Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country formally referred to as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't 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 viewed as a relic of the nation's previous British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. Other names were additionally altered, 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 made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This write-up breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are generally 3 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 however not stifling, as well as attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the limited holiday accommodation options difficult to secure and also will indicate trying to book ahead or face paying out for the much more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level rises in Myanmar as well as upcoming rains are due. There is a limited number of travelers that makes it very easy to book accommodation but it is extremely hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is offered to visitors from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa website. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply and also you should get 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 stands for 90- days from the day of issue and allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local embassy may be more affordable-- if you intend to save some cash, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be cheaper. As an example, the expense is simply ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research and also do not forget to factor in 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; as well as at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration web site for the current at the time you travel.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual option for tourists as the very first mode of access, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the east and also India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple methods for land access, although not all of them are encouraged because of safety and security.
No matter, you must specify a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes exactly how you will certainly be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, where you will certainly need to pick among 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 as well as Yangon)
Crossing 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 boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the border town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" yet it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned if possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not need to be specified up front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation options might be frustrating yet the cross country propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and flying is cost effective so it might be your better option.
You can still reserve flights the traditional way by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight 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 really is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing businesses and a series of deluxe levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so terrific for sleep. Additionally, you'll tend to reach at odd times in the early morning and also will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs waiting for a 'top-up' nap. Take into consideration if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to rest straight away.
Buses are very chilly, the luxury buses will certainly offer you a blanket however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hours for a food and toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, despite the fact that these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also tacky video until the early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be turned off.
Never ask a driver about fate, criminal activity levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the usual preventative measures of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any type of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is gross and there isn't always soap in washrooms so use your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, several travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nevertheless, as it's often pre-cut, try to find a seller that has kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Most government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities as well as the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless people. Some other parts of the country stay closed to foreigners because of dispute in between the government as well as different ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major traveler destinations.
Accurate details on problems as well as closed areas can be challenging to come by. Check your government's advice prior to taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a great source of information from visitors on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs despite the high temperatures, and also you will certainly make everybody much more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged and also usually enforced for entering the temples and also pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Every person uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Numerous tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for taking in the sights so grab one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are important! Entering pagodas indicates going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach but in other places it's much less common.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local people are remarkably genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be aggravating, warm as well as slow-moving but keep in mind: you picked to visit Myanmar and that it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the locals. However, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that wish to talk. Tourists are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are lovely and more than happy to appear in pictures as well as try and converse via limited typical words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is normally best dealt with by providing a smile click here and also a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention as well as if you're paying for a guide, make certain they have great clear English before you book.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Great deals of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth and taxi drivers typically roll down the window in slow traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and also as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the children. Why not? Read this fantastic article by Uncornered Market.

Credits: mekongtourism.org
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 and likewise serves as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and restaurants as citizens make use of the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the location of the kissing sound so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial phrases you require in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, however it is well received. Be prepared for a lot of locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand as well as is billed per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothing laundered and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you really need washing as well as wash your smaller items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy 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 typical in developing nations where the plumbing system can not handle anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hours ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at the majority of airports when you land or in one of the stores in the road and also the shop staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network choices right here. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and power outages can use the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research in advance or pack a guidebook, as well as do not expect to Skype home very frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a travel suitcase. aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't far better.

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