The best of Myanmar FEB 2, FEB 15, 2017 SYDNEY, BANGKOK, พระนคร, บางกอกใหญ, MANDALAY, MIN KUN, CHANAYETHAZAN, NYAUNG-U, NYAUNG-U, YANGON,

Transcription

1 The best of Myanmar FEB 2, FEB 15, 2017 SYDNEY, BANGKOK, พระนคร, บางกอกใหญ, MANDALAY, MIN KUN, CHANAYETHAZAN, NYAUNG-U, NYAUNG-U, YANGON, HEHO, NYAUNGSHWE, YANGON, MYANMAR, กร งเทพมหานคร

2 TRIP SUMMARY Page 2 of 32 9:45 AM Depart from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) - Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport 3:35 PM Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - Suvarnabhumi Airport 5:00 PM Check in at Thara House - Thara House, New Siam Palace View Guesthouse Dinner - Khao San Road Night Market 8:15 AM The Royal Grand Palace - The Royal Grand Palace ส าน กพระราชว ง 11:00 AM Wat Pho - Wat Pho 12:30 PM Lunch break - Home Cafe Tha Tien 2:00 PM Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn 4:00 PM Golden Mount - Wat Saket (Golden Mount) 7:00 PM Dinner - Tip Samai Check out at Thara House - Thara House 10:55 AM Depart from Don Muang International Airport (DMK) - Don Muang International Airport 12:20 PM Arrive at Mandalay International Airport (MDL) - Mandalay International Airport 2:00 PM Check in at Hotel8 - Hotel8, Smart Hotel 3:00 PM Shwenandaw Kyaung - Shwenandaw Kyaung 7:00 PM Dinner Arrive in Bangkok - February 2 Bangkok - February 3 Bangkok - Mandalay - February 4 Mandalay - February 5 8:00 AM Day trip - the best of Mandalay Mandalay - February 6 8:00 AM Boat trip to Mingun - Pa Hto Taw Gyi, Mingun Bell, Hsinbyume Pagoda, Khutodaw Pagoda, Mandalay Palace 7:00 PM Dinner - Laxmi INDIAN Restaurant

3 Mandalay - Bagan - February 7 5:30 AM Check out at Hotel8 - Hotel8 7:40 AM Depart from Mandalay International Airport (MDL) - Mandalay International Airport 8:10 AM Arrive at Nyaung U Airport (NYU) - Nyaung U Airport 8:30 AM Check in at Shwe Na Di - Shwe Na Di, Golden Myanmar Guest House 10:00 AM Temples of Bagan Page 3 of 32 5:00 AM Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Bagan - Bagan Balloon 9:00 AM Temples of Bagan Lunch & Dinner 8:00 AM Mount Popa - Mount Popa 5:00 PM Sunset in Bagan 6:30 AM Check out at Shwe Na Di - Shwe Na Di 8:25 AM Depart from Nyaung U Airport (NYU) - Nyaung U Airport 9:40 AM Arrive at Heho Airport (HEH) - Heho Airport 11:00 AM Check in at Nawng Kham The Little Inn - Nawng Kham The Little Inn, Aquarius Inn 12:00 PM Lunch - Everest 2 Nepali Restaurant 2:00 PM Visit to the monastery and the winery - Shwe Yan Pyay, Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery 7:00 PM Dinner Bagan - February 8 Bagan - February 9 Bagan - Inle Lake (Nyaungshwe) - February 10 Inle Lake - February 11 6:00 AM Inle Lake day tour - Inle Lake, Inthein 5:00 PM Optional Inle Lake Sunset Tour - Inle Lake

4 Inle Lake - Yangon - February 12 7:30 AM Check out at Nawng Kham The Little Inn - Nawng Kham The Little Inn 9:55 AM Depart from Heho Airport (HEH) - Heho Airport 11:05 AM Arrive at Yangon International Airport (RGN) - Yangon International Airport Page 4 of 32 1:00 PM Check in at Family Treasure Yangon Hotel - Family Treasure Yangon Hotel, Myint Myat Guest House 1:30 PM Lunch - One Zaab 3:50 PM Walking Tour of Yangon 7:00 PM Dinner - Tin Are Yangon - Bangkok - February 13 6:40 AM Check out at Family Treasure Yangon Hotel - Family Treasure Yangon Hotel 7:00 AM Shwedagon Pagoda - Shwedagon Pagoda 12:50 PM Depart from Yangon International Airport (RGN) - Yangon International Airport 2:40 PM Arrive at Don Muang International Airport (DMK) - Don Muang International Airport 4:00 PM Check in at Thara House - Thara House, New Siam Palace View Guesthouse 7:00 PM Drinks at the Sky Bar - The Dome Bangkok - Home - February 14 8:00 AM Check out at Thara House - Thara House 9:00 AM Jim Thomson House - The Jim Thompson House 10:45 AM Shopping & Erawan Shrine - Erawan Shrine, ร านอาหาร Heiroku Sushi Central World 6:00 PM Depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrive home - February 15 7:25 AM Arrive at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) - Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport Visa Information Staying healthy Local culture and customs Other useful stuff about Myanmar Useful apps and websites

5 ARRIVE IN BANGKOK - FEBRUARY 2 Page 5 of 32 9:45 AM Departure Depart from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) AIRLINE Qantas FLIGHT NUMBER QF 23 TERMINAL 1 To book this flight click here Book a return flight from Sydney to Bangkok. Departure on the 2nd of Feb, 9.45am, return on the 13th of February, 6pm Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport Sydney, NSW, AU 3:35 PM Arrival Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) AIRLINE Qantas FLIGHT NUMBER QF 23 Once you land in Bangkok catch a taxi to your hotel. Taxis are available in front of the terminal. Make sure driver uses the meter. Have the hotel address and phone number written on a piece of paper and hand it to the driver. He will call the hotel if he isn't sure how to get there. Ensure you have Thai bath available to pay for the taxi You will need to pay for the tolls and the driver will want you to give him cash as he approaches the toll booth at the highway Expect to pay around 300 baht + tolls Suvarnabhumi Airport 999 Moo 1 Bang Na-Trat Rd., Bangkok, สม ทรปราการ, TH, 10540

6 Page 6 of 32 5:00 PM Check-in Check in at Thara House To book this hotel click here This hotel is located close to the famous Khaosan Road, backpackers' mecca of Bangkok. Alternative accommodation: New Siam Palace View. To book click here. Thara House Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, New Siam Palace View Guesthouse ซอย โรงไหม, Bangkok, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, Dinner There is tens of restaurants around this area. if you are after less touristy restaurants then turn right as you exit the hotel,and follow the road, which will bend right after a few hundred meters. There you will find a number of simple restaurants frequented by locals. If you want to dine at Khao San road, then turn left after existing the hotel and then left again into a narrow lane (after 7 Elevel) and then left again. This area is full of places to eat. Continue straight, cross the main road and you are the Khao San Road. T Khao San Road Night Market Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, 10200

7 BANGKOK - FEBRUARY 3 Page 7 of 32 8:15 AM 2 hr The Royal Grand Palace PRICE Grand Palace is Bangkok's number 1 tourist attraction and it gets very busy, so we recommend you arrive there by 8:15am. The gates don't open until 8:30am but that way you will be one of the first to enter and you will beat the bus tours (they start arriving at 9am) To get to the Grand Palace walk to Phra Arthit ferry stop (about 3 min walk from the hotel) and catch a boat the one with orange flag. Get off at Tha Chang. Entrance to the palace is about 5min away. Ensure you are appropriately dressed (your arms and legs are covered). The Royal Grand Palace ส าน กพระราชว ง พระนคร, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, :00 AM 1 hr 30 min Wat Pho PRICE Wat Pho is a home of a giant reclyning Buddha It is about 15min walk from the Grand Palace Wat Pho พระนคร, KRUNG THEP MAHA NAKHON, TH, 10200

8 Page 8 of 32 12:30 PM 1 hr 30 min Lunch break This cafe is 5min walk from Wat Home Cafe Tha Tien Tha Tian Alley, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, :00 PM 1 hr 15 min Wat Arun PRICE To get there walk to Tha Tien pier (3 min walk) and catch a ferry across the river After visiting the temple catch a ferry back to Tha Tien pier Temple of Dawn ซอยปรกอร ณ อร ณอมร นทร, บางกอกใหญ, KRUNG THEP MAHA NAKHON, TH, :00 PM 1 hr 30 min Golden Mount PRICE Taxi and tuk tuk will be the most convenient and fact way to get there. Make sure taxi driver uses the meter. If you prefer tuk tuk then make sure you agree on the price upfront. Wat Saket (Golden Mount) 344 ถนน บร พ ตร, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, 10100

9 Page 9 of 32 7:00 PM Dinner This is considered one of the best places in Bangkok to try Pad Thai It's about 15min walk from Golden Mount Expect long queue but the service is really fast, so you won't wait too long Catch a taxi or tuk tuk back to the hotel (about 15 min ride) Tip Samai 313 Maha Chai Road, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, 10200

10 BANGKOK - MANDALAY - FEBRUARY 4 Page 10 of 32 Check-out Check out at Thara House You will be able to catch a taxi in front of the hotel. Agree the price upfront (drivers don't want to use meter when going to the airport) You are going to Don Muang Airport Allow 1.5h to get to the airport Thara House Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, :55 AM Departure Depart from Don Muang International Airport (DMK) AIRLINE Thai AirAsia FLIGHT NUMBER FD 244 TERMINAL 1 To book this flight click here. You are looking for flight from Bangkok - Don Mueang (DMK) to Mandalay (MDL) on the 3rd of February 2016 Don Muang International Airport 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Bangkok, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, 10210

11 Page 11 of 32 12:20 PM Arrival Arrive at Mandalay International Airport (MDL) AIRLINE Thai AirAsia FLIGHT NUMBER FD 244 There are ATMs and money changers at the airport This airport is located about 1h drive from the city Catch and taxi (agree the price up front) or a shuttle bus (tickets are sold in the arrival for approximately $5/person) Mandalay International Airport Mandalay, MAGWAY REGION, Myanmar 2:00 PM Check-in Check in at Hotel8 To book this hotel click here The price is for the entire stay The price includes buffet breakfast Alternative accommodation: Smart Hotel. To book click here. Hotel8 29th Street, Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) Smart Hotel Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

12 Page 12 of 32 3:00 PM 2 hr 30 min Shwenandaw Kyaung Taxi is the easiers option to get there. Your hotel will organise it for you Ask the driver to take you for late lunch on a way. He will be able to recommend nice place Shwenandaw Kyaung Mandalay, MANDALAY REGION, MYANMAR (BURMA) 7:00 PM Dinner Have dinner at the hotel

13 MANDALAY - FEBRUARY 5 Page 13 of 32 8:00 AM 9 hr Day trip - the best of Mandalay Request the hotel to organise a taxi for you for this trip (approximately $50 per car for the entire day, During this trip you will see some of the most spectacular sights in the area: Inwa (old capital), U Bein Bridge (longest teak bridge in the world), Maha Ganayon Kyaung monastery and many others Recommended reading

14 MANDALAY - FEBRUARY 6 Page 14 of 32 8:00 AM 5 hr Boat trip to Mingun Mingun is home to some fantastic sites, namely Mingun Paya, Mingun Bell and Hsinbyume Paya. The approximate departure time for the boat is 8am but it changes frequently, so please check with the reception the night before. Ask the reception to organise a taxi to take you to the jetty (approximately $5, 15min) Buy the boat ticket in the office at the jetty The journey takes approximately 1h. Enquire about the return time and be sure to be back at the jetty on time. There will be horse carts waiting at the jetty, offering the sightseeing. You are free to accept for service, but we recommend to see the area on foot Once in Mingun, buy the ticket for Sagaing-Mingun Archaeological Zone (aprox. $5 per person) Follow the main road to access all the sights. We highly recommend climbing to the top of Mingun Paya. The steps are quite steep but the views from the top are amazing. There is a few simple restaurant located along the main road. They all serve similar menu and have similar pricing, so pick whichever you want. Once you get to Hsinbyume Paya look for a lady selling delicious crepes with coconut and sugar. They are absolutely divine and cost just $1 Recommended reading If you still feel like sightseeing, consider Kuthodaw Pagoda & the World's Largest Book or Mandalay Palace

15 Pa Hto Taw Gyi Min Kun, Sagaing Region, Myanmar (Burma) Page 15 of 32 Mingun Bell Min Kun, SAGAING REGION, MYANMAR (BURMA) Hsinbyume Pagoda Min Kun, Sagaing Region, Myanmar (Burma) Khutodaw Pagoda Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) Mandalay Palace Mandalay, MANDALAY REGION, MYANMAR (BURMA) 7:00 PM Dinner Laxmi INDIAN Restaurant Chanayethazan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

16 MANDALAY - BAGAN - FEBRUARY 7 Page 16 of 32 5:30 AM Check-out Check out at Hotel8 Hotel8 29th Street, Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) 7:40 AM Departure Depart from Mandalay International Airport (MDL) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 201 To book this flight click here. It takes about 45-60min to get from Mandalay city to the airport. Arrange the taxi with the reception the night before. You will need to leave your hotel around 5 Mandalay International Airport Mandalay, MAGWAY REGION, Myanmar 8:10 AM Arrival Arrive at Nyaung U Airport (NYU) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 201 Nyaung U Airport Nyaung-u, MANDALAY REGION, Myanmar

17 Page 17 of 32 8:30 AM Check-in Check in at Shwe Na Di To book this hotel click here Since you are arriving early it's possible that your room won't be ready. You can leave your bags at the reception and go exploring the town. Your stay includes complimentary break Alternative accommodation: Golden Myanmar Guest House. To book click here. Shwe Na Di Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) Golden Myanmar Guest House Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) 10:00 AM Temples of Bagan Temples of Bagan are one of the most amazing man built places in the world. We highly recommend you read this detailed and practical guide to getting the most out of your stay in Bagan. If you plan to see the temples on the e-bike it is recommended to book one as soon as you arrive, even if you are not planning to go to the tempoles until tomorrow. There is a shortage of e-bikes and you can end up without one. Start by asking at the hotel, if they don't have one then head to the main road where you will find a few places renting e-bikes.

18 BAGAN - FEBRUARY 8 Page 18 of 32 5:00 AM Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Bagan to book click here make sure you book as much in advance as you can, as this is a very popular attraction with limited supply Bagan Balloon 18 Lane 1, Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma) 9:00 AM Temples of Bagan Continue exploring the temples Lunch & Dinner You will need to come back to Nyagu U or go to Old Bagan for lunch, as there is no restaurants at the temples.

19 BAGAN - FEBRUARY 9 Page 19 of 32 8:00 AM 7 hr Mount Popa Mount Popa is about 2h drive from Bagan. You can arrange taxi at your hotel Mount Popa Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) 5:00 PM Sunset in Bagan Enjoy your last sunset in Bagan Make sure you are at your chosen pagoda at least 1h prior to the sunset, as they can get quite busy.

20 BAGAN - INLE LAKE (NYAUNGSHWE) - FEBRUARY 10 Page 20 of 32 6:30 AM Check-out Check out at Shwe Na Di Shwe Na Di Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma) 8:25 AM Departure Depart from Nyaung U Airport (NYU) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 202 To book this flight click here Book a one way flight from Nyaung U to Heho Nyaung U Airport Nyaung-u, MANDALAY REGION, Myanmar 9:40 AM Arrival Arrive at Heho Airport (HEH) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 202 You will find lots of taxis available to take you to Nyaungshwe (approximately 1h drive) Heho Airport Airport, Heho, KALAW TOWNSHIP, Myanmar

21 Page 21 of 32 11:00 AM Check-in Check in at Nawng Kham The Little Inn To book this hotel click here Complimentary breakfast is included in your stay Alternative accommodation: Aquarius Inn. To book click here. Nawng Kham The Little Inn Nyaungshwe, Shan, Myanmar (Burma) Aquarius Inn Nyaungshwe, Shan, Myanmar (Burma) 12:00 PM 1 hr 30 min Lunch Wanderful Nepali food, just 3min walk from the hotel Everest 2 Nepali Restaurant Kyaung Daw Anauk Street, Nyaungshwe, Shan, Myanmar (Burma) 2:00 PM 4 hr Visit to the monastery and the winery After lunch get your hotel to arrange a tazi to take you to Shwe Yan Pyay monastery and then to to Shwe Yan Pyay Shan, Myanmar (Burma) Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery 7:00 PM Dinner Have dinner in one of many restaurants in town

22 INLE LAKE - FEBRUARY 11 Page 22 of 32 6:00 AM 8 hr Inle Lake day tour Arrange your boat the day before, either at the hotel or with one of the boat drivers who will surely pitch their business to you on the streets It's recommended to leave before the sunrise Each boat takes up to 5 passengers, so you can team up with other travellers (15,000-20,000 kyaat per whole boat) It is recommend to also visit Inthein during the trip (let the bopat driver know upfront) Be prepared for chilli morning. There will be blankets on the boat Boat driver will recommend place for lunch Inle Lake SHAN, REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR Inthein 5:00 PM 2 hr Optional Inle Lake Sunset Tour You will need to arrange a boat again (the same boat driver will be more than happy to take you). There will be extra cost Inle Lake SHAN, REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR

23 INLE LAKE - YANGON - FEBRUARY 12 Page 23 of 32 7:30 AM Check-out Check out at Nawng Kham The Little Inn Nawng Kham The Little Inn Nyaungshwe, Shan, Myanmar (Burma) 9:55 AM Departure Depart from Heho Airport (HEH) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 202 To book this flight click here Book a one way flight from Heho to Yangon on the 11th of February, 9:55am Get your hotel to arrange for a taxi to take you Heho Airport in the morning Heho Airport Airport, Heho, KALAW TOWNSHIP, Myanmar 11:05 AM Arrival Arrive at Yangon International Airport (RGN) AIRLINE Asian Wings Airways FLIGHT NUMBER YJ 202 Once you arrive in Yangon, catch a taxi in front of the terminal. It takes about 45-60min to get to the city Yangon International Airport Yangon, YANGON REGION, Myanmar, 11021

24 Page 24 of 32 1:00 PM Check-in Check in at Family Treasure Yangon Hotel To book this hotel click here Complimentary breakfast is included in your stay Alternative accommodation: Myint Myat Guest House. To book click here. Family Treasure Yangon Hotel Yangon, Myanmar, Yangon Region, Myint Myat Guest House Bo Gyoke Road, Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma) 1:30 PM Lunch Tasty Thai food One Zaab Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma) 3:50 PM Walking Tour of Yangon This is a free walking tour led by an experience guide Be at this location at 3:50pm. The tour starts at 4pm 7:00 PM Dinner Tin Are 309 Anawrahta Road, Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

25 YANGON - BANGKOK - FEBRUARY 13 Page 25 of 32 6:40 AM Check-out Check out at Family Treasure Yangon Hotel Have breakfast and leave your bags at the reception. Return for them after seeing the Pagoda Family Treasure Yangon Hotel Yangon, Myanmar, Yangon Region, :00 AM 1 hr 30 min Shwedagon Pagoda This is Yangon's best and most popular attraction. You need to get there very early in the morning if you want to make it for your flight Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma) 12:50 PM Departure Depart from Yangon International Airport (RGN) AIRLINE Thai AirAsia FLIGHT NUMBER FD 256 To book this flight click here Book a one way flight from Yangon (RNG) to Bangkok Don Muang Airport (DMK) on the 13th of Feb 2016, 12:50pm Yangon International Airport Yangon, YANGON REGION, Myanmar, 11021

26 Page 26 of 32 2:40 PM Arrival Arrive at Don Muang International Airport (DMK) AIRLINE Thai AirAsia FLIGHT NUMBER FD 256 TERMINAL 1 Options for getting from the Airport to Khao San Road are described here We recommend taxi. It's the most expensive option but it's also the fastest and most convinient Don Muang International Airport 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Bangkok, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, :00 PM Check-in Check in at Thara House This is thew same hotel you stayed at the beginning of your trip To book this hotel click here Alternative accommodation: New Siam Palace View. To book click here. Thara House Soi Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, New Siam Palace View Guesthouse ซอย โรงไหม, Bangkok, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, :00 PM Drinks at the Sky Bar Expect high prices but the view is amazing, so it's worth it. Reservations are essential if you want to dine, but you can come for drinks without having to book To get there, catch an orange flag ferry from Phra Arthit pier and get off at Oriental pier (about 25min trip by boat). From there it's about 15min walk To come back, catch a cab or catch bus 35 from in front of the Dome The Dome 1055 State Tower, Silom Rd

27 BANGKOK - HOME - FEBRUARY 14 Page 27 of 32 8:00 AM Check-out Check out at Thara House Thara House Soi Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, TH, :00 AM Jim Thomson House It's going to be a short day so don't waste your time trying to catch public transport and catch a taxi insted The Jim Thompson House ถนน พระราม 1, กร งเทพมหานคร, BANGKOK, TH, :45 AM Shopping & Erawan Shrine There is a canal behind Jim Thompson House. Catch the river ferry (heading east) and get off at the next stop (Water Gate). Central World shopping centre is 5min walk from there, Erawan Shrine is another 5min Make sure you are back at your hotel by 2pm. Trip to the airport (by taxi) can take up to 1.5h Erawan Shrine Bangkok, กร งเทพมหานคร, TH, ร านอาหาร Heiroku Sushi Central World กร งเทพมหานคร, TH

28 Page 28 of 32 6:00 PM Departure Depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) AIRLINE Qantas FLIGHT NUMBER QF 24 Taxi will take a bit longer at this time of the day, so allow about 1.5h of travel time. You can find a taxi on the street, but be aware that none of the drivers will go with meter, so you need to agree on the fair upfront. Expect to pay twice as much as the metered fare would be Cheaper option is to catch a taxi to... Suvarnabhumi Airport 999 Moo 1 Bang Na-Trat Rd., Bangkok, สม ทรปราการ, TH, 10540

29 ARRIVE HOME - FEBRUARY 15 Page 29 of 32 7:25 AM Arrival Arrive at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) AIRLINE Qantas FLIGHT NUMBER QF 24 TERMINAL 1 Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport Sydney, NSW, AU Visa Information Thailand Visa is not required for stay up top 30 days Myanmar Visa is required in order to enter Myanmar. You can apply for Myanmar visa online here (approval within 3 days). Staying healthy The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended (but not mandatory): YELLOW FEVER, HEPATITIS A, TYPHOID FEVER Recommended reading

30 Page 30 of 32 Local culture and customs Burmese are a very friendly and outgoing people, especially towards visitor The head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body, where as the feet are considered dirty and corrupt. For this reason it is important never to touch anyone's head. Even ruffling a child's hair will be seen as a grave insult Shoes are always taken off upon entering homes, monasteries and pagoda compounds Never point your feet at anyone and especially not at a Buddha statue or image or at an elderly person or even a photograph of an elderly person. Pointing to someone with the feet is seen as extremely rude behaviour. The habit of some westerners of sitting back in a chair and putting one's feet on the table may not be the best of behavior at home, but in Myanmar it is considered absolutely outrageous. Give due respect to the monks although you are not Buddhist; The traditional Burmese greeting is "mingalaba". Locals will love it if you say "Mingalaba" instead of "hello". People are supposed to take off their shoes and socks before entering a temple and leave umbrellas outside. There are places to leave your footwear. Visitors are also expected to be neatly dressed. Hats should be removed. Short sleeve shirts, short pants, short skirts and pants for women are generally regarded as inappropriate attire but are often grudgingly tolerated from foreigners. It's a good idea to carry light sarong, which you can use to cover your legs/shoulder before entering temples. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist monuments, thus keeping the religious landmarks to your right Don't walk in front of praying people. Don t take photos during prayers or meditation sessions. Don t use a flash. As a rule don t take photos unless you are sure it is okay. Taking photographs of Buddhist statues or images is considered to be sacrilegious. If presenting or receiving a gift, always do so with both hands.

31 Page 31 of 32 Other useful stuff about Myanmar Weather in February Fenruary is a very pleasant time of the year when it's not terribly hot (but still hot) and when rain is rare. Expect temperatures over 26 C (80 F) during the day and warm nights. The only exception is Inle Lake where evening, nights and mornings can be a bit chilli. Money Local currency is known as kyaat (symbol Ks) Exchange rate (as of 8 October) 1000 MMK = 0.79 USD, 1 USD = MMK ATMs are common in Yangon and Mandalay and less common in other parts of the countries, however you will also find ATMs in Bagan and in Inle Lake. Money changers are also widely available. If you want to take cash, make sure it is USD and each bill is in a pristine condition, otherwise it will not be accepted. USD are widely accepted when paying for accommodation. Internet Most hotels offer free wi-fi. The speed varies widely from place to place. Electricity Power sockets used in Myanmar Mobile phones

32 Page 32 of 32 Useful apps and websites Manage your accommodation bookings: Bookings - ios, Android Agoda - ios, Android AsiaTravel.com General: Google Maps (make sure you save the map of Bangkok and Myanmar for offline you. Here is how to do it. CityMaps2Go (offline maps) - ios, Android CheckMyTrip (manage your flights) - ios, Android XE Currency (currency converter) - ios, Android Bangkok: Public transport planner website Bangkok Transport App - ios, Android TripAdvisor Bangkok City Guide - ios only Myanmar: GoMyanmar (practical information about travelling around Myanmar) Bagan Travel Guide Guide to Transport in Myanmar POWERED BY