MYANMAR Capital: Naypyidaw Language: Burmese Population: 60.1 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours Currency: Riel (KHR) Electricity: 230V/50Hz Fun Facts Burma was officially named Myanmar in 1989 by the regime in power at the time. Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. It is somewhat smaller than Texas. Often referred to as The Golden Land due to the number of pagodas covered in gold Myanmar is endowed with a rich ecological diversity, an important national asset. Here, you will find about 100 bird species, 300 reptiles, 7,000 species of plant life and 300 recorded mammal species. The Irrawaddy River in Myanmar is believed to be a symbol of continuity. Myanmar rewards travellers with fascinating ancient treasures and iconic views of life along the peaceful Irrawaddy River. With more than 90% of the Burmese population following the Buddhist religion, it s not surprisingly to see the graceful form of the pagoda as a natural part of the landscape. Yangon Formally known as Rangoon, Yangon is the country s largest and most urban city and former capital until 2006. With a downtown of faded colonial charm, the streets are perfect for taking a walking tour of the city s famous and historic landmarks, including the High Court, City Hall, Central Railway Station and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Yangon is home to the stunning Swhwedagon Pagoda considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in the world. It s decorated with 1,485 gold and silver bells, 5,448 diamonds, and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. In the center sits an enormous emerald that catches the first and last rays of light and at the very top is a golden orb that holds up a single, incredible 76-carat diamond. Bagan It is estimated that between the 9th and 13th centuries more than 13,000 temples, monasteries and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city of Bagan. While many of these structures have been lost over time, 2,300 still stand today, making this one of the world s greatest archaeological sites. A visit to Dhammayangyi delights as the best preserved monument throughout the Bagan Archaeological Zone. In addition, the Ananda, known for its beauty, is said to have been built as a replica of a legendary Himalayan cave temple that had been described by monks to the King. Don't miss a spectacular sunrise or sunset from atop one of the temples. Other highlights include the local handicraft market and lacquer workshop where artisans use age old techniques to make stunning works of art and function. Mandalay Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and the last royal capital before the British came to rule in 1885. No trip to Mandalay is complete without a visit to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the only building from former King Mindon s Golden City to survive the bombing of World War II. Piece by piece, it was dismantled and moved to its current location and offers a glimpse into life before the British invasion. Mahmuni Pagoda is the most revered shrine in the city and where locals and visitors (sorry men only) can place gold leaf on the Buddha statue. It is estimated that the gold leaf added through the years measures nearly six inches thick. A
short trip away is the famous U Bein Bridge, three-quarter-mile-long teak bridge used by hundreds of locals daily who walk the 15 minutes to cross it by foot on their way to and from work. Inle Lake Inle Lake, surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains, is the lifeblood for thousands of Burmese who make their living off the lake. Stilted houses dot the shoreline and the local Intha use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine, and more. The gardens are made from weeds lashed together and mud from the lake bottom, then anchored using bamboo poles, allowing them to rise and fall with the lake s water levels. This picturesque setting is ideal for a little rest and relaxation. Ngapali Beach Touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, Ngapali (pronounced Napally ) Beach, off the coast of the Bay of Bengal, promises white sands, lush palm trees, and crystal blue water. It s been said that it was named after the Italian city of Naples. While the beach offers a perfect setting for relaxing in the sun, those who d like to be more active have a wide range of water activities to choose from including fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and more. If staying on land is more your style, why not rent a bike and visit some of the nearby villages? Irrawaddy River The Irrawaddy, the Country s largest river, courses more than 1,300 miles through the center of the country and forms the historical, cultural and economic heart of Myanmar. From its glacial origins in the soaring Himalayas, it meanders peacefully through jungle-shrouded highlands and sun-seared plains to its mangrove-dotted delta at the Andaman Sea. All along the river captivating panoramas, bustling river activity, and encounters with local people provide a unique and memorable experience. Villagers make candy from the sap of the toddy palm tree, and huge 50-gallon pots, often referred to as Martaban pots, have played an important part in Asia s maritime trade for centuries. Interact with monks at a monastery and children at a village school, Learn more about daily life along the river at a local farmer s home and by simply strolling through a local market. VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation. A visa for your visit to Myanmar is necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Myanmar. In general going through a visa service is more expensive but offers convenience and peace of mind. If you choose to go this route, we recommend contacting CIBT our preferred partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure. You can visit the CIBT website at www.cibtvisas.ca please enter the Globus Family of Brands account number on the CIBT website which is: Globus Family of Brands Account # 73121 Or call 1-866-566-8472 for additional information Please check your itinerary carefully and make sure that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you leave on your vacation. If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, you must consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. CIBT may be able to assist you with this process. All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expiration date carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you
and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry your passport with you at all times. COUNTRY CODES The country code for Myanmar is 95. When calling to Myanmar from overseas, dial your international access code (011 from the US/Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone numbers in Myanmar are 6-9 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 95 ### ### ###. CURRENCY The symbol for the Myanmar Kyat is K Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 Kyat Coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 Kyat As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have difficulties with your preferred method of payment. US dollars are accepted at most hotels and attractions in Myanmar. When paying with US dollars it is important to note that change may be given in the local currency. US dollars are also accepted in some souvenir shops and markets in and around Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay, but in many cases small purchases such as food and souvenirs will need to be made in the local currency, the Myanmar Kyat (chat). ATMs are a convenient way to obtain money in Yangon, and they are fairly accessible in cities such as Bagan and Mandalay. Please check with your bank prior departing home to make sure you will have access as there are more restrictions in Myanmar than in other countries. In smaller towns, ATMs are not readily available or available at all. Due to this, it is advised that travelers either withdraw the needed funds during visits in the larger cities or bring the money needed from home to be exchanged. It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition as some merchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old. Also ensure they are the latest design with the large portraits and subtle background colours. Older bills may be refused. For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency. Credit Cards Major credit cards are accepted at most international hotels, larger shops, and tourist restaurants but in many cases you will need to use cash. Visa and MasterCard are the most accepted. Traveler's checks Although a secure means of carrying money, traveler's checks unfortunately are becoming very hard to use. Due to this we recommend you plan on using cash and credit cards only. Bank Hours: Myanmar: Mon. - Fri. Sat. - Sun. 9:30 am - 3 pm Closed
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel. The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is 1,300 Kyat. An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately 7,000 Kyat. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately 17,000 Kyat. Shopping Prices are as marked in department stores, though in markets it is customary to barter. Start negotiating with an offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price. Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges are hardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country. TIPPING Tipping is not customary in Myanmar but is becoming more common in tourist areas. It is not customary to tip table staff at local restaurants. If you choose to do so it is at your discretion. For a taxi, tips are not expected but we suggest you pre-negotiate the price before getting in. and then round up the fare as tip. Tipping hotel staff for bar or room service is at your discretion but if you choose to we recommend 1,300 Kyat at the most (not including porterage which is included). ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS Voltage for outlets is 220-240V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Some, but not all, hotels feature multi-region outlets that accept different types of plugs. Due to this, for dual voltage electronics, we still recommend you bring an adapter. If you have single voltage electronics (110V) a converter is also required. Bathroom outlets are usually for razors only. The outlets look like: TEMPERATURES The climate in Myanmar is dominated by monsoons. Yangon is hot year round and hardest hit by the monsoons. Bagan, Mandalay & the North have a wider range of temperatures and significantly less rain than Yangon. A few general guidelines:
Yangon: Warm with some cool evenings between November and February Hot/dry between December and April Hot/wet between May and August. Hot with decreasing rains between September and October Bagan, Mandalay & the North: Hot/warm with some cool evenings between November and February Hot in March and April Hot with some rain between May and October. To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures. Yangon Mandalay Bhamo Bagan Ngapali Beach Inle Lake January 18/32 C 12/31 C 18/24 C 13/25 C 10/23 C 7/22 C February 19/34 C 15/33 C 12/28 C 13/27 C 10/23 C 8/24 C March 22/36 C 19/34 C 16/31 C 15/30 C 11/23 C 11/27 C April 24/37 C 23/35 C 19/34 C 18/30 C 15/25 C 16/29 C May 25/33 C 25/36 C 23/34 C 20/30 C 18/26 C 17/27 C June 24/30 C 26/37 C 24/32 C 19/27 C 19/27 C 18/25 C July 24/29 C 26/36 C 24/31 C 18/26 C 18/26 C 18/24 C August 24/29 C 24/36 C 24/31 C 18/26 C 16/23 C 18/24 C September 24/31 C 23/34 C 21/32 C 18/25 C 13/25 C 17/24 C October 24/32 C 22/34 C 21/32 C 17/25 C 14/26 C 16/24 C November 22/32 C 18/33 C 16/27 C 16/26 C 12/25 C 11/23 C December 19/32 C 17/31 C 11/24 C 13/25 C 12/26 C 8/22 C To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply by 2, then add 30. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation. FOOD SPECIALTIES Burmese cuisine is characterized by the extensive use of fish products such as fish sauce and ngapi (fermented seafood). It has also been influenced by its Indian, Chinese and Thai neighbors. Mohinga (rice noodle and fish soup) is a traditional breakfast dish considered by many to be the Country s national dish. Seafood is common in coastal cities, while meat and poultry are more commonly used in landlocked cities such as Mandalay. The Burmese also enjoy a variety of salads that focus on one major ingredient (from rice noodles and potato to lahpet (pickled tea leaves) and tomato) for their balance of flavor and presentation. Dishes are primarily mild and dipping sauces are served with peppers for those who want a spicier dish. Drinking Water Tap water is generally not safe to drink. For sightseeing and excursions, bottled water may be included; otherwise we recommend you bring bottled water with you from your hotel. Bottled water is also common in restaurants.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE Try not to point with your feet. In the company of monks or elders never cross your legs. Do not touch people on the head or upper body. When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come here' motion; instead turn the hand round so that your palm flaps down towards yourself. Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather smile and nod away. Ladies should never sit down next to a monk. Shorts and skirts should be longish (below the knee) for both sexes and it is okay to expose arms. Smoking is common in Asia so locals tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking around others and often ignore non-smoking signs. A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE Burmese (transliteration) Good morning/day: mingalabar, Good evening: mengla nya nay khin ba, Hi: Min g alar par, Please: Kyeizu pyu yue, Thank you: Kyeizu tin ba de, You're welcome: Ya be de, Yes: ho keh, No: Ma ho bu, Do you speak English? In glei za ga go pyaw thet de la?, I don't understand: na: ma leh bu:, How much? Be lau le:?, 1:ti, 2: hni, 3: thone:, 4: lei:, 5: nga:, 6: hchau, 7: hkun/hkun-ni, 8: hyi, 9: ko:, 10: ta-hseh/ hseh, Where is...?...beh hma leh:?, Bathroom: ain-ta, Coffee: ka pi, Last Updated 1/2/17