Myanmar is emerging from decades of isolation and as such, it feels more conservative than nearby countries. 

Myanmar is between two of the world’s great civilizations, China and India, and for this reason its culture is a mixture of both, combined with the native Myanmar native identity and characteristics.

Myanmar is traditional and unique. One fascinating thing is that, in many aspects, it has changed little since British colonial times.

Information can be difficult to access once inside the country, as the internet connection is not good and there are not many tourist information centres yet, so it is a good idea to research the country before your trip.

The first time you arrive in Myanmar you will be impressed by some daily life aspects, such as women wearing long traditional skirts and thanaka make-up, men wearing longyi (skirt), pavements covered in red spit from betel-chewing, friends playing football with bamboo takraw ball, colourful and varied street stalls, tea houses, buses and taxis driving like crazy, peaceful pagodas, beautiful countryside…

The local people of Myanmar are really something special. Over 135 ethnic groups, each with a heritage of its own; they are always happy, friendly, enchanting, smiley, ready to help, very enthusiastic, and proud of you visiting their country and curious to know about you.

There are many pagodas with Buddhas, which contrast beautifully with the Hindu shrines, Jewish mosques, Muslim synagogue and Christian churches from the colonial era.

In Myanmar you can find everything, from big cities like Yangon and Mandalay, to tranquil beach destinations like Ngapali, Chaung Tha & Ngwe Saung, stunning lakes like Inle Lake, and beautiful mountains like outside Kalaw.

If you like shopping there are very good quality handicrafts, art and antique shops, jade and gems markets, and open-air markets like Bogyoke in Yangon.

Food markets and restaurants offer really tasty and varied cuisines. Chinese, Indian and Burmese are the most popular, but as the country opens up you can find more and more international cuisine. They all have a place in Myanmar streets and you will find stalls and restaurants serving Chinese or Indian food, tea houses for Burmese food, Thai restaurant, all in the same street.

Cars are ancient and designed for the left-hand side of the road, although they are now driven on the right. Motorbikes are popular but in Yangon they are forbidden. Trickshaws are the alternative and very often used for short distance.

If you need to make phone calls, you can do it from your hotel lobby or from the street, where you can find tables with phones to use for about 100 kyats per minute. You can also buy prepaid SIM cards to use whilst you are in the country. They are very cheap (1,500 kyats) and you can easily top up to use internet data, which works quiet well.

Power outrages occur everywhere. Some hotels and shops have generators 24 hours and in some smaller villages they have short scheduled periods for electricity from 6 pm to midnight. It’s a good idea to pack a torch.

The pace in Myanmar is different. People are usually in much less of a hurry and you will have to be patient in local restaurants and tea houses to be served.

– Dos and Don’ts:

• Remove shoes and dress respectfully (no shorts, short skirts or exposed shoulders) on entering a Buddhist site.

• Monks and nuns that you will see in the streets should not be touched.

• Don’t touch somebody on the head (including a child)

• Couples should avoid public displays of affection.

• Before coming inside a house take off your shoes.

• Don’t point your feet at anyone or anything and apologise if you brush someone with your foot.

• Ask before photographing anyone.

• Shake hands or pass money with your right hand, with left hand holding up your right arm.

• Eat from the spoon and hold a fork in the left hand to push food onto the spoon.

• Talk to locals and be nice to them. They want to know and are curious about life outside Myanmar.

• Don’t speak politics with locals unless they start the subject first.

– Must see:

Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda and Shwemokhtaw Paya (Pathein)

South-east: Temples around Mawlamyine, caves with Buddhist art almost untouched and the Golden Rock at Mt Kyaiktiyo.

Bagan and Central: The temples of Bagan, the Nat shrine at Mt Popa, Shwesandaw Pagoda (Taungoo and Pyay) and Shwemyetman Pagoda (Shwedaung).

East: The mountains around Kalaw and the serenity of Inle Lake, with the unique leg-paddlers, make this area amazing for outdoor activities. It’s also the region to taste authentic Shan food.

Mandalay and Around: The Royal Palace in Mandalay and the many craft and antique shops. It’s particularly interesting to see the gold pounder workshops. Don’t miss U Bein teak bridge in Amarapura and teak monastery in Inwa.

North: Trekking to tribal villages in the hills. There are almost no foreigners here. Also try traveling the local way in a public boat down the Ayeyarwady River.

West: Beautiful white sand beaches lined with palm trees. Ngapali, Ngwe Saung and Chaung Tha are the most well-known beach destinations. Don’t miss the amazing sunsets over the Bay of Bengal.

– Money and Cost:

Myanmar is a very affordable country to visit. Food, drink and travelling are inexpensive 

A simple meal in a local restaurant or teahouse will cost between $1 and $3, and if you go to a restaurant to eat international food, meals will cost between $4 and $8. A bottle of water is about 20 cents and a bottle of soda is around 60 cents

Taxis for going somewhere inside the city should be more or less $2, about $4 if you are going outside the city and $6 if you are going for example from Yangon city centre to the airport.

The exchange rate is approximately 1350 kyats for $1. 

You can change your money in banks or currency exchange shops. On the black market you will get a better exchange rate but you risk to be cheated. In some guesthouses and hotels you can also change money but their rate will not be the best.

You can also bring euros and other currencies but they are not as easy as US dollar to exchange and are not accepted as payment in many places.

The maximum amount you are allowed to bring in to Myanmar without declaring it to customs is $10,000.

Please note that credit cards are still not accepted for payment in some hotels, shops and restaurants.

Tipping is not common practice in Myanmar but if you feel like giving a little extra or a little present in exchange of a service it will be welcome.

Money is handed over and received with the right hand, while the left hand loosely supports the right arm.

Try to spend your money in different places, not all in the same city and shop, this way you collaborate to spread wealth and improve living conditions.

– Travelling to and around Myanmar:

The best time to visit Myanmar is between October and April. In May-June is when the rainy season starts and lasts until September. 

– Myanmar Visa

All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Myanmar. A tourist visa allows you to stay a maximum of 28 days; starting the day you enter the country, within three months from the date of issue.  Overstaying your visa is possible a maximum of 14 days for a charge of $3 per day, plus a $3 registration fee. However, it is not recommended and it can cause you difficulties with airport immigration.

You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Myanmar and you will usually need two passport photos and a photocopy of your passport when applying for a visa.