Geography

Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilizations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of South East Asia’s largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.
Until now Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world and possesses breathtaking beauty and charm as yet.
Myanmar is a fascinating country which can offers all the tourism activities. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious cultural heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.|
The country’s tourism infrastructure boasts five star properties, intimate boutique hotels and family guest houses in all the major tourist centers, as well as in stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar has been one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world the visitors can enjoy their holidays without anxiety.
The population of The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is over 60 million and the land areas are 261,228 square miles (676,577 square kilometers). It stretches for 582 miles (936 kilometers) from east to west and 1,275 miles (2,051 kilometers) from North to South.
The People’s Republic of China borders Myanmar from the Northern tip to the Eastern tip. Border entries are Lwe-ge, Muse, Namkhan, Kyu Koke, Kun-lone and Mongla. Then Laos’s border continues until Tachilek with Mekong River flows in between and touches with Thailand, then form the golden triangle. Myanmar and Thailand border proceeds to South until Kawthoung. Border entries are Tachileik in Shan State, Myawaddy and Three Pagoda pass in Kayin State, Nat Ain Taung and Kawthoung in Tanintharyi State. From Kawthoung to Maungdaw in Rakhine State is the coastline. In detail Myanmar’s coastline extends 2832 km from the Southern tip of Tanintharyi Division, Kawthoung to Maungdaw at the mouth of the Naaf River near Bangladesh. Off peninsular, Myanmar, further south, over a thousand continental islands dotted the littoral sea, forming a mostly uninhabited island group called the Meik (Mergui) Archipelago. From Northern tip, bound to the West Myanmar bordering with India along Kachin State and Chin State. After all, Rakhine State border with Bangladesh along the Naaf River. Southwestern part of Myanmar is the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Climate

The climate of Myanmar is roughly divided into three seasons: Summer, Rainy and Cold season. From March to mid-May are summer months; the rain falls from mid-May to the end of November and the cold season is from December to February. Generally, Myanmar enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. However, climatic conditions differ widely from place to place due to widely different topographical situations. Central Myanmar has an annual rainfall of less than 40 inches while 200 inches at the coastal.

Population & People

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has a population of over 60 million. The major racial groups are Bamar, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Since there are different ethnic minorities or tribal groups at one race, Myanmar has 135 ethnic groups with different traditions, customs; religious believes style of costumes and food. These ethnic inhabit in the remote area at the hilly region. Tourists enjoy visiting for its enchanting scenery tranquil atmosphere and admirable colorful hill tribes.

The people of Myanmar are ideal and well known for their hospitality, honesty and simplicity. Because of the nice nature of the Myanmar People many tourists repeat their visit after they have been once.

Religion

Over 80 percent of Myanmar embraces are Theravada Buddhism. There are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.

Language

The Myanmar major language is Burmese (Myanmar), but Myanmar minority ethnic groups have their own languages. Being once a British colony English is also widely spoken.

Culture

Myanmar culture has been heavily influenced by Buddhism and also been influenced by its neighbors India, Thailand and China. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmars are contented and cheerful even in the face of adversities and known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

Historical Background

Myanmar has a long history and its greatness dates back to the early 11th Century when King Anawrahta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The Second Myanmar Empire was founded in 16th Century by King Bayinnaung styled Branginoco by the Portuguese. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar Wars in 1825. During The Second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945. Myanmar becomes a sovereign independent state in January 1948 after more than 100 years of colonial administration.

Useful Information

Immigration Formalities

All visitors to Myanmar are required to carry a valid passport and a Myanmar visa. The passports must be valid for six months beyond the intended stay. Tourist visas are valid for 28 days. Visa applications may be made at any Myanmar Embassy or consulate or by e-visa.
Myanmar Embassy abroad (www.evisa.moip.gov.mm/embassy.aspx)
E-Visa (www.evisa.moip.gov.mm)

Customs

Foreign currencies (above USD 10,000), jewellery, cameras and electronic goods must be declared to the customs at the Airport. Exports of antiques and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited.

Electricity

Myanmar has 220-240 volts A.C. It is advisable to have torchlight in the hand baggage.

Time:

Local time is GMT + 6.5 hours.

Business hours

Banks open at 09:30 till 14:00, Monday through Friday. Government offices open at 09:30 till 16:30 Monday through Friday. Most private offices open at 09:30 till 17:00, Monday through Friday and 09:30 till 12:00 on Saturday.

Dos & Don’ts

Visitors are requested to ignore touts who may approach you for offering guide services, for exchanging foreign currency into local currency, or for selling gems of a doubtful nature. The offers may appear attractive but you could get into trouble a spoil your visit. Tourists are requested to dress decently within the precincts of religious places and monasteries.

Shopping:

Many different arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar. Hand crafted lacquer ware, embroidered cottons and woodcarvings are produced and available in all shapes and sizes.
Myanmar is of course renowned for its precious stones, particularly rubies and Jades. Shopping in Myanmar is better than ever now. In larger towns and cities the best bargains are usually found in the public markets. Each region has produced its own special item such as lacquer -ware in Bagan, textiles such as silk, cottons, etc in Mandalay & Inlay Lake (Shan Bags can be found as well), wood carving, tapestries, marionettes in Mandalay are main souvenirs from Myanmar. Myanmar rubies and jades are famous. It is safer to purchase from reliable shops and get Gemologist certificate.

Dress

Casual and light clothing is recommended for Myanmar all year round. Upcountry, however, especially in the higher elevations, a light jacket or sweater will be needed during the cool months.
Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate because Myanmar preserves a conservative and largely Buddhist culture. Particularly for temple visits, please dress conservatively.
It is obligatory to remove shoes and socks for all temple visits in Myanmar. We recommend that visitors wear sandals or shoes, which are easy on and off.
Hats and sunglasses are recommended, and an umbrella for the rainy season is a must. Rainy season days often start out sunny but outbursts of rain can be heavy, even if short and infrequent.

Local currency

The currency in Myanmar is the Kyat. Present denominations are in notes:
Kyats: 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5.

Credit Cards

Visitors can use credit cards such as VISA, Master Card, China Union Pay (CUP), and JCB cards and withdraw at ATMs in public places.

Helpful Numbers