INTRODUCTION
Travellers' Tips for Myanmar (Burma)
• Never drink tap water. Purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
• Use an insect repellant against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high-factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when sightseeing, especially a pair of sunglasses.
• Casual and light clothing is required, preferably natural fibers, year-round, but a sweater or jacket may be useful in hill areas, particularly during winter months, when evenings can be quite cool. A windproof jacket is essential when touring Inle Lake November to February. An umbrella or raincoat is essential if visiting during the monsoon months (May-September).
• Travelers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A spare pair of eye glasses, if worn, is also advisable. Useful, too, is a flash light, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors which are often not properly illuminated.
• Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first.
• Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries.
Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Myanmar people.
• Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.
• Begging is not widespread in Myanmar and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travelers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local school teacher or headman. Contributions can also be arranged for recognized local charities.
*Travel Information
(a) Passport : Required
(b) Visa : Required
-Tourist Visas and business visas are issued at Myanmar Embassies and consulates worldwide. Three photos are required.
- Entry Visa is issued within 24 hours. In case of urgency (i.e. within less than 24 hrs) there will be extra charges in US$: Issued within 3 hrs, 10 US$ and 18 US$ and issued within 12 hrs, 5 US$ and 15 US$ for tourist visa and business visa respectively.
- A tourist visa and business visa are valid only for a maximum period of 28 days. The passengers must hold confirmed return or onward tickets.
(c) Weather & Climate :
Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate.
1. Hot Season - March to May with average temperature 30-35 C.
2. Rainy Season - June to September with average temperature 25- 30 C.
3. Cool Season - October to February with average temperature 20- 24 C. Cool season is the best time to visit Myanmar.
(d) Local Time in Myanmar
| 00700 hrs on Monday |
GMT + 6 .5 |
Yangon |
| 0030 hrs on Monday |
GMT + 0 |
London |
| 0730 hrs on Monday |
GMT + 0 |
Bangkok |
| 0830 hrs on Monday |
GMT + 8 |
Hong Kong |
| 1030 hrs on Monday |
GMT+10 |
Sydney |
(e) Customs :
At the port of entry all foreign currencies and cameras must be declared to a custom officer. Export of antiques and archaeological objects is prohibited.
(f) Currency :
Visitors are advised to change their foreign currencies only at authorized money changers in banks, airports and hotels.
(g) Where to Stay :
Visitors have a choice of accommodation from Budget Class Guest House to Deluxe Hotels. There are 513 hotels and guest houses all over the country. Room rates vary according to location, facilities, standard and service.
(h) Travel & Tour :
Licensed travel agencies can arrange for travel and tours to the tourist destinations. Travel to certain areas in Myanmar is restricted.
(i) Entrance Fees :
Entrance fees are collected at the famous pagodas, temples, monasteries, museums, old palaces and archaeological zones. Tickets offices are at the sites.
(j) Tour Guide :
Visitors are advised to avoid touts and use the services of licensed guides available at the licensed travel agencies.
(k) Shopping :
You are advised to buy gems, jewelleries and silverware at the authorized gem-shops where you will be given a voucher with a permit for Export. Visitors are required to ignore touts who may approach you for offering guide services, for exchanging foreign currency into local currency or for selling gems of a doubtful nature. The offer may appear to be attractive but you could get into trouble and spoil your visit.
(l) Duty Free Allowance :
Duty free allowance is two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes, 100 cigars and half a liter of perfume.
(m) Health :
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area.
(n) Voltage :
220-230 Volts A.C
(o) Telecommunication :
IDD telephones and fax facilities are available in most hotels.
(p) Religion :
Theravada Buddhism is the predominant, with 80% of the people embracing it. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced among the minority.
(q) Language :
Myanmar is mother tongue but English is widely understood.
(r) Three Domestic Airlines:
named Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanmar Airways International are operating domestic air route.
EXCHANGE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY
Every F.I.T must exchange U.S $ 200 into F.E.C (Foreign Exchange Certificate) on arrival.
Package Tours are exempted from this requirement. But may exchanges sufficient money to cover personal expenses. U.S $ or F.E.C is mostly required at Hotel, Travel Agents, Entrance Fees to edifices & monuments etc. Only leading hotel would accept American Express, Visa Or Master Card. Credit Cards could be exchanged into F.E.C at the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank in Yangon.
The following travelers' cheque is accepted at exchange Counters Hotels.
1. Master Card Travelers' Cheque.
2. American Express Travelers' Cheque.
3. Bank of Tokyo Travelers' Cheque.
4. CITI Corp. Travelers' Cheque.
5. Visa Travelers' Cheque.
6. Bank Of American Travelers' Cheque.
7. National Westminster Bank Ltd. Travelers' Cheque.
8. First National CITI Bank Travelers' Cheque.
9. Swiss Bankers Travelers' Cheque.
10. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Travelers' Cheque.
Air Port Tax
The departure tax for international flights is U.S $ 10 per head payable either in U.S $ or F.E.C. Domestic flights are tax-free.
ADMISSION FEES ( US $ PER HEAD)
| (a) Yangon |
Shwe Dagon Pagoda
National Museum
People's Park
Gems Museum
Defence Museum
Zoological Garden |
5
5
3
5
3
5 |
| (b) Bago |
Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda
Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda
Maha Ceti
Kambozathardi Palace
Lay Myat Hner |
2
2
2
4
2 |
| (c) Bagan |
Zone Fees
Archeological Museum |
10
(For 3 Days)
5 |
| (d) Mandalay |
Mandalay Hill
Maha Mu Ni Pagoda
Kuauk Taw Gyi Pagoda
Kutho Daw & Sanda Mu Ni Pagoda
Mandalay Palace
Shwe Kyaung & Atumashi Monastery
Ba Ga Ya Monstery |
4
4
2
5
5
5
2 |
Special Events
Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all the year round. Some are national - wide festivities while others are solely around the city or in the District Areas.
- Ananda Festival at Ananda Pagoda In Bagan, Mandalay.
- January 4th Independence Day of Union Of Myanmar is celebrated across the country . Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins the festivities.
- The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin- Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon. In ancient time, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcome to participate in the many celebrations.
- Kyaik- Khauk Festival at Kyaik-Khauk- Pagoda in Than-hlyin Yangon Division.
- Mahamuni Ceremonies at Mahamuni in Mandalay.
- Traditionally, February is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinous rice freckle with coconut, sesame seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast.
- The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12th Representatives and cultural troupes of the Seven States and Seven Division of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colorful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union.
- Pyidaw-Byan Image Festival at Pyidaw-Byan Image in Zalun, Ayeyarwaddy Division.
- Sandaw-Shin Festival at Sandaw-Shin Pagoda in west Pha-Yon-Ga Island, Rakhine State.
- Pindaya Cave Festival at Pindaya Cave at which countless Buddha images have been kept here for hundreds of years in Pindaya, Shan State.
- March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals are in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month's biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs by observing the rituals of the holiday.
- Title-decoration Ceremony at Kaba-Ave hillock, Yangon.
- Palaung Bonfire Ceremony at Palaung villages, kalaw State.
- Shwe-za-yan Festival at Shwe-za-yan Pagoda, Pyay.
- Shwe-maw-daw Festival at Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Bago.
- The water Festival or Thingyan is held throughout the country for day in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to play throwing water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss!
- Thanakha-grinding Event at Sittway, Rakhine State.
- Image-bathing Event at Sittway, Rakhine State.
- Myanmar New Year Day is held throughout the country.
- Sand stupa event at Twante, Yangon Division.
- Shan Nat Festival at Twante, Yangon Division.
- Thepon Zedi Festival at Ywa Hing, Mandalay.
- Poppa Ceremony at Mount Poppa.
- Elders' Day Ceremony at Kaba-Aye hillock, Yangon and elsewhere.
- Animal-freeing Ceremoney at Kaba-Aye hillock, Yangon and elsewhere.
- Shwe-kyet-yet Festival at Shwe-kyet-yet Pagoda, Mandalay.
- Taung-yo Festival at Pindaya cave, Shan State.
- Pa-oh Rocket Festival at Taung-gyi and elsewhere.
- Shit- thoung Festival at Shit-thaung Pagoda in Mrauk-U, Rakhain State.
- The Kason Festivals of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolizes the birth- enlightenment and death of Buddha falls on May. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country.
- The onset of Monsoon season makes June relatively quiet month in Myanmar . there are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed.
- Shwe-myin-tin Festivals at Meik-hti-la, Mandalay.
- Popa Nat Festival at Mount Popa.
- Flower-picking Ceremony at Inlay, Shan State.
- The Kyaung Daw Yar Pagoda Festival is a famous religious festival; and also known as Fish Feeding Festival. People believed that thousand of big fishes, you can see only in that period, come to pay homage to that Pagoda.
- War-Lin-Po Festival at Sagaing , Mandalay.
- Shwe-Kyun-Pin Nat festival at Mingun, Mandalay.
- Pin Pagoda Festival at Ye-nan-Chaung,
- Taungpyone Nat or spirit Festival is a popular festival held in Taungphone near Mandalay. According to tradition the homage-paying is held annually to appease the spirits as it is belived that the Nats can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress.
- Yadana Nat Festival at Amarapura, Mandalay.
- Boe-min-gaung Memorial Day at Boe-min -gaung shrine, Mount Popa.
- Bobogyi Nat Festival at Taungtaman Inn in Amarapura, Mandalay.
- The Famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inlay Lake once a year. The Processing of the Inlay leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendor is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar.
- Performing Arts Competitions at Yangon.
- Shweku Tanke Pwe at Pakkoku.
- Inlay Festival at Inlay Lake, Shan State.
- Shwe-zi-gon Festival at Nyaung -U, Mandalay.
- Kyauk-taw-gyi Festival; at Kyauk-taw-gyi Pagoda in Mandalay.
- The Thandingyut or Light Festival which ends the Buddha Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated and there are various kind of activities for everyone to enjoy.
- The Other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper. Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda.
It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure.
- Light-float Festival at Shwekyin, Bago.
- Dipawali Ceremony at Yangon.
- The Kahtain Pwe is held in November throughout the country.
- Balloon Flying Festival at Taunggyi Shan State.
- Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine Festival held in November throughout the country.
- Robe-weaving Contest is held in November throughout the country.
- Astrologers ceremony at the Shwebonepwint Pagoda, Yangon.
- Candle Light Event at Koe-htat-gyi Pagoda, Yangon.
- Fire Stick Festival at Kalaw, Shan State.
- Kaung-hmu-daw Festival at Kaung-hmu-daw Pagoda, Sagaing.
- The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar in December.
- Writers' Day is held in December throughout the country.
Communication
TELEPHONE & FAX: Overseas call can be patiently made through operators. IDD phone can be available at some telephone offices, companies and hotels.
E-MAIL: E-mail can be available at some companies and hotels.
POST & TELECOMMUNICATIONS : Central Post Office, corner of Bo Aung Kyaw Street and Stand Road, Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Make international calls, send telexes and faxes at the Central Telegraph Office, 125 Pansogan Street, Yangon. DIALING OUT CODE:00
Media
Radio Myanmar
Radio Myanmar is on the air in English from 8:30 hours to 9:00 hours in the morning, 13:30 hours to 14:00hours in the afternoon and 21:00 hours to 22:30 hours in the evening.
TV Myanmar
TV Myanmar with NTSC System, TV Program start from 16:00 hours to mid-night and Satellite News at 20:45 hours in the evening. On every Saturday and Sunday, TV Myanmar starts from 08:30 hours to 09:30 hours. In the afternoon from 12:00 hours 14:30 hours.
Myawaddy TV Station
This TV Station transmits every day 07:00 hours to 08:15 hours in the morning and 16:00 hours in the evening to mid-night.
Newspapers
The New Light of Myanmar is the only newspaper in English. Four Newspaper in Myanmar- "MyanmarAlin", "kyemon" (the Mirror), Myodaw and "Yandanabon".
Gazetted Holiday (Offical holidays)
| JAN 04 |
INDEPENDENCE DAY |
| FEB 12 |
UNION DAY |
| MAR 02 |
PEASANTS' DAY |
| MAR 23 |
FULL MOON DAY OF TABAUNG |
| APR 13-16 |
WATER FESTIVAL |
| APR 17 |
NEW YEAR DAY OF MYNMAR ERA |
| MAY 01 |
MAY DAY |
| JUL 19 |
MARTYRS' DAY |
| OCT 16 |
FULL MOON DAY OF THADINGYUT
(End of the Buddhist Lent) |
| NOV 14 |
FULL MOON DAY OF TAZAUNGMONE
(Festival of Light) |
| NOV 24 |
NATIONAL DAY |
| DEC 25 |
CHRISTMAS DAY |
NOTE: Hindu Dipavali, Islam Idd,. Other sectarian and bank Holidays allowed under Government Notification according to their respective Calendars.
Tipping
Tipping is a common practice even when service charge is show on bill. Bargaining is essential when shopping on the street.
Miscellaneous ( Markets/ Festivals/ Beach)
MYANMAR EMBASSIES ABROAD
| COUNTRY |
CAPITAL |
TELEPHONE |
| Australia |
Canberra |
2733811, 273375 |
| Bangladesh |
Dhaka |
601461,601915 |
| Canada |
Ottawa |
(613)2326 434, 2326 446 |
| China |
Beijing |
5321 584, 5321 425 |
| Egypt |
Cairo |
3176 609 |
| France |
Paris |
(19331) 42 255 695 |
| Germany |
Bonn |
(0049 228) 210 091/ 92 |
| Hong Kong |
Hong Kong |
2827 7929,2827 9843 |
| India |
New Delhi |
600 251, 600 525 |
| Indonesia |
Jakarta |
327 684, 3140 440 |
| Israel |
Tel Aviv |
(03) 5170 760, 5170 761 |
| Italy |
Rome |
0039 6 8549 374 |
| Japan |
Tokyo |
Changer:(3) 3441 9291
Eco:(3) 3441 9145
h. p : 3030 24 71181 |
| Korea (south) |
Seoul |
792 3341, 796 9858 |
| Laos |
Vientiane |
(856)(21) 3144910,314913 |
| Malaysia |
Kuala Lumpur |
2424 085, 2423 863 |
| Nepal |
Katmandu |
521 788, 524 788 |
| Pakistan |
Islamabad |
822 460, 210 620 |
| Philippines |
Manila |
8172 373 |
| Russian Federation |
Moscow |
2910 534 |
| Singapore |
Singapore |
7352 053, 7351 675, 7356 576 |
| Sri Lanka |
Colombo |
587 607, 587 608 |
| Thailand |
Bangkok |
2332 237, 2344 698, 2337 250 |
| U K |
London |
0171 4998, 0171 6296 966 |
| U. S. A |
Washington DC |
1 202 3329 044, 1 202 3329 045,1 202 3329 049 |
| U.S.A (UN) |
New York |
(212) 5351 310, (212) 5351 311 |
| U N (Switzerland) |
Geneva |
(022) 7317 540,7317 549 |
| Vietnam |
Hanoi |
453 369 |
| Yugoslavia |
Belgrade |
(318) (11) 646 624, 645 128, 645 120 |
EMBASSIES & ORGANIZATIONS IN MYANMAR
| Australia |
Tel. 251 809, 251797~8 |
| Bangladesh |
Tel. 549 556 ~ 7 |
| Brunei |
Tel. 510 422, 526 985 |
| Cambodia |
Tel.541 108 |
| China |
Tel. 221 280~1 |
| Egypt |
Tel. 222 886 ~7 |
| France |
Tel.282 122, 282 418 |
| Germany |
Tel. 548 951 ~ 3 |
| India |
Tel. 282 550~ 2, 282 933 |
| Indonesia |
Tel. 254 465/ 9 |
| Israel |
Tel. 222 290 ~ 1 |
| Italy |
Tel. 527 100 ~1 |
| Japan |
Tel . 549 644 ~8 |
| Korea |
Tel. 527 142 ~ 4 |
| Laos |
Tel. 222 482 |
| Malaysia |
Tel. 220 248~ 9, 220 251 ,220 230 |
| Nepal |
Tel.545 880, 553 168 |
| Pakistan |
Tel.222 881 ~ 2 |
| Philippines |
Tel.664 012 ~ 6 |
| Russia |
Tel.241 995,254 161 |
| Singapore |
Tel. 525 688/ 700 / 720 |
| Sri Lanka |
Tel. 222 812 |
| Thailand |
Tel.533 082, 512 012 |
| Vietnam |
Tel.548 905 |
| Yugoslavia |
Tel.532 655, 532 822 |
