Top Myanmar Travelling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially called Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however it wasn't up until 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 country's former British colonial past, and Myanmar as a lot more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were likewise 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This post breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and the inquiry: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly 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 but not stifling, and also attracts the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal lodging choices difficult to secure and also will certainly indicate trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the more expensive alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature rises in Myanmar and also impending rains are due. There is a minimal number of vacationers which makes it very easy to book lodging however it is incredibly hot.
Visas
An e-Visa is offered to tourists from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa web site. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and 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 permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office may be more affordable-- if you intend to save some cash, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar embassy may be cheaper. As an example, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as do not neglect 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 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the current at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual option for travellers as the first mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and also India and also Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entrance, although not all of them are encouraged because of safety.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes just how you will certainly be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a listing of options, from which you will certainly need to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay as well as Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border 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 most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
Actually, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to adhere to the one you initially mentioned if possible to avoid any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Border Checkpoints given that your exit point does not need to be stated up-front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is more affordable and also has more connections than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives might be frustrating but the cross country propositions are much more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow and also flying is inexpensive so it might be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the traditional 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 flight terminal and also getting your bag off a cart by the plane as well as 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 cost effective with competing companies and 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 great for rest. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to arrive at odd times in the morning and will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours awaiting 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 really chilly, the deluxe buses will offer 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 and toilet break-- a little bit aggravating if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though these are the buses which bring you to your location around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local music CD's and also tacky music videos until the early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly ask for the sound to be turned off.
Never ever 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 invokes bad spirits and is taken seriously. The outcome? You won't obtain an answer.
You will mainly book buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a cost but know that the fee can vary substantially.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending on destination, mode of travel and company. Look for a business that does include pick-up as taxis are expensive.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one convenient on-line reservation site and also the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not necessarily indicate the bus is full. Attempt reservation somewhere else.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without fees.
Buses are often faster than the trains, but bus rides are rough-- you could consider taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are likewise an option for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among travellers.
There are no international car-rental agencies, yet many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and also Bagan-- as well as guesthouses and also hotels somewhere else-- can arrange cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport
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Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly apparent in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will certainly be your primary method of navigating especially for getting to and from airport terminals and also within cities like Yangon and also Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- prices are established on the spot (after a quick 'just how much can I get away with' calculation) as well as you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Frequently the taxi to and 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 amount for taxi fares.
Cabs for the day may be your better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan and also $28 for a few hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger factor than time in determining the cost of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey about Yangon can cost USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each method, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar and is a massive contributing element to the price.
Every person wishes to take you to a craft store, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut producer throughout your sightseeing journeys. Do not be afraid to say no when you're paying for your own personal transportation. Nevertheless, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, several of the side trips can be interesting as well as drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt one of the dustiest locations, and also mostly all travelers develop a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses as well as something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- or else you'll be just one of the several travelers walking around toting head to foot road rash and also plasters.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has a few of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 kilometres ought to give you an idea. The time suggested for getting to the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hrs.
Car quality is hit and miss so do not count on air-conditioning as well as leather seats-- that 1.5 hr 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.
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Plan for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the really early hrs of the early morning, your only choice to reach my hotel may be using horse and cart. There is still a haggling procedure to be had, however considering that this is the primary form of tourist transportation here it is just natural that they are waiting for new bus arrivals.
Money and also ATMs 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 make use of dollars, they have to be immaculate. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and more website recent than 2006. Each specific note is checked thoroughly for defects, discolouration and also folds at the money exchange stands. You could also have difficulty changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in US bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Making use of kyat is likely to be less costly due to the fact that the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- somewhere in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, probably depending on just how rich you look.
There are ATMs and also they mostly function however make certain you have cash prior to turning up at more remote places like the coastline. Often they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine charge of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your bank may bill. And also you probably will not be able to withdraw greater than $150 at a time.
ATMs dispense kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places around, yet mostly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational airport terminal to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also need cash payment. If you have booked your hotels in advance online this may save you taking added cash for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted mainly just in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and Mandalay also take them, usually billing a small fee, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a lot more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as restaurants. Companies are recovering their costs.
Holiday accommodation 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 vacationer hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a run down, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the  Inle Princess Resort  being a fine example where luxury comes at a price of $250 per night) with various other great choices being available 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 vacationer' locations like Ngapali beach can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a number of hostels there also). On the bonus side, you generally obtain a complimentary breakfast with your accommodation.
Food prices
Street food is most affordable-- 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 certainly set you back $7-$12.
Drink prices
Mineral water is inexpensive, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is also affordable at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour costs
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the privilege of being a foreigner as well as using squat toilets, entering pagodas, storing shoes and also taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy areas.
It's possible to negotiate on costs of items like souvenirs but if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest as well as walk away.
Tipping is not common practice 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 sunrise and also fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is typically intolerable during the peak sunshine hrs and the arrival of the visitor buses make it harder to get impressive photos as well as move around easily.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous area of Myanmar, along with the western Chin State and also the far, crime levels are remarkably reduced.
Still, you should take the normal precautions of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your belongings. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is gross and there isn't always soap in shower rooms so utilize your sanitiser before 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. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. As a result, numerous visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's often 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
The majority of government advisories advise against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually caused the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the nation remain shut to foreigners because of conflict in between the government and also various ethnic militaries gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major traveler destinations.
Accurate info on conflicts and also closed areas can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of news from tourists on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the heat, as well as you will certainly make everyone much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tees are the attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
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Everyone puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Numerous visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the heat and tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing so grab an affordable one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are crucial! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an unwanted distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend much better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will find individuals in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach but elsewhere it's much less usual.
Culture
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The local individuals are exceptionally genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travel can be discouraging, hot and sluggish however bear in mind: you picked to see Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to chat. Travelers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Generally the people are lovely and also are happy to appear in pictures and also attempt as well as speak with limited typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hey there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, pay attention 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 sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it provides a hit that amounts to 6 mugs of coffee. But, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Great deals of locals have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as taxi drivers typically roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by children in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the children. Why not? Read this fantastic write-up by Uncornered Market.
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It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese ladies. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and also works as a sun block.
It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes and also restaurants as residents make use of the kissing sound as an ask for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so do not be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, yet 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 generally done by hand as well as is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing washed and also unless you wish to hand over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you actually require washing as well as wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by but tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not handle anything besides bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 multiple 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, much better still, acquire a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airports when you land or in one of the stores in the road and the shop personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can read more regarding your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'fast' link, don't expect to be downloading videos at any time. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and cafes have it completely free-- and also the net is currently spreading tomore remote locations. But tightly squeezed bandwidth and power outages can make using the web a discouraging exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, as well as do not anticipate to Skype home extremely often, 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 perfect on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms of transport and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't better.
Thanks for reading this guide to Top Traveling Tips for Myanmar