Top 10 Tips for Travelling to Myanmar

In recent years, Myanmar has seen a surge in international tourists. In fact, the country has become one of the leading destinations for travelers seeking an authentic and once-in-a-lifetime experience. And with good reason: it’s home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient and contemporary monuments, natural wonders, and plenty more besides. However, as is often the case when traveling to less commonly visited destinations such as this, there are several important factors to be aware of before booking your trip. Vendors selling tourist packages aren’t abundant in most countries at present – but some remain more accessible than others. Whether you’re planning on traveling to Myanmar solo or with a group of friends, here are our top 10 tips for travelling to this fascinating destination...

Travelling to Myanmar

Due to the recent changes in government, the tourism industry in Myanmar is growing quickly. You may find that it’s easier to get a visa for the country than it was just a few years ago. Regardless of when you want to travel, make sure you apply for your visa as soon as you can – and allow yourself plenty of time to receive it before you depart. Tourists who travel to Myanmar must have a visa. You can get a visa on arrival at Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport, and Thimphu International Airport if you are from a participating country. If you are not from a participating country, you need to apply for a visa at the Embassy/Consulate of Myanmar in your country before you travel. The e-Visa is not available to people who are citizens of Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Cameroon, Liberia, Ebola affected countries, Pakistan and Somali.

Currency

The official currency of Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). There are paper bills in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 Kyat, and coins in denominations of 100, 500, and 1,000 Kyat. Credit cards are not accepted at most tourist destinations. ATMs can be found in major cities, but exchanging your currency in advance is always recommended. As with much of Southeast Asia, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. You’re also likely to see Thai baht, Chinese yuan, and Indian rupees in circulation. For ease of use and exchangeability, USD is an optimal currency to bring with you.

Transportation

Air travel is the primary method of transportation between destinations in Myanmar. Many tourists choose to fly into Yangon International Airport, located in the centre of the country, thereby making it easy to visit other nearby areas such as Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake. If you’re travelling by road, you may find that distances between destinations are long. In many cases, you’ll need to make use of public transportation such as buses and trains, which are often cheap, safe, and reliable. Long-distance buses are the primary form of public transport between cities and are an excellent way to meet locals and experience the culture. Public transportation is not always the safest or most reliable method. If you’re travelling alone or with a small group, hiring a car or taxi is often recommended. The quality of cars and drivers is hit-or-miss, but the cost is reasonable and you can negotiate with your driver to determine their hours and rates of pay.

Hotels and Accommodation

Travelling to Myanmar is a fairly cheap vacation – especially for an emerging tourism destination. That being said, you’ll likely find a few additional charges and surcharges in big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay due to their recent development as tourism hubs. You can expect to pay roughly $20 to $50 a night to stay in a clean and safe hotel room. Facts and figures aside, it pays to be aware of your surroundings and hotel environment before booking a room. If you’re not confident in your choice, it’s often possible to bargain the price down or even find a nearby hostel or guesthouse.

Food and Food Safety

Depending on where you’re travelling to within Myanmar, the food you eat may be very different from what you’re used to at home. You’ll likely find a mix of Burmese and Indian cuisine in most major tourist destinations. In general, the food is safe to eat and often delicious. However, you may want to steer away from raw fruits and vegetables. Even if you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to avoid uncooked foods in order to prevent any potential issues. If you’re not sure about a certain dish, you can usually ask your server or restaurant owner about the ingredients in advance.

Cultural Behaviours and Etiquette

Visiting a new country comes with an inherent responsibility to be respectful of its people and customs. This is especially true of Myanmar, a country that is often overlooked by international tourists. There are many cultural behaviors and etiquette expectations you should be aware of when traveling to Myanmar. - Avoid wearing shorts and skimpy clothing when visiting religious sites, especially in and around Yangon. - Cover your legs when sitting on the ground, even in major cities. - Avoid pointing and using your fingers to indicate specific people or areas in photographs. - Give your right hand when shaking and exchanging greetings with people. - Avoid public displays of affection, especially in the more conservative south. - If your feet are uncovered, you should try to avoid walking around public areas indoors. - Avoid smoking in public and around religious sites, as smoking is prohibited. - Keep your voice volume low when visiting temples and religious sites. - Avoid carrying large amounts of cash when traveling as a precaution against theft.

Sightseeing Activities

When visiting Myanmar, you’ll likely find yourself with plenty of free time on your hands. This is a good thing, of course, as it leaves you plenty of opportunity to explore the country, its culture, and its people on a deeper level. Take advantage of this by visiting cultural sites and landmarks. See the Shwedagon Pagoda, Inle Lake, and the Bagan Archaeological Museum. Take a day trip to the Kalaw or Hpa-An Hills. Other suggested activities include visiting the Mrauk U and Mount Ngapali beach. Finally, you can’t miss visiting the famous Mount Popa or Hinthada Swooping Festival.

Safety Tips for Travelling to Myanmar

As with any foreign travel destination, there are certain safety concerns to be aware of when travelling to Myanmar. - Avoid public protests and large crowds. - Avoid overstaying your visa, which can lead to significant fines. - Use discretion when discussing politics and the recent military coup. - Avoid visiting the Western and Southern regions due to ongoing conflict. - Stay at least 5 miles away from the Thai border. - Avoid visiting the Northern Shan State due to ongoing conflict. - Keep your camera away from public view when in public areas. - Keep your money, passport, and valuables in a secure place at all times.

Conclusion

The past decade has seen Myanmar undergo a transformation that few could have predicted. Western governments lifted economic sanctions against the Southeast Asian country in the mid-2000s, and tourism soon followed suit. In recent years, Myanmar has become one of the leading destinations for travellers seeking an authentic and once-in-a-lifetime experience. With good reason: it’s home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient and contemporary monuments, natural wonders, and more. If you’re looking to take advantage of this burgeoning tourism industry, however, you’ll need to do your research before booking your trip.