MYANMAR AT A GLANCE

Myanmar, also called Burma, country, located in the western portion of mainland Southeast Asia.

  • Spoken language: Burmese
  • Currency: Kyat
  • Population: 54 million
  • Capital: Naypyidaw
  • Religions: Theravada Buddhism (90%), Islam, Christianity, Hinduism…

WHY DOES IT CHANGE ITS NAME AND CAPITAL?

The country formally known as Burma gained independence in 1948 from occupying forces, but it wasn’t until 1989 that the ruling military junta (that retains majority power today), changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.

Myanmar vs. Burma – is it the same? Politically no. In tourism, yes. The English name of the city that served as the country’s capital from 1948 to 2006, Rangoon, also was dropped in 1989 in favour of the common Burmese name, Yangon. Then again proclaimed Naypyidaw as its new capital city in 2006 until now.



TRAVEL VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MYANMAR

● Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Myanmar. Visa-free travel (for 14 days, or longer in some cases) is permitted for Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos passport holders.
● Citizens from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau are permitted visa-free travel for up to 28 days.
● Chinese and Indian passport holders can a get visa on arrival (at international airports only).
● For e-visa applications, go to the official Ministry of Immigration e-visa website. Citizens of 100 countries are eligible for Myanmar e-visas; to see the full list, go here. For a list of Myanmar embassies and consulates around the world, go here.
● Tourist visas are valid for 28 days, which can be extended by a further 14 days. You can contact your travel agent for assistance with visa extension.

ACCOMMODATION IN MYANMAR

● Accommodation prices in Myanmar can vary anywhere between US $5–400, catering for all budgets and preferences. The vast majority of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays include breakfast.
● Hostels and guesthouses are a great place to socialise and meet like-minded people from all over the globe. You can snag a dorm bed for a little as US $5.
● You can find a double-fan room with shared bathroom facilities for as little as US $10. The majority of guesthouses and hostels are pretty basic, so don’t expect hot water, 24-hour electricity, or Wi-Fi everywhere you go.
● There’s a range of hotels in Myanmar to suit every budget, from backpackers to luxury vacationers, and everything in between.
● There are choices of five-star chain hotels, chic boutiques and idyllic resorts

FOOD AND DRINK IN MYANMAR

● The regional food is hot and spicy. Fish, rice, noodles and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies are the common local ingredients. Local dishes include Lethok Son (a spicy vegetarian rice salad), Mohingal (fish soup with rice) and Oh-no Khauk Swe (noodles, chicken and coconut in a spicy sauce). T
● The avocados by Inle Lake are very good and Mandalay grows the best mangos!. Delicious fruits are available in the markets and food stalls appear on the corners of most large towns. Chinese and Indian cuisine is offered in many hotels and restaurants.
● Tea is a popular drink and an integral part of Burmese life. On almost every street in some of the larger cities you will be able to find a tea shop. A simple, open-air affair of low tables and stools that spill out onto the pavement, tea here is served sweet and thick with condensed milk and an assortment of cakes.

SOCIAL CONVENTIONS AND ETIQUETTE IN MYANMAR

● The people of Myanmar are very conservative in their dress and behaviour and you should pay special attention to respecting their Buddhist traditions wherever you go, but particularly in temples and monasteries.
● Shorts and sleeveless shirts are frowned upon and in fact, are not allowed in shrines, temples and monasteries. Short skirts are also not recommended. You must also remove your shoes before entering such sites and it is wrong to point your feet towards a Buddha image. It is a common courtesy in Burma to use both hands when handing something to somebody else.