Traveller Tips

1). Climates & Weather

Myanmar has three seasons.

Monsoon or rainy season (May- October)

Cool dry season (November-February)

Hot season (March-May)

Weather is general temperate and cool in the north and northeastern parts. During the rainy season, lower Myanmar and coastal areas enjoy heavy rain showers but it is dry and pleasant in central regions. Myanmar is an all year round tourist destination.

2). People and Population

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has a population of over 60 million. The major racial groups are Burmar, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. The People are called Myanmar.

3). Culture

Myanmar lies between two great civilizations, India & China, but it has developed its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a great influence in the daily lives of the Myanmar people. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for elders and simple native dress. With tolerance and contentment which are the characteristics of the people, Myanmar hospitality is legendary.

4). Religion

Over 80 percent of Myanmar embraces Theravada Buddhism. There are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.

5). Electricity

220- 240 Volt, 50 Hz

6). Time

GMT + 6.5 Hours

7). Currency

The local currency is the “Kyat” which is divided into 100 pyas. Kyat notes are issued in denominations of 50,100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000.

8). Visa Formalities

A valid passport with Entry Visa is required to apply in advance. The entry visa to Myanmar is applicable at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad and it is valid for 28 days. You can also apply online evisa at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm.

You will need the following before you apply:

1. Your passport validity must have at least (6) months.
2. You have to upload one COLOR PHOTO (4.8 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3) months.
3. Visa, Master, American Express or JCB credit cards for the payment of USD 50.00.
4. Tourist Visa processing information :
   • The validity of eVisa approval letter is 90 days from the issued date. If it is expired, entry will be denied.
   • Length of stay is (28) days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
   • eVisa service is non refundable.
   • You will receive an email acknowledgement within 1 hour after successful payment.
   • The processing time is up to (3) working days(Myanmar time) for normal Tourist Visa, and 24 hours for Tourist Visa Express Service.In all cases,processing time starts when the application acknowledgement e-mail is sent, after application is submitted AND online payment is successful.
   • Currently passengers with eVisa are only permitted to enter via following ports :
     1. Yangon International Airport
     2. Mandalay International Airport
     3. Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
     4. Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint
     5. Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint
     6. Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint

     We will announce other port of entry in due course.

   • If you are visiting Myanmar via cruise, please contact your tour agent for Pre-arrangement Visa on Arrival. You will not be able to use eVisa to enter Myanmar via seaport.
   • And for more information please go to evisa.moip.gov.mm and information on restricted area go to mip.gov.mm.

9). Getting to Myanmar

Available flights include Thai Airways International, Silk Air, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Air, Nokair, Thai Lion air, Indian Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, China Airlines, Air Bagan, Air Mandaly, Vietnam Airline and etc.....

 

10). Travelling within Myanmar

Scheduled domestic flights are available by Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Air, Myanmar National Air, Mann Yadanarpon Air, Yangon Airways, and Asian Wings, to Mandalay, Bagan, Thandwe, Heho, Sittwe, Tachileik, Myeik, Kawthaung and other destinations. Other modes of transport are train and bus, taxi and trishaw.

11). Food

Traditional Myanar food such as Mohinga, Ohno Khaukswe, assorted baked and fried delicacies and a variety of Myanmar cuisines are available at Myanmar restaurants. Chinese and Indian dishes are available at popular food outlets in major towns and cities.

12). Shopping

Many different Arts & Crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar. Handicraft lacquerware in all shapes and sizes tapestries; wood carving and silverware also make good souvenirs. Myanmar is also renowned for its precious and semi precious and semi precious gemstones and jewellery.

13). Clothes

Please bring and dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all years round. A winter sweater or jacket and sock may be need in the cool season when visiting up-country especially around Inle Lake and Kalaw.