Attractions
For Myanmar Travel Guide, it has some of the most inspiring tourist attractions and things to do in all Southeast Asia. You will have a chance to bathe in the first ray of the morning sun among stupa-filled plains of Bagan. Go closer to local while cruising through floating villages on the scenic Inle Lake; taste the captivating aroma from the glamorous golden Pagodas with British Colonial architectures in Yangon; and savor the exquisite woodcarvings at Shwenandow pagoda in Mandalay…Check the below list to find more about what to see & do in Myanmar. Or spare all the troubles and just let your travel consultant tailor-make a Myanmar tour exactly according to your interest.
Myanmar Food
The food of Myanmar is a fusion of Southeastern, Chinese and Indian cuisines. With myanmar travel guide, It has an emphasis on rich savory and a bunch of ingredients. That are rarely seen in any other food cultures. The variety of Myanmar food is impacted by its diverse geographical features, preferable weather, fertile land and sufficient water resources.
Having rice as staple food, Myanmar people consume it 75% of the diet. They also rely on seafood a lot, making fish sauce an important ingredient for each meal. Buddhists don’t eat pork and beef, who deem cattle as a sacred animal while pigs a filthy. Chicken is a favorable meat that used widely, especially popular with Muslims. Fresh greens and fruits are common garnishments, some of which are made into salads to complement the meal. There is one condiment that cannot be ignored – a relish made from prawn or fish seasoned with chili powder.
The food in Myanmar could be oily and less spicy as that in its neighbor Thailand. But it’s for sure you’ll return from Myanmar with a satisfied stomach.
Popular Dishes
Mohinga: It’s the most favored breakfast for the locals. Broad, thin rice noodles in a fish broth of garlic, ginger, onions. And lemongrass with boiled eggs, fritter and banana blossom sprinkled on top. You can find in street stands, which can change the condiments for you upon request.
Myanmar Curry: For myanmar travel guide , One should not skip trying a culinary experience in Myanmar. Where visiting traditional restaurants is more than just a meal. Myanmar curry usually comes with a serial of side dishes including rice; fried veggies, a tart salad, soup, fresh veggies, and herbs; which are eaten with various dips. The curries are mildly flavored, but they mix well with the rice. It’s a perfect lunch choice after a morning’s attraction visits.
Chapatis: Everyone in Mandalay knows this roadside snack, an unleavened flatbread slathered with butter, then torn off and used to pick up the met or greens dish that make the meal. Dip the bread with smooth curry and you’ll enjoy the fantastic taste!
Falooda: Falooda in Myanmar is a popular sweet beverage that is similar to that in India, often served after dinner. They made the drink by mixing rose syrup with milk, basil seeds, shredded jelly, and lime juice. Variants are common in different regions across the country.
Samosa: The Myanmar people are obsessed with deep-fried food. Thus inventing samosa, a fried pastry with savory fillings like onions, ground chicken or beef, spiced potatoes, etc.. A soup or sweet dip made from tamarind is served along. Anywhere on the street or lane corner, train station or tea shop the snack sells like hot cakes.
Grilled Fish: Grilled fish is a must-try in Yangon, where people make the fish a lip-licking dish. That visitors are more than happy to eat it again and again. Crisp skin and tender meat spattered with sesame and chili, a wonderful combination that you should do.
Laphet Thouk: This is the kind of salad made from fermented tea leaves with sauces and dressed with peanut oil and lime. For myanmar travel guide The local eat as a dessert, an appetizer coupled with a bowl of rice or a meal. Please note that it can prevent sleep according to the account of the locals.
Shopping in Myanmar
It’s a pleasant thing to shop in Myanmar, where bargain is acceptable. And, in some regions, bartering is still in fashion. This mysterious country offers a peculiar peek at Southeast Asia, not as Thailand or Vietnam do. But in a more ancient way that is rarely found anywhere else.
For myanmar travel guide Visitors find it irresistible doing shopping when cambering around Myanmar’s attractions, where unique and beautiful items are touted all the way. We suggests practical ideas regarding what to shop in Myanmar and useful tips for those want to make a nice deal.
- Lacquerware: It’s a popular purchase that can be made into the forms of cups, bowls and vases. Bagan is a good place to shop beautiful lacquerware with great variation and price. Just pay attention to the quality of the items you are going to buy for there might be fraudulent commodities. They engrave the Genuine lacquerware i with natural colors of sand, stone and flowers.
- Rubies and Gemstones: Don’t be surprised if you find low-priced jade, rubies and other gemstones in Myanmar. For the country itself is a great miner of precious stones. The finest rubies are mostly available in Yangon, where only reputable shops are worth your money. Be aware of fake stones from street vendors.
- Longyi: Longyi is a sheet of traditional cloth worn by both genders everywhere you can see in Myanmar. If you think it’s awkward for your male families or friends to accept this special souvenir. You give it to your female friends instead, they’ll definitely love it. Silk shops around the country have fine materials to make longyi. The pattern of which is at your choice and the price depends on your ability to haggle.
- Handicrafts: Folk dolls, coconut masks, leather bags, wood carvings and thing alike are popular souvenirs that Myanmar is proud of. The traditional skill makes these folk works remarkable piece to buy. It’s also a major reason to support the tradition and low-income families.
- Embroidered Tapestries: The delicate art is originated in Mandalay in the 18th century. Kalaga is another name for this most sought after tapestry involving gold and silver thread and tales from the Buddhist scriptures depicted. You can use it to decorate the interior of your house, or give it as a decent present for families or friends
- Gold Leaves: You may notice that Buddha images or stupas in Myanmar are gilded with gold leaves, they sell at tourist cities. Mandalay’s lacquerware shops have the biggest supply for genuine gold leaves that are thin squares packaged in sets of 5 to 10 leaves.
Visa for travel to Myanmar for myanmar travel guide
Visitors can apply for a Visa on Arrival or apply for a Myanmar visa in their home countries or in China/Southeast Asia. The latter choice makes it easier to arrange an extended Asia tour at a time.
- What is the validity of a Myanmar Visa and the duration of my Myanmar stay? – The validity of a Myanmar visa is 3 months from the date of issue. While your Myanmar holiday, is limited within 28 days. Keep in mind that it cannot be extended. It’s suggested to plan your visit beforehand and make sure everything is under control.
- What materials do I need to apply for a Myanmar Visa? – A completed visa application form; two color photos taken recently; work history records, the copy of your flight itinerary or invitation letter from us; a valid passport valid at least 6 months, an applying fee of around $30.
- How long is the processing time? – The processing time can take up from 10 days to weeks due to the flooding visa applications. Again, plan your trip early, or just entrust us to run the errand for you. Drop a line to our travel consultant, who will make the response within a day.
Myanmar Weather & Climate
It’s not shocking at all to crush into burning sunshine at 5 am. The year-round high temperature is an icon of Myanmar. As with many Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar has two distinct seasons, the dry and the wet. The dry season starts from October to May, when it is cool at night and in some places of high altitude. The wet season runs from May through September, which is when the monsoon arrives and gives the country heavy downpour.
Temperature varies within each season. The golden rule is that it’s always cooler in the foothills and lakes than seaside and the lowlands. The hottest season during March and June reaches over 40°C with high humidity. When the monsoon starts to blow, roads to rural areas are inaccessible. Thus being a buzz killer of your Myanmar tours and adding the need to take a raincoat or an umbrella. In November the monsoon tails off, the air becomes cooler, cozy breezes felt and the clear sky for myanmar travel guide.
Best Time to come Myanmar
Between November and February is the best time . Because it rains least and the temperature is not too hot (27°C average temperature). However, it’s also the peak season for tourists. So you can imagine the hard booking of available accommodation. Considering October instead may bring you an unexpected satisfying trip . The weather at that time is still good and cooler from the heat of summertime with less crowded flocks of tourists. One can even make a perfect tan in coastal regions!
As to what to pack, You should bring a jumper or fleece for the evenings all year round.
A full moon is when traditional festivals take place. Take it into consideration when timing your trip for myanmar travel guide
Getting to Myanmar
By Flight: There are very few international flights to Myanmar. Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur are the best connection from around the world to get into Myanmar. You’re your tour begins in China, you can catch a weekly flight from Kunming to Yangon, whose international airport is the main entry of the country, while a Thursday flight from Chiang Mai to Mandalay is an exception. you should travel via Bangkok
By Land: There are three Thai and Myanmar border crossing for visitors : Mai Sai, Mai Sot, and Ranong. It’s possible to get a visa-free entry. But You need extra paperwork and an entry fee around 10 dollars
Travel Around Myanmar
- By Flight: Since the road of Myanmar is in poor condition, flying is the most comfortable choice for travelers. When booking domestic air travel. Be patient to the time it needs to take and confirm your flight 24 hours ahead. We will be able to help you with the distraught booking procedure, which can be done by simply contacting us.
- By Train: Don’t take train to travel in Myanmar for the frequent delays. It is slow speed, poor service and terrible sanitary condition of the toilets. Oftentimes they overcharged tourists.
- By Car: A hired private van is your best transportation when you want to tour independently. We give you the professional driving team , not only licensed drivers but also well dressed ,non-smoking and air conditioned, insured, clean, and regularly maintained one.
- By Pickup Truck: They usually converte the Myanmar-style tuk-tuk into a canvas with benches on the rear. Since taxi could be expensive to hail. The inexpensive fare of pickup attracts mainly the locals and monks for short distance commute. For those who go off the beaten track. The pickup is a nice choice to experience the real lifestyle of Myanmar people.
Good tips before you come for myanmar travel guide
- Money
The currency in Myanmar is the Kyat. As with many countries of Indochina. people love to use the US dollar.
In some big banks, They accept the traveler’s cheques and international credit cards. The usage and exchange for traveler’s cheques are unavailable currently. It’s absolutely necessary to bring enough cash in USD or EURO.
2. Health
No vaccination certificate is required unless coming from an infected area.
Local medical care is dismal, and local hospitals should only be used out of desperation. Contact your tour guide who would usually direct you to the best alternatives.
3. Insurance
Due to procedural difficulties and budgetary constraints. ITU is not able to bear the cost of insurance for the participants, any medical expenses or any other expenses. ITU, therefore, requests your Administrations/organizations to kindly make necessary arrangements for insurance and medical coverage of your participants before travel.
4. Airport Tax
An international airport tax of 10USD per person is payable in USD or FEC(Foreign Exchange Certificate) when departing Myanmar by an international flight. No departure tax charged on domestic flights.
5. Transportations
Getting into Myanmar by air is easy. Yangon airport holds all the international flights, except the one from Chiang Mai (Thailand) that goes directly to Mandalay airport. The flight from Bangkok is the best one, because of the discounts. Besides, you can book your pleasant flight to Yangon from Kunming (China), Hong Kong (China). Or you can check Calcutta (India), Delhi (India), Dacca (Bengal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore. So far, 66 domestic airstrips are available in Myanmar.
Bicycles are sure the best way to travel around (but not long-distance trips) and very accessible.
Boats are of a different variety for different needs: regular boats, cargo ships, private and government ferries, and luxury boats. They all ply at the winding coastline, offering you extraordinarily beautiful ocean sights.
With commuters’ noses pressing on the widow, buses in Myanmar are often horrible. But some air-con express buses for long distance trip are acceptable.
Pick-up trucks, trains, cars, motorcycles, and rickshaws are also available during your trip here. But please note that the roads are bumpy around the country.
6. Tips
They appreciate your money tip, not mandatory though. During the whole Myanmar tours, do remember that you should give them something as tips: color pencils, pins, key rings or lighters.
7. Watch-outs
Go easy on the food and drinks from the roadside stalls.
Medical care condition is unpleasant in Myanmar. Self-treatment might be good if your problem is minor (e.g. diarrhea or flu) and always have your own medicine.
Be wary of offers of fanciful jade or other gems. Myanmar has rich mines of these precious stones – as some are filled with worthless rock or concrete mixture.
They close roads to foreigners. However, in places, you can enter there are usually surprising levels of freedom to stop and look around where you want.
You should take your own malaria precautions during monsoon season. Bringing repellent from home is a good way to go.
There has been a smattering of reports of street crime, including burglaries. Exercise guarded caution on vulnerable occasions: carrying your bags and being in particularly touristy places.
8. Taboos
Never touch anybody’s head for it’s the most sacred part of the body.
Don’t wear shoes, shorts, shorts skirts or have exposed shoulders when entering a Buddhist site.
Take off shoes when visiting private homes.
With the considered rude. Never point your feet at anybody or anything, and stepping over whoever sitting or lying on the floor
Use your right hand to pass or take stuff, with left hand touching your right elbow.
Some Buddhist sights don’t allow female visitors’ approach. No woman sits on the top of a pick-up truck.
Respect Burmese’s beliefs, and never talk about their government in public.
