Myanmar
Myanmar is the name which has long been use by its people to
describe their home land which the British call Burma. It is
also known as the Golden Land not only for is golden pagodas
but for its rich land and the wealth of its agriculture and
precious minerals. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest
country in South East Asia Peninsular sharing borders with
Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It has a total
area of 675, 577 square kilometers and is twice the size of
Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France
combined.
Climate
Myanmar has three seasons. The cold season is from October
to February with average temperatures of between 20- 24 C.
The hot season is from March to May with average
temperatures of between 30- 35 C. The wet season is occurs
from June to September with average temperature of between
25- 30 C- Yangon normally receive early morning and
afternoon showers while rain fall in Bagan and Mandalay is
very low. The weather around Inle Lake and Shan State is
pleasant year round, but cold at night from December to
February.
Religion
Teravada Buddhism is the predominant religion with over 80%
of the people embracing it. There are also Christian,
Muslims, Hindus and some animists.
Culture
Myanmar lies on the cross- road of two of the world's great
civilization – China and India, but its culture is neither
that of India nor China exclusively, but a blend of both
interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics.
The people have preserved the traditional close family ties,
respect for the elders and reverence for Buddhism. Myanmar
are contented and cheerful even in the face of adversities
and known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.
Health
The same precautions are the same as anywhere else- Drink
only bottle and do not eat raw vegetable, only eat fruits
that you can peel of cut your self. Be wary of eating food
from streets stall. Use insect repellent when necessary and
use sunscreen liberally when exposed to the intense,
tropical sun.
Dress
Cotton clothing and a light wrap for the evening during the
cool season are recommended. Do not wear shorts, tank tops
or sleeveless blouses when visiting temple. Dress modestly
at all times- revealing clothing is frowned upon in Myanmar.
Footwear must be removed before entering a temple.
Visas
Tourist and business visas are valid for 28 days. Tourist
visas are non- extendible; business visas may be extended
for 28 days. Transit visas are valid for 24 hours. Apply to
a Myanmar embassy or consulate, with four photos and your
passport. The cost of a tourist visa is approximately US$20;
the cost of a business visa is approximately US$40.
Click here! Information for Visa on arrival
Download "Visa on arrival" Form
Customs
Besides personal effects visitors are allowed 400 cigarettes
(100 cigars or 250g of unrolled tobacco), two quarts of
liquor and 500ml of cologne or perfume. Cameras, radios,
cassette players, calculators etc must be declared at
Customs on arrival and taken out on departure. Foreign
currency in excess of US$ 2000 must be declared. Retain a
copy of the Customs declaration form to be presented when
you leave Myanmar.
Airport
Tax
Airport tax is US$10 per head to be paid on departure.
Time
Myanmar Standard time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes
ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC).
Electricity
220 VOLT 50 HZ
Office Hours
Government and business- 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to
Friday. Shops- 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, usually Monday to
Saturday.
Important Info
The announcement for winter season. Click here!
