MYANMAR
It was only relatively recently that Myanmar emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most enticing destinations to visit. From the islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range, Myanmar covers a mesmerizing spectrum of geographic and cultural settings. No wonder Rudyard Kipling once described it as 'quite unlike any land you will ever know.'
Rich in archaeological sites, glittering pagodas, colorful festivals, and breathtaking artwork, Myanmar is also blessed with an awe-inspiring range of lush fertile plains, vast virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beaches.
MYANMAR TOURS
CAPITAL CITY
The capital city of Myanmar is Naypyidaw.
SIZE
Inland area: 678,500 Km2
Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asia.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION
Myanmar is located in the Gulf Of Bengal, bordered by Thailand to the west, Laos and China to the northeast and India and Bangladesh to the northwest.
The southern part of the country is flat, fed by many rivers including the largest one – the Irrawaddy – which rises in the Himalayas, flows through spectacular gorges, tropical jungles and terraced paddy fields and finally to the Ocean.
The Irrawaddy is the heartbeat of Myanmar and is the most viable means of access to many of the country’s attractions.
POPULATION
Myanmar has 54.38 million inhabitants with an average density of 70,7 inhabitants/km2. 68% of the population is Burmese, 9% Shan, 7% Karen, 4% Rakhine, 3% Chinese, 2% Mon and 2% Indian. Ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population of Myanmar.
LANGUAGE
There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Myanmar, all with their own language or dialect, tradition and culture. The majority of the population speak Burmese/Myanmar, the official language. English is widely spoken. However, communication and the understanding of local traditions can be a challenge beyond the major cities. The presence of a guide able to speak several languages is therefore highly recommended.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Kyat (MMK) but US dollars are accepted everywhere. Current notes are: ks 1000, 5000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 bank notes.
At the time of writing the exchange rate is US$ 1 = 2102 Kyat, 1 Euro = 2303 Kyat (2023).
Please be aware that our team will be able to help you to change your money at a proper rate.
Due to financial sanctions, credit cards and Travellers cheques are not accepted.
We therefore recommend all tourists visiting Myanmar to bring cash in US dollars as it is currently the only accepted foreign currency. Bank notes must be new, not folded and with no.
CLIMATE
The best time of year to visit Myanmar is from mid-October to the beginning of March. At this time, the climate is mild and dry. Temperatures can however be very low at high altitude and especially at night. This is the case around Inle Lake for example.
The hottest time of year is from March to mid-May and the rainy season lasts from mid-May to the beginning of October. We would suggest you avoid the months of May and June, which are hot and humid. In July, August and September, the humidity is generally high in Yangon. It is less so in the northern regions (Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake).
LOCAL TIME
Myanmar is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time.
ELECTRICITY
In Myanmar the «standard» electrical current is 220V, but sockets are not always standard. It is highly recommended that you take an international adapter with you.
Due to its limited power supply, the country suffers from frequent power cuts – and voltage surges, but most hotels and restaurants in the major cities have their own generators.
WATER
As in many countries, it is not advisable to drink water from the tap unless it has been boiled beforehand.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
International phone call charges from Myanmar are very expensive (from 5 to 10 USD per minute). If you need to call from a hotel, it is advisable to have the price confirmed before making the call to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Mobile phones do not always work in Myanmar.
Access to the internet/e-mail is limited.
HEALTH & MEDICAL FACILITIES
No vaccination is required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus.
Burmese hospitals are currently very basic. For serious injuries or medical situations it is therefore advisable to be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore. In the main cities you can find private clinics staffed with foreign medical personnel but prices are very expensive. We therefore strongly recommend medical travel insurance.
TRANSPORTATION
There are two international airports in Myanmar:
– The International airport of Yangon is located in Mingaladon, 20 minutes from the town centre.
– The International airport of Mandalay is 45 km (1h transfer) from the center of the town.
The road network has improved but still undeveloped in some areas. To cover a distance, it is reasonable to count an average speed of 50 km / hour.
DRIVING
In Myanmar, vehicles drive on the right.
Apart from citizens of Myanmar, only foreigners with a business visa or those with an International Driving licence are authorised to drive in Myanmar. We strongly recommend to only call upon the services of drivers recommended by your hotel or tour operator and to agree on a price before you get in the car.
It is possible to hire a motorbike with an International Driving licence.
COOKING
Traditional Burmese cuisine varies from Mohinga or On-no-Khaukswe, assorted delicacies fried or baked in the oven to a wide range of curries. Chinese and Indian dishes are also widely available in the major towns and cities.
SHOPPING
Artisan craft is rich and varied: lacquer ware, embroidered cottons, silks, wood carvings, as well as precious stones and many other manufactured products.
Prices displayed are usually fixed, but bargaining remains and is frequently used in villages and markets.
Most shops are open from 9h to 18h from Monday to Saturday but this can vary according by region.
Small local shops are usually open every day. It is easy to pay for your purchases in US dollars.
TIPPING
Tips, although appreciated, are by no means mandatory.
ACCESS
Please find below a list of carriers offering services into Myanmar:
- Air China
- Biman Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Druk Air
- Eva Air
- Indian Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Mandarin Airlines
- Myanmar Airways International
- Phuket Airlines
- Silk Air
- Thai Airways
- Vietnam Airlines
Please note that travellers coming from Europe or America will have to transit via Bangkok and Singapore in most cases.
VISA AND PASSPORT
A visa is compulsory to enter Myanmar. To obtain a visa, you must first ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
There are currently only 2 options for obtaining a visa to Myanmar:
– Visas can be acquired directly at the Myanmar Embassies and Consulates abroad.
– If you do not have Myanmar Embassy at your home country or you are not able to apply Myanmar visa in advance, you can obtain a pre-arranged visa on arrival at the Yangon and Mandalay International airports on your arrival. We need detailed information one month prior to arrival.
Please note that tourist visas are currently valid for 28 days.
BEFORE GOING
If you are travelling in the northern areas from November to February, warm clothes are recommended.
Likewise in the Inle Lake area nights can be cold (10 to 15 °C) all year round.
In most other areas, light clothing is perfectly suitable.
Please note that: shorts, miniskirts, revealing outfits (shoulders have to be covered) ripped jeans, sheer tops… are prohibited when visiting places of worship. If you do wear shorts for your excursions, take a pair of trousers or a dress to change into for a visit to a pagoda. Everywhere else, relaxed but respectful attire is acceptable.
Take care when preparing footwear for your trip: you will need to take off your shoes when visiting pagodas, temples and monasteries so they should be easy to remove and put on again. Beware also of blisters, which can ruin a days a walking.
As a general rule, keep in mind that Myanmar remains steeped in tradition in many ways. It is recommended you adopt a respectful attitude towards traditions and the ancestral culture of this country.
Please pack mosquito repellent, a cap or a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a raincoat and a travel first aid kit (containing antiseptic cream, aspirin or paracetamol, bandages).
Travel in Myanmar presents little risk, but it would be best to leave your valuables at home.
OTHER DESTINATIONS
VIETNAM
From the latticed mountains in the North, through the dramatic rivers and caves of central Vietnam, down to the pristine beaches and tropical islands in the South, Vietnam’s natural landscape has something for anyone seeking a revitalizing escape. In the ancient streets of Hanoi and the bustling alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon as it used to be called – restaurants, art galleries, museums, and elegant boutiques sit alongside stylish street-side cafes and contemporary bars. Vietnam’s heritage and vibrant culture are finding new life as the country once again enjoys peace and emerging prosperity.
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LAOS
Landlocked and, to some extent, 'culture-locked,' Laos provides visitors with a sense of returning to a more relaxed time, where the urgency of modern life is wonderfully absent. Even in the capital, Vientiane, life ambles along only a little faster than the languid Mekong River that flows past the city. In the historic royal city of Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage site – hundreds of monks in saffron robes glide between centuries-old temples. In this historic city, you will also find luxurious boutique hotels and an incredible food scene drawing on French and local traditions. Outside of the cities, visitors can discover the haunting Plain of Jars and the majestic Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don), where the Mekong River expands, and its waters gather pace.
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CAMBODIA
The magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex never disappoints. The ancient architecture, adorned with remarkable statues and depictions on temple friezes of life during the Khmer Empire, is truly one of the highlights of any trip to Indochina. Cambodia is also home to the largest lake in all of Southeast Asia – Tonle Sap – dotted with little villages on stilts and beautiful mangrove forests. At Kratie on the banks of the Mekong River, with a bit of luck, you can spot the rare Mekong River Dolphins. Phnom Penh is known for its many museums testifying to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge but is also rapidly transforming into a fashionable modern metropolis. Along the south coast, the quiet beach towns of Kep and Kampot contrast with the larger city-by-the-beach buzz of Sihanoukville. Near the Cardamom Mountains to the west lies Koh Kong, boasting luxurious floating eco-resorts, small uninhabited islands, and some of the best beaches in the region.
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