Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally referred to as Burma acquired independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it had not been up until 1989 that the ruling military junta altered the country'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 also altered, 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 utilized interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say as well as the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are commonly three periods in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter season
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy period
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather condition is warm however not stifling, and also draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options difficult to secure and will mean trying to book ahead or deal with paying for the more expensive choices left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature level increases in Myanmar as well as upcoming rains are due. There is a limited number of visitors that makes it very easy to book lodging however it is extremely warm.
Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 nations.
To obtain one, go to the main e-Visa internet site. You'll be required 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 embassy may be less expensive-- if you wish to save some money, getting a visa by means of your local Myanmar embassy might be less expensive. As an example, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the United States, so do your research as well as don't forget to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to go into Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay as well as Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and at 3 Thai-Myanmar land border crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) as well as Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the typical alternative for tourists as the very first mode of entry, with routine scheduled services from Bangkok. Yet, taking into consideration where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North and northeast, Thailand and Laos to the east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land access, although not every one of them are recommended due to safety and security.
No matter, you need to define a "Port of Entry" in your on-line application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be given a list of alternatives, from which you will require to pick one of the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (located in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (located in between Mandalay and also Yangon)
Going Across at Land Boundary 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 southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Area on the border of the Thai Peninsula and 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 border 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 stick to the one you originally specified when possible to prevent any kind of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports as well as Land Border Checkpoints given that your exit point does not require to be specified up-front. Furthermore, you might leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although access from here is not possible.
Flying in and also out of Yangon is more affordable as well as has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Long Distance
Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transport choices might be irritating yet the long distance propositions are much more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is slow as well as flying is affordable so it might be your much better option.
You can still reserve flights the old-school means by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in includes ticking people off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and also grabbing your bag off a cart by the plane and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign and also calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It actually is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing firms and a series of high-end levels.
Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is wonderful for not losing a day of sightseeing, however isn't so terrific for rest. Also, you'll often tend to reach at weird times in the morning as well as will not 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' nap. Think about if it will certainly be less expensive to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are extremely cold, the high-end buses will certainly give you a covering yet, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus does not have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hrs for a food as well as toilet break-- a little bit frustrating 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 song CD's and also tacky video till the very early hrs of the early morning. Pack your iPod, invest in some sturdy extreme ear plugs or kindly request for the sound to be switched off.
Never ask a driver about he time of arrival. Because of 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 conjures up bad spirits and also is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not get an answer.
You will mainly reserve buses via your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will typically charge a cost however know that the fee can differ considerably.
Credits: seat61.com
Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this really does differ depending upon destination, mode of travel and also company. Look for a firm that does include pickup as taxis are expensive.
Booking buses online is harder-- There isn't one helpful on-line reservation website and also the ones that do exist have a minimal number of tickets. If you're informed they're sold out, it doesn't always mean the bus is full. Try reservation elsewhere.
If the company has a Facebook web page, message to book without costs.
Buses are almost always faster than the trains, however bus rides are rough-- you could think about taking tablets for nausea. Boats are additionally an option for some paths; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular amongst travellers.
There are no international car-rental firms, but most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay as well as Bagan-- in addition to guesthouses and also hotels in other places-- can arrange 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 transport, taxis will certainly be your primary way of navigating especially for getting to and from airports and within cities like Yangon and Mandalay.
Taxi prices are beyond extortionate-- prices are established on the spot (after a quick '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. Frequently 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.
Taxis for the day might be your far better bet-- it can be about $35 for a day of sightseeing and tour in Bagan and also $28 for a couple of hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much bigger factor than time in determining the expense 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 estimated at USD 200. Gas is expensive in Myanmar and is a huge contributing aspect to the cost.
Everyone intends to take you to a craft shop, a silk factory or a nut producer during your sightseeing journeys. Do not hesitate to say no when you're paying for your very own private transportation. Nevertheless, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the other hand, some of the side journeys can be interesting as well as drivers may take you to some cool places that aren’t on your plan and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much cheaper yet beware of the dust-- Myanmar is without a doubt one of the dustiest locations, and also nearly all visitors develop 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 lots of visitors walking toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The huge cities are gridlocked so walking may be 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 getting to the bus station (22km away from the centre) is 2.5 hrs.
Car quality is hit and miss so don't count on air-conditioning and also leather seats-- that 1.5 hour journey in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.
Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Get ready 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 bargaining procedure to be had, however given that this is the primary form of visitor transportation here it is just all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.
Money and ATM Machines in Myanmar
Credits: mmtimes.com
You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to utilize dollars, they need to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased as well as newer than 2006. Each specific note is reviewed for problems, discolouration as well as folds at the currency exchange booths. You may likewise have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB serial numbers.
Some vendors demand payments in United States dollars so you can bring some US dollars to spend.
Utilizing kyat is most likely to be less costly because the USD currency exchange rate is casual-- someplace in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, possibly depending upon how rich you look.
There are ATMs and they mainly work but see to it you have money prior to turning up at more remote spots like the beach. In some cases they might be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM cost of about $4 for every withdrawal which is in addition to any kind of fees your financial institution might bill. And you possibly won't be able to withdraw more than $150 at once.
ATMs give kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places around, however mostly the transactions are to change pristine 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 as well as call for cash payment. If you have booked your hotels beforehand online this might save you taking additional money for holiday accommodation.
Credit cards are accepted primarily only in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon and also Mandalay also take them, usually charging a small fee, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more pricey than the rest of Southeast Asia-- facilities is still being built. That includes guesthouses as well as restaurants. Businesses are recovering their costs.
Lodging costs
A dorm bed will certainly set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a standard personal room with en-suite from around $35 for a single bed. In visitor hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dingy, 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 high-end comes at a rate of $250 per night) with other excellent choices being available 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' 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 too). On the bonus side, you generally obtain a complimentary breakfast with your lodging.
Food costs
Street food is most inexpensive-- around $1-$2 for a plate of something basic. Local restaurants cost around $2-$4 a dish. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or featuring something like pizza) will certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink costs
Mineral water is economical, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is additionally economical at a couple of bucks per bottle.
Sightseeing costs
The tourist dollar is king. Expect to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner as well as using squat toilets, getting in pagodas, storing shoes and taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are popular in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to bargain on prices of products like mementos however if you negotiate too hard the locals lose interest and walk away.
Tipping is not usual practice in Myanmar, and also it's just foreigners that tip.
Taking in the sights in Myanmar
Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for daybreak and fast asleep by 10pm! The heat is often intolerable throughout the peak sunshine hrs and the arrival of the tourist buses make it more difficult to get incredible pictures and walk around easily.
Not anywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far northern, mountainous area of Myanmar, alongside the western Chin State and the far, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you need to take the usual preventative measures of using hotel storage lockers or safes for your belongings. Female travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is filthy as well as there isn't always soap in washrooms 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 and also nose when cycling around. Also take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, lots of tourists use the a/c in their room but sleeping in low temperatures can make you unwell.
Fruit is very easy to find so top up your body immune system with nutrients in this way. However, as it's typically pre-cut, search for a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and if it's sluiced with water, make sure it's filtered water.
Safety and security
The majority of government advisories warn 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 caused the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of problem between the government and also different ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are primarily in Kachin as well as Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and also Thailand, as well as far from the major tourist locations.
Precise details on disputes and closed areas can be hard to find. Check click here your government's advice before taking a trip, and also inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of news from travellers on the ground.
What to wear in Myanmar
A lot of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders and also legs in spite of the high temperatures, and also you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the attire of choice. These are highly encouraged and usually enforced for going into the temples and also pagodas.
Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everybody puts on skirts-- males and females alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Several travelers pick one up as they're breezy in the warmth and tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing and tour so pick up an affordable one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Entering pagodas implies going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with shoelaces in the blistering heat is an unwanted interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after visiting a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative country so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find people in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities as well as at the beach however in other places it's much less typical.
Culture
Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are incredibly genteel and not used to confrontation so pack your best manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be irritating, warm and also slow-moving yet remember: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the residents. Nevertheless, bargain hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by residents who want to chat. Travelers are no longer a novelty in most of Southeast Asia but Myanmar is different. Generally individuals are wonderful as well as are happy to appear in photographs as well as try and converse via limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a whole lot which is typically best dealt with by offering a smile and a mingalabar (hello there in Burmese). Burmese English can be hard to understand, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're spending for a guide, ensure they have excellent clear English before you book.
Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after eating betel quids, tiny parcels which contain tobacco, spices as well as areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| since it delivers a hit that amounts to 6 mugs 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 locals have the tell tale red stained teeth and also cab drivers typically roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by kids in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this fantastic post by Uncornered Market.
Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese women. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and also serves as a sunscreen.
It's also common to hear a kissing noise in the cafes as well as dining establishments as citizens use the kissing noise as a call for service. Apparently it's less complicated for staff to identify the location of the kissing sound so don't be startled!
Burmese Phrases
The two essential phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, yet it is well received. Be ready for many 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 also is billed per item instead of kilo so try to turn up with your clothing laundered and also unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, choose the items you truly require washing as well as wash your smaller items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are simple to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can not flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is very common in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal 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 ahead of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European as well as North American 2-pin connects in addition to British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to overcome it or, much better still, buy a local SIM. You can obtain one at many airport terminals when you land or in among the shops in the street and the store personnel will have you set up in about 5 mins. You can learn more concerning your network options below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'fast' connection, do not expect to be downloading videos any time. On-line accessibility has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther areas. But tightly squeezed bandwidth as well as power blackouts can make using the internet a discouraging exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and don't expect to Skype home very frequently, it's hardly possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a travel suitcase. Suitcases aren't optimal on dusty, sandy, unevenroadways. Entering as well as out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transportation and hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't better.