 General Information
Geography
Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia or Indochina. The country is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest with the Andaman Sea .
Culture
The majority culture of the population is primarily Buddhist. Myanmar culture has been influenced by the cultures of neighbouring countries. This is manifested in its language, cuisine, music, dance and theatre. The arts, particularly literature, have historically been influenced by the local form of Theravada Buddhism. In a traditional village, the monastery is the centre of cultural life. Monks are venerated and supported by the lay people.
Religion
There is 55 million of population in Myanmar and over 80% of them are Theravada Buddhists. The rests are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.
Climate
The climate of Myanmar is a tropical climate with three seasons. The rainy season during the south-west monsoon from mid-May to mid-October, the cool season (Winter) from mid-October to mid-February and the hot season (Summer) from mid-February to mid-May.
Language
The official language is Myanmar but English is widely spoken and understood.
TIME:
GMT + 6 ½ hours
Myanmar Currency
Myanmar currency is known as " Kyat " .
Visa Information
Tourist visa- allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days.
Business Visa- allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis.
Way to get visa for Myanmar -Applying through an Embassy of Myanmar or applying for visa on arrival.
Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. But this has to apply before the client arrival date as this approval letter needs in advance.
For further visa information visit http://www.myanmarvisa.com
Visa On Arrival (VOA)
This below requirements need for the clients who will come with Visa on Arrival:
| 1. Clients full name and Passport numbers. |
6. Occupation. |
11. Flight No. and flight time detail for arrival date. |
| 2. Date of issue and place of issue. |
7. Home address. |
12. Tour itinerary. |
| 3. Date of expire. |
8. Nationality. |
13. Hotel name |
| 4. Father’s name. |
9. 2 recent passport size photographs. |
|
| 5. Date of birth and place of birth. |
10. Countries for passport valid. |
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Visa-on-arrival procedure will take about 15 working days.
Airport Tax:
The airport tax is US $10 for international passengers.
Flight Information
How to get to Myanmar
Yangon International Airport (Mingalardon Airport) is the main International Airports in Myanmar. Yangon has direct air links with Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Calcutta, Chiang Mai and China.
Domestique Air lines:
Travel Insurance
It is advisable to purchase travel insurance for comprehensive protection against traveling overseas to protect accidental / medical expenses / baggage losses.
VACCINATION
Most traveler will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio, as well as medications for malaria prophylaxis and travelers’ diarrhea. Other immunizations may be necessary depending upon the circumstances of the trip and the medical history of the traveler. Insect repellents are recommended, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. All travelers should visit their personal physician 4-8 weeks before your trip. The sun can be remarkably hot and a hat and high-factor block cream is advisable.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE
Health officials require certification of immunization against cholera, and against yellow fever if you have arrived within nine days after leaving or transiting an affected area. Proof of smallpox vaccination is no longer required. There are several hospitals and clinics in Yangon, some of which are under the Ministry of Health and some are privately owned. There is a wide range of variety in quality, expertise, expenses and services offered.
Medical Treatment:
If you should get sick in spite of all the precautions, following hospitals are recommended:
| SOS International ltd., (24h) |
|
| Inya Lake Hotel |
37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road,
Tel: (95-1) 667877
(95-1) 667879
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| Kandawgyi Clinic |
Natmauk Road,
Tel: (95-1) 530083 |
Drinking water:
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.
Credit Cards & Travelers Cheque
Kindly be informed that any credit cards cannot be used in Myanmar with immediate effect until further notice and so please bring enough hard cash in US$ or Euro for your personal expenses. Only 4 or 5 stars hotels accept Credit cards.
Mobile Phone
Please be noted that Mobile Phones from other countries will not work in Myanmar.
What to Wear
Light clothing is required all year-round, but a sweater or jacket may be needed in hilly areas, especially during winter months. If visiting during rainy season (May - September) raincoat will be required. It is required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Shoes and socks must be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregarding these rules will seriously cause cultural and religious offence to the devout Myanmar people.
What to bring
1. Insect repellent
2. Sun block, sunglasses, hat, umbrella
3. Personal medical kit
Shopping
Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs. Lacquer ware, woodcarvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags are some of the favorite items.
For jewellery, there is Burma rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available at Myanmar gems shops. All gems and jewellery purchased should be made through the government licensed dealers, who can give a voucher for export.
Other Advices
Travelers are advised to keep away from those who may approach them to exchange foreign currency or to sell gems of dubious quality. Travelers are also advised not to drink tap water, purified bottled water is available everywhere.
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