Vacation in Burma with Asian Vacations

Show respect for the Country and its people. Do not get involved in anti-governmental protests or activities! Foreigners have been caught up in the Burmese Government's suppression of the democratic opposition and have, as a result, been detained, arrested, tried and deported for, among other activities, distributing pro-democracy literature, photographing sites and activities, and visiting the homes and offices of Burmese pro-democracy leaders. Burmese authorities have warned that future offenders of these vague, unspecified restrictions will be jailed in lieu of deportation. Most Embassy officials are not allowed to travel outside Yangon without the permission of the Burmese Government. Therefore, it may be difficult to assist foreign citizens quickly should an emergency arise. Foreigners traveling in Myanmar should exercise caution and check with their embassies for an update on the current situation. Tourists are encouraged to carry their passports or photocopies of passport data and photo pages at all times so that, if questioned by Burmese officials, proof of citizenship is readily available. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Myanmar are strict, and convicted offenders can expect stiff jail terms, fines and even the death penalty. Photographing people in uniform or any military installation is prohibited by Burmese authorities, and it could lead to arrest or the confiscation of cameras and film. Also, please avoid photographing power plants and bridges. We advise you check for the latest Travel Alerts issued by various governments.

What to know:

Clothes: Rarely is anything more than a short-sleeve shirt or blouse required in Myanmar. Upcountry however, especially in the higher regions of the Shan State, a light jacket or sweater will be needed during the cooler months. Short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate because Myanmar preserves a conservative and largely Buddhist culture. Particularly for temple visits, please dress conservatively. Tourists are requested to dress decently within the vicinity of all religious places. Footwear is strictly prohibited in Pagodas and monasteries. Weather is generally warm and dry and light clothing and comfortable shoes and sandals are recommended which slip on and off easily. Hats, sunglasses and sun protection are highly recommended. An umbrella for the rainy season is a must. Rainy season days often start out sunny but outbursts of rain can be heavy, even if short and infrequent. Time Differences: Local time is GMT + 6.5 hours. For example on a Monday at midnight in Yangon, it will be: New York (Eastern Standard) 1230 hours on Monday; London (GMT) 1730 hours on Monday; Bangkok 0030 hours on Tuesday. Electricity: The voltage throughout Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Most of the international class hotels in Yangon have their own generator. However, in other places, voltage varies greatly and power often goes out. Valuable or sensitive electronic equipment like stereos and computers should be protected with the appropriate electronic protection equipment. They are readily available in local electrical shops. Two pin plugs are common (as those used in Thailand). Three pined plugs are also used. A travel adaptor is highly recommended.

Festivals are drawn-out, enjoyable affairs and generally take place or culminate on full-moon days. There's often a country fair atmosphere about these celebrations, and they may feature stalls, pwes, music and boxing bouts. National Holidays are underlined:

January	Independence Day on 4th January is marked by a seven-day fair in Yangon. Countless parades and fairs, marks this an important day and everyone joins in the celebrations. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon in ancient times, this festival provides the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations.
February	This is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one would miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy that consists of glutinous rice freckle with coconut, sesame seeds, peanuts, ginger and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. Thingyan ( Union Day) venues across the country on February 12. The Thingyan festival that is the anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar will be dressed in colorful and traditional costumes and gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups that are found within the Union.
March	The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung in March and is one of the biggest events in the year. During this festival, visitors can get a feel of the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. Armed Forces Day - Mar. 27 - Peasants' Day - Mar. 2
April	Thingyan Water Festival - Celebrating the Myanmar New Year, this festival lasts for several days and is marked by major, good-natured water throwing. It is also a time of merit making, and older people go to temples for prayer and alms giving. In the month of April this Water Festival is held throughout the country, for three days. It marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing paddles are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! Burmese New Year - Apr. 17 - Thingyan (Water Festival) - Apr.13-16
May	The Kason Festival - representing the day the Buddha was born, the day He attained Enlightenment, and the day of His passing, this festival falls on the day of the full moon of Kason in the Myanmar calendar, in early May. Visits are made to pagodas to water the sacred Bo Trees - under which species the Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment. Full Moon of Kason - May 26 - May Day (Workers’ Day) - May 1
July	The Waso Festival - commemorating the Buddha's first sermon, this festival also marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Monks are given new robes and other requirements to tide them through the months ahead. Full Moon of Waso - July 24 - Martyrs' Day - July 19 - Beginning of Buddhist Lent - July 30
September/ October	Thadingyut Festival (Festival of Lights) - Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, this festival, held on the full moon day of Thadingyut, lasts for three days during which houses and streets are festively decorated and illuminated. People crowd into their local pagodas to offer alms and make merit. Younger people also pay homage to their parents, elders and teachers. Phaungdaw Oo ( Pagoda Festival) at Inle Lake - Buddha images are ferried from village to villages for people to pay homage. Fairs, dances, the leg rowers' boat races and general festivities counterbalance the more austere ceremonial aspect. This is the biggest celebration in the Shan state. It is held at Inle Lake once a year during the month of September and is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. Elephant Dance Festival - Though enacted in several towns and villages, the town with the best festival is Kyauk-se, 40km south of Mandalay. Two full size paper elephants, one black, one white, each with two men inside, dance through the town with much pageantry and ceremony. Full Moon of Thadingyut - Oct. 21
November	Tazaungdaing Festival - Held on the full moon day of Tazaungmon according to the Myanmar Calendar, this festival finds houses and public buildings decorated and brightly lit. Robes and other requisites are offered to monks with the special offering of Mathothigan - a robe that is woven in one single day - held on the eve of the full moon. Dedicated teams of weavers compete with one another to complete the robes, which are then reverently offered to images of Buddha. National Day - Nov. 29 - Full moon Festival of Lights - Nov 14
December	Boat Regatta Festival on Kandawgyi Lake is held to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty and national spirit of the country of Myanmar. Myanmar National Day - Dec 5 - Christmas Day - Dec. 25
	Spirit Festival - Taungpyone is a popular five-day event held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. Tradition says that, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in peoples lives and homes. This story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished for what they have done but, unfortunately the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was so remorseful that he built a big Nat that is a spirit shrine by the side of the Pagoda in honor of the two brothers that were killed. Because of this the homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, bring good luck, protect you from ill-fate and danger, bring you prosperity and progress.

Shopping:
Many different arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar. Hand crafted lacquerware, mostly produced in Bagan, comes in all shapes and sizes. Embroidered cottons and wood carvings also make good souvenirs. Myanmar is of course renowned for its precious stones, particularly rubies. You should only buy from licensed Government shops. Once you have chosen your souvenir, enter into the spirit of bargaining which is a way of life in Myanmar. There are shops in the major hotels selling quality goods - silver, gold, precious stones, art, rattan items and other various crafts. Temples have an array of stalls brimming with local crafts. Note, Myanmar has strict regulations regarding the export of archaeological artifacts and antiques. Lacquerware: Bagan is the center of lacquerware production, with a range of pieces available. Scott Market in Yangon sells likewise. The process of laquermaking is long and laborious, taking up to six months and involving 10-14 steps before completion. Most designs are based on religious scriptures, with red and black designs being the most common. Gems: Myanmar's red rubies are among the world's finest. These high quality stones are now rare but may available from reputable shops in Yangon. Jade and sapphires are more widely available. Don't be tempted by friendly street vendors offering stones, they are more likely to be fake. Gold and Silver: Gold jewelry is sold in Yangon's reputable jewelry shops. A wide variety of silver, of varying quality, is available in many tourist shops, from beads to intricately designed boxes and bowls. Tribal jewelry is more valuable and rare. Woven Goods: Beautiful high quality silk and cotton longyis are found countrywide. These are well priced and easy to pack. When browsing ask about your preferred design and color, as lengths of cotton and silk may be tucked away out of sight. The famous Shan shoulder bags are popular gifts and can be bought throughout Myanmar. Thanaka: This paste, derived from ground bark of the Murraya Paniculata tree mixed with water, can be seen being worn (mainly by women) across Myanmar. It controls oiliness, tightens pores, cools the skin and acts as a sunscreen. Puppets: Delightfully styled marionettes of all sizes dangle at market stalls. Some hanging with the more manageable 20 strings, others with the more complex 60 strings. Marionettes date back to the 18th century. Performances were first introduced into the royal courts, as dancing during this period was considered immoral. Marionette performances today are becoming a rare occurrence. Embroidery: The most sought-after embroidery is the Kalaga (a wall hanging), a traditionally crafted tapestry depicting Buddhist scenes. The art originated in India but is widely found in Asian countries. Cotton is the base fabric to which sequins, glass beads, metallic threads and silk fabric are added to form raised figures which depict the intricate scenes. Rattan: Superbly woven items from baskets to place mats are available throughout Myanmar.

Telephone services are poor in Yangon and other major cities, and they are non-existent in many areas. Calling overseas from Myanmar is difficult and expensive (from $4.50 to $12.00 per minute, depending on location.)

Internet: The government has banned general Internet use in Myanmar. As of February 2002, Internet connections are illegal except to the government and a few favored businesses. It is illegal to own an unregistered modem in Myanmar, and tourists have had their laptop computers taken and held at the airport until their departure. Limited E-mail service is available at some large hotels. All e-mails are read by military intelligence.

All travelers should contact their own doctors for advice. It is suggested that only bottled or boiled water be drunk. Hotels all supply bottled water as well as a good selection of Asian and Western foods. It is better not to purchase food from street vendors -to eat local food, choose only large, clean and busy restaurants. Insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes if traveling outside Yangon is particularly recommended. While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended by traveler’s personal physicians. Occasionally, typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended. Common drugs for sale, such as insulin, are often adulterated products and unsafe to use. HIV/AIDS is rampant in the country, as are malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's via there Internet site at: http://www.cdc.gov/. Generally, medical facilities in Myanmar are inadequate for even routine medical care. There are few trained medical personnel because the universities were closed for several years and have only recently reopened. However, there are now at least two good international standard medical centers/clinics in Yangon. As a general precautionary measure, we recommended that you take out health insurance before traveling overseas. You should consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Note that some insurers will only authorize payment for medical evacuations performed by companies with whom they have pre-existing agreements.