THE GOLDEN LAND

Once known as Burma, Myanmar is nestled in the heart of Asia, bordered by Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and China. With a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2,500 years, the people of Myanmar lead a relaxed and uncomplicated lifestyle.

Over a century ago, Kipling and his companion embarked on a journey up the Yangon River, heading towards Mandalay. As they traversed what was then known as Burma, Kipling’s companion remarked, “This is the old Shwedagon. This is Burma, and it will be unlike any land you know.” This poignant quote still resonates today. Despite the country’s name change, the experience of uniqueness and wonder remains unchanged.

Myanmar offers a plethora of breathtaking sights and experiences. Visitors can marvel at the golden Buddha in the country’s former royal capital, Mandalay. From the vantage point of one of the many stunning pagodas, they can enjoy panoramic views of the city. As the sun rises, the temples in Bagan are bathed in a rich golden light, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Sitting by the picturesque Inle Lake, visitors can witness the graceful leg-rowers gliding across the water. Exploring the vibrant and sprawling street markets, they can discover unique wares that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Even the water buffalo carts in the countryside are a sight to behold. A visit to Myanmar promises an enchanting experience unlike any other.

Myanmar FAQ

What’s the climate like?
Myanmar enjoys a mild climate, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. While the northern regions, particularly those near Inle Lake, can experience chilly evenings from November to February, the best time to visit Myanmar is between November and April. During this period, the weather is mostly dry and not excessively hot.

If you’re planning a trip to Myanmar between May and October, you might encounter some humidity. In the southern coastal regions, you’ll experience short, tropical rain-showers that are not entirely unpleasant but quite frequent. However, in Bagan and central Myanmar, rainfall is rare, even during the monsoon season. While these areas are extremely hot during the hours following lunch and into the evening, it’s advisable to plan your sightseeing excursions for early in the day or late in the afternoon.

Myanmar boasts awe-inspiring, white sandy beaches along its coastline in the Bay of Bengal. The best time to visit these pristine and virtually untouched beaches of Ngapali and Ngwe Saung is between November and May. During the summer months from June to October, Myanmar experiences its monsoon season, characterized by rain and thunderstorms. During this time, flights to the country’s beaches are unavailable, and most beach hotels and surrounding restaurants remain closed.

Regarding passports and visa requirements, it’s essential to have at least six months remaining on your passport before it expires. You’ll need a tourist visa, which can be obtained at the Myanmar Embassy, consulate, or applied for online through the E-Visa system (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/home). The tourist visa costs around USD 50 and is valid for 28 days.

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the country’s largest international airport, located just outside the city. Flying into Yangon is likely your best and most affordable option. Within Yangon, you’ll find ample transportation options to explore surrounding areas.

Myanmar is home to diverse religions and customs. Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by the majority of the population. Additionally, there are other religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, which coexist in the country. Myanmar also has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and festivals playing a significant role in its society.
Myanmar, predominantly Buddhist, boasts a devout population of around 85% Theravada Buddhists. Consequently, it houses some of the world’s most precious Buddhist artifacts and stunning temples.

While Buddhism is the dominant religion, there’s a prevalent belief among the Burmese that ghosts and spirits inhabit our world. They revere the 37 Nats, or Burmese ghosts, who are believed to exert a significant influence on daily life.

When visiting religious sites, visitors must remove their shoes. Additionally, shorts or briefs are considered disrespectful in holy places like pagodas and monasteries.

Myanmar’s currency is the Kyat. There are authorized money exchangers where you can exchange your currency for Kyats. However, traveler’s cheques are not accepted in most areas, and visa payments are limited to major hotels. Mastercard and American Express are not accepted. It’s advisable to bring cash in American dollars for your visit.

While there are no formal vaccination requirements for Myanmar, it’s recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis, and tetanus. Also, bring an ample supply of mosquito repellent and wear it whenever possible.

The official language of Myanmar is also called Myanmar, formerly known as Burmese. The country has about 100 different dialects of Burmese spoken across its regions. However, English is the official “business language.”

While in Myanmar, you can communicate with people back home using English.
Most major hotels in Myanmar will have internet access and allow overseas calling. SIM cards and top-ups can be purchased at numerous street-side retailers in downtown Yangon and Mandalay, as well as at Yangon International Airport and in most larger towns, cities, and tourist sites. Foreigners need to have photocopies of their passport photo page, Myanmar visa page, and one passport photo to purchase a SIM card. SIM cards are 3G mobile data enabled and come in standard and micro SIM sizes.

Most hotels and restaurants in major cities in Myanmar offer Wi-Fi internet access. Even in remote areas, you can find hotels and restaurants with Wi-Fi. SIM cards and top-ups can be purchased at the official reseller shops in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and in most larger towns, cities, and tourist sites, as well as at the Yangon International Airport. Foreigner need to present the passport; the vendor will scan the passport bio data page and visa page, to purchase a SIM card. Myanmar mobile SIM cards support 4G/LTE and 3G networks.

Myanmar is 6.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.