Travel Guide Myanmar - Burma
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a destination that will appeal to travelers looking for authenticity. A stay in Myanmar allows you to discover a country that was isolated for a long time and that started to open up to the world less than ten years ago. But, despite this opening and the development of tourism that followed, the country has preserved its traditions and its impressive cultural heritage as evidenced by its architectural treasures such as the Golden Rock, or Kiaiktiyo pagoda. You just have to sail on the Inle Lake through its floating villages or to visit the huge archaeological site of Bagan and its multitude of Buddhist temples to realize how much Myanmar has a unique heritage. But Myanmar is also the ideal farniente destination with its beautiful sandy beach of Ngapali Beach for example. So many wonders that we can discover even more easily thanks to the indications of the tourist guide on Myanmar.
What to visit Myanmar - Burma?
Suggested addresses Myanmar - Burma
When to go to Myanmar - Burma?
The high tourist season in Myanmar is from October to February while the low tourist season is from May to September. From the end of May to September or October, the monsoon falls on the country. The access to some isolated places can be difficult or impossible because of the subsidence of the roads, but the main tourist sites are not concerned and this period is pleasant because the tourists are few. From October to the end of February, it is the mild and dry season, the best time to go to Myanmar. The sun is shining, but the temperatures are still bearable, you will have to bring sweaters, hats and sometimes gloves in the North, and in the Mandalay area a sweater in the evening will not be too much. The rain has turned the rice fields green, and the jungle is lush. Very photogenic! From the end of February to May, the heat is really overwhelming, visits in the middle of the day, difficult. This season is perfect for sea bathing.
Practically all year round, Burmese Buddhist families are invited or organize themselves the "Shin Pyu" of a son, a cousin, a niece. These festivals, which celebrate the initiation into Buddhism, last for several days and are one of the most important moments in the lives of Burmese Buddhists. Long processions go through the cities and villages in the middle of which the future little monks dressed and made up in the manner of the princes of former times are enthroned on carriages, horses or even sometimes elephants. Another interesting event is "Thingyan", the water festival, which corresponds to the Burmese New Year. You can attend it if you go to Myanmar in April, the hottest time of the year; it is a real water battle that takes place all over the country.
Weather at the moment
The climate is tropical in Myanmar. From the end of May to September in Myanmar, it is the monsoon, and the low season; many sites are inaccessible because of the bad state of the roads. From October to the end of February, it is the high season in Myanmar with a sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. It is however colder in the North and in the Mandalay region. From the end of February to May, it is a very hot season, it is the perfect weather to go to the beach in Myanmar.
Myanmar remains an expensive destination, compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. However, it is possible to travel economically in Burma, by staying in guesthouses, eating on the go and taking public transportation. Hotels are often expensive compared to the comfort offered. The currency is the kyat but the dollar is preferred for important expenses. Currency exchange is easy in the cities, credit cards are not widely accepted. Tips of 10% of the service are welcome.
For all travelers, a passport valid for 6 months after the date of return flight and a visa for Myanmar with a maximum validity of 28 days are required. Obtaining the visa is not very difficult, especially since it can be obtained online, but you will normally be asked for details of your employment and financial situation, to make sure that you are not planning to stay in Myanmar, or that you are not a journalist.
Vaccinations recommended in Myanmar are: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, Japanese encephalitis, viral hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies. Many dogs and monkeys carry rabies and bites are common, so vaccination is recommended. Also take your own sterilized syringes if necessary. It is also necessary to protect against mosquitoes in order to avoid becoming a victim of dengue fever and malaria. Provide good mosquito repellent and malaria treatment. The heat is particularly stunning between February and April, you need to have something to protect yourself and drink a lot. Choose lightweight, full-body clothing over small T-shirts. Water is not safe to drink in Myanmar, make sure that the water you are being served has been boiled beforehand. Food and water-borne diseases are widespread.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Myanmar - Burma? Our advice & tips
Myanmar is still a new country in terms of tourism and regularly suffering from political problems, it is advisable to choose an experienced tour operator on this country who works with local partners in order to avoid last minute cancellations or other inconveniences.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe international airport of Yangon is well served. In Myanmar, no fear to have as a solo traveler but it is necessary to stay in the areas authorized by the government. To know the authorized places outside the main tourist circuits, contact the Yangon Tourism Office or the Myanmar Embassy in your country.
You can visit the country via different modes of transportation: plane, boat, bus, train or pick-up. But it will be necessary to book early on the spot, ideally with a local agency to save time, because the tourist offer is still in its infancy and the demand is often stronger than the offer of transport.
