myanmar - Avalon Waterways

MYANMAR
Capital: Naypyidaw
Language: Burmese
Population: 60.1 Million
Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Electricity: 230V/50Hz
Fun Facts
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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 travelers 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
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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 AND PASSPORTS
Visas can be obtained through an embassy, visa service, or online (http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/) prior to
departing the US. The embassy or visa service will be able to advise the latest requirements for obtaining
a visa.
A visa for your visit to Myanmar is necessary for U.S. 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 Generations Visa Services (GenVisa), our preferred
partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure. GenVisa has a special website and
toll-free number. Call (800) 845-8968, email info@genvisa.com, or visit their below web-sites for additional
information. Our travelers receive discounted prices and other special services:
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For Avalon, visit:genvisa.com/avalon
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For Monograms, visit: genvisa.com/monograms
All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. 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.
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COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Myanmar is 95. When calling to Myanmar from overseas, dial your international access
code (011 from the U.S./Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone
numbers in Myanmar are 6-9 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 95 ### ### ###.
CURRENCY
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 southeast Asian countries. ATMs dispense local
currency.
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
(USD are easy to exchange locally – with applicable fees).
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 colors. Older bills may be refused.
The symbol for the Myanmar Kyat is K
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Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000
Coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.
Major credit cards are not routinely accepted in Myanmar.
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 US $1.
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately US $5.
A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately
US $13.
Shopping
Prices are as marked in department stores, though in Asia 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.
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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 US$1
at the most.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Voltage for outlets is 220-240V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may be
necessary for your travels. Check the back of each charger carefully as some new electronics already have
this built in. In these cases adapters may be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but not convert
the voltage. You may encounter different plugs, as shown below, but some hotels have combination outlets
that accept several different types of plugs.
Type C Type E
Type F
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:
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Warm with some cool evenings between November and February
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Hot/dry between December and April
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Hot/wet between May and August.
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Hot with decreasing rains between September and October
Bagan, Mandalay & the North:
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Hot/warm with some cool evenings between November and February
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Hot in March and April
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Hot with some rain between May and October.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Myanmar.
Yangon
Mandalay
Bhamo
Bagan
Ngapali Beach
Inle Lake
January
64/90°F
54/88°F
65/76°F
55/78°F
50/73°F
45/72°F
February
67/94°F
59/91°F
53/82°F
55/80°F
49/74°F
47/76°F
March
71/97°F
66/93°F
60/88°F
59/85°F
53/73°F
52/81°F
April
76/99°F
73/95°F
67/93°F
64/86°F
60/76°F
60/84°F
May
77/92°F
77/97°F
73/93°F
68/87°F
64/79°F
63/81°F
June
76/86°F
79/99°F
75/89°F
65/80°F
66/80°F
64/77°F
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Yangon
Mandalay
Bhamo
Bagan
Ngapali Beach
Inle Lake
July
75/85°F
79/97°F
76/88°F
64/79°F
64/79°F
64/75°F
August
75/85°F
75/97°F
75/88°F
64/79°F
60/74°F
64/76°F
September
76/87°F
73/93°F
70/89°F
64/87°F
56/77°F
63/76°F
October
76/89°F
72/93°F
70/89°F
62/76°F
56/79°F
61/75°F
November
72/90°F
64/91°F
61/81°F
61/78°F
53/77°F
52/74°F
December
66/89°F
63/88°F
52/76°F
55/76°F
53/79°F
47/71°F
To convert to Celsius, subtract 32, then multiply by 5 and then divide by 9.
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 throughout Asia. 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
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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 10/13/16
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