Myanmar’s culture is steeped in religious Buddhist traditions. Over 80% of the population is Buddhist so there are many monasteries, temples and pagodas all over the country. There are a few things to be aware of when visiting a temple or pagoda. You must remove your shoes and socks before entering any religious building or compound. Women should not touch a monk's robes or the body of monk or nun. In many pagodas, women are not allowed to go up to the higher levels of the temple. Some other Burmese traditions include: use your right hand or both your hands when handing money to someone except when paying the bill in a shop or restaurant, women should not ride on the roof of buses or boats as it is considered offensive. A great way to experience Myanmar’s culture is by seeing a pwe (show) which recount Buddhist legends and tales.
Myanmar Weather
Myanmar has three seasons: the monsoon season which lasts from May to October, a cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May. The average temperature ranges from 32° C (90° F) in central and lower areas to 21° C (70° F) in the north. Monsoon season is from June to October in Yangon and the coastal regions, so it is better to visit Bagan and Mandalay during this period.
Shopping in Myanmar
Shopping in Myanmar is good and cheap. You can get everything from fake designer watches to calculators, jeans, T-shirts, etc. in the local markets. In the larger town areas, you can get good bargains at most of the public market places known as zei or zay. Zeigyo is the main central market and is usually named after the district or town in which they are located. Yangon has plenty of shopping but the best bargains are found in the street markets. If you are interested in handicrafts, the Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon or the Zeigyo Market in Mandalay are great places to shop. The range of goods for sale is vast and cheap. Most goods sold at big hotel shops and large air conditioned outlets are very pricey. When buying jewelry in Myanmar, do so from an authorized dealer only and get a receipt to be shown at airport customs.
What to Wear in Myanmar
Light cotton clothing, slip-on shoes or sandals, a sun hat and sun glasses are all you really need when visiting Myanmar. If you prefer touring the hill stations, a light jacket for cooler evenings is required. Short skirts and revealing clothes are not appropriate as Myanmar is largely a conservative country. Dress conservatively especially when visiting a temple.
Travel Around Myanmar
Myanmar has two main airports, one in Yangon and the other in Mandalay. However, internal traveling can be quite a hassle if prior arrangements are not made. Make sure you book you travel plans in advance to avoid any problems. Myanmar Airways and Air Mandalay are your best bet when traveling inside the country. Buses and trains are not the best means of transportation as they tend to be overcrowded and are always late. The best way to travel around Yangon is by taxi, it maybe a bit pricey but it is a comfortable ride. To travel between Yangon and Mandalay the daily express train is prefect since the ordinary class trains are dirty and overcrowded. A great way to see the city is by ancient buses in Yangon and Mandalay which are cheap and convenient. Horse carts rides are also available in Mandalay and are a fun way to view this beautiful city.
Health Services in Myanmar
The health services in Myanmar are not all up to international standards. The Yangon International Clinic is one of the few hospitals in the country that offers 24 hour international standard medical assistance with emergency services, doctors and specialists. It is located at the Summit Park View Hotel. When traveling to Myanmar mosquito repellent and sunscreen are a must. Also, do not forget to bring medication you would on vacation as a lot of the medication available is substandard. Only drink only pre-boiled or bottled water.
Dining Out in Myanmar
Burmese cuisine is a mixture of Indian and Chinese cooking. The tastiest Burmese food is available from most street vendors and stalls rather than in restaurants. Chinese and Indian restaurants and food stalls are also found all over the country especially in the border areas. Rice is at the core of every Burmese meal. Also popular among the locals is Chinese tea, sugarcane juice, orange brandy, lychee wine and white and jungle liquor. The Shwe Ba Restaurant near the Shwedagon serves the best Burmese food in Yangon. Some other good restaurants across the country include: Padonmar Restaurant – Yangon, Green Elephant – Yangon, Sandy – Yangon, A Little Bit of Mandalay – Mandalay, La Shio Lay – Mandalay, Cafe City – Mandalay, Mahar Bagan Restaurant – Bagan, Nan Dar Restaurant & Puppet Show – Bagan and Thukha Cafe – Inle.
Myanmar Nightlife
Myanmar’s nightlife is rather subdued with most bars, discos and pubs only found in the larger cities of Yangon and Mandalay. However, there are plenty of karaoke clubs all across the country. Most of the music played is Burmese according to the government's ruling. If you are looking for a good time you should check out Mr. Guitar, ABC and Silver Oak bars. The Shanghai Shopping Centre also has a karaoke club after 8 pm. BME Entertainment, Pioneer and Underground at the Sofitel are some of the popular discos in Yangon. Aside from the clubs and discos, many local Burmese enjoy going to the movies as well as catching marionette pwe (shows).
Myanmar Business
Myanmar is a largely agricultural country, with livestock and fishing being the mainstay of the majority of the population. Rice is one of the country’s main exports along with teak wood, oil seeds, sugarcane, cotton, jute and rubber. Myanmar also has a thriving gem stone industry. It is only of late that the locals are turning to tourism to make money.
