To visit Myanmar(Burma) is to step into another world
of spellbinding aromas, sights and sensations, with a truly unique
atmosphere. Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, is a melting pot of the
traditional and the contemporary, true Burmese culture melding with
a colonial legacy still present decades after the departure of the
British. The city's pulse beats to the rhythm of its streets,
bustling with what makes the country so special: its people.
Let yourself be inspired by stately
processions of monks robed in saffron and purple, shaven headed nuns
seeking alms, and elegant Burmese ladies adorned with yellow thanaka
paste. Young and old linger gossiping in teashops smoking
traditional fragrant Burmese cheroots, dressed as they have been for
centuries in their traditional longyis or htameins.
The beaches are almost uniquely unspoilt for this part of the world,
and timeless Ngapali beach is perhaps the most typical of all. Relax
in the shade of palm trees, wander along the silver sands, watch the
fisherman at their daily catch or just let the breezes from the Bay
of Bengal clear your mind.
Wherever you go you will catch
glimpses of times past, real or imagined,but it is the hospitality
and friendliness of the people of this "golden land" which is most
striking - their tolerance of different religions and cultures,
respect for each other and heartfelt smiles. It is this perhaps more
than anything else which makes Myanmar the unique and fascinating
country it is.
Climate
Myanmar has a tropical climate with
three distinct seasons: the cool season from November to February
which is dry and with temperatures ranging from 21C to 28C; the hot
season from March to May with average temperatures in the 30s and
occasionally over 40C; the rainy season from May to the beginning of
October with frequent short rainstorms and humidity.
Health
Please consult your physician about
immunisation requirements (malaria and hepatitis are recommended).
You should drink only bottled water and exercise caution when eating
from small local restaurants.
Foreign Currency
The local currency in Myanmar is the
kyat (pronounced 'chat'). Foreign visitors are strongly advised to
bring sufficient funds of US dollars in cash. Traveller cheques and
other foreign currencies can be difficult and time - consuming to
cash. At this stage there is no usage of credit cards in Myanmar
possible until further notice.
Tipping
The persons in Myanmar are very
helpful and supportive in general to the foreign tourists without
expecting anything in return. But obviously each, that stood you
helpfully and friendlily to the side, will be very happy, over a
little gift or grateful gesture.
Domestic Airlines and Flights
Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways both
approach almost all of the various destinations in Myanmar. There is
a baggage restriction of 20 kg per person. A little baggage piece
may be brought per person with on board. It is therefore advisable,
to leave baggage parts that are not needed during the trip through
the country in Yangon and to pick them up on the return.
Airport Tax
Airport tax upon departure of Myanmar is raised at the
airport in the amount of US$ 10,- per person.
Custom Determinations
You should indicate all valuables as well as
cameras, electronic equipment, gem etc. at entry. For jewelry or
diamond stones that were acquired in the country, you must show
possibly an export permission, but certainly the purchase record.
Visa Determinations
A tourist visa for Myanmar can be received in every
Burmese Embassy or consulate worldwide. Travelers who arrive via
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Hong Kong, may be able to
receive their tourist visa within one day at the local embassy. A
tourist visa is valid for a stay of 28 days. Travelers with UNITEAM
Tours & Travel are asked to provide exact statements - like address
and passport number - before visas-proposition. We will transmit
then a letter that you enclose with your visas-proposition. In the
mean time the possibility to apply for a visa directly via the
internet exists. Please visit www.visa.gov.mm. You will receive your
visas approval per E-mail and pay the visa fee upon entry at the
airport. Since the summer of 2003 the compulsory exchange (US$ to
FEC) upon entry exists no longer.
Beaches
Myanmar still has really unspoiled
and untouched beaches. The most typical one is Ngapali Beach, where
life stands still. You can relax in the shadow of palmtrees, walk
for several kilometres along white beach and watch the daily work of
fishermen or just clear your mind with a mild breeze coming from the
Gulf of Bengal.
How to get to
Myanmar
