Exploring the Rich Culture and History of Myanmar: A Travel Guide
Myanmar, still known as Burma to many, is fondly referred to as ‘the Golden Land’ because of the abundant use of gold leaf on its temples and shrines. It is a country with a rich diversity of cultures, religions and languages – home to more than 100 ethnic groups – and a history spanning over three millennia, reflected in some of Southeast Asia’s most opulently adorned temples. The majestic gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the temple ruins of Bagan, and the mystical Mandalay are just some of the unique drawcards that bring visitors to Myanmar’s well-guarded borders.
Myanmar is situated along the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, and its northern borders stretch all the way up to the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. It borders India to the west, China to the north, and Thailand and Laos to the east. One third of Myanmar’s perimeter is uninterrupted and largely undeveloped coastline.
This scenic country has a rocky political past. It was a British Colony from 1885 until 1948, and since independence has largely been ruled by a military dictatorship. However, Myanmar has taken long strides towards democracy in the last few years. Certainly, this once secretive and isolated country has enthusiastically flung open its borders to travellers, and although ethnic conflict is still a problem, foreigners are seldom targeted.
Myanmar is still a fairly young international travel destination due to its internal politics, but its lovely beaches, incredible historical attractions, snow-capped mountains, and jungle wilderness attract lots of attention. Myanmar is one of the most authentic and unspoiled countries in Asia, an irresistible destination for travellers wanting to experience the ancient traditions of the continent.
Overview
Myanmar is a perfect destination for those who enjoy off-the-beaten track travel. The sightseeing in the country includes scenic wonders, religious sites, and many historical attractions.
Thousands of ancient and intriguing temples, each one unique, await visitors in Bagan. The floating villages of Lake Inle can be explored on a hired longtail boat to the beautiful double storied gardens. The city of Mandalay draws visitors with its scenic surroundings, royal palace complex and the Mahamuni Buddha. The Ngwe Saung coastline attracts people with its white sands and unspoiled beauty. The astounding Shwedagon Pagoda will blind you with its golden plated domes, standing sentinel over the city of Yangon. Myanmar’s many bustling markets will enchant visitors and the country’s sacred sites are excpetionally moving. These are just a few of the attractions that await visitors to Myanmar.
Climate in Myanmar
Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate and three seasons: the very hot summer from March to May; the wet and humid monsoon from May to October; and the cold, dry winter from November to February. During the long rainy season it can rain almost daily, and typhoons occasionally occur in Myanmar between April and October. There is less rainfall in the interior than on the coast. It is a hot country, and the average daily temperatures usually reach around 86°F (30°C) in the hot months, while the evenings are slightly cooler. During the winter season, average temperatures are around 77°F (25°C) with evening temperatures dropping to 59°F (15°C). Coastal areas are usually much more humid, but slightly cooler overall. The hottest and driest months are March and April, when temperatures can rise as high as 110°F (43°C), with high humidity thrown in. Visitors should note that climate in Myanmar varies according to altitude and can be quite changeable.
The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February, which allows you to miss the rainy monsoon season and the worst of the heat, which can be extremely oppressive.
Health Notes when travelling to Myanmar
Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended for all travellers. Malaria is common in Myanmar, especially during the rainy season (May to October) and visitors are usually encouraged to take anti-malaria medication, although there is no danger if you are only visiting the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Travellers from yellow fever infected areas require a vaccination certificate to enter Myanmar. If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in rural areas you should also consider getting vaccinated for rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
The tap water should not be drunk but bottled water is available throughout the country.
There are basic medical facilities in Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay, but in general medical facilities in Myanmar are poor and evacuation is recommended for serious medical cases. Payment in cash is usually required before any treatment. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Myanmar
Due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict, travellers are advised to avoid some parts of Myanmar, including most of the states of Rakhine and Kachin and the north of the state of Shan. Special care should be taken in border areas; there are only a handful of legal crossing points. While Myanmar does boast one of the lowest crime rates in the world, violent political protests are still common and should be avoided at all costs. Visitors are also advised not to take any photographs of the police, military, or demonstrations.
The monsoon season is June to September in the southwest of Myanmar and December to April in the northeast, and flooding may occur. Severe weather often also precedes monsoon season.
Customs in Myanmar
It is rude to step over any part of a person or touch an adult on the head, and hugging and kissing in public is frowned upon. Most Burmese families don’t wear shoes in their homes and if visiting it is advised to remove shoes before entering the house. Monks should be treated with respect, even if they are children, and women should not speak to or touch monks. Religion practices, beliefs and sites should be treated with respect; insulting religion is a prosecutable offense in Myanmar. Homosexuality is technically illegal but the law is seldom enforced.
Duty Free in Myanmar
Two litres of liquor, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250gm of tobacco, and 150ml of perfume are allowed per person. Valuables including jewellery, cameras, electronic equipment, etc, should be declared at customs upon arrival. Purchases of locally bought goods may require receipts upon departure.
Doing Business in Myanmar
Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Lightweight suits are recommended during the day and jackets are needed for top-level meetings. Most commercial business transactions will be conducted in English. Business cards in Burmese script can be useful. It is important to maintain trust, honesty, and friendship in a business relationship. Favours received, such as a reference, should be repaid later in the future.
Communication in Myanmar
The international dialing code for Myanmar (Burma) is +95. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. Most businesses in the country list a few numbers, as landlines often go dead and calls don’t go through. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and travellers can expect to find wifi in big cities, where most hotels and guesthouses, and some restaurants will usually offer it for free. The government has been known to monitor and censor internet usage and some websites may not be available.
Tipping in Myanmar
The Burmese offer their help freely and genuinely, and don’t expect much in return, though gratuity is greatly appreciated. Tipping 10 percent on a meal is considered quite generous. Porters, drivers and tour guides expect a small tip.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Myanmar must hold confirmed return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. They will also require a tourist visa, which is valid for 28 days. Applications for visa extensions are not possible once in Myanmar; however, a fine of USD 3 per day overstayed can be paid at Immigration upon departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Myanmar if visitors are arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
All visitors to Myanmar need to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance from Myanma Insurance. This is required regardless of any other insurance cover visitors may have. Visitors will be expected to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test at the airport, regardless of their vaccination status. They should bring MMK 15,000 with them or be prepared to convert cash at one of the exchange counters. If the test result is negative, they will be free to leave. Travellers who display symptoms or test positive will be isolated and taken to a hospital or hotel designated by the Ministry of Health at their own expense. This is in addition to the test they need to take 48 hours before their arrival. Which test they can take depends on if they are fully vaccinated or not. Fully vaccinated travellers should present proof that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their arrival in Myanmar with an accepted vaccine such as CoronaVac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, or Modema, and a negative result from a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Diagnostic test, taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival in Myanmar. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated should present proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before their arrival in Myanmar.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism: http://www.tourism.gov.mm/
Myanmar Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Myanmar, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 3344.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Myanmar, Ontario, Canada: +1 613 232 9990.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Myanmar, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0) 20 7499 4340.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Myanmar, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 3811, 6273 3751.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Myanmar, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 341 2557/2556.
Foreign Embassies in Myanmar
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Yangon (Rangoon): +95 1 536 509.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Yangon (Rangoon): +95 1 384 805.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Yangon (Rangoon): +95 1 370 865.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Yangon (Rangoon): +95 1 230 7410.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Yangon (Rangoon): +95 1 230 6046.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Myanmar): +66 2 659 2900.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
