Myanmar

​GENERAL TIPS:
Dollars and Kyat: Although there are ATMs found everywhere, not all (European) banks do have contracts in Myanmar, so it's not always possible to use an ATM. You can exchange Euros and Australian Dollars everywhere however, make sure that you have US dollars to pay the government fees at Inle lake, Bagan etc., where you pay the same price in euros as in dollars. 

myanmar.pdf
File Size:	173 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

• It's a good idea to always have enough kyat for the next 3-4 days, and it's a very good idea to have a few hundred dollars as backup. On weekends most of banks and money exchange are closed. In Myanmar, you are likely to pay for everything with cash. When bringing cash in US currency, it is useful to bring a wide range of denominations. The best exchange rate is for US$100 and US$50 notes, but the smaller ones (US$1, US$5 and US$10 bills) are indispensable for paying museum and temple entry fees, which are charged to tourists in US dollars. By May 2013 you can pay most of entry fees in kyat, paying in USD can be cheaper though depending on the exchange rate. Bring the best mint condition (unused, uncreased, unmarked crisp notes) as the cashiers are squeamish at even the slightest pen stroke, dirt smudge, crease or tiny torn edge on the bill and will refuse to accept them. Check any USD note you are given in change, for the same reason;
• Daily budget for a backpacker, if your budget it is really low and you are a good in saving money (eating in local restaurants at dinner, make yourself a light lunch, use trains instead of buses, walk or take a local bus in big city instead of taking taxi, avoid tours and visit free pagodas…) you should be able to spend $20 per day;
• Buses, are more comfortable and faster than the trains, but they are also more expensive. There are two kind of buses in Myanmar, V.I.P. (toilets and WIFI on the bus) and normal (no toilets and no WIFI). Both of them have A/C. Normal buses usually stop every 2/3 hours for toilets and at least once (depending how long is the journey) for lunch/dinner;
• Trains, are slow and old, but they are also cheap and fun, so if you are not too in rush is the best way to travel, enjoying a wonderful landscape and meeting a lot of locals.  See “The Man in Seat 61” for more reliable information;
• Malaria, there is a high risk of malaria in Myanmar, but not in the cities of Mandalay and Yangon.  Mosquitos carrying Malaria bites from sunset to sunrise. Is good to sleep under a net if you are in a high risk area. Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care;
• Dengue, is known or has the potential to occur in this country. Traditionally, dengue takes its greatest toll in the second half of the year, as soon as the rainy season starts. In Myanmar, the rainy season begins in mid May and ends in mid September, with its peak in July and August. Mosquito carrying dengue bites from sunrise to sunset. Use repellent and wear long sleeves. Risk get higher close to still water, lakes and rivers;
• Yellow fever, there is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, there is a certificate requirement for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission;
• Visa, if you apply for a tourist visa in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), you need to go at “Ever fine service”, No. 19-21, M floor, Jalan Tun Perak . Apply in the morning and the same day between 4.30 pm  and 5.30 pm you can collect your passport. You need to bring 2 photography passport size on white background, ticket in/out of the country and a copy of the passport and your passport. It will cost 110 RM, PLUS 30RM fee ($ 44 in total). Ministry of Immigration has launched e-Visa on 1st September 2014. Only Tourist Visa is allowed on that e-Visa site and the citizens of 43 countries are eligible to apply e-Visa online. Please check the link below for more details.

https://www.myanmarvisa.com/

• Meditation Visa,  Meditators wishing to attend a 10 day course in Myanmar can use the tourist visa. There is no need to apply for a meditation visa. But if you like to do a longer course you need to apply for a Meditation Visa, please see link below for more details.

http://www.mewashingtondc.com/visa_form_4_en.php

• People, as Buddhists, Myanmar people are kind and welcoming to any stranger as any guest. They are honest and friendly. Also locals are really curious and interested in what foreign do. Not everybody speak English, but they are always ready to help and give you a smile.

YANGON
Yangon formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar. Yangon is the most exotic of all Southeast Asian cities.
Yangon International Airport (Mingladon} is located approximately 30 minutes/ 1 hour (depending on the traffic and on the wheatear condition) north of the city centre. From the airport to downtown you can take a taxi for 7.000 Kyat . It is also possible to use a public bus to at least somewhat reduce the cost. If you exit the international terminal and turn right, walking along the road for about 10 minutes, you'll hit Pyay Road, from where you can take public bus 51 which will take you one block east of Sule Paya right downtown (200 kyat).
 
Where to sleep:
Sleep in Hostel, 9th street, Lanmadaw
$ 24 for a double A/C room included breakfast.
The hostel is in a good location, it is clean and the staff is friendly. The WIFI is good.
 
Where to change money:
Ryuji finance, No 25, Corner Anawrahta Rd and Lanthit St
 
Transport:
Riding the bus is absolutely safe. The only drawback is the lack of understanding. Most of the locals can't speak English and the signs are written in Burmese text. As you would expect, Yangon has an extensive and chaotically crowded bus system. Most are privately run and will not move until enough people are falling off the sides of the bus. Most routes originate and terminate on the eastern side of the Sule Pagoda so head there if looking for a bus to the airport or to the Shwedagon Pagoda. If you don’t know how to read the Burmese numbers, announce your destination before boarding. The driver/assistants seem intrigued that foreigners are taking local busses and are willing to help.
 
Bus station:
Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal (also known as Highway Bus Station, 5000 kyat taxi from airport), a bit out of the city and beyond the airport, on the Pyay Road. From Sule Paya get the bus 43 (200 K), it takes about 1 hour to get there, but give yourself some time extra (at least 2 hours before your bus is departing).
 
Where to buy a train ticket:

• Advance booking office Bogyoke opposite Sakura Tower  (5 minutes by walk from Sule Pagoda);
• Yangon Train Station (For trains departing the same day only).

 
How to get to Bagan:

• The cheapest (and funniest) way is to get a 17 hours train for 6.000 KS second class at 4pm;
• The fastest and more expensive way is to get a bus for 18.000 KS departing at 7pm and arriving at 6.30 am.

 
​Where to eat:

• Guzu Beer & Restaurant,  is a local place with friendly staff and tasty food, where you can meet a lot of locals and get into the culture. It is 2 minutes by walk from the hostel. A meal is between 1500/2000 Kyat and they have drought beer for 5000 Kyat.
• New Delhi (Indian Food), No. 274, Anawratha Road (Between 28th & Shwebontha Rd) Pabedan Township. Real and cheap Indian food. Amazing and huge Thali and delicious Thosai. A meal is around 2.000 KS. The restaurant is 30 minutes by walk from Sleep Inn Hostel.

 
What to visit:

• Shwedagon Pagoda (8.000 Kyat Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 10:00 pm), is a must do in Yangon. It is located 30 minutes by walk from the hostel;
• Inya Lake, the largest lake in the city, recently renovated its shoreline. Some parts of Inya Lake's shorelines are accessible by foot, and are known for their gardens.

 
BAGAN
Bagan is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The Bagan cultural authority has introduced a single 5-day pass to the Cultural Zone for US$ 15/15 EUR or 16,000 kyat. Since the USD is the best value of those options, it is best to bring the required amount in USD before arriving. The are many ways to get around the temple, the cheapest and funniest way is to rent a E-bike (electronic bicycle) for 6.000 KS per day or 4.000 KS for half day. You may get a better deal on a multi-day rental. These are a good option if you want to cover more distance or carry heavy gear like a camera, which is not necessarily pleasant on a pedal bike, especially for the wheatear condition in Bagan, which is most of the year really hot and dry. All temple signs are written in Burmese. Only a selected few are in English, and if there is, it's written at the back of the sign. Buy a map of the area and get lost in this beautiful medieval atmosphere.
 
Where to sleep:
Mya Thida Hotel, school street, New Bagan ($ 30 for a double A/C room included breakfast). The WIFI it is really slow, but everywhere in Bagan is barely possible to use internet. It is well located, close to the temples.
 
Where to eat:
Food corner
 
What to visit:

• Thisa-Wadi, good temple for sunrise/sunset. It was our favourite because is not touristic and you can be by yourself enjoying the amazing view;
• Ananda, Bagan's holiest temple, built by the third king, Kyan-zit-tha in 1091. Ananda comes from the Pali word "anantapannya", which means "boundless wisdom". The temple houses four Buddhas facing the cardinal directions, which represent the four Buddhas who have attained Nirvana. The fifth, Maitreya, is yet to appear. This is the most important temple in all of Bagan. Location: Left side on the southern stretch of the Bagan-Nyaung Oo Rd. just before the road heads to Tharaba Gate of Old Bagan;
• Shwe-Sun-Daw Pagoda, This is the "sunset temple" (but also good for sunrise and less crowded  in the morning), where foreign and Burmese tourists alike gather every evening to view the spectacular Bagan sunset. Get here early, as the top levels are small and space is scarce. There are many peddlers around the temple selling T-shirts, drinks and souvenirs. The climb up is a reasonably easy 5 minute walk up a flight of stairs, but the steps get narrower and steeper near the top;
• Su-la-ma-ni Pahto - Nearby Dhamma Yangyi, but even more impressive since of the same architectural style but even better preserved;
• View tower in Aureum Palace Resort (entrance fee $5), it is a new modern construction, inside a resort, but it is the highest view point in the area;
• Toyoke Pyay;
• Sin- Byu- Shin complex;
• Lay myet Hnar complex.

 
How to get to Inle Lake (Nyaun Shwe):

• By a private bus, leaving at 7.30 am and arriving at 4pm, for the cost of 11.000 KS

INLE LAKE
Inle Lake is a shallow lake in the middle of Myanmar, south-east of Mandalay. The lake is 22km long, and is densely inhabited by many different tribes. Since 1st of October 2013, a tourist tax of 10 USD it is apply when you enter in the area.  Can be pay in Euro (10€) or in Kyat (10000K). The tax is collected at a toll post while driving into town.  Nyaung Shwe, is a nice town where to be close by the lake.  It is to spend there a week because the country side and landscape are beautiful and there are many nice restaurant where to go and interesting place where to hang out.  Many bike rentals are also available for 1000-1500 Kyats per day, great for also touring the surroundings. There are also two ATM available in the town.
 
Where to sleep:
Mingalar Inn (double fan room  $20 included a huge breakfast, double A/C new room $60)
Phuang Daw Pyan Rd, Mingalar Quarter, Nyaungshwe (next to the main pagoda in town).
The staff is friendly, and they speak good English and they are very helpful. Rooms are large and clean with hot water showers. Huge breakfasts every morning (including eggs, plates of fruits, toasts, pancakes, juice, tea, and coffee)and their daily welcome fresh lemon juice is also famous. Staff organize boat trips and travel arrangements. WIFI is available and it is pretty good for Myanmar standard. Staff was among the loveliest in Myanmar. They also sell bus tickets at among the lowest prices in Nyaung Shwe .
 
 
Where to eat:

• Star flower, it is an Italian restaurant that makes good fresh handmade pasta;
• The French touch, good for pizza (a bid one for 2 people is 10.000KS) and for the nice vibe and beautiful photos on the walls. Every night at 7.30 pm they show a documentary-movie about the lake made from the French owner photographer and film maker;
• Beyond taste, it is a nice and relaxing venue, serving tasty international food and the service is professional.
• Diamond Indian Restaurant, serves traditional Indian food. The service is slow but is because they make everything from fresh and the curries are delicious.

 
What to visit:

• The Lake, a boat trip on the lake is a must do. Unfortunately, it is also one of the biggest tourist traps in Myanmar, because you may visit up to 6 workshops (i.e. shops) on a half-day tour. Most of the workshops are only set up for tourists. However, if you inform your boatman that you do not want to visit any one in particular, they will skip it. Day tours (8 hours) can buy from tour agents or hotels and guesthouses around the town 18,000 kyat  per boat (4 people) or 21.000 kyat per boat (6 people). To hire the boat at the pier may be cheaper and more flexible, only the top half of the lake (10.000 kyat for half day tour, 12.000kyat for half day tour + floating market) or including the south of the lake (recommended!) (15.000 kyat). If you hang out at the pier, close to Gypsy Inn, many boat drivers will approach you. Most asked 15000 for the trip, 18000 if we left early enough to see the sunrise on the lake (highly recommended!).
• Red winery, if you drink wine or not this is a place to visit to have a great view of the country side at sunset. It is 30 minutes bicycle from the town;
• Hot springs

 
How to get to Yangon:

• By bus leaving at 6pm and arriving at 6am at Aung Mingalar Bus (1 hour away from downtown) for the cost of 13.000KS;
• Once you are at the bus station you can get many others buses going to Golden Rock, Bago’, Hpa An (5.000/9.000KS 7.30AM-2PM)…

 
HPA AN
Hpa An is a picturesque and laid back town/village and it is the capital of Karen (Kayin) State. Not many tourists come here, especially during the rain season, so it is a great opportunity to see the real part of Myanmar and enjoying the cultural side of it. Locals are so kind and honest , you can make some friends and many of them are ready to help in case you need it.  Unfortunately not many people speak English, but for a hand it makes everything more exciting. Me and my partner have spent in this little town 10 days, because we just felt in love with the way of living here. Around Hpa An, the landscape and mountains are stunning and it is plenty of  natural pool where to swim, rural villages to visit, natural caves and Pagodas to explore. Rent a motorbike (8.000 KS per day, plus petrol 1Lt per 1.000 KS), enjoy the scenic and dramatic country side and get lost in this beautiful corner of paradise. Every day will be a new adventure!
 
Where to sleep:
Than Lwin OO guesthouse (11.000 KS for a fan double room, no breakfast – 16.000 KS for A/C double room no breakfast), it is a basic but clean and nice guesthouse in a perfect location. Away from the noise of the market and close to anything you may need. The WIFI connection is pretty good to be in Myanmar. Friendly staff and they know people to rent motorbikes. They also have a drown map of the area which is really handy if you rent a motorbike and you like to explore places by your own.
 
Where to eat:

• White, it is located next to the clock tower,  it is a local restaurant/tea place, run by a lovely family. From 5am to 8am and from 6pm to 8 am they do NAAN/DAL and other kind of Indian bread and snacks. You can have also fried noodles or rice. Meal is around 2.000 KS;
• Khit Thin restaurant, it is a nice and cheap restaurant, where most of tourist go;
• Lucky 1,it is just in front of Khit Thin and it serves more or less the same selection of food but it is a little bit more expensive.

 
What to visit:
During raining season most of the roads to get to the caves are not in good condition. If you rent a motorbike you have to be an experienced driver and feel comfortable driving a manual old bike. Go slowly, don’t panic and have fun! The of some of the cave will be flooded, so you need to be ready to walk into the water for 500 mt or to get a cheap boat. Bring always a torch with you to explore inside the dark caves. We really enjoy to visit the area in this period because every day is an adventure and you will be the only one there, able to feel and enjoy the spiritual and mysterious atmosphere.

• Shweyinmyan Pagoda, located 5 minutes by walk from Than Lwin OO guesthouse has a nice view over the river and it is good for the sunset;
• Kan Thar Yar Lake, located 15 minutes by walk from Hpa An, is a nice spot where to relax and watch the sunset with at the background the sacred  Mt. Zwe-ka-bin;
• Strand road-river front, 5 minutes walking from the town, it is a nice place where to have a walk or drinking a beer;
• The market, it is a real traditional market, good for shopping and to buy fruits and veg;
• Kyat-Ka-Lat (Chalk-galap), it is a nice pagoda at the top of two rocks in the middle of a lake facing the sacred mountain. There is not entrance fee;
• Mt. Zwe-ka-bin, is called also the sacred mountain. It is a magical place! It is an impressive beauty of the nature. You can climb up stairs into the forest to get at the top Pagoda. It could take between 2/4 hours (depend of how fast you are) to go up and 2 hours to go down. There is not entrance fee. In raining season could be really slippery and not safe to do it. Most of the monks leaving at the top monastery don’t go down during this period of the year. Of course we didn’t know that and we did it with the rain. We could not reach the pagoda. We went up the mountain but not to the end because of the weather condition. If you plan to see the sunset bring some torch with you for the return, because the path is not illuminated;
• Kawt-Ka-Thaung cave, is famous for the standing monks statues and for the local swimming pool (free)close by, where many locals and tourist go to refresh and to eat in a nice restaurant on the water;
• Ya-Thay-Pyan cave, is an elegant cave into a limestone mountain, where a special monk leave in a little house by himself. There is not entrance fee, but is good to leave a donation. We were so lucky to be guided by the monk into the cave , all the way to the other side of the mountain, and it was possible to enjoy of a stunning view over the country side. Many beautiful statues at the entrance and friendly monkeys;
• Bayin-nyi cave, during the raining season you need to get a boat (1.000 KS return) to get to it but there is not entrance fee. The monastery at the bottom is really nice and a community of monks leaves there. Monkey will welcoming  you at the entrance of the cave. And into the cave…good luck with the bats! ;-)
• Sadan Cave, during raining season the area close by is flooded and you have to walk for 10/15 minutes into the water up
• Bat cave (lenu’ gu), is a small cave that cannot be entered but you can go there for sunset when, literally, hundreds of thousands of bats fly out. They are said to be flying all the way to Mawlalmyine to feed and come back every morning. The cave is part of a complex of a few pagodas, one on top of the rock, accessible by a steep ladder, with amazing views over the river and the bridge. There is an old couple who live there with some kids. Consider making a small donation for them to take care of the place. When the bats start flying out, they start beating drums (actually jerry cans) so that the bats make interesting patterns in flight. It is possible to go there by bicycle but make sure you have sufficient front and back lights for coming back in the dark. To get there, follow the road out of Hpa An, as if going towards Yangon (not Mawlamyine), then across the big road bridge, follow the road for a couple of hundred meters and then make a sharp right turn on a dirt track back down to the river into a village. Follow the main street in this village for 200 m and you will see a gate to a monastery. Ask your guesthouse to write down for you "bat cave" in Burmese so you can ask directions.