Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Modify Its Name?
The country formally called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been till 1989 that the ruling military junta  changed the nation's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was seen as a relic of the nation's former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Various other names were also 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 and Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and also the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Go To Myanmar
There are generally three seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm but not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted accommodation choices challenging to secure as well as will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying for the more costly options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar and also approaching rainfalls are due. There is a limited number of travelers that makes it very easy to book lodging but it is extremely hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to tourists from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to upload a passport photo and pay a cost of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should obtain approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter is valid for 90- days from the day of issue as well as allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local embassy might be more affordable-- if you wish to save some money, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar consular office might be less expensive. For example, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and also do not forget to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration site for the current at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common choice for visitors as the first mode of access, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. But, considering where Myanmar is located-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern and also India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land access, although not every one of them are advised due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be provided a list of alternatives, where you will need to choose one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the middle 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 border 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 Region on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also the cluster 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you initially stated preferably to prevent any type 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 mentioned up-front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is less costly as well as has much more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices might be discouraging but the long distance propositions are far more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is inexpensive so it may be your much better option.
You can still book flights the old-school method by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as getting your bag off a trolley by the airplane and 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 great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing companies and also a range of luxury levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so excellent for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at odd times in the morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Consider if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same evening to sleep immediately.
Buses are really cold, the high-end buses will give you a blanket but, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect 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, 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 music videos until the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a vehicle 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 location summons bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The result? You will not get a response.
You will mainly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually charge a fee yet understand that the cost can vary drastically.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending upon destination, mode of traveling and also company. Look for a company that does include pickup as taxis are exorbitant.
Booking buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one useful online reservation website and also the ones that do exist have a limited number of tickets. If you're informed they're sold out, it does not always mean the bus is full. Try booking in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without costs.
Buses are generally faster than the trains, however bus rides are rough-- you may take into consideration taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are also an alternative for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among tourists.
There are no international car-rental firms, however many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- as well as guesthouses and hotels in other places-- can arrange cars and also drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
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Myanmar is still developing and also this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will be your primary means of getting around especially for getting to as well as from flight terminals as well as within cities like Yangon and also Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- rates are set on the spot (after a fast 'how much can I get away with' calculation) as well as you're going to need to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Often the taxi to and also from the airport/bus will certainly be greater than you paid 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 in Bagan and also $28 for a couple of hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger element than time in dictating the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hr trip about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each way, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar and is a substantial contributing element to the price.
Every person wants to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut manufacturer throughout your sightseeing trips. Do not hesitate to say no when you're paying for your very own personal transportation. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, several of the side journeys can be intriguing and also drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you opted for their suggestions!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electric motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive yet beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt among the dustiest places, as well as mostly all visitors create a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses and something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- otherwise you'll be among the many tourists walking around toting head to foot road rash and also plasters.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has a few of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 km should provide you an idea. The time advised for reaching the bus station (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 hr journey in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Prepare for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hrs of the morning, your only alternative to get to my hotel may be through horse and cart. There is still a haggling process to be had, but because this is the main form of tourist transport here it is just natural that they are waiting for new bus arrivals.
Money and also ATM Machines in Myanmar
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You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to make use of dollars, they need to be immaculate. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also newer than 2006. Each specific note is checked thoroughly for defects, discolouration and creases at the currency exchange kiosks. You could likewise have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in United States dollars so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Making use of kyat is most likely to be cheaper due to the fact that the USD exchange rate is informal-- somewhere between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is typically applied on the spot, possibly depending upon exactly how rich you look.
There are ATMs as well as they mainly work however make sure you have money prior to turning up at more remote places like the beach. Occasionally they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM charge of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any charges your financial institution might charge. And also you probably will not have the ability to take out greater than $150 at once.
ATM machines dispense kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places around, however primarily the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational flight terminal to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines as well as require cash payment. If you have actually reserved your hotels beforehand online this may save you taking additional cash for accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted primarily just in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, generally billing a tiny charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being constructed. That includes guesthouses and also dining establishments. Companies are recovering their costs.
Lodging costs
A dorm bed will 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 visitor 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 deluxe 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 costs around $120 a night). A contemporary hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the  Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package traveler' destinations like Ngapali coastline can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a number of hostels there as well). On the plus side, you generally get a totally free morning meal with your accommodation.
Food costs
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 set you back $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is also economical at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner and making use of squat toilets, entering pagodas, storing shoes and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are prominent in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to negotiate on prices of things like souvenirs however if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also walk away.
Tipping is not usual method 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 daybreak and also out cold by 10pm! The heat is typically excruciating throughout the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the vacationer buses make it harder to get remarkable photos as well as walk around easily.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous location of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State as well as the far, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the common preventative measures of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is unclean and there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, numerous visitors use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you ill.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has kept the flies away as well as 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 the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. A few other parts of the country remain shut to foreigners because of conflict in between the government as well as various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the major tourist locations.
Precise information on problems as well as closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's advice before travelling, and also ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from visitors on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders as well as legs regardless of the high temperatures, and also you will certainly make everyone 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 usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
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Everyone uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get an affordable one a the marketplace if you have the chance.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the most effective footwear choice. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwelcome distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far 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 as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are remarkably genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be discouraging, warm as well as slow but bear in mind: you selected to go to Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by locals that wish to chat. Tourists are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Normally the people are wonderful and more than happy to appear in photos and try and chat with minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is typically best managed by offering a smile and also a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard and also if you're paying for a guide, ensure 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 which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| since it delivers a hit that's equivalent to six mugs of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also cab drivers typically roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant short article by Uncornered Market.
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It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese women. This is Thanaka, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar as well as also serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes and restaurants as residents use the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing audio so do not be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial expressions you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready for a lot of citizens 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 garments laundered and unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs in advance 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 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 shops in the street and also the shop staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more concerning your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, do not anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it absolutely free-- and the internet is now spreading tomore remote places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can make using the web an aggravating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and also do not anticipate to Skype home extremely frequently, 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 as well as out of myriad forms of transport as well as hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't better.
Thanks for website reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar