Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation officially referred to as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, however 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 former British colonial past, and also Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. 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 also Myanmar are still used interchangeably, on the ground and on the world stage. This post breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say and the concern: does it even matter?
Best Times to Visit Myanmar
There are typically three periods in which you can see Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer period
May to October: Wet, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the climate is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted accommodation options difficult to secure and will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or face paying out for the a lot more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar and also upcoming rains are due. There is a limited number of vacationers that makes it very easy to book holiday accommodation yet it is incredibly hot.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To get one, go to the main e-Visa website. You'll be required to submit a passport photo as well as 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 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 may be less costly-- if you intend to save some cash, obtaining a visa using your local Myanmar embassy may be less costly. As an example, the cost is simply ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't neglect to consider mailing expenses.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at three Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the current at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for travellers as the initial mode of entrance, with normal scheduled services from Bangkok. But, thinking about where Myanmar lies-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entrance, although not all of them are recommended due to security.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will be getting to Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, where you will need to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the middle of Myanmar)
Yangon (located 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 boundary 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 border of the Thai Peninsula as well as 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 border village of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" but it is best to stick to the one you initially mentioned preferably to avoid any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and also Land Boundary Checkpoints considering that your exit point does not require to be stated up front. In addition, you may leave at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is less expensive as well as has extra links than Mandalay.
Getting around Myanmar-- Long Distance

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation choices may be irritating however the long distance propositions are far more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and flying is budget-friendly so it might 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 involves ticking individuals off a list of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the flight terminal and also 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 great deal of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are affordable with competing businesses and also a range of high-end levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Most buses travel overnight which is excellent for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, yet isn't so terrific for rest. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to reach at weird times in the early morning and won't have the ability to check into your hostel or hotel until 2 p.m. That's a lot of hours waiting on a 'top-up' snooze. Consider if it will be more affordable to fly if you're going to book accommodation the same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very cold, the high-end buses will provide you a blanket however, wear 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 bit discouraging if you're trying to rest 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 music CD's and cheesy music videos up until the very early hrs of the morning. Pack your iPod, buy some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. Because of superstitious notions based upon a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will get to a destination conjures up bad spirits and is taken seriously. The outcome? You won't obtain a response.
You will generally book buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will normally charge a cost but know that the cost can vary drastically.

Credits: seat61.com

Check whether pickup is included in your ticket price - this truly does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel as well as company. Search for a business that does include pick-up as taxis are outrageously priced.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one convenient on-line reservation portal as well as the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it does not always imply the bus is full. Attempt reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without costs.
Buses are often faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy-- you may take into consideration taking tablets for motion sickness. Boats are likewise an alternative for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among tourists.
There are no international car-rental agencies, but many travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- along with guesthouses and hotels elsewhere-- can organize cars and drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport

Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing as well as this is most frustratingly noticeable in the local transport.
With limited public transportation, taxis will certainly be your major means of getting around particularly for getting to and from flight terminals and also within cities like Yangon as well as 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 also 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 also from the airport/bus will certainly be more than you spent 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 around $35 for a day of sightseeing in Bagan and $28 for a couple of hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger element than time in dictating the cost of hiring a driver: a 12 hour trip about Yangon can set you back USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hr drive each way, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is pricey in Myanmar and is a big contributing factor to the price.
Everybody wants 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. After all, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, some of the side trips can be intriguing and drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your schedule and you may be happy you chose their recommendations!
Hiring bikes and also e-Bikes (electric motorbikes) outside the cities is much cheaper however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt one of the dustiest places, as well as nearly all vacationers develop 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 and bandages.
The huge cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has several of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 km ought to give you an idea. The time advised for reaching the bus station (22km away from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
Car quality is hit and miss so don't count on air-conditioning and also 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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Plan for the unforeseen. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the extremely early hrs of the morning, your only choice to get to my hotel may be through horse and cart. There is still a bargaining procedure to be had, yet since this is the main form of traveler transport here it is just all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.

Money and also ATM Machines in Myanmar

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You can utilize 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to make use of dollars, they need to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and newer than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for problems, discolouration as well as creases at the currency exchange kiosks. You might also have problems 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 most likely to be cheaper due to the fact that the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- someplace between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, most likely depending on just how rich you look.
There are ATM machines as well as they mostly function but make sure you have cash before turning up at more remote spots like the coastline. In some cases they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM cost of about $4 for each withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of fees your financial institution might bill. As well as you possibly won't have the ability to take out more than $150 each time.
ATM machines give kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places around, yet mostly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the large cities orinternational flight terminal to change money back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines as well as call for cash payment. If you have booked your hotels ahead of time online this may save you taking added cash money for lodging.

Credit cards are accepted primarily only in top-end hotels. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, generally charging a little charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travelling in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being developed. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Companies are recovering their costs.
Holiday accommodation prices
A dorm bed will certainly set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a standard 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 dull, no-frills room.
For hotels, high-end hotels can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a fine example where luxury comes with a cost of $250 per night) with other very good alternatives can be found 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 traveler' destinations like Ngapali coastline can cost as much as $100 a night for a 2-star hotel (though there are a couple of hostels there also). On the plus side, you typically get a totally free morning meal with your lodging.
Food costs
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 certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is economical, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is likewise cheap at a number of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing and tour costs
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner and making use of squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear and also taking pictures. 'Foreigner payments' are preferred in the much more touristy areas.
It's possible to bargain on prices of products like mementos yet if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and also walk away.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, and also it's only foreigners that tip.
Taking in the sights in Myanmar

Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for daybreak as well as out cold by 10pm! The heat is commonly unbearable during the peak sunlight hrs and the arrival of the visitor buses make it harder to get remarkable images and also move around easily.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. click here The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, together with the western Chin State and also the far, criminal activity levels are exceptionally low.
Still, you need to take the normal precautions of making use of hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is unclean and also 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 carry something to cover your mouth as well as nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperatures can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to come by so top up your immune system with nutrients this way. Nonetheless, 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, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety
Many government advisories caution 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 country remain closed to foreigners as a result of problem in between the government as well as different 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, as well as far from the major tourist locations.
Precise details on disputes and closed locations can be hard to find. Check your government's advice before taking a trip, as well as ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of information from tourists on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the high temperatures, as well as you will make everybody much more comfortable if you do the same.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and often enforced for going into the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody wears skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up one a the market if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are necessary! Going into pagodas means going barefoot and flip flops are the best footwear choice. Struggling with laces in the scorching heat is an undesirable distraction. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after seeing a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend better if you clothe conservatively (covering your knees and shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and strappy tops in the cities and also at the beach yet in other places it's much less usual.

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 frustrating, warm and sluggish however bear in mind: you picked to go to Myanmar which it's not the same as being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a lot by locals that wish to talk. Tourists are no more a novelty in a lot of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Typically the people are lovely and also more than happy to appear in photographs and also attempt and also talk with minimal common words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best dealt with by providing 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, make sure they have excellent clear English before you book.

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The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, little parcels which contain tobacco, spices and 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 spewed out, many times onto the ground.
Lots of locals have the tell tale red discolored teeth and taxi drivers frequently 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 should not give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this great write-up by Uncornered Market.

Credits: mekongtourism.org
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 item in Myanmar as well as also works as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the coffee shops and also restaurants as citizens make use of the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the place of the kissing noise so do not be alarmed!
Burmese Phrases
The two most important phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it courteous, however it is well received. Be ready for a lot of citizens to giggle in reaction-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is usually done by hand and also is billed per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your garments laundered and unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly need washing and clean your smaller sized items yourself as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by yet tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is really typical in developing countries where the plumbing system can't cope with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird 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 multiple adaptors for European and also 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, better still, buy a local SIM. You can get one at a lot of flight terminals when you land or in among the shops in the road as well as the store staff will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more about your network selections right here. Still, with 1 mbps considered to be a 'quick' connection, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi becoming the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses as well as coffee shops have it free of charge-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther places. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power failures can make using the net an aggravating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not expect to Skype home very often, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be better with a backpack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't ideal on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Entering as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up several high stairs isn't much better.

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