tomore remote locations. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and power failures can use the net a discouraging exercise.
Do your research beforehand 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 backpack than a suitcase. Suitcases aren't perfect on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and also out of myriad forms of transportation and also hefting it up many high stairs isn't far better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar