When to go:
The best time to visit Myanmar is in the dry season between November and the end of February. During this time, mornings and evenings are cool and afternoons warm and sunny with virtually no rain. Beginning in March, the temperature starts to climb and can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The rainy season is from June to end of September when you should expect regular downpours.
General Tips:
- De-hydration is a health risk in this part of the world, so always carry a bottle of water with you.
- Tipping is not expected.
- There are many different kinds of poisonous snakes in Myanmar; you should stay on the designated paths and be alert when walking in the shrubs or long grass
- We ate street food (including our daughter) and never had any issues. We always made sure the area looked clean (this is relative) and snacks were well cooked.
- Electricity runs on 22ov, we found a mix of plugs in our hotels including the British standard, Australian standard, and 15 Ampere.
- You must take off your shoes each time you enter a temple, so bring ones that are easy to slip on and off.
- Internet access is extremely limited and when you find it, it’s very, very slow.
- Mobile phones from outside the country do not work in Myanmar. You can ask your travel agent to provide you with a temporary phone if you need one.
- We found air travel in the country safe and comfortable. Our favorite internal airline was KBZ. For any of them, you have to pay attention so you don’t miss the announcement.
What to pack:
- Clothing: During the dry season, it is good to bring a pair of long pants and a light jacket for the mornings and evenings in Bagan, Mandalay – and especially – Inle Lake. During the wet season, a rain poncho, umbrella and rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Shorts are fine in temples but bring a shawl or blouse to cover bare shoulders.
- Medicine: You should bring extra medicines – including those purchased over-the-counter from home.
- Essentials: To avoid mosquitos and sun, bring plenty of sun tan lotion and insect repellent
- Money: Some establishments – including our hotels – accepted US cash only. While shops accept local currency, the kyat (pronounced “chaht”), occasionally we received a better deal when using US dollars. It’s good to bring a mix of hundreds, twenties and ones to cover all needs. The bills must be issued after 2006 with no pen markings or obvious creases.
- Wet wipes: These little disposable towels were great for cleaning your feet after visiting temples and washing hands when there wasn’t any fresh water available.
How to go:
- I highly recommend Yangon-based travel agency, Tamarind Travel. Cho Cho Lwin founded the agency 16 years ago and provides a wonderful experience for tourists. Cho Cho’s contact details: Tamarind Travel, Tel: 95-1-524 108 Fax: 95-1-534 668 Mobile: 95-9-540 5046 Skype: cho.cho.troy, Email: [email protected], web site: www.tamarindtravel.comCho
- Cho set us up with smart, friendly and very knowledgeable guides. In Mandalay, we had John (Zaw Weik, [email protected]) and at Inle Lake, we had Nang Aye Wyein, called Ei Ei, ([email protected]).
Stay tuned for what to pack when traveling with children.