ABOUT MYANMAR
History
Myanmar, also called Burma, is a country lying along the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in southeast Asia. King Anawrahta is the first founder of Myanmar. King Bayintnaung created the great Hanthawady Empire. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar dynasty. The British ruled Myanmar in 1886. Myanmar regained independence on 4th January 1948.
Location
Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and is bordered on the north and northeast by China, on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand, on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Bangladesh and India. It is located between latitudes 09 32 N and 28 31 N and longitudes 92 10 E and 101 11 E.
Area: total- 678,500 sq km, land: 657,740 sq km, water: 20,760 sq km
Border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km
Culture
Myanmar abounds in ancient cultural heritage such as ancient cities, cultural heritage, religious edifices and structures. Myanmar lies two great civilizations, India and China. Later on, it has developed its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a great influence on the daily lives of Myanmar people. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties. Myanmar people are known for their friendliness and simple hospitality.
Airport Facilities
Yangon international Airport is located 20 km from downtown Yangon. The Arrival Terminal is located separately from the Departure Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. International passengers are processed quickly through immigration and custom. Mandalay International Airport is recently opened for International Arrival.
Domestic Flights
The main tourist centers are situated at a distance from Yangon. Domestic flights such as. Myanmar Airways, Air Bagan, Asia Wings, Air Kanbawza, Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay operate flights of major tourist sites.
Road Transport
Most tourist sites are also accessible by road. There are several Highway Bus services operating between main cities using Deluxe Coaches.
Time
The Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six and half-hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Business Hours
Government Offices from 09:30 to 16:30 hrs. – Monday to Friday.
Banks 10:00 to 15:00 hrs. – Monday to Friday.
Electricity
AC 220 – 250V 50Hz.
Language
Myanmar is the official language but English is widely understood in cities.
Customs
Gems and jewelry bought from authorized dealers (with vouchers/receipt) are allowed to be brought out. But antiques are not allowed to be brought out of the country.
Communication Services
Postal Service – The Yangon Central Post Office, is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm., Monday through Friday.
Telephone
International phone calls can be made at all of hotels.
E-mail & Internet – available at hotels and Cyber Cafes.
Mobile phone could be hired at airport on arrival.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MYANMAR
YANGON & ITS VICINITY
Yangon is the capital city of Myanmar and main gateway to Myanmar. Yangon also Known as Dagon, was founded by King Alaungpaya. He conquered the lower Myanmar in 1755 and renamed Dagon to Yangon. Yangon means “End of Strife”.
MANDALAY & ITS VICINITY
Mandalay is situated right in central Myanmar and on the eastern bank of Ayeyawaddy River about 668 km due north of Yangon. It is the second largest city in Myanmar and the last capital of Myanmar Dynasty.
BAGAN & ITS VICINITY
Bagan, an ancient city, is the birthplace of Myanmar civilization. Bagan is situated on the left bank of the Irrawaddy River and about 145 km southwest of Mandalay. It was the capital of the first Myanmar Empire in the 11th-13th century.
MT.POPA & ITS VICINITY
About 80 km southeast of Bagan is the Mount Popa is high like a massive pillar. Every King made a pilgrimage here, considered as the earthly font of power. The cooler, the higher. It is now a flawless place for eco-tourism.
INLE & ITS VICINITY
The Inle Lake is the second largest natural lake in Myanmar. The most famous and significant point of the Shan State is the Inle Lake. It is located 30 Km to the south of Taunggyi. Inle is a shallow lake – 22 km long and 10 km across, 900 meters above sea level among the hazy blue mountains and.
KYAIKHTIYO & ITS VICINITY
The famous legendary Pagoda on the Golden Rock about 160 Km from Yangon and 11 km of hiking from the base camp at Kyaikhtiyo. Visitors can also go by car up to a point about a mile away from the Pagoda. This pagoda is situated on a rocky mountain 3615 ft above sea level.
RAKHINE & ITS VICINITY
Rakhine State (formerly Arakan) is located on the western part of Myanmar between RakhineYoma (Mountain ranges) and bay of Bangle, and bordered with Bangladesh. Rakhine State is narrow coastal region. Sittwe is the capital city of that state. Having an area of 36,778 km.
SHAN STATE & ITS VICINITY
Shan state is the largest of all states in Myanmar. The average height is 4000 ft above sea level the climate is cool all the year round. It has an area of 15580 sq km. Historically, Shan is descended from two groups: Mon-Khmer group and Thai-Chinese group.
KACHIN & ITS VICINITY
Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State located in northern part of Myanmar. May Kha and May Li Kha River, which originate from Kachin mountain ranges join and form Ayeyawaddy River. This is the longest river and most useful in Myanmar. Visitors can tour the confluence of “Malikha” and “Mehka”. They are the source of the Ayeyawaddy River.
BEACHES
Myanmar has three coasts – the western Rakhaing coast facing the Bay of Bengal and the Southern Taninthayi coast. The Rakhine Coast, though generally rocky, has some lovely beaches. One such beach is the Ngapali, close to Thandway and is Myanmar’s leading seaside resort.
TRAVELER’S INFORMATION
Passport
A valid passport with Entry visa is required for all tourists & businessmen, applicable at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad.
Visa
A valid passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. You can as a rule make a formal request for your visa to Myanmar Embassy. A tourist visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional days.
A business visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis.
Visa on arrival is granted to both Package Tourists and Business persons with the assistance of our company and Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
Vaccination
Travelers will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, 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.
Currency
Myanmar currency is known as “Kyat” which comprises 100 pyas.
Notes: Kyats 1000, Kyats 500, Kyats 200, Kyats 100, Kyats 90, Kyats 50, Kyats 45, Kyats 20, Kyats 15, Kyats 10, Kyats 5, Kyat 1. Travellers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes).
Climate and Weather
Myanmar has a tropical climate being roughly divided into three seasons:
| From | To | Temperature | ||
| 1. | Hot season/Summer | March | May | 25.c 40.c |
| 2. | Rainy season | June | September | 15.c 35.c |
| 3. | Cold season/Winter | Oct | Feb | 7.c 24.c |
Arrival Procedure
On your arrival, made your passport check at the immigration counter with arrival form and then pick up your luggage. Afterwards, make yourself step up to the custom counter.
Customs
Foreign currencies in excess of US$ 10,000, Jewelry should be declared at the customs’ counter at the airport on arrival. Personal uses of camera, video camera and electronic goods are no need to be declared. Mobile phones will not work in Myanmar.
Airport Tax
The international airport departure tax is mostly added to your international air tickets.
Electricity
220/230V AC 50Hz
Time in Myanmar
Geographical location – 16.47′ N, 96.10′ E
Local time – GMT + 0630
Health and trip insurance
Recommendation that all guests should receive the essential personal baggage, medical and accidental insurance at your country. Our price is not included for any insurance.