Top Myanmar Travel Tips for South African Travellers

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) located at the northeast edge of Southeast Asia and bordered by Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. Myanmar shares influences with India, Thailand and China, but its culture is truly distinctive.

This article will give you detailed information about the golden land Myanmar and share with you a lot of useful guides to have a best trip to Myanmar.

IS MYANMAR SAFE TO TRAVEL?

In the last few years, Burma’s ethnic civil war as well as the persecution of Rohingya muslims have caught the attention of international press. That makes people apprehensive which leads the number of visitor makes inquiries to travel to Burma has lessen. However, internal conflict is not what Myanmar is about and to be frank you will always find something politically or ethically that you disagree with in any other countries.

Most of those who did a trip to Burma find grand majority of the country totally safe as long as one does not violate restricted areas. Most of known tourism circuit (Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake etc.) reported nearly no ethical crimes against tourist, not to mention Burmese people are refreshingly welcoming and genuine. 

In terms of personal safety, borders and conflict zones are off limits to travelers so it is not advised to attempt to venture by yourself further into those area just for your curiosity. Travelers should not get involved in locals rally, protest and military events. 

For vast majority of visitors, Myanmar is safe and worth - visiting in so many ways. This miraculous ancient land with incredibly breathtaking natural sights, kind - hearted people, rich tradition and low expenses has become a must - see destination for people from all walks of life.

Therefore, if you are planning to come to a new place which is safe and prisitine, Myanmar is an ideal selection not only for South African tourists but also the other foreign ones.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MYANMAR

Talking about climate, Myanmar is blessed with a tropical and fairly temperate zone compared to other South - eastern countries. The two main seasons are identified as the dry and the rain, the dry season is divisible into the cool and hot period. Therefore, Myanmar can be count as having three specific seasons.

These seasonal variations will not discourage visitors from travelling at any time since each season receives its own features, offering exclusive experience by myriad festivals held yearly.

The cool season (from November to February) is the ideal time for international visitors. Mild temperature, less rainfall and numerous festivals make cool season Burma’s peak season where finding accommodation is a difficult task. During this season, planning your trip long time ahead or signing up for a tour is highly recommended. Although there are plenty of sunshine with cool breezes, it can get a bit on the chilly side in the evening and early morning, especially on mountainous area, so a few extra layers is also definitely suggested.

Bagan - UNESCO's World Heritage Site - is home to 3000 plus ancient temples

Despite the intense heat, hot season from March to May is still a popular time to visit Myanmar. You can enjoy the beaches before May and go to most of the attractions. In mid - April, you might want to come to Myanmar for its best - known Burmese celebration – Thingyan Water festival.

Throwing water is said to wash away the bad luck

If you are travelling with a budget, Myanmar’s rainy season is the best time to avoid the crowds, along with best hotels have ready availability and seasonal discounts are substantial. In October when there’s less rain with cooler temperature, Burma conditions might be more in control which enables you to make the most out of your trip. If you are into spiritual activities, you will surely be in for a treat at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda in October.

THE BEST WAYS TO EXPLORE MYANMAR

Join in the Classic Tours Across Burma’s Big Cities

Myanmar is known for the land for a traveler who is looking for spiritual inspirations, it boasts an incredible array of things to do. Here’s an introduction to Myanmar’s most common travel route: Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay - Inle Lake.

Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the largest and most bustling city in Myanmar. The city full of buzz and vitality is usually chosen as the beginning or the final stop of a Myanmar trip.

You might take a short joy ride on the Yangon circular train, drenched in with the locals before getting off at an authentic market. Stroll pass the market to U Thant Mausoleum and mansions with colorful British colonial architecture and enjoy a refreshing drink at a local tea shop. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda before sunset when it’s getting cooler, less crowded, and the evening light provides a beautiful glow.

The shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda - the symbol of Myanmar

Take a domestic flight or a bus from Yangon to Bagan - the most iconic image of Myanmar. Sunrise and sunset in Bagan is absolutely spectacular. If you are not able to ride the sensational hot air balloon, it is equally as amazing to watch as balloons drift over the temples.

Visiting Bagan’s local villages and their home industries also bring postcard - worthy scenery and enlighten tourist to how the locals live.

From Bagan take a trip to Mandalay – the city of ancient cities. Starting with the main attraction Mandalay Hill, you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the city walls and surrounding moat. You also can embark on a city tour of Mandalay including Kuthodaw Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and Mahamuni Pagoda, pass by the lively Yadanabon market and a variety of gold leaf hammering workshops.

Amazing sunrise at U Bein Bridge - the longest teak bridge in the world

Famous for its floating gardens, fishermen who row canoes with one leg (Intha) and wooden house on stilts, Inle Lake offers a relaxing yet exciting excursions. Tourist can navigate through strips of locals floating vegetable farms, visit the Burmese Cat Village at Inle Heritage and of course, explore the beautiful combination of Inle Lake and surrounding hills.

What is more wonderful than combining your trip to Myanmar with a Vietnam tour. This promises to be an unforgettable experience of magnificent landscapes and unique culture.

Challenging Yourself with the Top Trekking Trails in Burma

If you are a thrill - seeking nature lover, the whole country is home to rustic and beautiful trekking trails:

Kalaw

Lines on the 4000 ft mountain range, trekking in Kalaw is one of the most popular trekking expeditions in Myanmar. Travelers often add a Kalaw trekking trip of 1 or 2 days to their stay at Inle Lake. Such a trek takes you around villages of Kalaw local minority groups (Shan, Palaung…), verdant surrounding, cool water dip in jungle streams and finishes with a sense of achievement.

Kalaw - heavenly Burma trekking trails

Pindaya

Pindaya is situated in the Taunggyi District in Shan State, known for its majestic limestone cave. Inside the cave, you’ll find many of Lord Buddha sculpture works, paintings and carvings created by his worshippers.

From Pindaya, you can go for a one day hike to Taung Paw Gyi village, pass by some tea leaf plantations, learn the lifestyle of Danu people and enjoy a traditional home cook lunch. If you are up for more venturesome experiences, take a long trek from Pindaya to Kalaw or Ka Hala Gone.

Hsipaw

Unlike Pindaya and Kalaw, Hsipaw remains a laid - back vibe and is considered to have more authentic hill treks. Certain destinations in Hsipaw are off limits to foreigners. Treks in Hsipaw go through rolling tea field, stunning waterfalls, star gazing and friendly villages nestled into hilltops. Taking dusty paths out of Hsipaw town, you will find yourself in areas seemingly untouched by modern life.

Loikaw

Home of the famed Long Neck Padaung Ladies - Loikaw is truly an off-the-beaten-track destination with beautiful pristine landscapes. After exploring the charming town of Loikaw, travelers can trek through the picturesque countryside, conquer the sacred Khaw Sa Maw Mountain peak.  During Loikaw trek, you will have the chance to discover stunning limestone caves and encounter colorful minority tribes including the Padaung Long Neck ladies.

Explore the unique tribe of long neck women

Experience the Extraordinary Burma Motorbike Tours

Myanmar is a fantastic country for motorcycle tours as its pristine beauty has not been fully discovered, saying many parts of it can only be approached by motorbike.

Motorcycles are banned in Yangon and Bagan, this new type of tour often starts from Mandalay. Daring travelers can sign up for a tour driving through highlights of the country. Experience the ancient Burmese capitals, drift through the fertile highlands of Shan State and admire the temple ruins of Bagan.

On the contrary, travelers who want to stay off the beaten trails can head North of Mandalay to visit Kachin’s multi - ethnic capital Myitkyina, beautiful Indawgyi lake, big rivers and green valleys. This thrilling journey from Mandalay to Chin Hills is one of the most challenging tours where drivers have to ride up to Myanmar’s highest mountains. Each motorcycle tour takes around 10 to 12 days. It is guaranteed that you will be experiencing a lot of fun during these motorbike tour in Myanmar.

Ride off - the - beatean tracks with dirt bikes

Travel in Style with Myanmar River Cruises

Myanmar cruises often take place on the mesmerizing Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) and Chindwin rivers. Conveniently connecting a number of main cities and towns including Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, a cruise in Burma allows you to slow the travel pace, visit alluring antique sites as well as minor communities that would be unreachable by road, such as Yandabo pottery village.

There is a variety of cruise options for travelers to choose that fits all Burma itinerary.  From the standard boats of basic comforts to luxurious private cruise ships, from 2 to 4 day short cruises to 12 day long voyages, Myanmar has them all. 

Besides classic cruise itineraries to the country’s main sights, there are a number of cruises to upper Irrawaddy - a remote area surrounded by giant mountains and only accessible by boats. The chaotic Katha port on the banks of the Irrawaddy once home to well - known George Orwell provides a nostalgic yet enchanting Burma. Cruises to this area of Irrawaddy varying in duration from seven to ten nights.

River cruising is one of the best ways to explore Burma

Relax at Myanmar's Best Beaches

Ngapali Beach

Creamy white sand, dreamy turquoise water, lush green palm trees make Ngapali Beach just as good as any of its more well-known Thailand counterparts. This piece of paradise lies in Rakhine State on the Bay of Bengal, is only a short flight from most of Myanmar’s cities. Ngapali brings a tranquil, relaxing feel as it is not overrun with tourist.

There are organized recreational activities where travelers can take part in such as beach cycling, snorkeling, visiting fishermen villages, exploring the hills, boat tour to offshore islands of Ngapali… or you can just rest on the beach under blue skies enjoying Ngapali beach itself. Most people are drawn to Ngapali at the end of their Burma trip to recharge after rushing around the country.

The Mergui Archipelago

Creamy white sand, dreamy turquoise water, lush green palm trees make Ngapali Beach just as good as any of its more well-known Thailand counterparts. This piece of paradise lies in Rakhine State on the Bay of Bengal, is only a short flight from most of Myanmar’s cities. Ngapali brings a tranquil, relaxing feel as it is not overrun with tourist.

The UNESCO examined the Mergui Archipelago as a potential World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. There is very few accommodations on the Mergui Archipelago, it is recommended to go on an arranged tour or join a cruise to get there. All in all, it will certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this aquamarine bay Myeik.

GO LOCAL - GO BURMESE

Learn a few words from the local language and use them when you can.

• “Mingalaba” (pronounced as Meng-Gah-Lah-Bar) is Hello
• “Chesube” (pronounced as Tseh-Soo-Beh) means Thank you

These two words go a long way as you travel to Myanmar. Speaking local Burmese, even just a few common terms, shows that you are open yourself to them while they are offering a warm welcome. It’s respect showing from both sides.

For those who are not familiar with Buddhism, there are a few things to know before you go as Myanmar is still a conservative country

• Mind your body language. Should never touch someone on the head, put your feet on the table or use your feet to point at anything or anyone
• Dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites. In Burma, modest dress means to cover up the knees and shoulders. Take off shoes and socks when entering religious sites.
• Behave respectfully to everyone, especially to monks and elders.
• Watch where you point that camera. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals. Taking pictures of meditating monks is considered very disrespectful.
• Try not to use left hand when interacting with locals. In Burmese culture, the right hand is used for eating, the left for personal hygiene.
• Do not disrespect image of Buddha, if you have the tendency to do so, please reconsider why you choose Burma at the first place.

Hope the guides above can help you in planning your trip to Burma. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact Vietnamtours.co.za. We are always willing to support.