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 had not been up until 1989 that the ruling military junta  changed the country's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was viewed as a relic of the nation's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as much more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the country. Various other names were also changed, which is why you will certainly 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 and Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the question: does it even matter?
Best Times to Go To Myanmar
There are usually 3 periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summertime period
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the restricted holiday accommodation alternatives tricky to secure and will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or face paying for the a lot more pricey choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar as well as impending rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers which makes it very easy to book accommodation but it is incredibly warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa site. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a charge 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 get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local embassy may be less costly-- if you want to save some cash, making an application for a visa via your local Myanmar embassy might be more affordable. As an 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 costs.
It is only possible to get in Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration internet site for the current at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual alternative for travellers as the initial mode of access, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. But, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and Laos to the eastern as well as India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple avenues for land access, although not all of them are recommended because of security.
Regardless, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will certainly be given a listing of choices, where you will require to select among 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 north Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and also the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Area of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border village 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" but it is best to stay with the one you originally stated when possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport options may be irritating however the cross country propositions are a lot more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is economical so it might be your better choice.
You can still reserve 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 involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting your bag off a cart by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. As well as a great deal of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are cost effective with competing companies and also a range of deluxe levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel overnight which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so great for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive at odd times in the morning and also won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the very same evening to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very chilly, the luxury buses will certainly provide you a blanket but, wear 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 little bit discouraging if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, although these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local song CD's as well as cheesy music videos till the very early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. As a result of superstitions based on a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will arrive at a location conjures up bad spirits and is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not obtain an answer.
You will mostly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually bill a cost however be aware that the charge can differ drastically.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this really does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel and company. Look for a firm that does include pick-up as taxis are outrageously priced.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one useful on-line booking website and 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. Attempt reservation somewhere else.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without fees.
Buses are often faster than the trains, however bus rides are rough-- you could take into consideration taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are likewise a choice for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst visitors.
There are no international car-rental companies, yet most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses as well as hotels somewhere else-- can organize cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly obvious in the local transport.
With minimal public transport, taxis will be your main method of navigating particularly for getting to and also from airport terminals and also within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- prices are set on the spot (after a quick 'how much can I get away with' computation) and you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Commonly the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will be greater than you spent for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi prices.
Cabs for the day might be your better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan as well as $28 for a few hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger variable than time in determining the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey around Yangon can cost USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each means, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar as well as is a big contributing factor to the cost.
Every person wishes to take you to a craft store, a silk factory or a nut manufacturer during your sightseeing and tour trips. Don't be afraid to say no when you're paying for your very own personal transport. Nevertheless, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, a few of the side journeys can be fascinating and drivers may take you to some cool locations that aren’t on your schedule and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes and e-Bikes (electric motorcycles) outside the cities is much more affordable yet beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest locations, and nearly all vacationers develop a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can not handle it-- otherwise you'll be just one of the several visitors walking toting head to foot road rash as well as 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 ought to provide 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 leather seats-- that 1.5 hour trip 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
Plan for the unforeseen. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the extremely early hrs of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be by means of horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, but since this is the major form of traveler transport here it is only natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money as well as ATM Machines in Myanmar
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You can utilize 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to utilize dollars, they have to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also newer than 2006. Each specific note is checked thoroughly for imperfections, discolouration and creases at the currency exchange booths. You might likewise have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in US dollars so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Utilizing kyat is likely to be cheaper since the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is normally applied on the spot, possibly depending on just how rich you look.
There are ATMs as well as they mainly function but ensure you have cash before turning up at more remote spots like the beach. Sometimes they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM fee of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any fees your bank may bill. As well as you possibly will not have the ability to withdraw greater than $150 each time.
ATMs give kyat only. There are lots of exchange places about, but mostly 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 and need cash payment. If you have reserved your hotels in advance online this may save you taking additional cash for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mainly only in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon and also Mandalay also take them, normally charging a small charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a whole lot more costly than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being built. That includes guesthouses and also dining establishments. Companies are recouping their expenses.
Lodging prices
A dorm bed will certainly 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 traveler hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a run down, no-frills room.
For hotels, luxury hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the  Inle Princess Resort  being a good example where high-end comes at a cost of $250 per night) with other very good alternatives coming in 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 visitor' 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 also). On the plus side, you typically obtain a complimentary breakfast with your holiday accommodation.
Food expenses
Street food is most affordable-- around $1-$2 for a plate of something basic. Local restaurants cost around $2-$4 a dish. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or including something like pizza) will certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink prices
Bottled water is cheap, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise cheap at a number 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, entering pagodas, storing shoes as well as taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to negotiate on prices of products like mementos however if you haggle too hard the locals lose interest and also walk away.
Tipping is not typical method in Myanmar, as well as it's just foreigners that tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for sunrise and fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is typically intolerable during the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the vacationer buses make it harder to get incredible pictures and move freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous location of Myanmar, together with the western Chin State as well as the far, criminal activity levels are exceptionally low.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of utilizing hotel 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 dirty 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.
Keep an eye out for the dust- Myanmar can be really dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and also nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, many travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's often pre-cut, look for a vendor that has kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Many government advisories caution against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually resulted in the mass displacement of thousands of individuals. Some other parts of the nation stay shut to foreigners as a result of dispute in between the government and different ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and also far from the significant traveler locations.
Precise details on disputes and closed locations 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 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 and also legs despite the heat, and also you will make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants as well as t-shirts are the outfit of choice. These are highly encouraged and commonly enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the heat and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so pick up one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Getting in pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the best footwear choice. Battling with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after checking out a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend far better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and at the beach yet in other places it's much less typical.
Culture
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The local people are extremely genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, warm and slow-moving yet remember: you picked to check out Myanmar and that it's not like 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 want to chat. Travelers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are lovely and also are happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt as well as speak via limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is usually best handled by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello 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, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to 6 mugs of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also cab drivers frequently roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this great article by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of check here the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar as well as additionally works as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to determine the place of the kissing sound so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important expressions you require in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready for many locals to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.
Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and also is billed per item rather than 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 require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by but tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't manage anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 and North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, better still, get a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airport terminals when you land or in one of the shops in the road and the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more about your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi coming to be the standard-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tomore remote locations. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can use the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very frequently, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to work at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. Travel suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Entering and also out of myriad forms of transportation and also hefting it up several high stairs isn't much better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar