About Myanmar (Burma)

The Golden Land

Right in the heart of Asia, bordering Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Laos and China, lays the former British crown colony Burma, nowadays called Myanmar. There are only a few countries on this planet that could maintain their 2500 year old culture and traditions as lively as Myanmar. Secret untouched and unique it is presenting itself to the foreign traveller. At the sight of countless majestic pagodas temples and holy places you will feel how deeply the people of Myanmar are rooted in the Buddhist believe.
“This is the old Shwedagon” said my companion… “This is Burma and it will be like no other land you know…”. It is over 100 yeas ago that Kipling and his companion travelled up the Yangon river on their way to Mandalay and even today the architectural impressive sparkling golden Pagoda still dominates the former Burmese capital.
Regardless which sight you visit, the gold-laden Mahamuni Buddha in the former royal capital Mandalay, the thousands of pagodas and temples in Bagan in the first morning light, the leg-rowers of Inle Lake, the colourful sprawling street markets, or the archaic water-buffalo carts in the countryside – Myanmar is different to all the other countries you have ever visited.

Useful Information & Facts
Climate

Myanmar can be visited all year round. In the north of the country especially at the Inle Lake it can get quite cold during the night from November to February. Best time to visit is November to April as it is mostly dry and not too hot. May to October it is wet and humid and in the south and near the coast you can expect frequently short tropical rainfalls. In Bagan and the middle part of Burma it rarely rains even during the monsoon period but due to the heat you should allow for some time to rest after lunch and plan sight seeing and excursions in the early and later hours of the day.

Beach Holidays
The fantastic beaches at the coast of the Bay of Bengal are awaiting you. The best time to visit these pristine white sandy beaches of Ngapali and Ngwe Saung is between November to May. South-westerly monsoon is in the summer months between June and October which could bring rain and thunderstorms. There are no scheduled flights to the beach destinations during this time and most of the hotels and restaurants are closed.

Passport & Visa Requirements

Passport must be valid for 6 month after the departure date and tourist visa valid for 28 days currently (30US$). Tourist visas can be obtained at any Myanmar embassy, Consulate or online E-visa.
Main Capital & Airport
In November 2005 the main capital was unexpectedly moved to Naypyidaw, a small town half way between Mandalay and Yangon. Most important town however remains Yangon (Rangoon) with it’s international airport about 20 minutes out of town.

Religion & Customs

Around 85% of the population is deeply involved in Theravada Buddhism. Some of the most inportant Buddhist artefacts of the world are found here. However most Burmese people also believe in ghosts and spirits and the daily life is strongly influenced by 37 Nats(Burmese ghosts). When entering religious monuments, all visitors are required to take off their shoes. Shorts and briefs are regarded as disrespectful when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

Currency

The local currency (Kyat) can be changed at local authorized money changers. The value is changing due to high inflation rates. Traveller checks can not be cashed in and Credit Cards such as Visa Cards can only be used at some international hotels in Yangon and Mandalay. Master and Am-Ex cards are not accepted. We advise to bring enough US$ in cash with you.

Vaccination & Health Issues

Vaccination for tropical diseases like Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tuberculosis and Tetanus is not formally recommended, but should be considered when travelling to remote areas of Myanmar. Mosquito repellents should be brought personally and mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible.

Lauguage

The common language is Myanmar or Burmese and about 100 different dialects are used by the minority groups and hill tribe people. Business language is English.

Communication

Overseas calls and internet are available at international hotels and telephone offices with IDD connection. There are internet cafes in Yangon, Mandalay and some other major cities, however some e-mail provider are blocked. Although GSM and CDMA mobile system is used in Myanmar in most cities, global roaming is not available.

Time
Myanmar is 6½ Hours ahead of Greenwich mean time.

Climate