Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The nation formally called Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't 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, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the numerous ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were also 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 as well as Myanmar are still made use of interchangeably, on the ground as well as on the world stage. This short article breaks down the changes, what you 'should' say and also the concern: does it even matter?
Ideal 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: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high period is November to February when the weather is warm but not stifling, as well as brings in the greatest number of visitors. This, in turn, makes the restricted holiday accommodation options difficult to secure and also will certainly imply trying to book in advance or face paying for the much more expensive options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature climbs in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a limited number of visitors that makes it easy to book holiday accommodation but it is extremely warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is available to travellers from these 100 countries.
To obtain one, go to the official e-Visa web site. You'll need to submit a passport photo and pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and you should obtain approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you get here and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the date of issue and also permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Getting a visa from your local consular office might be less costly-- if you wish to save some money, looking for a visa using your local Myanmar embassy may be cheaper. As an example, the expense is just ₤ 14 in the UK yet $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and don't fail to remember to factor in mailing expenses.
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 boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Check the immigration website for the latest at the time you take a trip.
Reaching Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual choice for travellers as the very first mode of access, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar is located-- bordered by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand and also Laos to the east and also India and Bangladesh to its west-- there are multiple for land access, although not every one of them are recommended because of safety.
Regardless, you must define a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes just how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will be given a list of alternatives, where you will require to select among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (located right in the center 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 Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and the cluster of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the boundary to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you originally mentioned if possible to avoid any hold up in the processing of your visa upon arrival.
You can leave at any one of the International Airports and Land Boundary Checkpoints given that your exit point does not require to be stated up-front. Furthermore, you may exit at the Htikee Land Boundary Checkpoint, although entrance from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper and also has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives might be irritating however the long distance propositions are far more appealing.
Distances are far, road travel is slow-moving and also flying is cost effective so it might be your better option.
You can still book flights the old-school method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in involves ticking people off a listing of printed names, luggage claim can mean leaving the airport and grabbing your bag off a cart by the aircraft as well as flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It truly is an experience. And also a lot of fun if you don't let it get you stressed.Buses are budget friendly with competing businesses and also a range of luxury levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
A lot of buses travel over night which is fantastic for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, however isn't so terrific for rest. Additionally, you'll tend to arrive 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 for 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 rest immediately.
Buses are really cold, the luxury buses will give you a covering however, wear your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so anticipate to stop every few hrs for a food and also toilet break-- a little bit irritating if you're attempting to rest 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 more, some still play their funky local song CD's and cheesy video up until the early hours 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 ever ask a vehicle driver regarding fate, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you ought to take the usual safety measures of using hotel lockers or safes for your belongings. Female visitors should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the money is dirty and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser before you touch anything that will certainly go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do carry something to cover your mouth and also nose when cycling around. Additionally take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as warm. Consequently, many travellers use the a/c in their room however sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to find so top up your immune system with nutrients that way. Nevertheless, as it's usually pre-cut, look for a seller that has actually kept the flies away as well as if it's sluiced with water, make certain it's filtered water.
Safety and security
Most government advisories caution against travel to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and also the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually led to the mass displacement of countless individuals. A few other parts of the country continue to be shut to foreigners as a result of dispute between the government as well as various ethnic militaries clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and also Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, and far from the significant visitor locations.
Accurate info on disputes and closed locations can be tough to find. Check your government's guidance before taking a trip, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is an excellent source of news from tourists on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
The majority of the locals dress conservatively| as well as cover their shoulders as well as legs despite the heat, as well as you will make everybody more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are strongly encouraged as well as often enforced for getting in the temples and pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both men and women. Lots of tourists pick one up as they're breezy in the warm as well as tick the 'traditional wear' box. They are convenient for sightseeing and tour so pick up one a the market if you have the chance.
Flip flops are necessary! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot as well as flip flops are the best footwear choice. Battling with shoelaces in the scorching heat is an undesirable distraction. Bring some cleansing wipes for your feet after going to 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 individuals in shorts as well as strappy tops in the cities and at the beach however elsewhere it's less common.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
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 but 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, haggle hard with the cab drivers.
You may get stopped a whole lot by residents who want to talk. Visitors are no more a novelty in most of Southeast Asia yet Myanmar is different. Usually individuals are beautiful and more than happy to appear in pictures as well as attempt as well as converse via limited common words or sign language.
You mayadditionally get stared at a great deal which is generally best handled by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hello in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard as well as if you're paying for a guide, ensure they have good clear English before you book.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained sidewalks are a consequence of spitting red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's possibly popular| since it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 mugs of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, a lot of times onto the ground.
Lots of residents have the tell tale red discolored teeth and also taxi drivers often roll down the window in sluggish traffic to spew after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the youngsters. Why not? Read this brilliant 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, an aesthetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty item in Myanmar as well as additionally works as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as dining establishments as citizens make use of the kissing noise as an ask for service. Apparently it's easier for staff to determine the location of the kissing sound so don't be upset!
Burmese Phrases
Both essential expressions you need in Myanmar are:
Hey there: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thank you: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be ready for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is typically done by hand and is charged per item as opposed to kilo so try to show up with your clothing laundered and unless you want to hand over $20 for a load of washing, pick the items you truly need washing and clean your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are easy to find by however tampons are not so bring what you need with you.
You can't here flush toilet tissue or sanitary products-- this is extremely common in developing nations where the plumbing system can not cope with anything apart from bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that unusual half-hour difference| to its time zone so it's 6 and a half hrs in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have numerous adaptors for European and North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either have to get over it or, much better still, get a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airport terminals when you land or in among the shops in the street as well as the shop staff will have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more regarding your network selections here. Still, with 1 mbps taken into consideration to be a 'quick' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips any time. Online accessibility has improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also coffee shops have it free of charge-- as well as the net is now spreading tomore remote areas. Yet tightly squeezed bandwidth and power interruptions can make using the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research beforehand or pack a guidebook, and also don't expect to Skype home very often, it's barely 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 as well as hefting it up several steep stairs isn't far better.

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