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Sule Pagoda

The Sule Pagoda is an excellent landmark. It is said to be over 2,000 years old and contains a hair given by the Buddha to two Burmese merchants. Located on a roundabout in downtown Yangon. The golden pagoda is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl. It is surrounded by small shops and all the familiar non-religious services such as of astrologists, palmists, and so on.

Mandalay

Mandalay is the second-largest city and the last royal capital of Burma. Located 445 miles north of Yangon on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, the city has a population of one million, and is the capital of Mandalay Region.

Agriculture

The major agricultural product is rice, which covers about 60% of the country’s total cultivated land area. Rice accounts for 97% of total food grain production by weight. Through collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute 52 modern rice varieties were released in the country between 1966 and 1997, helping increase national rice production to 14 million tons in 1987 and to 19 million tons in 1996. By 1988, modern varieties were planted on half of the country’s ricelands, including 98 percent of the irrigated areas.

U Bein Bridge

U Bein Bridge is a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura in Myanmar. The 1.2-kilometre (0.75 mi) bridge was built around 1850 and is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Construction began when the capital of Ava Kingdom moved to Amarapura, and the bridge is named after the mayor who had it built. It is used as an important passageway for the local people and has also become a tourist attraction and therefore a significant source of income for souvenir sellers. It is particularly busy during July and August when the lake is at its highest.

Bagan

Bagan is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Burma. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar.

Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach is a beach located 7 kilometres (4 mi) from the town of Thandwe (Sandoway), in Rakhine State, Myanmar. It is the most famous beach in Myanmar and is a popular tourist destination. Myanmar’s political climate means that Ngapali is not as well publicized as other good beaches of Southeast Asia.

Myanmar Lacquerware

Yun-de is lacquerware in Myanmar, and the art is called Pan yun. The lacquer is the sap tapped from the varnish tree Melanorrhoea usitatissima or Thitsee that grows wild in the forests of Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is straw-coloured but turns black on exposure to air. When brushed in or coated on, it forms a hard glossy smooth surface resistant to a degree effects of exposure to moisture or heat.

Lahpet, Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

Lahpet, also spelled laphet is Burmese for fermented or pickled tea. Burma is one of very few countries where tea is eaten as well as drunk. Its pickled tea is unique in the region, and is not only regarded as the national delicacy but plays a significant role in Burmese society. Its place in the cuisine of Myanmar is reflected by the following popular expression: “Of all the fruit, the mango’s the best; of all the meat, the pork’s the best; and of all the leaves, lahpet’s the best”.

Travel Tips

Passport

Required

Visa

A valid passport with entry visa is required for all visitors issued by the Myanmar Embassies and consulates abroad. A tourist visa allows a stay of 28 days and cannot EXTENDED ( please note no extension period ). A business visa allows a stay of 10 weeks, extendable up to 12 months on case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement (pre arrangement Visa) with the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism. Infants and children also require a separate visa even traveling on parent’s passport. Packages tour visas can be done for person arranging tour through registered local tour company or their agents abroad.

Weather & Climate

  • Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate.
  • Hot Season – March to May with average temperature 30-35 C.
  • Rainy Season – June to September with average temperature 25- 30 C.
  • Cool Season – October to February with average temperature 20- 24 C. Cool season is the best time to visit Myanmar.

Local Time In Myanmar

  • GMT + 0 London 0030 hrs on Monday
  • GMT + 7 Bangkok 0730 hrs “
  • GMT + 8 Hong Kong 0830 hrs “
  • GMT + 6.5 Yangon 00700 hrs on Monday

Airport Tax

US$ 10

Customs

At the port of entry all foreign currencies and cameras must be declared to a custom officer. Export of antiques and archaeological objects is prohibited.

Currency

Myanmar currency is known as ‘Kyats’. The present usable denominations are 10000, 5000, 1000,500,200,100 and 50 Kyats. As in many area of the country the US Dollars in cash is the most useful to bring along and it can be changed into local currency. Travelers’ cheques & International credit cards are NOT normally accepted. Some of the hotels & shops they accept by credit cards but due to the internet transaction 5%-7% of additional charges will be charged on your original amount. Other currencies are difficult to change. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.

Where To Stay

Visitors have a choice of accommodation from Budget Class Guest House to Deluxe Hotels. There are more than 600 hotels and guest houses all over the country. Room rates vary according to location, facilities, standard and service. Check the hotel listings available at Tourist Information Desks.

Travel & Tour

Licensed travel agencies can arrange for travel and tours to the tourist destinations. Travel to certain areas in Myanmar is restricted. Contact the Tourist Information Desks for your updated information.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are collected at the famous pagodas, temples, monasteries, museums, old palaces and archaeological zones. Tickets offices are at the sites.

Tour Guide

Visitors are advised to avoid touts and use the services of licensed guides available at the licensed travel agencies.

Shopping

You are advised to buy gems, jewelleries and silverware at the authorized gem-shops where you will be given a voucher with a permit for Export. Visitors are required to ignore touts who may approach you for offering guide services, for exchanging foreign currency into local currency or for selling gems of a doubtful nature. The offer may appear to be attractive but you could get into trouble and spoil your visit.

Duty Free Allowance

Duty free allowance is two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes, 100 cigars and half a litre of perfume.

Health

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area.

Voltage

220-230 Volts A.C

Telecommunication

IDD telephones and fax facilities are available in most hotels

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is the predominant, with 80% of the people embracing it. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced among the minority.

Language

Myanmar is mother tongue but English is widely understood. Package Tours and F.I.T are allowed to Lashio through the inland route either by plane,train or car. Further to Muse, prior permission is required.

Further Information

Visitors are welcome for more information about flight and train schedules, tours and travel services at down town Information Counter (252859), Yangon Airport (533154) or at the Branch Office in Mandalay (02-60356/ 60357), Bagan (061-65040) and Taunggyi (081-21611).

Flight Assistance

Our Company can assist in finding you the cheapest fares to each destination by domestic flights such as; Air Mandalay, Air Bagan, Air KBZ, Asia Wings and Yangon Airway.

Some Privileges Of M.T.T

  • M.T.T is able to do as an authorized travel agency and should an international tourist and foreign traveller are desirous to make a tour in the restricted area, MTT can arrange the tour after getting prior permission from the authority concerned.
  • MTT can take full responsibility while conducting the tour.
  • In case a tourist wish to discuss and submit their ideas and points of view to the respective authorized persons, MTT is able to arrange the meeting.
  • Our tour tariff is more attractive comparing to other travel agency.
  • MTT can provide prompt emergency assistance should it be needed.
  • MTT can give full guarantee to the satisfaction of our clients because our branch offices are situated in main tourist destinations and border check points as well.