Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it had not been 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 viewed as a relic of the country's previous British colonial past, and Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. 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 and also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly three periods in which you can visit Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summertime season
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, subsequently, makes the limited holiday accommodation alternatives tricky to secure and will imply attempting to book ahead or deal with paying for the a lot more costly alternatives left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and also impending rainfalls are due. There is a minimal number of vacationers that makes it easy to book lodging however it is unbelievably warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa web site. You'll need to upload a passport photo and pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 minutes to apply as well as 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 is valid for 90- days from the day of issue as well as allows you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office might be less costly-- if you intend to save some money, requesting a visa via your local Myanmar consular office might be less costly. For example, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't forget to factor in mailing expenses.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at three Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration internet site for the current at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical option for tourists as the initial mode of entry, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. However, taking into consideration where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North and also northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east as well as India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entry, although not every one of them are recommended because of safety.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of choices, where you will require to choose among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay as well as Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to north Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the boundary to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the boundary of the Thai Peninsula and also 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 village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the boundary of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you initially mentioned if possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any of the International Airports and Land Boundary Checkpoints given that your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. Additionally, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in as well as out of Yangon is more affordable and also has much more links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

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Myanmar's local transport alternatives might be irritating yet the long distance propositions are a lot more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish as well as flying is affordable so it may be your far better choice.
You can still reserve flights the traditional way by wandering right into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal and getting your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. As well as a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies as well as a series of high-end levels.

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Most buses travel over night which is terrific for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so terrific for sleep. Also, you'll have a tendency to arrive at weird times in the early morning and also won't be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will certainly be cheaper 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 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 and 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 destination around 3 or 4am. What's more, some still play their funky local music CD's as well as cheesy music videos up until the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a 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 come to a location invokes bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not get an answer.
You will mostly book buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will typically charge a cost however understand that the cost can differ substantially.

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Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this actually does differ depending on destination, mode of travel and also company. Try to find a firm that does include pickup as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful online booking website and the ones that do exist have a restricted number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it doesn't always mean the bus is full. Attempt reservation somewhere else.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without charges.
Buses are generally faster than the trains, however bus rides are rough-- you could take into consideration taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also an option for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst tourists.
There are no international car-rental firms, yet most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and also Bagan-- along with guesthouses and hotels somewhere else-- can arrange cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport

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Myanmar is still developing and this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With minimal public transport, taxis will be your primary method of navigating especially for getting to and also from airports and 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' estimation) and you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear prices of $1-$2 per kilometre. Often the taxi to and 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 quantity for taxi fares.
Cabs for the day may be your much better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan as well as $28 for a few hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger variable than time in dictating the cost of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey about Yangon can cost USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each way, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is expensive in Myanmar and is a massive contributing variable to the price.
Everyone wishes to take you to a craft store, a silk manufacturing facility or a nut manufacturer during your sightseeing journeys. Don't be afraid to say no when you're paying for your own personal transport. After all, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, some of the side journeys can be interesting and also drivers may take you to some cool places that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you opted for their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and e-Bikes (electric motorcycles) outside the cities is much less expensive but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest areas, and nearly all travelers establish a dust coughing. Pack sunglasses as well as something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can't handle it-- or else you'll be one of the lots of tourists walking around toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be read more quicker-- Yangon has a few of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 kilometres ought to provide you an idea. The time recommended for reaching the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hrs.
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 absolutely nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.


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Prepare for the unanticipated. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the very early hours of the morning, your only option to get to my hotel may be by means of horse and cart. There is still a haggling procedure to be had, yet since this is the primary form of vacationer transportation here it is just natural that they are waiting for new bus arrivals.

Money and ATMs 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 have to be immaculate. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also newer than 2006. Each individual note is checked thoroughly for defects, discolouration and folds at the money exchange kiosks. You could additionally have problems changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in US bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Using kyat is likely to be cheaper due to the fact that the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- someplace in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is generally applied on the spot, probably relying on exactly how rich you look.
There are ATMs and also they mostly function however ensure you have cash before turning up at more remote areas like the coastline. Often they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine fee of about $4 for each withdrawal which is in addition to any fees your financial institution might bill. And you most likely will not be able to withdraw greater than $150 at a time.
ATMs give kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places about, yet mainly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational airport terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and require cash payment. If you have actually booked your hotels in advance online this might save you taking extra cash money for accommodation.

Credit cards are accepted mainly just in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, generally charging a small charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a whole lot more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Businesses 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 traveler hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a run down, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being an example where deluxe comes at a price of $250 per night) with other very good options coming in at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which sets you back around $120 a night). A modern hotel can cost USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package tourist' locations like Ngapali beach can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a number of hostels there as well). On the plus side, you typically get a cost-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 certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink prices
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise affordable at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour prices
The tourist dollar is king. Expect to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner and also utilizing squat toilets, entering pagodas, storing shoes as well as taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy areas.
It's possible to negotiate on costs of products like souvenirs but if you haggle too hard the locals lose interest and leave.
Tipping is not usual technique in Myanmar, and also it's only foreigners that tip.
Sightseeing in Myanmar

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We were up and out most days for dawn and also out cold by 10pm! The heat is frequently excruciating during the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the traveler buses make it harder to get fantastic photos and also move around freely.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, together with the western Chin State as well as the far, crime levels are extremely reduced.
Still, you ought to take the usual safety measures of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is unclean and there isn't always soap in restrooms 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 nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, numerous visitors use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your immune system with nutrients in this way. Nonetheless, as it's frequently pre-cut, search for a seller that has actually kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories advise against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually brought about the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the country stay closed to foreigners due to dispute between the government as well as various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, and also far from the major tourist locations.
Exact info on conflicts and closed locations can be hard to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, as well as inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of information from travellers on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and tees are the outfit of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as frequently enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.

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Everybody uses skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get an affordable one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are important! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear selection. Struggling with laces in the blistering heat is an undesirable interruption. 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 also shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet elsewhere it's less common.

Culture

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The local people are extremely genteel as well as not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, hot as well as sluggish however keep in mind: you selected to check out Myanmar and that it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, haggle hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that wish to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are charming and are happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt and also talk through minimal typical words or sign language.
You maylikewise get stared at a lot which is generally best handled by offering a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and 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 eating betel quids, small parcels which contain tobacco, spices and areca nuts covered in a betel leaf. It's probably popular| since it delivers a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the by-product is bright-red saliva which is spat out, most times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as 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 shouldn't give to the kids. 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 and additionally serves as a sunscreen.


It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the coffee shops as well as dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the area of the kissing sound so don't be upset!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is normally done by hand and is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your clothes washed and also unless you intend to hand over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you truly need washing and wash your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not manage anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that strange half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have several adaptors for European and North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to overcome it or, better still, acquire a local SIM. You can get one at most airport terminals when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the store staff will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' link, don't anticipate to be downloading videos whenever. On-line access has improved, with wi-fi coming to be the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it for free-- as well as the net is now spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can make using the web a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also don't 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 backpack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport and hefting it up numerous steep staircases isn't better.

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