Myanmar

Fast Facts

Visa-free	Several ASEAN nationals can visit Myanmar without a visa for up to 14 days if entering via Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw International Airport. This includes citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Thailand. Vietnamese and Singaporean nationals can stay in Myanmar without a visa for up to 30 days.
Visa-on-arrival	Nationals of China, Hong Kong and India are eligible to apply for a visa-on-arrival. The visa-on-arrival permits visits of up to 30 days for tourism purposes only. Travellers must enter/exit via the international entry/exit gates at an international airport. Visa extensions will not be permitted. The following documents are required to obtain a visa-on-arrival: A completed visa-on-arrival form (to be obtained at the airport on arrival); Two colour photos (1.2 x 1.5 inches); Visa-on-arrival fee of USD 50 per person; Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages. Please note: Holders of passports with less than six months validity will not be permitted entry and will be travel immediately via the same airline that they arrived with.
E-visa	All other travellers must obtain a valid visa prior to arriving in Myanmar. Most nationals can apply for an e-visa online. The visa allows single entry for 28 days and must be used within 90 days. The processing time for an e-visa is 3-4 working days. For the most up-to-date information, visit the website of Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm. Documents required for e-visa: Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages; One colour passport-sized photo (4.6 cm x 3.8 cm) taken within the last 3 months Return ticket or proof of onward travel; Confirmed hotel booking in Myanmar; tourists are required to stay in a registered property; Health insurance document; Visa fee payable online by credit card.
Health insurance	Proof of health insurance is required on arrival in Myanmar. Travellers who do not have health insurance from their home country will be required to purchase insurance from the government-run Myanma Insurance. For details, visit www.mminsurance.gov.mm/inbound-travel-accident-insurance.

All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.

Essentials

Time zone	GMT+6.30
Language	Official language: Burmese There are an estimated 80 different dialects spoken across the country. Many people, especially in the major tourist destinations, speak good English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.
What to pack	Light cotton clothing is recommended for Myanmar’s tropical climate; Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide); Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos; A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season; A light fleece jacket can be handy if visiting the hill stations or Inle Lake, especially during the colder months (between November and February); Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: sleeveless shirts; sportswear; tights/leggings; shorts; short skirts; three-quarter length trousers; swimwear/beachwear; and shirts with offensive texts or images; Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple or private home; An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain; Reusable water bottle; Sun hat and sunscreen; Insect repellent; Universal plug adaptor.
Electricity	The standard voltage in Myanmar is 220V (50Hz).
Phone & internet	A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G/4G network is in place and covers most urban areas.

Dos & Don'ts

Do	Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine; Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room; Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Ask permission before taking photographs of people; It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home.
Don’t	Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste; Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school; Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items; Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins; Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners; Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs; Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Myanmar is a conservative country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples; Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Do

Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home.

Don’t

Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Myanmar is a conservative country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Money Matters

Currency

Official currency of Myanmar: Myanmar kyat (MMK)

US dollars are commonly accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels throughout the country. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash to pay drivers and vendors who may not carry large amounts of change.

ATMs have been introduced, but are not widespread in Myanmar. Reports of erroneous transactions when using ATMs are common, so it is recommended to check all transactions carefully. Cash should be exchanged at an authorised bank or financial institution, but some exchange bureaux will also provide the service. Please note that ripped, torn, or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 3 pm.

Credit cards

Credit cards are not widely used in Myanmar, particularly in remote areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels and high-end restaurants in the major cities, such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) and Ngapali. A surcharge of around 2-3% is usually added to the bill.

Tipping

While not compulsory, gratuities are always appreciated in Myanmar. Tipping is not part of the local culture, but many in the travel and service industry are accustomed to receiving a small amount for good service. Please consider the following as a guide to common practice, although tipping and the amount to tip is always at the discretion of the individual.

Guides and drivers	Tipping is entirely up to the individual and depends on the level of satisfaction with the service.
Hotel porters	It is typical to tip hotel porters for carrying bags to the room.
Restaurants	Some high-end restaurants may add a service charge of 10% to the bill, but smaller, more local establishments typically do not include a service charge. In cases where service charge is not included, a tip of up to 10% is appreciated.
Taxi drivers	Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is customary to round up the fare.

Getting Around

Domestic flights	Local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Myanmar’s major cities. Not daily for some destinations.
Trains	Myanmar’s public railway system offers a fascinating perspective of the country and allows visitors to interact with locals, although services may be slow and unreliable.
Boats	A scenic and eco-friendly way to travel, river cruises offer a unique perspective of local life, with a range of budget to high-end options to explore the Mekong and Chindwin Rivers. Local boats are also available for journeys across Inle Lake. Not all destinations are available on current situation.
Taxis	Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful in most towns and cities. Rides can also be booked through the Grab mobile app.
Bicycles	Myanmar’s rural landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for two-wheeled adventures.

Food & Culture

Religion	Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar with nearly 85 per cent of the population followers of this faith. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is advantageous for visitors wishing to better understand the mind of the majority of the population. The monastery is the traditional focal point in Myanmar and every Buddhist boy in Myanmar is expected to spend time as a monk. Major cities, such as Yangon, have some of the most ornate and important Buddhist temples on the planet. Other religious faiths include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and followers of animist faiths.
Food	As with other South-East Asian cuisines, Myanmar’s food combines the four primary flavours of sour, salty, spicy and bitter. A typical Burmese meal often involves a platter of several dishes, including a curry or a fried dish, salad, various sides and soup. A tray of fresh and par-boiled vegetables and herbs is often served with various dips. Common local dishes: Mohinga – Myanmar’s most popular breakfast dish features fine rice noodles served in a hearty, herbal fish-and shallot-based broth; Tea leaf salad (la phat thoke) – A kind of salad made from tea leaves and mixed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, nuts, peas, pepper and garlic; Shan noodles – Served as a soup or a salad, this dish is made using rice noodles marinated with chicken or pork, juicy tomatoes and toasted sesame or garlic oil; Burmese curry – A curry-based dish with pork, fish, shrimp, beef or mutton served with sides such as rice, salad, fried vegetables, soup, herbs and various dips.
Shopping	Most shops are open every day and large shopping centres typically remain open until 9 pm. Local markets typically close on Mondays, public holidays and full moon days. In Yangon, the historic Bogyoke Aung San Market is the best place for authentic souvenirs. The market sells antiques, handicrafts, clothes, jade jewellery, paintings, lacquer ware, wood carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware and silk and cotton fabrics. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!) What to buy: Lacquerware; Wood and stone carvings; Jade, silver and bronze pieces; Rattan crafts; Traditional silk longyis; Hand-woven textiles.

Religion

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar with nearly 85 per cent of the population followers of this faith. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is advantageous for visitors wishing to better understand the mind of the majority of the population. The monastery is the traditional focal point in Myanmar and every Buddhist boy in Myanmar is expected to spend time as a monk.

Major cities, such as Yangon, have some of the most ornate and important Buddhist temples on the planet. Other religious faiths include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and followers of animist faiths.

Food

As with other South-East Asian cuisines, Myanmar’s food combines the four primary flavours of sour, salty, spicy and bitter. A typical Burmese meal often involves a platter of several dishes, including a curry or a fried dish, salad, various sides and soup. A tray of fresh and par-boiled vegetables and herbs is often served with various dips.

Common local dishes:

Mohinga – Myanmar’s most popular breakfast dish features fine rice noodles served in a hearty, herbal fish-and shallot-based broth;
Tea leaf salad (la phat thoke) – A kind of salad made from tea leaves and mixed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, nuts, peas, pepper and garlic;
Shan noodles – Served as a soup or a salad, this dish is made using rice noodles marinated with chicken or pork, juicy tomatoes and toasted sesame or garlic oil;
Burmese curry – A curry-based dish with pork, fish, shrimp, beef or mutton served with sides such as rice, salad, fried vegetables, soup, herbs and various dips.

Shopping

Most shops are open every day and large shopping centres typically remain open until 9 pm. Local markets typically close on Mondays, public holidays and full moon days.

In Yangon, the historic Bogyoke Aung San Market is the best place for authentic souvenirs. The market sells antiques, handicrafts, clothes, jade jewellery, paintings, lacquer ware, wood carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware and silk and cotton fabrics. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

Lacquerware;
Wood and stone carvings;
Jade, silver and bronze pieces;
Rattan crafts;
Traditional silk longyis;
Hand-woven textiles.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations	Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently travelled to a country where the disease is present. There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as: Typhoid; Cholera; Hepatitis A and B; Japanese encephalitis; Polio, diphtheria and tetanus; Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas). Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.
Drinking water	Avoid drinking tap water in Myanmar. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are typically safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.
Safety	Myanmar is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings: Don’t take pictures of police or military; Never leave items unattended; Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets; Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe; Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.
Insurance	Travellers are advised to obtain appropriate insurance to cover any accidents or medical emergencies while travelling. In some cases, treatment will not be administered without proof of travel insurance. Ensure that your plan covers motor vehicle accidents if you plan to hire a car or motorbike. Emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended as you may have to fly out of the country for treatment.
Emergency numbers	Police 199 Fire 191 Ambulance 192

Disclaimer

This information was valid at the time of publication and it is subject to change at any time. We cannot be held responsible for any external links. You acknowledge, by your use of this site, that you use it at your own risk and that Asian Trails shall not be liable for any damages of any kind related to your use of this site, or the information contained within. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice.

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INCLUSIONS

A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
Transportation by car / mini-van with professional driver.
All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
All applicable taxes and service charges
Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only.
Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
The road up and down Doi Angkhang is not suitable for large coaches; for group travel, note that the group needs to be split up into mini-vans. We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation.
For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
It is recommendable to bring a jacket / sweater with you as temperatures on Doi Angkhang are often much cooler than around Chiang Mai.
It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Myanmar

Fast Facts

Visa-free

Visa-on-arrival

E-visa

Health insurance

Time zone

Language

What to pack

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

Don’t

Currency

Banking hours

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Trains

Boats

Taxis

Bicycles

Religion

Food

Shopping

Vaccinations

Drinking water

Safety

Insurance

Emergency numbers