After decades of international boycotts and sanctions, the April
elections in Myanmar brought not just hopes of democracy and investment but
also a surge in travelers once reluctant to journey to this amazing land.
GO NOW!
If you want to see Myanmar at its
best, don't put off your trip, Yes, it is the rainy season but you really don't
want to wait until the international tourists start turning out in their
droves, checking in at the same hotels and guesthouses as you and causing
accommodation prices to skyrocket. And if you've already planned a year-end
trip, book your hotel now! The country needs more time to build up its tourism
infrastructure to cope with the fast-growing demand.
VISA FIRST!
Another reason why tourist
arrivals are up has to do with the hassle-free visa processes. The Myanmar
Embassy on Bangkok's North Sathorn Road offers a smooth, same-day visa service.
Simply deliver your visa application with two photos and 1,260 baht (US$40) to
the counter between 9am to noon and you can collect your passport between 3.30
and 4.30pm. If you are not on a rush, a next-day visa is 1,000 baht, two days
810 baht. A tourist visa is good for a 28-day stay. (US$1 = 31.4 baht)
Since June, a visa-on-arrival for
business purposes is available for 27 nationalities including the 10 ASEAN
members plus India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, France, Germany, UK
and US. The fee is $50 for a 70-day stay. A tourist visa for ASEAN members only
is possible for a $40 fee. Business visitors should check
outwww.MyanmarVisa.com.
FLYING HIGH
When Yangon Mingaladon Airport
was first built in 1947, it was regarded the best in Southeast Asia. In the
1960s, it was the aviation hub of the region and frequented by major airlines
like Pan-Am, KLM, Air France and BOAC (now British airways).
After years of decay, Yangon
International Airport has a sparkling new terminal and welcomes flights from
all over Asia. Airlines include Myanmar Airways, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways,
AirAsia, SilkAir and Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and
various Chinese companies. Korean Air, ANA and Qatar Airways are starting
services soon and AirAsia is launching a Bangkok to Mandalay flight in October.
CASH-ONLY ECONOMY
The economic sanctions are
gradually being lifted but there are still no ATMs and traveler cheques and
credit cards are not generally accepted even in Yangon. The US dollars is
widely used and often preferred to the kyat and while black-market exchange
rates were the norm two years ago, today everyone can access the standard
exchange rate at official exchange counters at airports and banks. Exchange
counters at Yangon Airport close at 3.30pm so travelers arriving on afternoon
flights should head to the exchange booths at Bogyoke Market or downtown
Yangon. Most hotels or guesthouses in the city also offer exchange services
though the rate is slightly lower.
Myanmarese don't like creased or
dirty dollars bills and even the slightest tear, mark, fold or dirt can lead to
a bill being refused or a poor exchange rate. When buying the US bills before
you trip, tell the bank you need flawless dollar bills only. The staff at
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport's exchange booths know the situation and will
prepare pristine bills in a long envelope for you to avoid creases.
TRAVEL WELL
November to February promises to
be another busy tourist so visitors need to book in accommodation well in
advance through leading websites. Be prepared to pay at least double what it
says in the latest guidebook, even for a backpacker place at the bottom end of
the market.
The easiest way to get around a
big city like Yangon is by taxi. Most taxis are old cars and have neither
meters nor air conditioning. Prices are negotiable, usually between 1,000-2,000
kyat a trip for travelling within the city centre, and about $7-10 from the
airport to the city centre.
There are no McDonalds or
Starbucks but you can feast on mohinga (rice noodle) in fish soup everywhere on
the street or at Indian thali and biryani restaurants. Venture into Yangon's
Chinatown at night and you'll find the grilled fish hard to resist.
First timers usually visit
Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake while repeat travelers prefer to go off
the beaten track and explore Mrauk-U or the islands in the south.
Whatever destination you choose,
Myanmar guarantees an awesome experience!
Away from the politics of Nay Pyi
Taw, the Myanmarese are joyous, light-hearted and fun-loving folks. Like the
rest of us, they love a good time and celebrates their festivals with families
and friends. Here's what you can enjoy and when.
NAT FESTIVAL
August, Mandalay
The Nat is a spirit, a demanding
spirit. In Taung Pyone, a small village 20km north of Mandalay, the locals
celebrate August with the Nat Festival. Spiritual as it is entertaining, the
festival brings mediums and visitors to the Nat pavilions. Flowers, cash and
alcohol are offered in order to appease the spirits while the mediums take
turns to amuse them with folk music and dances.
PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL
October, Inle Lake
Inle Lake, in Shan State is
famous for leg-rowed boats, and the Shan row them in the highest of spirits
during Phaung Daw Festival. The annual rite sees a colorful procession of
leg-rowed boats tugging the golden barges of Buddha images. Leg-rowed boat
races are held throughout the festival.
THE THADINGYUT (FESTIVAL OF
LIGHTS)
October, throughout Myanmar
Marking the end of the Buddhist
Lent, the Festival of Lights is celebrated across Myanmar. Pagodas, houses,
public buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated with jars of candles
KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA FESTIVAL
November, Mon State
Perched over the cliff rock of Mt
Kyaikhiyo is the boulder of Golden Pagoda - a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage
site. The rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the
verge of rolling down the hill. Legend has it that it held by strand of hair of
the Buddha. In late November, devotees offer 9,999 candles and flowers to
celebrate the pagoda. Folk dances, music and puppets add color and rhythm.
MT POPA NAT SPIRIT FESTIVAL
December, Bagan
Like mother hen guarding her
children, Popa Taungkalat monastery sits atop of 1518-metre volcano peak
overlooking the farmland around Irrawaddy River, southeast of Bagan. This is
the home of Nats, and thousands of folks appease the demanding ghosts with
entertainment.
NAGA NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL
January, Sagaing Division
Tribal dances and exotic dresses
draw intrepid travelers to the high ranges in Myanmar's Northwest for Naga New
Year's Festival. For three days, the Naga gather around Kham-Ti districts.
Fierce warriors in their bright and exotic dress, they perform tribal sports
and dances, as rice wine and roasted meat accompany the beating of drums.
ANANDA PAGODA FESTIVAL
January, Bagan
Pagoda and bullock-carts are a
signature of Bagan and the Ananda Pagoda Festival offers spectacular scenes of
bullock-carts loaded with offerings rolling through the fields. Traditional
performances and jokers take turns to entertain.
Vipasai Niyamabha
Asia News Network - The Nation
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