Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilisations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of South East Asia’s largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the AndamanSea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.
To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world. What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey in the first place?
Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.
The country’s tourism infrastructure boasts five star properties, intimate boutique hotels and family guest houses in all the major centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar also boasts one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holiday will be carefree from start to finish.
Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it be cruising down the mighty AyeyarwaddyRiver in style, drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. With two modern internal airlines upgrading and expanding their networks, new and exciting destinations off the beaten track are gradually being opened. From mountain trekking and rafting in the far north to world class diving in the Mergui Archipelago. But above all, Myanmar offers the warmest welcome in Asia.
A visa is required in advance. Tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate world-wide. Please see our list of Embassies and Consulates below. Travelers who plan to arrive via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong can sometimes obtain their tourist visas within one working day. Tourist visa are valid for a stay of up to 28 days.
Yangon is a busy city and traveling during the office hours may have heavy traffic.
Taxi is available everywhere in Yangon. You can get a taxi at anywhere. Once you hire a taxi, you tell the place you want to go and you ask how much the trip will cost. The least would be about Ks. 700, and more depending on your journey. Now, there are CNG Gas contained Parami Taxis.
Bus there are over 250 bus lines running around Yangon. There are over 2.5 million commuters a day. Recently, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) was introduced as new fuel for buses operating in Yangon. The bus fares starts from Ks 40 to Ks 120, depending on the distance the traveller takes.
Circular Train service is available. There are 11 local trains for circular services through 37 railway stations. The train fares are cheaper than the bus fares. Yangon Central Railways Station near Aung San Stadium is the main station in Yangon.
Ferry, for the commuters from Dala, to cross the YangonRiver, takes about 10 minutes. They steam between Pansodan Warf and Dala Warf.
Climate
Myanmar has the effects of the Monsoon in different parts of the country. Temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C; humidity from 82.8% to 66%. The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low, even in the rainy season.
Myanmar has three distinctive seasons; namely, hot (March to May with average temperatures 30-35°C), rainy (June to October with average temperatures 25-30°C) and cool (November to February with average temperatures 20-24°C).
Temperatures are generally lower in mountainous regions. The country receives practically all its rainfall between mid-May and October, the period of the Southwest Monsoon. Annual precipitation in most of Upper Burma averages about 890 mm (about 35 in) and in Lower Burma about 5080 mm (about 200 in).
Sightseeing
Yangon, the capital of Myanmar is the host for some of the world’s mind-blowing wonders, like the:
Shwedagon Pagoda: Rudyard Kipling termed it as the .Golden Wonder.. It looks beautiful during sunset as the last rays fall on the soft golden dome, making it glitter. The great dome rises 321 feet above its base and more than 5 tons of gold and jewels sits atop the Pagoda. Its crown is adorned with 1800 carats of small diamonds and a single 76 carat diamond globe. Archaeologists propose that the original stupa was built in the 6th century BC. It is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar.
National Museum: Has many historical things of Burma, including the 26 feet high throne of King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king. The collection includes gem-studded arms, swords, bowls, black and white photographs of the MandalayPalace and also the royal couch that belonged to King Mindon.s queen.
Mandalay, The principal cultural and economic city of upper Myanmar, and former royal capital, Mandalay still evokes images of a romantic bygone era. The royal palace and its impressive surrounding moat sits at the foot of the imposing Mandalay Hill. Positioned on the banks of the mighty AyeryarwaddyRiver, Mandalay lies within easy striking distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and other cultural attractions.
Time zone
GMT+6:30
Language
Myanmar is the lingua franca. English is widely understood in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, etc., Cantonese, Flukiness and Mandarin can also be used in the business circles here.
Currency
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollar in cash only – larger notes receiving a better rate in exchange. Exchange of other foreign currencies such as Euros, Yen and Pounds Sterling are maybe time consuming and difficult. Authorized money changer throughout Myanmar will usually only accept US Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar as currency next to the local currency Kyat (pronounced “Chat”) is equal to the US Dollar (1=1) and can easily been used for payment of purchases throughout the country.
Essentials
Electricity
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Most of the international hotels have their own generators. Other places may experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation which can damage equipment like computers. Please travel with the required protection for your electrical items.
Internet
Internet is now widely and cheaply available in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, but more limited elsewhere. However access is very slow and many sites are inaccessible. Rates are around 1000 kyat/hour in Yangon and 2000-5000 kyat/hour elsewhere.