Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't till 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 country. 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 3 seasons 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 climate is warm however not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the minimal lodging alternatives tricky to secure and also will imply attempting to book in advance or deal with paying out for the a lot more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar and upcoming rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of vacationers that makes it very easy to book lodging but it is unbelievably hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa internet site. 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 get 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 as well as permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be less expensive-- if you want to save some cash, obtaining a visa using your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. For example, the price is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't forget to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration web site for the most up to date at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common alternative for visitors as the very first mode of entrance, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous for land entry, although not every one of them are encouraged due to safety.
Regardless, you have to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a listing of choices, from which you will certainly need to select one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary 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 border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost 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 boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town 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" but it is best to stick to the one you originally specified preferably to prevent any kind of hold up in the processing 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. Additionally, you might exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options might be aggravating but the cross country propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is budget-friendly so it may 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 little 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 as well as grabbing your bag off a cart 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 also a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing businesses and a variety of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so wonderful for rest. Additionally, you'll often tend to reach at weird times in the early morning and will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to sleep straight away.
Buses are very cold, the high-end buses will certainly offer you a blanket however, 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 little bit irritating 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local song CD's as well as tacky video till the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be switched off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. Due to 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 conjures up bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The outcome? You won't get an answer.
You will mainly book buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a fee yet understand that the cost can vary substantially.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending upon destination, mode of traveling as well as company. Look for a firm that does include pickup as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one helpful on-line booking portal and also 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 in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without charges.
Buses are usually faster than the trains, however bus rides are bumpy-- you may think about taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among travellers.
There are no international car-rental companies, however many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses and hotels elsewhere-- 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 noticeable in the local transport.
With minimal public transportation, taxis will be your main way of navigating particularly for getting to and from airports as well as within cities like Yangon and also Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- rates are set on the spot (after a fast 'just how much can I get away with' computation) and also you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Typically the taxi to and also from the airport/bus will certainly be greater than you spent for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate amount for taxi prices.
Taxi cabs for the day may be your much better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan and $28 for a couple of hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger factor than time in determining the price of hiring a driver: a 12 hr trip around Yangon can set you back USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each means, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar and is a huge contributing aspect to the cost.
Every person wishes to take you to a craft shop, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut manufacturer during your sightseeing and tour trips. Do not be afraid 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, a few of the side journeys can be interesting and drivers may take you to some cool places that aren’t on your travel plan and you may be happy you chose their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electric motorcycles) outside the cities is much cheaper however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt among the dustiest places, and almost all visitors create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses and something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- or else you'll be just one of the many vacationers walking toting head to foot road rash and also bandages.
The huge cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has a few 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 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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Get ready for the unforeseen. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the extremely early hours of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be through horse and cart. There is still a haggling procedure to be had, but since this is the main form of tourist transport here it is just all-natural that they are waiting on new bus arrivals.
Money and also ATMs in Myanmar
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You can make use of 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars as well as the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to use dollars, they need to be immaculate. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and more recent than 2006. Each individual note is reviewed for defects, discolouration and folds at the money exchange kiosks. You could likewise have problems changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in US bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Using kyat is most likely to be more affordable because the USD exchange rate is informal-- somewhere in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, probably relying on how rich you look.
There are ATM machines and they mostly function but ensure you have money prior to turning up at more remote areas like the coastline. Sometimes they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine fee of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of costs your financial institution could charge. And you most likely won't be able to take out greater than $150 at once.
ATMs dispense kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places about, but mainly the transactions are to change pristine dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational airport terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines as well as require cash payment. If you have reserved your hotels in advance online this might save you taking added cash money for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mostly just in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, typically billing a little fee, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being constructed. That includes guesthouses and also dining establishments. Companies are recovering their costs.
Lodging expenses
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 dingy, no-frills room.
For hotels, deluxe hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the  Inle Princess Resort  being a good example where luxury comes with a cost of $250 per night) with other very good 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 traveler' locations like Ngapali beach can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a couple of hostels there too). On the plus side, you usually obtain a free breakfast with your holiday accommodation.
Food expenses
Street food is most budget friendly-- 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 cost $7-$12.
Drink expenses
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally 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 making use of squat toilets, entering pagodas, storing shoes and taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the more touristy areas.
It's possible to negotiate on costs of products like souvenirs yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also leave.
Tipping is not usual technique in Myanmar, and it's only foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for dawn and fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is commonly unbearable during the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the vacationer buses make it harder to get outstanding images and also move easily.
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 also the far, criminal activity levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you should take the normal safety measures of making use of hotel storage lockers or safes for your belongings. Women tourists should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in washrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth as well as nose when biking around. Additionally take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. As a result, several visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's frequently pre-cut, search for a seller that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
Most government advisories warn against traveling 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 countless people. A few other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners because of dispute in between the government as well as various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mainly in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and also far from the major tourist destinations.
Accurate details on conflicts and also closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's advice before taking a trip, and also ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great resource of news from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will certainly make everyone much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for getting in the temples as well as pagodas.
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Every person uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional website dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warm as well as tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so grab an inexpensive one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are crucial! Getting in pagodas implies going barefoot as well as flip flops are the best footwear option. Battling with laces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and also shoulders). You will find people in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet in other places it's much less typical.
Culture
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The local individuals are remarkably genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travelling can be discouraging, hot and slow however bear in mind: you selected to go to Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents that wish to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are beautiful and are happy to appear in pictures and try and also chat with minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is typically best dealt with by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hey there 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 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 as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it supplies a hit that amounts to six mugs of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spat out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers usually roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't 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 girls. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar as well as additionally serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and restaurants as locals use the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to recognize the location of the kissing noise so do not be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you need 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 many locals to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and also is charged per item rather than kilo so try to show up with your clothes laundered as well as unless you wish to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly require washing and clean your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by however tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is really common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not handle anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange 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 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 the majority of flight terminals when you land or in among the stores in the street as well as the store staff will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more concerning your network choices here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' connection, don't anticipate to be downloading video clips any time. Online access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it completely free-- and also the net is currently spreading tofarther locations. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering and out of myriad forms of transport and hefting it up numerous steep stairs isn't better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar