MPT is largest mobile operator and Telenor is second. You may also come across 20, 10, 5, and 1 kyat and 50 pya banknotes. Owners of the jars fill them up with water as a way to make merit. Employment is not allowed on a tourist visa, and working without proper authorisation runs you the risk of being arrested and deported. It is a great place to enjoy hikes and the sights of village life on the water. الاسم "بورما" يأتي من الكلمة البورمية "بامار". The most used line is the 325 kilometre line from Yangon to Mandalay with several trains a day. For any emergency requiring surgery the only option is to evacuated to Bangkok. Rates are around 300 kyat/hour in Yangon and 1,000-3,000 kyat/hour elsewhere. Old road signs may use miles and miles per hour, and government websites inconsistently convert Burmese units to metric or Imperial. The private airline companies are usually on time, and even depart early (10-20 min), so be on time and reconfirm your flight and flight time 1–2 days before departure. Pyay is a good stopover point. As a result of the political situation, Myanmar had until recently been subject to trade sanctions from much of the western world, and this can cause problems for unwary travellers. The Myanmar government runs many hotels, including some beautiful colonial era ones (though not the two listed in the previous sentence). That being said, driving habits are not quite as aggressive as say, Vietnam. بالاعتماد على ضعف النطق لدى البورمانيون تلفظ كلمة "بورما" كـ"باما" أو "ميانما". Some areas are also home to various ethnic Indian communities who continue to speak various Indian languages. Fresh, crisp and as close to brand new as possible – Moneychangers have been known to reject notes just for being creased and/or lightly worn. HIV is a major problem in Myanmar. Applications for local permits can often be made at a local MTT office or at a police station. Rooms with attached bath are available for under US$10 everywhere except in Yangon and with shared bath for anywhere from US$3–6 in most places. In 1987, the government demonetized the 25, 35, and 75 kyat notes with no prior warning, rendering some 75% of the country's currency worthless. Shwebo - Kalewa. https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Myanmar&oldid=4157256, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 230 volt / 50 hertz (Europlug, AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types, Schuko, BS 1363), 199 (police), 191 (fire department), 192 (emergency medical services), January: Kayin New Year Day - 1st waxing of Pyatho, November: National Day - 10 st waning of the moon of Tazaungmon. The easiest way to get the visa is to apply through a travel agency in your home country. Still, it is worth the effort because it still is quiet compared to other countries and has excellent seafood. During this period, Burma was part of an overland trade route from China to India. JJs, Asia plaza). They are valid but rarely found and best held onto as souvenirs. Hotel rooms tend to sell out really fast, and those in popular tourist destinations often sell out months in advance. In smaller towns there might be only one hotel, but usually this hotel will have many different kinds of rooms to service all kinds of costumers. In Yangon, most of the Chinese are descendants from migrants from Fujian and Guangdong, and hence speak mainly Hokkien or Taishanese, while in Mandalay, the Chinese are mostly descendants of migrants from Yunnan, and mainly speak the Yunnan dialect of Mandarin. Dorm beds are around US$10 (or US$8 if you accept to loose a lot of value) (Sep 2015). The other three airlines are Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways. In a misguided attempt to fight rampant black marketeering, the Myanmar government has a habit of declaring notes to be worthless: this happened first in 1964. And if you absolutely must wave a democracy banner in front of a police station, you'll simply find yourself on the next outbound flight. Remember to check and count all bills. Grand Plaza), and also local entertainment centres (e.g. It is not feasible to cross the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh independently. Your hotel or a local tour company can arrange this for you. Also don't miss Pyin U Lwin, a former British hill station with somewhat cooler temperatures. The highlight is the Shan boating race, especially to see the Shan's usual leg-rowing technique. (check new prices). On the other hand, the window side seat next to the driver is very comfortable and well-worth the little extra that you have to pay, so it is best to go early and reserve that seat. Many smaller restaurants will serve either curry or noodles. as well as hasbeen (6%), Peter (2%), dr.pepper (1%), joffre (1%), Hien (1%), Lisada (<1%), Sander (<1%), Budai (<1%), Destinations and all major routes in Myanmar,accomodations,travel. There is also a sizeable ethnic Chinese community who speak various Chinese dialects. Check with your bank prior to entering the country. In general the local soda is extremely cheap and is served in the glass bottle that the restaurant will keep. Rates are quoted as single/double, but the rooms are usually the same whether one person or two stay in the room, making good hotels a real bargain if travelling as a couple. But the political and travel situation has been improving notably since 2015. Most banks accept US dollars, euros and Chinese yuan. It is also possible to buy full strength Beer Chang imported from Thailand; exports to most countries are not nearly as strong. These tracks, the earliest constructed, are in poor shape. Foreigners can enter Myanmar at Lashio, China via Ruili (in Yunnan), although a permit (as well as a visa) and a guide are needed. Within a daytrip from Mandalay is Inwa, another former capital where ruins remain to remind visitors of its former glory. Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. Myanmar has some of the most stunning temples in Asia and you will be tempted to visit more than you think. Luxury (relatively speaking) buses do the Mandalay-Yangon run while lesser vehicles can get travellers to other places. Inle Lake — a large shallow lake good for beautiful boat trips, visiting floating villages inhabited by the Intha people, hiking, and also a source of excellent silk Kengtung — between Mong La (on the border with China) and Tachileik (on the border with Thailand) in the Golden Triangle, known for the Ann (black teeth people) and Akha tribes and trekking Tap water in Myanmar is not safe to drink, likewise ice may be contaminated. Easily available in Myitkyina but must travel with a guide. If you would like to work and assist Burmese refugees certain NGOs work in neighbouring Thailand. The rate of HIV infections in Myanmar is high by Western and Asian standards (0.7% of the Population 2014). Over the next 70 years, the highly militaristic Konbaung dynasty went on to create the largest Burmese empire, second only to the empire of Bayinnaung. However, many of such companies are government-owned and/or have links to the drug trade. It was nominated for UNESCO protection in March 2014. Warning: Many governments advise aganst travelling to areas of Myanmar bordering Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand because of military clashes, ethnic conflict, banditry and unmarked land mines; or to Rakhine State because of civil unrest. Recently though, several more upmarket hotels cater to the more wealthy people. The main town near Inle Lake, and the hub for travellers to the area, is the characterful Nyaung Shwe, which has plenty of accommodation and dining options. Pay as you go data plan offers around 7 Ks/MB but specific data plan will offer around 1000 Ks/GB or cheaper. Traffic moves on the right in Myanmar, but confusingly, Myanmar has a mixture of left- and right-hand-drive cars, with the majority of vehicles being right-hand-drive as a result of being second-hand imports from Japan or Thailand. Long-distance buses also have an extra jump seat that blocks the aisle and, because it is not well secured to the chassis, can be uncomfortable (which also means that there is no such thing as a side seat where taller people can stretch their legs). Their offices are often located far from any tourist place and the cost of going there and back will most likely exceed the commission your hotel will get for selling you the ticket. Pencil can be removed with a good eraser, but any permanent marks will greatly decrease a note's value and ability to be exchanged. On well-travelled routes (Mandalay-Pyin U Lwin, for example), they fill up quickly and the journey is quick. The official language of Myanmar is Burmese (known by the government as Myanmar), a Sino-Tibetan language related to Chinese and hence tonal (word pitch matters) and analytic (most words are one syllable long). Myanmar is one of the world's most corrupt countries. Also, they may need to see your passport to process the transaction. Companies that can help with internal visas: The poor state of Myanmar's roads and railways make flying by far the least uncomfortable option when travelling long distances. In addition, local immigration offices may have their own interpretations of regulations. There are also cheaper fancy data plans depending on operators. Numbers often are also written in Burmese script. Still, a trip to Myanmar is not complete without a boat trip on the lake. Just look for the large steel tanks with cups tied to the spigots. Buying your ticket at Bago might be slightly cheaper (depending upon your bargaining skills) and gives you more freedom for the rest of your journey. The visa is valid for a stay of up to four weeks (from date of entry), although you can overstay if you are willing to pay a USD3 a day fee when you leave. However access can be slow although now unrestricted. Other religions which exist in smaller numbers include Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. You can apply for all kinds of visas in a Myanmar embassy or consulate in many capitals and large cities around the world. The foreign currency of choice in Myanmar is the US dollar, though you can readily also exchange euros and Singapore dollars in Yangon and Mandalay, but perhaps not beyond. Since 2013, Myanmar has begun adopting the metric system (SI), which is now used for weather reports, petrol prices, and speed limits, and new road signs. Make sure needles are new or carry your own. Applications for local permits can often be made at a local MTT office or at a police station. It's not possible to be comfortable on less than US$25/day (May 2013). Do not trust the local hospitals with anything more then a minor problem. He and his cabinet form the executive branch. Myitkyina - Indawgyi Lake. All taxis (and by extension all vehicles for transport of people and goods) have red/white licence plates, while private vehicles have a black/white. The only hospital that comes close to modern developed standards is Pun Hlaing Hospital, a privately owned hospital which is in a remote township of Yangon called Hlaing Thar Yar, and one should expect very high expenses there. Pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 were violently crushed, with general Saw Maung taking over in a coup and installing the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to rule the country, now renamed Myanmar. The peak tourism season is the cool season from Nov–Feb. For only $3 per month you can become a Travellerspoint Supporter Similar to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, fish sauce (ငံပြာရည် ngan bya yay) is a very popular condiment in Myanmar, and is widely used to flavour many dishes. Hygiene in Myanmar may seem terrible to the average Westerner but it is possible to stay healthy with some basic precautions such as prophylactic medication, care choosing food and water, and antibacterial ointment. Exchanging FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates) is no longer necessary on arrival. Most Burmese people are offended when the Rohingya are referred to as such, and will insist that you use the term "Bengali" to refer to them instead. Often, a Burmese honorific, usually U (ဦး) for men or Daw (ဒေါ်) for women, may be added to the beginning of the name, so he may be addressed as U Htin Kyaw. It is best to change money in Yangon because the rates get worse the further one travels from the largest city in the country. This works on the GSM900 band, so is visible to multi-band GSM phones. International mail out of Myanmar is reportedly quite efficient, despite what some hotels might tell you. Although not as popular compared to many other South East Asian countries regarding its beach life, there are some fine long and white beaches like the ones around Ngapali in western Rakhine State. Burma was administered as a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony.During World War II, Burma became a major frontline in the Southeast Asian Theatre. At the top-end, Myanmar has some excellent hotels including one or two great ones (The Strand in Yangon and Kandawgyi Palace Hotel in Yangon). In addition to the native ethnic minorities, Myanmar is also home to ethnic Chinese and Indians whose ancestors migrated to Myanmar during the colonial period, most visible in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. The official rate moves around 7 kyat to US$1. The adjoining table summarizes travel time and prices between some popular places in Myanmar. Rice is at the core of Burmese food, and good vegetarian food is widely available. The best rates are in Yangon and Mandalay. In a country where everything might be possible when it comes to transport, some people fall for this. Thus, while travellers can travel freely in the Bamar majority Burmese heartland, travel tends to be restricted or circumscribed in other places. Eating in Myanmar is an interesting experience. Permits for some places, such as Putao, are obtainable but need to be applied for well in advance. For example, the current President, Htin Kyaw, only has a given name with no family name, patronymic or matronymic, and would be addressed as Mr Htin Kyaw by most English speakers. Much of Myanmar is closed to foreign travellers, and many land routes to far-flung areas are also closed (for example, to Mrauk U, Kalewa, Putao, Kengtung). Myanmar Airways International, the international airline of Myanmar, flies to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Indawgyi Lake is Myanmar's largest lake and forms the basis of the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. Check Wikipedia about visa policy. The biggest annual festival at Inle Lake is the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival in October. Standing on the running board can be tiring and tough on the arms! Exchange rates fluctuate. It is still relatively low key with a good choice of budget and midrange places. Burma, which has a total area of 678,500 square kilometres (261,970 sq mi), is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia, and the 40th-largest in the world (Zambia being the 39th).. Actually, this is not the case and tracking back to Yangon for a bus ticket up north is not necessary at all. There is one exception though. Myanmar's currency is the kyat, pronounced "chat". Smaller tourist destinations also have ATMs (Bagu, Hpa-An, etc. If you choose to give, note that most Burmese earn only US$40 a month doing manual labour and so giving US$1 to a beggar is very generous. A journey on a train is a great way to see the country and meet people. Thus, while travellers can travel freely in the Bamar majority Burmese heartland, travel tends to be restricted or circumscribed in other places. Donations to monks have to be spontaneous, and monks are forbidden from approaching people to request alms, and neither do they hang out in tourist areas waiting for tourist donations. Even in touristy places like Bagan dishes cost under US$1 (vegetarian) and US$2 (meat). Vegetation grows so close to the tracks that you normally find a good amount of shredded leaves on the seats. Physical and verbal harassment towards foreigners is uncommon, even on urban walks near bars. There used to be more than 1,500 political prisoners (sentences of 65 years and hard labor in remote camps were given to leaders of the Saffron Revolution), although some have been released. The form is simple and requires an ID photo or two. The Japanese occupation was even more brutal than the British colonisation, and many Burmese were killed, such as in the Kalagong massacre. The most popular route for travellers is over the Ayerwaddy river from Mandalay to Bagan, which lasts between 10 and 15 hours, depending on the water levels and choice of boats. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient is probably know as its most famous citizen by people outside Myanmar. However, with the exception of the elderly, it is rare to find any locals who do not speak Burmese. He ruled for nearly 26 years and pursued policies under the rubric of the Burmese Way to Socialism. Phone numbers in Myanmar have the format +95 1 234-5678 where "95" is the country code for Myanmar, the next one, two, three or four digits are the area code and the remaining 6, 7 or 8 digits are the "local" part of the subscriber number. Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. There are many up-market restaurants in Yangon and Mandalay. The window side seat next to the driver is very comfortable and well-worth the little extra that you have to pay, so it is best to go early and reserve that seat. Under Ne Win's rule, widespread corruption and nepotism led the Burmese economy into a downward spiral from which it has never fully recovered. Although MPT has the widest coverage, it is also the most expensive. Myanmar was under strong military rule for the past 40 years only ending in 2012, with a reputation for repressing dissent, as in the case of the previous house arrests of democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi. The legislature is composed of the bicameral Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Assembly of the Union), consisting of an upper Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities), and a lower Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives). It is written using the Burmese script, based on the ancient Pali script. In order to apply, you will need to upload a passport-sized colour photo, and payment which is only accepted by credit card. You may find more English spoken in Myanmar than in Thailand. Following elections in 2010, Burma began a process of liberalisation that has led to a reduction or removal of sanctions by many nations including the United States. The rail journey from Mandalay, up hairpin bends to Pyin U Lwin, and then across the mountains and the famous bridge at Gokteik, is one of the great railway journeys of the world. Groups like the Shan are known throughout Myanmar for having amazing food. However, much usage of imperial system and the traditional Burmese units of measurement persist. In practice, it is unlikely that any such permit will be issued in a reasonable amount of time, or at all. Internet is now widely and cheaply available in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan, but more limited elsewhere. NGOs and other aid groups operate in the capital and remote rural areas but may require specific skill sets to hire you. US … Constant social, economical, political and natural problems have occurred throughout the last tens of years. Mrauk U Chin/ Zomi village tours. Long isolated from the rest of the world, Myanmar is fast becoming a popular destination for travellers. Taking place in January every year, the Manaw Festival is an important event for the Kachin to honor the gods, appeasing them to ensure a good harvest. Accidents and fatalities are common. Most of the government officials and rich locals go to Thailand or Singapore for more serious medical treatment and hospitalisation, and you will be better off doing so too. Mandalay is slightly cooler in the cool season, with temperatures falling as low as 13°C, while temperatures in the hot season can go as high as 37°C. Various insurgent groups continue to operate in the Mon, and Chin (Zomi), states of Myanmar, along the Thai and Chinese borders. Currency controls have been relaxed, and banks no longer exchange foreign currencies at the ridiculous rate they used to. The beer on the other hand is pretty good. Always remove your footwear before you enter any temple compounds, as not doing so is a major faux pas; it is also illegal. Unlike most other former British colonies and overseas territories, it did not become a member of the Commonwealth. Note: Your bank may refuse to process ATM transactions with some/all banks in Myanmar, even if the ATM accepts VISA/mastercard etc. Therefore keep some kyat with you at all times while travelling in the country. It has good connections in the region but does not have direct flights from North America or Australia, but a few direct flights from Milan in Europe. This border is in pollitically unstable territory and there have been protests and two bomb blasts in the Indian town of Moreh (Oct 2019) which briefly closed the border. The country is bordered by People's Republic of China on the north-east, Laos on the east, Thailand on the south-east, Bangladesh on the west, India on the north-west and the Bay of Bengal to the south-west with the Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery. It involves three days of illumination with candles lit throughout the night. It's also possible to order a tankie and so the tea will come in a big pot. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS. The Pyu arrived in Burma in the 1st century BC and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, Peikthanomyo, and Halingyi. Kalaw is a centre for trekking, and has miles and miles of trails through mountains and hill tribe villages. Shop around and compare prices before buying your ticket as some vendors include a free pick-up from your hotel. Pyay is a good stopover point. This one has a poor safety record and is better avoided. There are still some areas with active insurgents, especially in the north eastern part of the country. Your hotel or a local tour company can arrange this for you. On less well-travelled routes (Bhamo-Katha, for example), passengers arrive (early, usually around 06:00), mark their place, and then hang around drinking tea and chatting until the truck fills up. Bottle water is easy to buy and everywhere in the country. Both are to a large extent run by the government, although there are now some private ferry services. Everyone around you knows that if they could get their hands on the money in your pockets, they will be rich for life. General Aung San subsequently switched allegiance and helped the British win Burma back from the Japanese. In the far mountainous north, the climate is similar to Tibet though less severe or as cold, while the south is covered by dense jungle. Today Myanmar, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, and rural poverty. A percentage of all accommodation payments goes to the government, no matter where you choose to stay, and it is not possible to run a successful business in Myanmar without some relationship or payment arrangement with the military. Accidents and fatalities are common. If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Myanmar is not North Korea, and you are free to walk around, go to shops and interact with the locals. On the streets of any Myanmar town there will always be something cooking or being deep fried. Most well-educated upper class Burmese speak English fluently, while any educated Burmese will know at least the basics. The country has its fair share of natural attractions. The Myanmar government runs many hotels, including some beautiful colonial era ones (though not the two listed in the previous sentence). If looking for luxury style lodging only the largest cities and largest tourist areas will have hotels for that market. Always drink bottled water and check that the cap is sealed on, not simply screwed on. Although it is possible to buy international soda brands like Coke and Pepsi they can be quite expensive because they have to be imported from Thailand. Work in Myanmar for foreigners is hard to come by. Some of the stuff that is a little more expensive, maybe around 1,000 to 2,000 kyat, are actually pretty good. You will most likely need to join an organized tour. Many long distance buses assign seats, so it is best to book seats at least a day in advance. Electrical blackouts are becoming rare but nonetheless never assume that air conditioners, fans or the electrical supply itself will be working throughout the whole journey. Bilingual signs (English and Burmese) are available in most tourist spots. Burmese food is influenced by that of India and China, yet has its own uniqueness. You can "test" the driver and the car by driving around the city for 10 or 15 minutes. The former city of Bagan is a gem, and gives a glimpse of what life in the 11th and 12th centuries here must have been like. Some operators may offer special sim for tourists. When making purchases on the street or in smaller non-tourist shops people always want kyat. Bago has a bus terminal with several bus offices. A coup d'état by the military occurred on 1st February 2021, and a state of emergency has been declared for up to a year. The terms of this "Pinlon Agreement" were enshrined in the 1947/1948 constitution of the new Union of Burma. In the evening, stalls selling food and souvenirs are set-up and traditional Zats (dance and song) can be seen. Except at the top-end, breakfast is always included in the price of the room. Myanmar has a problem providing enough electricity to its people and power supply is severely restricted everywhere. Fares are reasonable and in kyat and buses are faster than the trains. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net. To the north another group of people, the Bamar (Mranma/Myanma), also began to settle in the area. Even budget travellers will find themselves buying more tickets via their hotel or an agency rather than going to the bus company to buy it directly. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Another option is European and Asian companies, mostly operating on a small scale. Restaurants are legally required to use ice made and sold by bottled water companies, so ordering ice is usually safe in major places. Look around different banks for the best exchange rate. If you are satisfied, a departure date and time and per diem rates (inclusive of petrol) can be negotiated. Usual withdrawal limit is 300,000 kyat with a processing fee of 5,000 kyat. Easily available in Myitkyina but must travel with a guide. The country is a true, unspoiled treasure trove, and should capture the imagination of anyone interested in culture and history. Unless you have experience driving in countries with poorly disciplined drivers and very shabby vehicles, avoid driving in Burma. The rail journey from Mandalay, up hairpin bends to Pyin Oo Lwin, and then across the mountains and the famous bridge at Gokteik, is one of the great railway journeys of the world. The water is thought to purify, making it a wonderful time to visit the temples to make offerings. Some additional restrictions, requirements or conditions may be applied to applications. At smaller stations, you may have to seek the stationmaster or use an interpreter to buy a ticket.