Myanmar is a must see destination, not just for the adventurous who want to be "different" Nor merely the curious political junkies out to seek an answer to what is this closed country really about. Myanmar is simply stunningly gorgeous and a very appealing vacation. Yangon is like no other city anywhere. Bustling, tropical, colonial with a focal point being the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. A must see at sunset the Pagoda is a blend carnival, spiritual mecca. Bagan, situated on a vast Asian savanna is situated on a dry plateau with over 4000 temples, shrines and stupas dating back over 1000 years. For beach, Ngapali Beach is virgin white-sand, wide and unspoiled. The Aureum Palace is high end luxe at very moderate prices, a great value, with gorgeous accommodations in a tropical jungle garden setting. Food in Myanmar is generally excellent and a fusion of cultures.

LANGUAGES

Speaking languages

● Official language: Burmese

● Foreign languages: English, Chinese, Mandarin, Indian.

● The most popular languages for tourist guides: English, Chinese.

Dialects

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese (known by the government as Myanmar). A few percent of Burmese pronunciation is derived from the ancient language of Pali (at the time of the Buddha), however the language is a Sino-Tibetan language related to Chinese and hence tonal (word pitch matters) and analytic (most words are one syllable long). It is written using the Burmese script, based on the ancient Pali script. Bilingual signs (English and Burmese) are available in most tourist spots. Numbers often are also written in Burmese script.

There are also many other ethnic groups in Myanmar such as the Mon, Shan, Pa-O and many others who continue to speak their own languages. There is also a sizeable ethnic Chinese community mostly of Yunnan descent, most visible in the city of Mandalay, and many of whom speak Mandarin. Some areas are also home to various ethnic Indian communities who continue to speak various Indian languages. However, with the exception of the elderly, it is rare to find any locals who do not speak Burmese.

Myanmar is a former British colony, and as a result - and because English is still compulsory in kindergartens and primary schools - many Burmese understand at least some rudimentary English. Most well-educated upper class Burmese are fluent in English, while in the main cities like Yangon and Mandalay, many locals will know enough English for basic communication. Hotel and airline staff, as well as people working in the tourism industry generally speak an acceptable level of English. You may find more English spoken in Myanmar than in Thailand.

Common Phrases

● Hello Min ga la ba

● Goodbye Thwa dau me

● Thank you Kyeizu tin ba de

● I don’t understand Kya-nau na ma ley bu

● Help! Keh-ba

● How much is it? Diha balao leh?

● Yes Ho de

● No Ma ho bu

● Do you speak English? In glei za ga go pyaw thet de la?

● Sorry Saw-re-be

CURRENCY

Official currency in Myanmar: Kyat (pronounced chat, and abbreviated K) is divided into the following banknotes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500 and K1000.

The currency of choice in Myanmar is the US$ nationwide, though you can readily also exchange Euros in Yangon and Mandalay but perhaps not beyond. Other options are the Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Thai baht (THB). The best rates are in Yangon and Mandalay.

Travellers should ensure to bring a mix of US$ denominations because money changers will not give change and 20/10/5/1-dollar notes are useful for some entry fees and transportation.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Cash

Many guesthouses and hotels quote prices in US dollars. These places usually accept kyat, but at a slightly disadvantageous rate (perhaps a difference of K50 or K100 to the dollar). Some hotels, shops and government ferry clerks give change in kyat or with torn US bills that you can’t use elsewhere in Myanmar. If you’re counting pennies, bring lots of small dollar bills – ones, fives and 10s – and use them to pay for your hotel.

Government-run services (such as archaeological sites, museums and ferries) and flights are paid for in US dollars or FEC notes, not euros.

Items such as meals, bus tickets, trishaw or taxi rides, bottles of water or beer and market items are usually quoted in Kyat.

Any amounts over $2000 per person are supposed to be declared upon arrival.

Don’t expect to change any rumpled, torn US dollar bills. Money changers accept only crisp, clean bills, and tend to only take the ‘new’ US dollar bills (with the larger full-frame heads).

Travellers cheques

Travellers cheques are not accepted in Myanmar. The only exception might be some especially shady money changer, but be prepared to pay an astronomical commission (30% is not uncommon).

Credit Cards

After lifted EU and US sanctions, some hotel and restaurant start accepted credit cards since February 2013. Visa Card is more common to use than Master Card. You can also take out cash from ATMs. For Visa card, you can take out from KBZ bank and for master card from CB bank.

ATM machines

Myanmar is only just starting to introduce ATMs, and even then only in Yangon and major tourist hubs. Currently these should not be relied upon, and travellers should bring enough US dollars to cover their entire trip when they enter Myanmar.

TIME & WORKING HOURS

● Government offices: 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM. Monday to Friday

● Business offices: 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Monday to Friday and 09:30 AM to 12:00PM. Saturday and Sunday.

● Shops: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM or later. 7 days a week.

● Restaurants: 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM. 7 days a week.

● Post offices: 09:30 AM to 03:30 PM. Monday to Friday

TIMEZONE GMT+6:30

TELEPHONE

International phone calls can be arranged at the Central Telephone & Telegraph Office at the corner of Ponsodan and Mahabandoola Streets in Yangon. International Direct Dial calls are also available at most hotels and at many public call offices (often a phone in a shop), but they are expensive. The only mobile telephone network is the MPT GSM network provided by the Myanmar Government's Post and Telecommunication agency. This works on the GSM900 band, so is visible to multi-band GSM phones. However, MPT has no international roaming arrangements, so manual attempts to connect to the network are refused. If your own mobile telephone can detect the MPT GSM network, then you may be able to buy a US$20 SIM card which will work for 28 days.

Police	199
Fire	191
Emergency medical services	199
Country code	95
Mandalay	2
Yangon (Rangoon)	1
Bassein	42
Dawei	59
Hpa-An	58
Mawlamyine	57
Monywa	71
Myeik	59
Prome	53
Thaton	57

INTERNET

Internet is now widely and cheaply available in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, but more limited elsewhere. However access is very slow and many sites are inaccessible. Rates are around 300 kyat/hour in Yangon and 1000-3000 kyat/hour elsewhere. Some hotels, although rare, allow free access to the internet.

MAIL

International mail out of Myanmar is reportedly quite efficient. As elsewhere, there is always a risk if you send valuables as ordinary parcels.

A hotel in Yangon has claimed postcards mailed in the country had less than a 1 % chance of being delivered abroad, though this is contradicted by the experiences of many visitors.

Webmail: most free webmail providers are blocked, however many Internet cafés circumvent this - jot down the workaround in case it's still unknown in the next café you visit. If one Internet café can't connect you, the next one probably will the next day. As of January 2012, Hotmail , Yahoo Gmail are available now.

TRANSPORT

Airlines flying to/from Myanmar

Myanmar Airways International	China Airlines	Air Asia
Bangkok Airways	Silk Air	Asiana Airlines
Thai Airways International	Jetstar	Qatar Airways
Malaysia Airlines	China Southern Airlines	Mandarin Airlines
Air Bagan	China Eastern Airlines	Indian Airlines Limited
Air India	Vietnam Airlines	Air China

While in Myanmar

You can travel throughout the country by:

● Plane: There are also three privately owned airlines serving the main domestic routes in Myanmar. They are Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways. While more expensive, they are a safer option and would get you to all the main tourist destinations from Yangon or Mandalay.

● Train: Myanmar has an extensive but ancient rail network. Trains are slow, noisy, often delayed, have frequent electrical blackouts, and toilets are in abysmal sanitary condition. Still, a journey on a train is a great way to see the country and meet people.

● Boat: There is a large river ferry network. Both are to a large extent run by the government, although there are now some private ferry services. The trip from Mandalay to Bagan takes the better part of a day, from Bagan to Yangon is several days.

● Bus: Buses of all types ply the roads of Myanmar. Luxury (relatively speaking) buses do the Mandalay-Yangon run while lesser vehicles can get travellers to other places. Fares are reasonable and in Kyat and for the budget traveller, there is no other option because of the high price of train tickets for foreign nationals. Many long distance buses assign seats so it is best to book seats at least a day in advance.

● Bike: In Yangon, riding motorcycles and bicycles is illegal. Mandalay's streets, on the other hand, are filled with both.

● Car: You can hire a private car and driver at reasonable rates to tour independently.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Independence Day	4 January
Union Day	12 February
Peasants' Day	2 March
Full Moon of Tabaung	7 March ***
Armed Forces Day	27 March
Maha Thingyan (Water Festival)	13–16 April
Myanmar New Year	17 April
Labour Day	1 May
Full Moon of Kason (Buddha's Birthday)	5 May ***
Martyrs' Day	19 July
Full Moon of Waso (Beginning of Buddhist Lent)	2 August ***
Full Moon of Thadingyut (End of Buddhist Lent)	30 October ***
Full Moon of Tazaungmone	28 November ***
National Day	8 December
Christmas Day	25 December

*** : determined by the traditional Myanmar calendar.

EMBASSIES & GENERAL CONSULATE IN MYANMAR

Australian Embassy in Rangoon, Myanmar

Australian Embassy in Burma (Myanmar)

88 Strand Road

Rangoon (Yangon)

Burma (Myanmar)

● City: Rangoon

● Phone: +95 1 251810, 251809, 246462, 246463 , Emergency: +61 2 6261 3305

● Fax: +95 1 246159

● Website: http://www.burma.embassy.gov.au/

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: The Embassy will be open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays. The Visa office is open for counter enquiries from 9:30am to 12 noon and telephone enquiries from 1pm to 4pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays.

Bangladeshi Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Bangladesh in Yangon, Myanmar

56 Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd.

P.O. Box 70

● City: Yangon

● Phone: +95 1 51174

Bruneian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Brunei Darussalam Embassy in Myanmar

No 317/319 , U Wisara Road

Bahan Township

Sanchaung Township

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (951) 526985 / (951) 524285

● Fax: (951) 512 854/ 527165

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: 0830 - 1230 hrs 1330 - 1630 hrs Monday - Friday

Cambodian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Cambodia in Yangon, Myanmar

No. 34, Kaba Aye Pagoda,

Road Bahan Township,

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (951) 54 96 09

● Fax: (951) 54 14 62

● Email: [email protected]

Canadian Embassy in (Burma), Myanmar

Union of Myanmar

15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Road

Bangkok, Thailand

10500

● City: (Burma)

● Phone: (011-66-2) 636-0540

● +95 (1) 251-810 (Australian Embassy)

● Fax: (011-66-2) 636-0565

● +95 (1) 246-159 (Australi

● Details: The Government of Canada has no resident representation in Burma (Myanmar.) Services are offered through our Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. For consular services, please contact the Australian Embassy in Burma.

Chinese Consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar

Chinese Consulate General in Mandalay, Myanmar

Yadanar Lane, Yangyi Aung Road

Mandalay, Myanmar

● City: Mandalay

● Phone: 00952-34457

● 00952-34458

● 00952-35937

● Fax: 00952-35944

● Website: http://mandalay.chineseconsulate.org

● Email: [email protected]

Chinese Embassy in Yangoon, Myanmar

No.1 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road

Yangon, Union of Myanmar

● City: Yangoon

● Phone: +95-1-221280

● +95-1-221281

● Fax: +95-1-227019

● Website: http://mm.china-embassy.org

● Email: [email protected]

Egyptian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Egypt in Myanmar

81, PYIDAUNGSU YEIKTHA ROAD, YANGON ,MYANMAR

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (00951)222886 - 222887 - Dir 222296

● Fax: (00951) 222865

French Embassy in Rangoon, Myanmar

Embassy of France in Rangoon, Benin

102 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road

BP 858

● City: Rangoon

● Phone: [95] (1) 212 520 / 523 / 528 / 530 / 532 ou 212 178

● Fax: [95] (1) 212 527

● Website: http://www.ambafrance-mm.org/

● Email: [email protected]

German Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, Myanmar

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Yangon, Myanmar

9 Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Township, Rangoon (Yangon) 11201

P.O Box 12, Rangoon (Yangon) 11181, Myanmar.

● City: Yangon, Myanmar

● Phone: (0095 1) 54 89 51 / (0095 1) 54 89 52

● Fax: (0095 1) 54 88 99

● Email: [email protected]

Indian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of India in Myanmar

No. 545-547

Merchant Street

P.O. Box No. 751,

● City: Yangon

● Phone: 00-95-1-240633, 243972

● Fax: 00-95-1-254086

● Website: http://www.indiaembassy.net.mm/

● Email: [email protected]

Indian Consulate in Myanmar, Myanmar

Consulate General of India in Mandalay, Myanmar

T-1/25, 65th Street

Corner of Ngu War Street

Chan Mya Thazi Township

Myothit-I

● City: Myanmar

● Phone: 00-95-2-80355

● Fax: 00-95-2-80366

● Email: [email protected]

Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Indonesia in Yangon, Myanmar

100 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road

Dagon Township

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (95-1) 254-465, 254-469

● Fax: (95-1) 254-468

● Email: [email protected]

Israeli Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Israel in Yangon, Myanmar

No. 15, Khabaung Road

Hlaing Township

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: 00 951 515115

● Fax: 00 951 515116

● Website: http://yangon.mfa.gov.il

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs

Italian Embassy in Rangoon, Myanmar

Embassy of Italy in Rangoon, Myanmar

3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley

● City: Rangoon

● Phone: +951 527 100

● Fax: +951 514 565

Japanese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Japan in Myanmar

No.100, Natmauk Road, Bahan Township

Yangon, Union of Myanmar

P.O.Box 841

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (95-1)549644~8

● Fax: (95-1)549643

● Website: http://www.mm.emb-japan.go.jp/

● Email: [email protected]

Lao or Laotian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Laos in Yangon, Myanmar

NA1 Diplomatic Quarters

Franser Road

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (+95 1) 22-482 or 27-445

● Fax: (+95 1) 27-446

Malaysian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, Myanmar

82, Pyidaungsu Yeikhta Road,

Yangon,

Union of Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: 00951-220248/220249

● Fax: 00951-221840

● Website: http://www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/yangon

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: Work day: Monday-Friday 0800-1600 hours Holiday: Saturday - Sunday

Nepalese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Nepal

P.O.Box 84

16 Natmauk Yeiktha

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (+95-1) 553168, 545880

● Fax: (+95-1) 549803

Nepalese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Nepal in Yangon, Myanmar

16, Natmauk Yeiktha

● City: Yangon

● Phone: 00951-545-880 / 00951-557-168

● Fax: 00951-549-803

● Email: [email protected]

Pakistani Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Pakistan in Yangon, Myanmar

A-4, Diplomatic Quarters,

P.O. Box 581, Pyay Road,

● City: Yangon

● Phone: +95-1-222881

● Fax: +95-1-221147

● Email: [email protected]

Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of the Philippines in Yangon, Myanmar

No. 50 Saya San Road

Yangon, UNION OF MYANMAR

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (951) 558-149 to 151

● Fax: 00-951-558-154

● Website: http://www.philembassy-yangon.com

● Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

● Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

● Details: H.E. (Ms.) MA. HELLEN M. BARBER Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Russian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Russia in Yangon, Myanmar

38 Sagawa Road, Dagon Township,

Yangon, the Union of Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (+ 95-1) 241-955, 254-161

● Fax: (+ 95-1) 241-953

● Website: http://www.rusembmyanmar.org

● Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Serbian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Serbia in Myanmar

114-A Inya Road

P O Box 943

● City: Yangon

● Phone: +95-1-515282 / +95-1-515283

● Fax: +95-1-504274

● Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Singaporean Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Singapore in Yangon, Myanmar

238 Dhamazedi Road

Bahan Township

Yangon

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (95) 1 559001

● Fax: (95) 1 559002/ Visa Fax : (95) 1 559921

● Website: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/yangon

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: Operational Hours : Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visa Hours : Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Visa application) 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Visa collection) The Embassy is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Korean Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Yangon, Myanmar

97 Tetkatho Yeiktha Road

Bahan

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (+95-1) 527142/3/4

● Fax: (+95-1) 513286

Sri Lankan Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon, Myanmar

34 Tawwin Road

Yangon

Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (+95-1) 222812

● Fax: (+95-1) 221509

● Email: [email protected]

Sri Lankan Consulate in Yangon, Myanmar

Consulate of Sri Lanka in Yangon, Myanmar

No.34.Taw Win Road

PO Box 1150 Yangon

● City: Yangon

● Phone: +951-222-812

● Fax: +951-221-509

● Email: [email protected]

Swedish Consulate in Yangon, Myanmar

Honorary Consulate of Sweden, Yangon (Rangoon)

16/3 Inya Road

Ka-ma-yut Township

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: +95 (1) 50 40 68

● Email: [email protected],[email protected]

● Office Hours: Monday - Friday 09.30-12.30

Thai Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of Thailand in Myanmar

Royal Thai Embassy

No.94, Pyay Road,

Dagon Township Yangon

Union of Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: (951) 226-721, 226-728, 226-824

● Fax: (951) 221-713

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: Visa and Consular section : Application for Visa/Legalization 09.00-11.30 hrs. Collection of Visa / Legalization 14.00-17.00 hrs.

American Embassy in Rangoon, Myanmar

Embassy of the United States in Rangoon, Myanmar

110 University Ave

Kamayut Township

Rangoon, Myanmar

● City: Rangoon

● Phone: (95)-(1) 536-509, 535-756, 538-038

● Fax: (95)-(1)-511-069

● Website: http://burma.usembassy.gov/

● Email: [email protected], [email protected]

● Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (MON-FRI) except for Embassy Holidays

Vietnamese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar

Embassy of the S. R. of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar

Building No.70-72,

Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp,

Yangon, Myanmar

● City: Yangon

● Phone: 95-1- 511305 / 95-1- 501992

● Fax: 95-1- 514897

● Website: http://www.vietnamembassy-myanmar.org/

● Email: [email protected]

● Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 08.00 - 12.00; 13.00 - 16.30

WEATHER SUMMARY

Like most of South East Asia countries, Myanmar has 2 seasons - you can visit the country throughout the year. The dry season runs from October to May and the wet season runs from end of May to early October, when the south-west monsoon starts to blow. The early of wet season (April - June) usually bring intense heat (hottest of the year). The daily temperature may reach 40ºC (104ºF). The colder season start from October to February when it is cool in the foothills and highland areas, especially at night. The best time to visit Myanmar is November - February and this period becomes the busiest time when securing accommodation can become problematic. To avoid this crowded season you should go early in October or any time of the year.

Dry season

Wet season

From October to May.

Average temperatures: 28°C - 31°C

From November to February: very cool, the temperatures may reach 23°C - 28°C.

From April to June, the climate may reach temperatures of 40°C

Peak season: November - February

Festival & Events

● 5th October – 22nd October: Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival (Inle Lake).

● 17th October: In Dein Pagoda Festival (In Dein Pagoda, Inle Lake).

● 3rd – 10th November: Shwezigon Pagoda Festival (Bagan).

● 8th November: Po Win Taung Pagoda Festival (Monwya, Mandalay Region)

● 9th – 10th November: Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Festival (Kyaiktiyo, the Golden Rock)

● 10th – 18th November: Thanboddhay Pagoda Festival (Near Monwya, Mandalay Region).

● 2nd – 19th January: Ananda Temple Festival (Ananda Temple, Bagan).

● 4th – 18th February: Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Festival (Thanlyin, Syriam) &Maha Myat Muni Pogada (Mandalay).

● 14th – 19th March: Shwedagon Pagoda Festival (Yangon) & Kat Ku Pagoda Festival (Kat Ku Pagoda, near Taunggyi) &Shwezayan Pagoda Festival (Maymyo).

● 7th -18th April: Myanmar New Year, Thingyan (Water) Festival. Many shops will be closed for up to a week either side.

●11th April – 10th May: Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival (Bago).

From end of May to early October

South West monsoon.

Average temperatures: 26°C and 30°C

almost of Myanmar's annual rainfall.

Most of the beach resorts will be closed from mid-June to September.

The rainfall begins to peak from July.

Despite the heavy rainfall you can still visit Myanmar during this period.

Festival & Events

11th April – 10th May: Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival (Bago).

5th October – 22nd October: Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival (Inle Lake).

DOS AND DON'TS IN MYANMAR

DOs
- When you pass through in front of an elder people lower your head a little bit to show respect.
- Put off your footwears when you are entering pagoda and monasteries.
- Give due respect to the monks although you are not Buddhist.
- When addressing people, don’t leave out U (which stand for Mr) or Daw (which stand for Ms/Mrs)
- Show respect to monks, nuns, and novices (even if they are children).
- Take your meal only after elderly person has taken first, or leave the top past of the food for him and then start taking.
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Accept or give things with your right hand.
- In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent, nodding mean YES, and shaking head means NO.
- Drink only bottled water and soft drinks that haven’t been opened yet.
- Chinese food is common and suggested.
- Buy arts from authorized dealers only and get a certified receipt.
- Beware of cheats, swindlers, imposters.
- Stay away from narcotic drugs.
- Carry some medicines for diarrhea.
- Accept that facilities may not be the best.
- On trains, keep windows shut.
- Carry toilet paper in your bag.
- If driving, city speed limit is 30 mph. Drive on the right side.
- At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
- Avoid being a nuisance when taking photographs.
- Tread Buddha images with respect.
- Sit lower than a monk and elders.

DON’Ts
- Don’t offer your hand to shake hands, especially with a monk.
- Don’t hug or kiss in public.
- Don’t touch any adult on the head.
- Don’t step over any part of a person, as it is considered rude.
- Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
- Don’t drink tap water.
- Don’t leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box.
- Most Myanmar do not wear shoes in their homes. Take off when visiting.
- Don’t jay walk. Watch where you walk and what you step on.
- Do not give anything to the older people with only one hand.
- Avoid shouting or laughing in religion place.
- Tuck away your feet. Don’t point it toward the pagoda or a monk.
- Don’t play loud music in religion areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to listen to music.
- Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
- Don’t touch sacred objects with disrespect. Hold them in your right- hand, or with both hands.
- Don’t offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
- A woman should not touch a monk.

NGAPALI BEACH

Ngapali, which is supposed to be named by a homesick Italian, is a 3km white sandy beach fringed with palms on the beautiful Bay of Bengat. Reclining in the shade of a palm tree on such a soothing beach is incomparably pleasant experience. The turquoise water delivers a bounty of seafood and therefore this town can serve up some of the country’s best food. Bustling markets, thatched houses, cliff top pagodas....make this place a worthwhile “must see” destination.

Places of interest	Entertainment	Top eats and drinks
Pearl Island	Bird watching	Traditional sea foods
Fishing Village	Elephant Riding	Local spirits
Zalat Htone Island	Trekking	Myanmar Rose (a kind of local wine)
Kinmaw village	Swimming
Thandwe	Sailing
	Snorkeling
	Fishing
	Meditating

MON STATE

Mon State stands along the upper part of the Tanintharyi coastal strip with total area of 4,747 square miles. Holding in them are islands, hills, equatorial forests, crop land and plantations. Mawlamyine, the third largest city in Myanmar, is the capital of Mon State. The famous Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located north of Kyaikhto. Thaton is the capital of ancient Mon Kingdom, much earlier than Bagan. Mon State offers you many beautiful sea resorts such as Kyaikkami and Setse, a War Memorial in Thanbyuzayat, connected with the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Places of interest

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)

Thaton (Shwezayan Pagoda, Kyaikhtee Saung Pagoda)

Thanbyuzayat War Memorial - death railway

Satse and Kyaik-Kami

Belu-kyun (Belu island)

Mon State Cultural Museum

Mawlamyine’s Pagodas

RANGOON (YANGON)

Once called Yangon, Rangoon is the former capital of Myanmar and still retains much of its colonial characters. Although Rangoon’s infrastructure is undeveloped compared to those of other major cities in South East Asia, it has the largest number of colonial buildings in the region today. While many high-rise residential and commercial buildings have been constructed or renovated throughout downtown and Greater Yangon in the past two decades, most satellite towns that ring the city continue to be deeply impoverished.

In contrast to the gracious buildings in the downtown area and the old mansion in the diplomatic quarter is the magnificent Shwedagon pagoda, perhaps the most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various different shrines within the temple complex. No visits to Burma is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon.

Places of interest	Entertainment	Top eats and drinks
Shwedagon Paya	Meditating	Black Canyon Coffee
Bogyoke Aung San Market	Massage	Asian Foods
National Museum	VIsiting pagodas and museums	Western Foods
Chaukhtatgyi Paya		Mohinga (Burmese traditional food)
Mahasi Meditation Centre		Onnokauswe (Burmese traditional food)

SHAN STATE

Shan State is vast, untamed with rebel groups, warlords and drug dealers living in its mysterious mountains – largely unexplored. Don’t forget to visit Inle Lake- the main attraction, This vast and picturesque lake is situated in the hilly Shan State in the eastern part of Myanmar. Inle Lake, natural and unpolluted, is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Inthas, the native lake-dwellers. Moreover, floating villages, colorful daily floating market and Inle Spa are places worthy of visits. The festival of Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda in Inle Lake held during October is full of pageantry and colorful splendor.

Kalaw is a small peaceful village located in Shan State, and blends the influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures. There are not much to do and see here, except that the morning market is well worth a visit for its traditional lifestyle. Apart from that, Kalaw is better known as an excellent base for walking in the cool and picturesque mountains, blanketed in gnarled pine forests and bamboo groves. On longer treks it is possible to discover little-visited minority hill tribe villages.

Well off the beaten track and far from any road, the best way to explore the place is by trekking, spending nights in monasteries along the way. There are several routes available and the most challenging takes you from your starting point of Tha Yat Pu village near Kalaw to the crumbling temple complex of Indein, overlooking the shores of Inle Lake.

These simple overnight stays in local monasteries are fantastic, authentic experiences giving you a rare insight into a time-honoured way of life.

Places of interest	Entertainment	Top eats and drinks
Inle Lake	Canoeing	Laphet thote
Kalaw	Cycling	Shan Foods
	Walking
	Trekking
	Hiking

BAGAN

Gather all of Europe’s medieval cathedrals onto Manhattan island and throw in a whole lot more for good measure, and you’ll start to get a sense of the ambition of the temple-filled plain of Bagan. Rivaling the temples of Angkor for the crown of Southeast Asia’s most memorable sight, the 4400 temples here date from around the same period more than 800 years ago. Angkor’s individual temples may be more spectacular, but Bagan’s brilliance is in the wonderful collective views of stupa upon stupa dotting the plain. High season can get very busy, while low season allows some silence and solitude, although the vendors will usually track you down eventually.

About 50 kilometers from Bagan, Mount Popa is a volcano 1518 metres above sea level. This is one of the most mysterious destinations where you must see to cool down the heat from the lowland. Mount Popa is perhaps best known for the nearby stunningly picturesque Popa Taungkalat monastery atop an outcrop. Pilgrims have been visiting the shrine here for over 700 years, climbing 777 winding steps to pay their respects to realistic, carved figures, denoting ancient gods.

Places of interest	Entertainment	Top eats and drinks
Ananda Temple	Night Market + Carnival	Myanmar typical food
Shwesandaw Temple	Cycling	Traditional noodle soup: Onnokauswe
Shwe Zigon Temple	Touring by Horse Cart	Chinese-style dishes
Thatbyinnyu Temple	Sunset Boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River	Western foods
Shwegugyi Temple	Biking
Bupaya Stupa
Gawdaw Palin Temple
Bagan Archeological Museum
Dhamma Yangyi Temple
Palace Site
Mount Popa

MANDALAY

Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar. The city is centred around the Royal Palace, and has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks reside in Mandalay and surrounding areas), and its cultural diversity.

Places of interest	Entertainment	Top eats and drinks
Maha Myat Muni Paya	Climbing Mandalay Hill	Shan State Foods
Shwe Kyi Myin Paya	Moustache Brothers show	Muslim Chinese noodles
Sandamuni Paya	Puppet Show	Htou moun
Kuthodaw Paya	Classical Dance show	Western foods
Shwenandaw Monastery	Boating to Mingun	Chinese dishes
Mandalay Hill	Motorcycle Tour	Burmese typical foods
Royal Palace	Nylon Ice Cream Bar
Waterfall Hill	Golden Coffee Shop

HOW TO GET A VISA FOR MYANMAR
Foreigners must have a visa sticker in their passport obtained in advance before they enter Myanmar. Although there is an option for crossing the land border from Thailand, the temporary visa issued is valid for only the day and does not allow you to leave the border area.
Travelers to Myanmar have two options: apply for a Myanmar visa in their home countries, or apply for a Myanmar visa in China or South East Asia.
Due to international sanctions against Myanmar's regime government, there are no flights between Western countries and Myanmar. Many travelers opt to apply for a Myanmar visa at the embassy in Bangkok, then grab a cheap flight from Bangkok to Yangon.

THE MYANMAR VISA
Since February 2011 a same-day visa can be issued at the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok. To get the visa the same day you must tell the visa window that you are leaving tomorrow and bring a photocopy of your airline ticket or emailed itinerary. They will issue your visa later that same day by 3:30PM and it is valid starting the day it was issued.
While ASEAN and PRC nationals may have had visa-free access in the past, the Myanmar Embassy in Singapore declares that "all nationalities" must obtain visas before travel (9 April 2008). Some additional restrictions, requirements or conditions may be applied to applications - reports have included a need for a detailed itinerary, a detailed job history, etc. be prepared for some unusual questions (either on the forms, or from the Consulate staff) when applying for your visa. Though not explicitly stated, it has been reported that the authorities only allow one trip to the country every 6 months.
Myanmar has announced the resumption of Visa On Arrival (VOA) starting in June 2012 for several countries including all ASEAN member states, the EU and the USA. The following categories of VOA are available: BUSINESS VISA, valid up to 70 days upon entry; ENTRY VISA (Meetings/Workshops/Events) valid up to 28 days upon entry; TRANSIT VISA valid up to 24 hours upon entry. Ensure you check the embassy website for the specific details. Note, that according to the Myanmar government website there is no VOA for tourists, however Myanmar Airways claim that VOA is now available for tourists of all nationalities for $30 (as of February 2013), but only on flights with their airline from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Guangzhou.

THE MYANMAR VISA APPLICATION
The easiest way to get the visa is to apply through a travel agency in your home country. The form is simple and requires an ID photo or two.
In Bangkok, it takes one or two business days. It's easy and fast. A standard application for a tourist visa requires: a completed visa form (available from the Embassy), a completed arrival form (again, from the Embassy), a photocopy of the photo page from your passport, two passport sized photos, the applicable fee (see above).
Myanmar embassy in Bangkok is open 09:00-12:00 and 15:30-16:30. If you apply for a visa there, you'd better go early. If you come there at 09:00 expect to see 60-80 people in line outside the embassy. 60 metres further is a small copy service (well marked, you can't miss it), where you can buy visa application form for just 5THB (April 2013) or/and make a copy of your passport, which is required. If you fill-in form before enter the embassy, you will go out quicker. Everybody does it, so if you have any doubts just ask others. Officials are helpful and friendly. Queue goes fast, but you will have to spend there around one hour though. If applying for tourist visa fill-in your application (you can also get it for free from embassy at counter 4). Paste one photo. Attach one extra photo and copy of photo page from your passport. Submit completed application at counter 4 and take token number (you will get it from official). Wait until they call you. The next step is payment. Official will tell you which day you can collect your passport and give you receipt.
Collecting passport looks almost the same. Be careful for people who don't want to stay in line and jump into queue while opening the embassy. There is no real point in coming very early (before 15.30), because embassy is completely closed, so you will not be allowed to wait inside. Queue goes fast, but mind the counter you are waiting for (stamp on your receipt).
In Hong Kong, you can get the visa by applying between 9am and 12pm, and picking it up after 3pm on the following business day(your passport, 3 passport-size photos, business card / leave letter from your employer or student ID if you're a student, and application fee of HK$150 - US$19).
For US citizens, the following must be mailed to the Myanmar Embassy in Washington DC:
- Completed visa application form (obtainable from the Myanmar Embassy website)
- Completed work history form
- A copy of your flight itinerary or a letter from your tour operator
- A money order for US $20 (no cash or personal checks)
- Your passport (valid for at least six months)
- One prepaid, self-addressed FedEx Return envelope
- Two recent, color photographs of your face taken against a white background. Photos must be 35mm x 45mm.

The above should be mailed to:
EMBASSY OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR
2300, " S" ST. N.W. , WASHINGTON D.C. 20008-4089

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Categories	Map & Locations	Address
Lacquer wares	Bagan
Precious stones	Yangon	Bogoyoke Aung San Market
Tapestries	Mandalay & Yangon
Antiques	Various regions
Textiles	Various regions