MYANMAR: general info (update May 2016)

We would like to make your life easier than our: we will provide general and UPDATED info regarding Myanmar.

 

1. CASH & ATM - There are loads of ATM around the country but it is preferable to have cash. We have paid in Kyat most of the time but we recommend the following:

- Pay accommodation in US Dollars because it is cheaper 

- Pay food in local currency (Kyat)

- Be really careful with US Dollars! They have to be crispy new, stamped after 2006 

 

 

 

 

2. Means of transports vary and it depends on where you want to go

    A. BUS: use them for long distances only + compare the prices when you are in the city among the different stands

    B. TRAIN: really cheap but SLOW - you can take a day for 300km

   C. MINIVAN: most common and average price + compare prices among the stands + they can bring you everywhere

   D. PICK UP - very cheap but recommended for expert travellers - ask a local the real price of the route & you need to know in advance the interchange points! Please be considerate and wear a long skirt and a t-shirt or a long sleeves sweater. Once Silvia travelled at night time only. Be careful.

 

3. ACCOMMODATION - Lonely planet is not up-to-date on prices. They are higher than expected. Try to avoid recommended places and booking in advance sometimes in necessary (unfortunately). Touristy places do have plenty of choices, hidden places have one or two as written on your guide.

 

4. BARGAIN - in comparison to other Asian countries, bargain is much less common.They do not try to cheat on you, they are honest people. They only bargain possible is for clothes. 

 

5. BE RESPECTFUL - Myanmar is a beautiful contry and there are still some habits they want to maintain for example longyi (long skirt). They are respectful people and they expect you to be the same. Wear long skirts/trousers and long sleeves shirts to enter in any public place.

6. ORGANIZED TOURS - If you have understood we are kind of against organized tour but in Myanmar there is a difference. Small owned LOCAL family business are still worth and above all the money flows directly to the family. You have to be careful who you will choose and try to avoid business suggested by Lonely Planet. Normally, in a village there are always more than two business that offer the same. If you go hiking, read the reviews online because they will give you an overview of how the guys work and what they can offer. Please try to avoid bargain for a trip because they also have some expenses. TIP: If you are brave enough, take a map and follow mountain tracks (consider the REAL walking hours) and stop in villages, where they will provide cheap accommodation and food. If you book an organized tour, the host will receive only 2-3$ and he/she has to cover the expenses for the food + water. The organized tours are worth and fair for everybody if they involve ONE day only.

 

7. FOOD - Food as in all Asia is cheap and as always we recommend street or LOCAL restaurants. Fruits are expensive because they are imported from Thailand but they also have some locally grown fruits and vegies. Try to find out which ones! Oh, Myanmar has influence from Thailand, Vietnam and India. If you go in the right places you will discover these three countries in one only! That is amazing. They do not have national food expect for few meals. If you ask a local to write down for you no sugar and no ice, you will be safe! We recommend to absolutely try (vegan/vegetarian option norammly available): Tea leaves salad, carrot and tomato salad, chapati, samosa and pakora (India style), their tea, Sanwin makin, biryani rice, fried beans,

8. PLACES we recommend & HIDDEN TREASURES - It is a hard decision to tell you something we really liked! 

Spiritual or solitaire - Mrauk-U AND Mawlamyine

Cultural - Bagan (go during low season...only!) 

Hiking - very north (avoid Kalaw- Inle lake..very touristic) 

Sea and Diving - Myek Archipelago ... it is really, really expensive (we have not been there)

Food - Mandalay or Yangon 

 

If you don't have enough time, skip Golden Rock, Kalaw and Inle Lake. Try to find out other lakes, more authentic! 

Hidden places ...be prepared to sit on your butt for a day or two! Do not underestimate the red zones and off-limits zones. Check out if there are some civil wars or religious contrasts where you want to go. At this time, the northern areas are not recommended. Nowadays, thanks to the new President, the Army does not have power but there are still some militirized zones. The very south is also not recommedable).

 

Generally....Myanmar is a beautiful country but to find the authentic and real places/villages you have to go off the beaten tracks! There are still many traditions alive (especially Buddhism), but the main tourist attractions are nowadays different than the real places. Choose your itinerary carefully, depending on your needs. Just to let you know, they had no public education since this year. Please, as always, RESPECT them. Don't let the Westerns' needs and expectations change their awesome culture! 

 

On the rut side of this page, you can see a quick menu with all our posts. The Myanmar ones are under April and May 2016.

If you need further details comment on it or send us an email to ramblingzucchini@gmail.com !!!

 

Hope to help you out a bit 😊

 

Besos amigos