Myanmar: Overview
Attractive Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is one of the unforgettable countries of the Asian southeast. Myanmar shares its northern frontiers with China and the side ones with Laos and Thailand; to the west are India, Bangladesh and Bay of Bengal. The south of the country is bathed by the waters of Andaman Sea.
Climate
Burma has three different seasons, a suffocating summer (March-May), a wet Monsoon season (May-October) and dry and cold winter (November-February). In summer the average temperature is 30 ºC during day descending a bit at night. Winter has a 25 ºC average during day and a 15 ºC at night. The coastal areas are more humid and cooler than the rest of the country. Due to climatic conditions, the best moment to visit the country is between November and February, when is less wet and hot. The high tourist season is during May, June and September.
Important information
Entry requirements are a passport and a tourist visa, which has 28 days-validity and costs U$S 18.
The official currency is the kyat (pronounced "Chat"). When traveling to Myanmar you should bring American dollars, since they are easier to convert than other foreign currencies. Foreign currency Certificates (FEC) can be used by tourists in hotels and stores. In some cities like Mandalay is not easy to cash American Express traveler's checks and even if you can, there can be a 10% commission. Broken, damaged or written notes will not be accepted. There is a great difference among the official and non-official changing rates, the best ones are found in hotels and Scout Market. Credit cards are not accepted in many hotels, airlines, stores and restaurants; the same thing happens with ATMs cards, so you should always have some local currency.
Burmese people are very hospitable and will help without asking something in return, however a small tip will be appreciated. 5% is enough for a meal. Doormen, taxi drivers and tourist guides are usually tipped too.
There are some health issues you should consider when traveling to Myanmar. You are advised to get shots against cholera, polio, yellow fever, typhus, hepatitis A and malaria. Those travelers planning on visiting the country for a long period of time or going to rural areas should consider a shot against Japanese encephalitis. Besides this, dengue fever is endemic in the country and there is a high risk of bird flu and rabies, so you should be very careful with farm animals and eat well cooked and hot any dish containing poultry or eggs. It is advisable to hire a wide covering health insurance.
There are also some issues concerning safety that should be taken into account. You must be particularly cautious in border areas, since there is constant military activity, especially in the frontier with Thailand. There are few legal crossing points. Beside this, Burma has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, which, added to its beauty, makes it an ideal tourist destination. As in every trip, you should avoid public demonstrations or political gatherings. Taking pictures of policemen, soldiers or demonstrators is not allowed.
There are some social and cultural customs which you must respect. It is considered rude to pass over somebody, touch adults on the head or make public displays of affection. Most Burmese do not wear shoes inside houses so if you were invited to someone’s house you should take off yours and leave them at the door. Monks, even children, must be treated with respect and it is forbidden to women to approach or speak to them. At restaurants you must not raise your voice.
Where to go
Mandalay was the capital of the country before the conquest and at the moment it is one of the most important cities. Among the places you cannot miss are the Shwenandaw Kyaung, only remain of an old palace, Rakhine Buddha statue in the Mahamuni pagoda and the bustling markets, full of local craft. You can also climb the winding stairs of Mandalay hill to enjoy the temples and beautiful views of the top. Another option is to take trips to the near imperial cities of Ava, Sagaing, Mingún and Amarapura, where you can see interesting monuments. You can only get to Mingún by boat; enjoying the beautiful landscape.
The city of Bago (Pegu) which once was a fabulous city and an important marine port has been restored at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays due to changes on the course of the river, Bago has lost its exit to the sea and part of its splendor. Among the places you can visit in this stand out a long statue of a lying Buddha, Shwethalyaung, and Hintha Gone and Shwemawdaw pagodas.
Yangon (Rangún), located only 30 km from the sea and beside the homonymous river, stands out for its particular atmosphere which differentiates it from the rest of the Asian cities. Due to its location on a fertile delta, some of its neighborhoods are almost located in the jungle. At night you can go for a walk to see the stalls in the boulevards. In spite of being deteriorated, the city still offers interesting samples of colonial architecture. Some of the most interesting places to visit are the legendary Strand hotel, the lying Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi pagoda, the Martyrs Mausoleum, lakes Inya and Kandawgyi and Aung San Suu Kyi house. Besides this you can visit the golden Swedagon pagoda dominating the city from the top of a hill and surrounded by many pavilions, statues and temples. In that area you can enjoy the best food in the city.
Pagán is one of the most wonderful cities in Asia. Plundered in 1287 and then abandoned, it houses beautiful pagodas and temples such as Thatbyinnyu, Ananda and Gawdawpalin.
Festivals
Burmese festivals are generally cheerful events that last several days ending on full moon. During these celebrations you can enjoy fairs, music and boxing combats. Some of the most important parties in the country are Independence Day, celebrated January 4 with a 7 day-fair in Yagon; Thingyan (Water Festival) which lasts three days in middle-April and marks the beginning of the Burmese new year with water games and colorful processions. The 3 months austere Buddhist Lent ends in October with the return of Buddha to the skies during the Lights Festival. During the 3 days of this festival, Myanmar streets are lighted with colorful paper lamps and pagodas are full of families making offerings.
