Epic Myanmar

Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world.  As this ancient land struggles to forge a new modern identity, its history and colonial past sit side by side with centuries old temples and a population optimistically looking towards the future.  Indeed, the country’s people and culture are amongst the most charming and authentic in the region.  Visually, Myanmar is spectacular.  From the ancient temples of Bagan & Mrauk-U to the cacophony of Mandalay, from the northern snow-capped mountains to the tranquillity of Inle Lake, Myanmar provokes the senses with a series of challenging contradictions.

Myanmar today offers a rich and varied travel experience that takes you back in time.  Commonly referred to as the “Golden Land”, Myanmar is a deeply religious Buddhist country with countless numbers of glistening temples and ancient monuments that date back thousands of years.  Although the country is still very traditional, there are visible western remnants from the British colonial era as evident in the grand faded colonial architecture in Yangon.

While Myanmar may be considered to be changing rapidly in recent years, essentially it is still a very poor country with limited infrastructure and services.  We ask you to be understanding of the plight of its people and that they may not have been afforded the same opportunities for education and development provided elsewhere in the region.   As a result, the standards of some hotels or transportation is not first class, however, the people’s cheerful character and genuine interest in the world outside of their own should keep you entertained throughout your travels.

Please ensure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of return for every country you are visiting.  Please also ensure there is sufficient space in your passport to allow for all immigration procedures, taking note that some South East Asian countries take up a full page for the visa sticker and need yet more space on a separate page for entry & exist stamps.

Kindly note that visa service is not included in our proposal.  Please contact us for any visa service or guidance.  Please note the following general information is subject to change concerning visas from this part of the world.

Myanmar: According to the official requirements from the Myanmar immigration authority, visitors to Myanmar who have a Myanmar embassy in their home country are required to obtain a tourist visa from that embassy.  An e-visa is now also available for Myanmar.  Please check here, if it is available for yourselves: http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/NoticetoTourists.aspx 

Myanmar’s currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). It is not possible to get Kyat outside of Myanmar, so you will have to exchange money upon arrival into the country.

Exchanging Money: Authorised exchange booths across the region are typically open between 09:00 - 14:00 daily.

On weekends, authorised exchange booths may not be open outside of Yangon. In Yangon, we advise you to change money at exchange counter of official banks from Myanmar.

When changing notes, USD notes must be issued after 2007 and must be unmarked and not torn.

Old USD notes are not accepted.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are becoming more and more widely accepted in Myanmar. International hotels and more upscale restaurants may accept credit cards. For shopping at local markets, cash is advisable in small denominations.

ATMs: Whilst there is an increasing number of ATMs across the country, cash is the main form of payment in Myanmar. It is good to note that ATMs may be non-existent in remote areas. Please ensure you bring enough money for your stay when travelling to more remote regions. We advise a minimum of $100 USD per day.

*Please ensure on departure you change all Myanmar Kyat back to US Dollars or your local currency as it is illegal to take Burmese currency out of Myanmar. You will be unable to exchange the currency outside of Myanmar.

Air travel is an efficient and relatively cheap way to get around Myanmar, and is particularly appealing given that bus and train journeys between major tourist sites tend to be long and often uncomfortable.

Choice of transportation in Myanmar is still limited.  Vehicles are generally between 5-10 years old.  All vehicles have air-conditioning (except the jeeps in Rakhine state) but some do not work well due to the heat stress from the constant hot weather.  Wearing a seatbelt in Myanmar is still not common practice – be aware that the vehicles in which you travel may not be fitted with seatbelts in accordance with current convention

Taxis are easily available in Yangon, Mandalay and a few other large cities and popular tourist destinations. In Yangon there are blue government taxis with set fares. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip and it is wise to pre-arrange fares. Elsewhere, motorbike taxis (where passengers ride pillion) are more common, alongside pick-ups (small pick-up trucks with seating in the back, running set routes) and cycle rickshaws (which have a sidecar).

HEALTH: Please consult your doctor to discuss your particular health or immunisation requirements.  

MEDICAL: When travelling in Myanmar, it is advisable to avoid public hospitals as they may be unsanitary.  If a problem arises where you are in need of medical attention, the best option is to visit an international clinic.  Please contact your hotel or guide for information on clinic services and to find one that is appropriate for Western visitors.  Additionally, when travelling to Myanmar, it is important to remember to bring enough of your regular medication for the duration of your stay.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION:  A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is only required for travellers coming from – or in transit through an airport of – a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccination requirement is imposed by this country for protection against yellow fever since the principal mosquito vector Aedes aegypti is present in its territory.

If you are visiting Myanmar and you live in or have travelled through a yellow fever zone, then you need to have a yellow fever certificate to show that you have been vaccinated against the illness.  When you arrive in Myanmar, you will be asked for your yellow fever certificate. You need to show this at the medical counter before queuing for immigration.

Check to see if you have been in any of these places during the last six months. Please consult your doctor to discuss your particular health or immunisation requirements.

AFRICA - Risk of yellow fever transmission exists in these countries:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

AMERICAS - Risk of yellow fever transmission exists in these countries:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

Validity of Certificate:  A yellow fever certificate is valid for ten years after vaccination.

Children: A vaccination certificate is required for children over one year of age.

Common Procedure:

1.   Complete yellow fever form

2.   Wait in queue for an assigned health counter

3.   Submit required documents to immigration officer and proceed to arrival immigration counter

In general Myanmar is very safe for travellers.  Violent attacks are rare, and even theft is relatively rare providing you take normal precautions.  When possible, secure your valuables in the hotel safe. Remember to record your travellers cheque numbers and credit card info—just in case.

Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else  that’s easily reached (like an outer  zip-up  compartment  on  a  backpack).   Be especially vigilant in markets and other crowded places like ports and train stations.

Use common sense and don’t walk alone after dark.  If confronted by a mugger, do not resist.  You’re always better off taking a taxi at night; ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi firm.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated.  Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled.  Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk.  Only eat well-cooked meat and fish.  Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled.  Some travellers avoid Burmese food for their evening meal, as the curries are cooked in the morning then left in pots throughout the day.  Chinese dishes, on the other hand, are usually cooked to order.

The regional cuisine balances spicy, sour, bitter and salty flavours; it can be quite hot but rarely as much so as Thai food.  Common local ingredients include fish, seafood, chicken and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies, served with rice or noodles.  When going out to eat, most locals will pick Chinese restaurants since they make Burmese meals at home.  Indian cuisine is also well represented, particularly in Yangon, while major tourist areas usually have a selection of places doing passable Western food.

The hottest season in Myanmar falls between March and mid-May (average temperatures 25°-38°C or 77° to 100° F), when the rainy season begins.  The rains last from mid-May until the end of September (23°-33°C or 73° to 91°F) and are followed by three months of relatively cool weather (average temperatures 18-24°C or 64° to 75°F).  It can even get down to near freezing at night around Inle Lake.

YANGON: Average daily temperatures in Yangon ranges from 18° to 32°C (64°F to 90°F) during the cool season and from 24° to 39 °C (75° to 102°F) during the hot season with relatively high humidity.  However, even during the rainy season, the rain is generally sporadic and visitors can still enjoy Yangon sightseeing.

MANDALAY: Mandalay is drier than Yangon. During the peak of the wet season in May and June, the total rainfall is only about a quarter of the rain that Yangon receives. Although temperatures in the hot season from March to May can be warm 25°C - 38°C (77°F -100°F), in the cool season from December to February, night time temperatures can be cool 13°C - 28°C (55°F – 82°F) You may wish to bring a light jacket or sweater for evening wear during those times.  The central region has average annual rainfall of about 70 cm (28 inches) with mean annual temperature around 27°C (81°F).

BAGAN: Slightly more than 100 miles southwest of Mandalay, Bagan is a dry and hot area.  During the hottest months of April and May the temperatures may range from 25°C - 40+°C (77°F – 105+°F) and in high season (October - March) from 15°C - 32°C.  During the rainy season (May – September), rainfall is sparse averaging around 7- 8 cm (2.5-3 in) per month with average temperatures range from 25°C - 35°C (77°F - 95°F).

INLE LAKE: Located in the southwest Shan state Inle Lake is located at 900 meters’ elevation and enjoys a cooler climate during the year. Rainfall is usually mild with a range of 10 - 20 cm during the months of May - September. The temperature during the rainy period averages about 17°C - 27°C (62°F - 80°F). From October – April, the temperature ranges from around 4°C - 32°C (39°F – 90°F) with the lowest night time temperatures coming in December, January and early February when it may reach near  freezing at times. Because of the relatively light rainfall, visitors travel to Inle Lake year round.

PUTAO: Temperature in Putao region tends to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings. Climatically, it ranges from subtropical to temperate and alpine. Average temperature varies from a low of 10°C (50°F) to a high of 28°C (82°F). The rainy season is from May to October with average temperature from a low of 20° (68°F) and a high of 30°C (86°F) with relatively high humidity.

MRAUKU & NGAPALI: The Rakhine state coast and delta areas have an annual rainfall of about 250 cm (100 in) and an average annual temperature of about 32°C (90°F). In these areas, depending on the season, temperatures can fluctuate between 16° to 40°C (61° to 104°F).  The season for beach holidays is October - May. Nearly all beach hotels close during the rainy season from mid- May – September.

Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist country and improper dress can be offensive and inappropriate. Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious site. Lightweight, easy to care cotton clothing are ideal all year round. A winter sweater or jacket and socks may be needed in the cool season when visiting up country, especially around Inle Lake and Kalaw when the weather can dip to near freezing during the night. Wear sensible comfortable walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear, especially for visiting temples where shoes must be removed prior to entering.

Internet censorship is now much reduced and there are internet cafes in most towns. Many hotels and guesthouses, particularly at mid-range and above, offer Wi-Fi. Wherever you connect, however, the service tends to be slow and unreliable. It is possible to access all major webmail services.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and Type F" Schuko. Also reported to be in use is the "Type D" Indian socket. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Myanmar usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volt electric output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

BUDDHA IMAGES: Myanmar government has recently become strict about the import/export of Buddha statues and images and also the use of images of the Buddha as tattoos or other decoration. We would like to inform all travellers in Myanmar to exercise caution with regards to displaying the Buddha image and not to openly display a tattoo of the Buddha or any clothing with the Buddha image. Likewise, do not attempt to take antique Buddha images out of the country without proper documentation and permission

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE:  Myanmar people have a different view on upper and lower parts of the body. The upper part is considered sacred while the lower part is considered inferior to the upper part, even dirty.  Therefore, never mix the things you use for your upper part with that of the lower part.  For example, a towel used for the lower part should never be mixed with the upper part, especially the one used for the head and the one for the feet.

• Never put your feet on the pillow used for the head, or sit on the pillow for the head.
• Never touch a person’s hair, head or cheek, even if you consider it as a friendly gesture. Myanmar people would not consider it friendly, and will think you are rude.
• Do not touch any part of a lady’s body. You might end up in a police station.
• Do not point your feet towards Buddha’s image, elder person or any sacred place.
• Beckoning someone by crooking your finger is considered rude.  The correct way to call someone over is to extend your hand with the palm down and flap your fingers towards your wrist. T o ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one hand in front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write on your palm with the other hand.
• When visiting pagodas and temples. Your knees and shoulders must be covered.  Footwear and socks must be removed. Be prepared for temple/pagoda touring by wearing sandals/flip flops or having them ready for temple visits.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: It is highly recommended that all clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance. Please provide Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel. If you require assistance in obtaining travel insurance please contact us.  Policies should be checked to ensure that they include ALL medical situations as well as the following:

• Hospitalisation and repatriation
• Cancellation
• Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras (care should be taken on rough roads)

TOILETRIES & MEDICATION: Imported beauty products are not commonly available in Myanmar due its isolation from the world. You’d be wise to pack staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent. It is advised that your prescription medication is in its original box with the label along with the prescription to avoid any complications that may arise at Customs. Many medicines are available in Southeast Asia without prescriptions. If you plan to purchase medication, choose a reputable supplier and read the labels carefully, particularly paying attention to expiration date.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: You should bring a money-belt to safely carry your travel documents and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a lock. Bring photo-copies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-sized photos if you’re applying for on-arrival visas.

PACKING ESSENTIALS: What you take will naturally depend upon where you are travelling, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack, nevertheless the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking.

• Passport – Ensure that it is valid and in good condition with empty pages available.  Make a photocopy as well
• Copy of visa approval letter (if visa is to be obtained on arrival)
• Insurance – Ensure that it will be valid for the whole journey
• Passport Photos – Will invariably be needed for identification passes and certain overseas visas
• Debit/credit card cancellation numbers
• Air tickets and Itinerary
• Money belt – Ensure that it is discrete and comfortable to wear
• First Aid kit - Basic travel kit to cover basic mishaps which may occur along the way
• Personal Medication –with international doctors’ note to ensure easy passage of medication across international borders
• Sun block – High UVA protection ideally
• Sunglasses & sunhat
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals/flip flops for visiting temples or pagodas.
• Mosquito spray & insect repellent
• Long sleeve top and trousers – Useful to protect against mosquitoes at dawn and dusk and the sun through the day
• Camera & battery
• Security code pad lock
• Electricity adapters
• Sufficient amount of currency in USD small and large notes to last the duration of your stay.

GRATUITIES: While not compulsory, tipping is greatly appreciated throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the service industry. If you are pleased with the services provided, please use the below guide for reference. Please note all prices are quoted in USD

• Guides (>4 travellers): $10 - $15 per day per traveller
• Drivers (>4 travellers): $5 - $7 per day per traveller
• Guides (<5 travellers): $5 - $10 per day per traveller
• Drivers (<5 travellers): $3 - $5 per day per traveller
• Restaurants: 5-10% of the total bill
• Hotel Maid Service: $2 - $3 per day
• Porters: $2 - $3 at time of service
• Local Boat Transport: $5 - $10 per boat
• Overnight Cruise: $20 - $30 per person per night (to cover all crew)

TIME ZONES: Myanmar operates on Greenwich meantime +6.5 hours.

COUNTRY CODES: Myanmar country code is +95.

MOBILE PHONES: Myanmar uses a GSM mobile phone network. It is not possible to roam with your own mobile phone purchased outside Myanmar, but it is now possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Yangon. The best place to buy a SIM is at the airport on arrival in Yangon. Elsewhere in the country, they are difficult to find.

INTERNET: In Myanmar, internet access is confined to large hotels and internet cafes in the cities; however, the connection is often slow.  Be careful to not save your password or sensitive information on public computer terminals.