Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Leading Myanmar Travel Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but 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 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 additionally 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 also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the inquiry: does it even matter?
Best Times to See Myanmar
There are normally 3 seasons in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Wet, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the minimal accommodation alternatives tricky to secure and also will certainly mean trying to book ahead or face paying out for the a lot more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level climbs in Myanmar and approaching rains are due. There is a minimal number of travelers which makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation however it is unbelievably warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa site. You'll need to submit a passport photo and also pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue as well as enables you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be less expensive-- if you want to save some cash, making an application for a visa through your local Myanmar embassy might be less costly. For example, the price is simply ₤ 14 in the UK but $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't neglect to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration internet site for the most recent at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the common alternative for visitors as the initial mode of access, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the eastern and India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are numerous avenues for land entrance, although not all of them are encouraged due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of choices, where you will certainly require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (positioned in between Mandalay and also 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 Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula as well as 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 boundary village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In truth, you can go into Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stick to the one you originally specified when possible to avoid any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints because your exit point does not require to be stated up front. In addition, you might exit at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more connections than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Cross Country

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Myanmar's local transport alternatives may be frustrating yet the long distance propositions are much more enticing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving as well as flying is budget friendly so it might be your better option.
You can still book flights the old-school way by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking individuals off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport terminal as well as grabbing your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and also flight announcements are made by an individual holding up a sign and calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are economical with competing firms as well as a series of luxury levels.

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Most buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing, but isn't so wonderful for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to arrive at odd times in the morning as well as will not have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel till 2 p.m. That's a lot of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the luxury buses will certainly give you a blanket however, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every couple of hours for a food and toilet break-- a 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 even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also tacky music videos till the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some durable extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ever ask a vehicle driver about he time of arrival. Due to superstitions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will get to a destination summons bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The result? You will not obtain an answer.
You will mostly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually bill a fee yet know that the charge can differ dramatically.

Credits: seat61.com

Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this actually does vary depending upon destination, mode of traveling and company. Search for a firm that does include pickup as taxis are expensive.
Reserving buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful on-line booking site and the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not necessarily imply the bus is full. Try booking elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without costs.
Buses are often faster than the trains, yet bus rides are rough-- you may take into consideration taking tablets for nausea. Boats are also an option for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst travellers.
There are no international car-rental companies, yet most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- along with guesthouses and also hotels elsewhere-- can arrange cars and drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport

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Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With minimal public transportation, taxis will certainly be your major method of getting around particularly for getting to and also from airport terminals and within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- rates are established on the spot (after a fast 'just how much can I get away with' estimation) and you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not unusual to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Typically the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will be more than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi prices.
Taxi cabs for the day may be your much better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan as well as $28 for a couple of hours in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger factor than time in dictating the expense of hiring a driver: a 12 hr journey about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while taking a trip further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each method, can be quoted at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar and also is a massive contributing variable to the price.
Every person wishes to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut producer during your sightseeing and tour trips. Do not be afraid to say no when you're paying for your very own private transportation. Besides, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, several of the side trips can be fascinating and drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your travel plan and you may be happy you went with their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much cheaper but beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt among the dustiest locations, and also almost all tourists create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses as well as something to cover your mouth.
Do not take an e-Bike if you can't manage it-- or else you'll be one of the several tourists walking around toting head to foot road rash as well as bandages.
The large cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hours to cover 15 km ought to provide you an idea. The time recommended for getting to the bus terminal (22km far 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.


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Prepare for the unexpected. 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 bargaining procedure to be had, but because this is the primary form of vacationer transportation here it is just all-natural that they are waiting on new bus arrivals.

Money and ATMs in Myanmar

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You can make use of 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and also the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to make use of dollars, they must be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased as well as more recent than 2006. Each individual note is checked thoroughly for flaws, discolouration and folds at the money exchange booths. You might also have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in United States bucks so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Using kyat is likely to be cheaper because the USD exchange rate is casual-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, probably relying on how rich you look.
There are ATM machines as well as they mainly work yet see to it you have money before showing up at more remote areas like the coastline. In some cases they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM fee of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your bank might bill. And you possibly won't have the ability to take out more than $150 each time.
ATMs give kyat only. There are plenty of exchange places about, but mainly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational flight terminal to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and need cash payment. If you have actually booked your hotels ahead of time online this might save you taking added money for lodging.

Credit cards are accepted primarily just in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, normally charging a little charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a whole lot more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Companies are recouping their expenses.
Lodging prices
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 dull, 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 high-end comes with a rate of $250 per night) with various other great alternatives can be found at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which costs around $120 a night). A modern hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package visitor' 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 typically get a free morning meal with your lodging.
Food prices
Street food is most economical-- 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 expenses
Mineral water is affordable, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise cheap at a couple of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Expect to spend for the privilege of being a foreigner and also using squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear and taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are preferred in the more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of products like mementos but if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and walk away.
Tipping is not typical practice in Myanmar, and it's only foreigners that tip.
Sightseeing and tour in Myanmar

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We were up and out most days for dawn and also fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is commonly unbearable during the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the tourist buses make it more difficult to get amazing pictures and also move around easily.
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 should take the normal precautions of utilizing hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Female tourists 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 use your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Look out for the dust- Myanmar can be very dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Also take care with your air conditioning-- Myanmar can be as hot. Subsequently, many travellers use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
A lot of government advisories advise against traveling 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 nation continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of conflict in between the government as well as different ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the significant vacationer destinations.
Accurate details on problems as well as closed areas can be difficult to find. Check your government's guidance prior to taking a trip, and inquire about the situation when you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent resource of news from tourists on the ground.

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

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Every person uses skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several vacationers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth as well as tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are essential! Going into pagodas indicates going barefoot and flip flops are the very best footwear option. Struggling with laces in the blistering heat is an unwanted distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to 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 people in shorts and strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less common.

Culture

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The local people are remarkably genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your best manners and your patience. Travel can be discouraging, warm as well as sluggish however bear in mind: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by citizens that wish to chat. Vacationers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Generally the people are charming and also are happy to appear in photographs and attempt as well as chat with limited usual words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is usually best managed by providing a smile and a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have excellent clear English before you book.

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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 probably popular| due to the fact that it provides a hit that amounts to 6 cups of coffee. Yet, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the spin-off is bright-red saliva which is spat out, the majority of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as taxi drivers often roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after chewing on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you should not give to the children. Why not? Read this brilliant post by Uncornered Market.

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It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. 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 coffee shops and restaurants as residents use the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's much easier for staff to recognize the location of the kissing sound so don't be distressed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be ready for most residents to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and is billed per item instead of kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you actually 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 need with you.
You can't flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is extremely typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can not manage anything aside from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin connects as well as British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to overcome it or, far better still, get a local SIM. You can get one at a lot of airports when you land or in one of the stores in the street and also the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more concerning your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about myanmar travel blog 2018 to be a 'fast' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos at any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther places. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can use the web an irritating exercise.
Do your research in advance 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 operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a luggage. aren't suitable on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and also hefting it up several high staircases isn't better.

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