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Myanmar
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traveling with Exotissimo to explore Myanmars hidden treasures will surely be an impressive trip. Where to go in Myanmar?

40C; the rainy season from May to the beginning of October with frequent short rainstorms and humidity. The rains are rarely long enough to disrupt sight-seeing plans. For those heading to the beaches, the coast has two distinctive seasons: Dry and Rainy. During the rainy season (April-September), most resorts and restaurants close down entirely and the flight schedule is severely limited. The dry season is delightful with sunny skies, warm ocean breezes, and temperatures around 30-34 Celsius during the day time. The following is a guide to the best of the best of Myanmar filled with ideas for travel sightseeing and accommodation with a few insider tips along the way.

Introducing Myanmar
Thank you for choosing Exotissimo Travel Myanmar to organize your travel arrangements in the country. This document will give you some more information about the country, the different destinations within Myanmar, useful information for travelers, a listing of the Exotissimo preferred hotels and the reservations and booking procedures. Known as The Golden Land because of her glittering pagodas, Myanmar is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural scenic landscapes with abundant tourist attractions. History enthusiasts can bask in ancient cities and archaeological museums. Nature lovers can discover the lure of Myanmar forests, wildlife sanctuaries and scenic spots. Beach lovers can relax and enjoy the call of the sea at pristine beaches. Adventure seekers can trek and scale of the challenging mountains to meet the hill tribes in their colorful ethnic costumes. Whatever your interest may be, we assure you that

That depends how long youve got, what you want to see and what you want to do? Hopefully the guide below will help you make those decisions. If you want to really discover Myanmar, you should set a side a couple of weeks to travel, meet the people and gain an understanding of this beautiful and fascinating country. Our shortest tours are half day excursions and while the longer youve got the more you can see. At Exotissimo we pride ourselves on being able to fill everybodys travel plans with just the right mix. It will be our pleasure to make the suggestion and arrangements to allow you to make the most of your precious leisure time. After all, our team of local and western travel enthusiasts work, live and travel all over the country and we would be happy to share our new discoveries with you. When to go to Myanmar? Myanmar has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: the cool season from November to February which is dry; the hot season from March to May with average temperatures in the 30s and occasionally over

Yangon
The former capital city of Myanmar, founded by King Alaungpaya in 1755, spreads over 350 sq km in area with a population of about 5 million. Yangon is also known as the Garden City of the East, owing to the tree-lined streets, shaded parks and two lakes Kandawgyi (Royal Lake) and Inya Lake that fill the city. Considered one of the most picturesque cities in the Orient, Yangon is exceptionally laid out with perfectly straight streets and roads that intersect at right angles. Set in a tropical woodland, Yangon exudes a charm all of its own.

What to see in Yangon?

To complement the modern travelers love affair with the unusual and experiential travel, Exotissimo offers a range of new and interesting tours in Burma that take you off the well worn tourist trails and focus on the wonders of Burmese culture. First time visitors should not miss the Shwedagon Pagoda, a magnificent goldcrusted pagoda that has come to be the countrys icon. Other temple sites not to be missed are the Sule Paya with an octagonal-shaped dome, the Botataung Pagoda with the sacred hair of Lord Buddha enshrined, and the Chaukhtetgyi Pagoda with a 70-metres reclining Buddha statue. Finally, there is the Kaba Aye Pagoda within which is the Buddhist Art Museum and Maha Pasana Cave. For aspiring yogis and meditation devotees, it is worthwhile to check out Mahasi Meditation Centre and International Meditation Centre, both of which offer full-time meditation amenities. To seek out intriguing shopping finds, Bogyoke Aung San Market is an excellent choice. Constructed in 1926, the market is best known for its colonial architecture, inner cobblestone streets and wide selection of souve-

nirs. Head to Yangons Chinatown, a series of colorful streets filled with roadside stalls, market vendors and jewelry stores. Named after the sacred mythological bird, the Karaweik Hall is an imposing royal barge floating in the Kandawgyi Royal Lake. It makes a good spot to catch traditional Burmese arts performances as well as a beautiful view of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Situated at the confluence of the Pazundaung Creek and Bago River, the Yangon River is an interesting spot to seize out the local lifestyles. At the Yangon Nanthida Jetty, one can enjoy the panoramic scenery and magnificent sunset over the river. If you have time to spare, we highly recommend crossing the river to Dhala on the opposite bank for a glimpse into countryside lives in Myanmar, or Kyimyindaing where stone Buddha sculptures and the dyeing of monks yellow robes can be observed. For history and culture buffs, the National Museum of Myanmar has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, art works and historic memorabilia on display in 14 halls in a splendid five-storey building. A visit to the National Races Village is a tour of Myanmar in a nutshell, where visitors can stroll through and view the 8 villages of Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Myanmar, Rakhine and Shan across the 117-acres compound. Unknown even to most Yangon natives, the Yangon War Cemetery is nestled deep in the city. A burial ground

Where to stay in Yangon?

Colonial Style Hotels If it is your first time to Yangon and you are purely visiting the city for leisure, colonial style hotels are a good choice. Besides offering high service standards, these hotels provide a nostalgic window to the olden times gone by in the former British colonial city. One of our top favorites, the Strand Hotel is Yangons landmark heritage hotel with an opulent dcor reflecting the 1920s and 1930s epoch. Its central location makes it a good choice for both the leisure or business trav-

eler. Another recommendation will be the Governors Residence Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel housed in an imposing teak mansion. It is also a short walk away from the embassies and the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. City Hotels In town, the Traders Hotel tops our list. An outstanding business hotel located right in the city centre, it features modern facilities and comforts. As one of the tallest hotels in Yangon, it affords splendid panoramas of the city.

for the allied soldiers who died during World War II, the cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Just a 45 minutes drive from the city, the Hlawga Wildlife Park is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 bird species, definitely an ideal place for picnickers, naturalists, botanists and bird watchers.

ern Park and White Rice, carry a wide array of dishes. Coffee shops have mushroomed across Yangon in recent years. For aromatic coffee brews with a panoramic view of downtown Yangon, head to Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro on the 20th floor of Sakura Tower. Another Alister caf is Mr Guitar, popular for its live bands and frequented by locals and expatriates alike.

plants and a meeting with Mr Shein, a renowned traditional medicine practitioner famous for his gold ash techniques. For Buddhists, we can arrange for Buddhist teachings, dharma talks and meditation sessions with venerable monks and meditation instructors.

Mandalay
Mandalay was the capital of Konboung Dynasty or the third Myanmar Empire. Located 668 km north of Yangon, it is a bustling commercial center and a repository of ancient Myanmar culture. The old Royal Palace boasts of finely built walls and beautiful moats surrounding the fortress-like structure. There is unique gold embroidery, hand weaving of silk and cotton, stone carving, woodcarving, tapestries, silverware, bronze casting and other traditional arts and crafts. Mandalay is also the principal center for Buddhist literature studies as its monasteries and pagodas are of religious significance in Myanmar. Nearby, there are several ancient capitals such as Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, Mingun where the Kongboung Dynasty kings established their capitals.

Where to dine in Yangon?

For a taste of authentic Myanmar cuisine, we recommend Padonmar Restaurant which features both traditional Myanmar and Thai cuisine with indoor and alfresco dining options. The Green Elephant Restaurant is another favorite of ours with a good selection of traditional Burmese and international dishes served in a garden setting. The Monsoon Restaurant & Bar, housed in a spacious colonial style building, is a good spot to savor Myanmar and Indochinese specialties. There is no lack of restaurants serving international food in Yangon. Le Planteur Restaurant has established a formidable standing in serving French cuisine tops with Burmese hospitality, while the Manis Restaurant & Bar features contemporary Western and oriental cuisines. Tokyo Restaurant & Bar remains a perennial eating hunt for its delicious and fresh Japanese selections. Sabai Sabai whips up a fiery concoction of Thai food. The handful of Chinese restaurants, such as West-

Off the beaten path in Yangon

How about sightseeing in style in Yangon? Exotissimo Myanmar can arrange a city tour on the Elephant Coach, an elegant air-conditioned vintage vehicle decorated in rich Burmese ironwood, comfortable leather chairs and a retro-style exterior. A Yangon River sunset cruise is a great opportunity to catch the magnificent scenery while indulging in cocktails and canaps. The Yangon circular train is not only a sight by itself, but also offers an enjoyable way to sightsee the city and the surrounding outskirts. Disembark in Insein village and pay a visit to the colonial locomotive workshop and colorful local market. For advocates of traditional healing techniques, try the Exotissimo tour that includes a visit to a plantation grown with indigenous medicinal herbs, a walking tour of Kon Zay Dan street that sells Burmese herbs and

ness the crowd of devotees in their rituals of washing the face of the Buddhas image and sometimes even cleaning his teeth! The Mandalay Hill is 230 meters in elevation and visitors can climb the 1729 steps to enjoy the magnificent view of the city and surrounding environs from the summit. Lying at the foot of Mandalay Hill is Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as the worlds biggest book for its 729 stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Not far from Kuthodaw Pagoda, the Ah-TuMa-Shi Monastery houses the Great Marble Image, an image of Buddha sculpted from a single black of Sagyin marble. Reminiscent of the old Mandalay Palace, the Shwenadaw Monastery is famous for its exquisite woodcarvings and glided teak pavilions. Zaycho means reasonable price in Burmese, and at Zaycho Market, one can definitely find attractively priced shopping hunts and observe the lifestyles and cultures of the locals. Outside Mandalay City Situated 11km south of Mandalay, Amarapura features the worlds longest wooden bridge - U Bein. Built in 1782, the U Bein Bridge spans 1208 meters with over 1700 huge teak pillars. Other places of interests in Amarapura include silk weaving industry, Mahagandayon Monastery, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda and Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. 20km southwest of Mandalay, Innwa (Ava) used to be

the capital for ancient Shan and Myanmar Kings in the 12th century. Crossing the river and riding in a ponycart, visitors can see Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aung Myay Bonzan Okkyaung and Htilaingshin Pagoda. Mingun is located across Irrawaddy River and lies approximately 12 kilometers north of Mandalay. It is famous for the worlds second largest ringing bell of 90 tons in weight and Mingun Payagyi. It is accessible by ferry boat rides which usually take 1 hour to sail upriver or 45 minutes to cruise downstream. Sagaing is located 21 km southwest of Mandalay on the west bank of Irrawaddy River. Dotted with over 400 pagodas, monasteries and nunneries, the Sagaing Hill is noted as a religious retreat. About 10 km from Sagaing stands Kaungmudaw, an enormous dome-shaped pagoda built by King Thalun in 1636. Nearby is Ywahtaung village, famous of its silver craftsmanship. Pyin Oo Lwin is located 69 km east of Mandalay at over 1100 meters above sea level. Nicknamed the city of flowers, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular summer retreat with its pleasant cool climate and scenic spots. The National Kandawgyi Garden is well-known in Myanmar for its rich biodiversity. Other places of interest include the Chinese Temple, Pwekauk Waterfalls and Peik Chin Myaung Cave.

Where to go in Mandalay?
Within Mandalay City The Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, built in 1857 and destroyed by a fire during World War II, is a replica of the old palace and definitely not to be missed. Revered as the holiest shrine in Mandalay, the Mahamuni Buddha image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of Buddha. We advise visits in the morning so as to wit-

Located 136 km west of Mandalay, Monywa can be reached via a 3.5 hours drive. It is a picturesque town on the Chindwin River. On the way to Monywa, you can visit Mohnyin Thanboddhay spread across 37 acres of land. Monywa is also famous for Po Win Taung (Mt. Po Win), where caves, niches, staircases and Buddha Images are carved into the entire mountain of Mt. Shwe Ba.

in Thai food.

Off the beaten track in Mandalay

Take a day to explore the villages in the Mandalay and observe local fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish. Watch out for the Irrawaddy Dolphin, and endangered freshwater mammal, in the waterways. Opt for a river cruise along the Irrawaddy River to experience the picturesque sceneries, local lifestyles and handicrafts. For the more adventurous, embark on a cycling tour of Mandalay and peddle past rustic vistas in Mandalay outskirts, Sagaing, Mingun and Irrawaddy River. If you prefer exploring caves, then head to the Padalin Caves, a cluster of large caves that contains ancient mural paintings in a primitive forest.

Where to stay in Mandalay?

The 16-rooms Rupar Mandalar Resort is a top choice if you desire to stay in a boutique hotel with a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Nestled in landscaped gardens right in the citys heart, the Sedona Hotel Mandalay faces the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay, lovely sights that greatly complement the hotel stay. At the foot of Mandalay Hill, the Mandalay Hill Resort opens into panoramic views of the surrounding lands.

Bagan
Bagan is one of the main tourist destinations in Myanmar. An ancient capital, it is also one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Bagan preserves over 2000 well-renovated pagodas and temples representing the diversity of ancient Myanmar architectural styles in the 11th to 13th century. It is also known as the cradle of Myanmars culture. Within Bagan

Famous for its architectural beauty, the Ananda Temple is one of the most spectacular in Bagan. Visitors should not miss the Ananda Pagoda Festival that sees many devotees amid a carnival-like setting every January. Not paling in comparison, the Thatbyinnyu Temple overshadows its peers with magnificent panoramic views of the Bagan plains. To view glorious sunsets on the Irrawaddy River, we recommend the upper terraces of Gawdawpalin Temple or the Bupaya Pagoda. The Gubyaukgyi Temple is noted for its spire and wall paintings that depict scenes from Buddhas previous lives. The Tharaba Gate is the only one remaining of the twelve gates of King Pyinbyas walled city in 839 A.D. During the pagoda festival from late October to early November, the Shwezigon Pagoda and its three pagoda terraces constitute a lively scene. Nearby Ananda Temple, the Archaeological Museum is a must-visit with its wide collection of items excavated through the times in Bagan. To find out more about lacquer ware, a fine tradition of Bagan, opt for a lacquer ware workshop. Outside Bagan Lying 67km southeast of Bagan, the Mt. Popa is known as the Oasis of the Dry Zone for its lush environs and also famous as the abode of Mahagiri nats (spirit gods). By the bank of Irrawaddy River, Salay is an ancient town rich most renowned as the birth place of Salay U Ponny, the Shakespere of Myanmar. Found primarily in arid regions, the toddy palms are ubiquitous in Bagan. Trav-

elers should make a stop at one of the roadside stalls for a taste of toddy juice and wine. A visit to a toddy climbers hut makes a unique way to learn about the culture and traditions of a group that lives closely with nature.

and superb views at the peak. Learn the interesting process of creating Poneyay (pea powder paste) and see how local plum jam is made and packed. In addition, visit workshops of two of the regions best known products: handmade lacquerware and wooden handicrafts.

Where to stay in Bagan?

The stylish Aureum Palace Resort is a good choice for guests seeking luxury and relaxation. The riverside Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel is another favorite for its traditional Burmese architecture of teak, stones and bricks. Located right in front of the legendary gate of Bagan, the Hotel @ Tharabar Gate Hotel is within walking distance to the spectacular Ananda Temple.

Where to dine in Bagan?

For Burmese cuisine, head to the Nandar Restaurant, River View Restaurant and Sunset Garden Restaurant. For European specialties, the Eden BBB Restaurant is a top choice. The Aroma Restaurant gets our nod for Indian food.

Where to dine in Mandalay?

A Little Bit of Mandalay restaurant serves more than local dishes in Mandalay; it also whips up a delightful range of Myanmar specialties. The Green Elephant features Burmese and Asian cuisine in the peaceful surroundings of a 1920s colonial house. For regional cuisine, we recommend Golden Duck for its mouth-watering Chinese food and Kos Kitchen that specializes

Off the beaten path in Bagan

Enjoy horse-back riding along one of Bagans historical trails. Trek to Mt. Popa (an extinct volcano) together with forest ranger and be rewarded with a picnic lunch

Inle Lake
Located in the middle of Nyaung Shwe valley in the southern Shan State, Inle Lake is the second largest natural lake in Myanmar. At 1328 meters above sea level, this vast picturesque lake is a mesmerizing beauty best known for its floating villages and gardens. Inthas (native lake dwellers) move about on the lake in their boats with a unique one-legged rowing technique. As the only mode of transportation is boats and motorboats, Inle Lake is figuratively named the Venice of the East.

of the silverware or silk weaving craftshops. Enjoy a sunset canoe ride and take in the beautiful sights of Inle Lake. Around Inle region Head to Taunggyi (literally meaning the great mountain) to experience its scenic charm and pleasantly cool climate. Another attraction of Taunggyi is Hot Air Balloon Festival held in November every year. Pindaya is a picturesque town with stalactite and stalagmite caves located on the mountain ridges towering the town. The pagoda festival in March is a colorful carnival attended by the different hill tribes of Taungyo (Pa O), Danu, Shan and Palaung. In Kalaw and the surrounding areas, there are trekking opportunities to several interesting villages belonging to the Palaung and Pa O tribes. Kakku is a hidden treasure with a unique temple complex of more than 2000 stupas lying hidden in the Pa O heartland.

Where to dine in Inle?

For Burmese or local Inthar specialties, we suggest Annes Restaurant and Nam Pan Restaurant, which lies on the northern and southern part of Inle Lake respectively. For dining choices near the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inthar Lay Restaurant (a 2-storey wooden house) and Mr. Toe Restaurant receive the thumbs-up.

Off the beaten path in Inle

The Inle region boasts of ample biking and trekking opportunities. Head to Nyaung Shew and begin a biking adventure to Shwe Yan Pyay village and monastery nearby. Spend a relaxing day fishing in the Keng Tung fishing ponds and savor a local meal with the catches.

Where to go in Inle Lake?

Within Inle Lake Explore Ming Tauk, a bustling market with an authentic local atmosphere with variety of indigenous products from Inle Lake. The Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, supported by 654 teak pillars, is also known as the Jumping Cat Monastery because the resident monks have trained their cats to leap through hoops. Housing five sacred Buddha Images, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is also famous for the 19-days festival which is usually held at the lake every October at the end of Buddhist Lent. Ascend the covered stairways to the hilltop Shew Indein Pagoda dotted with hundreds of ancient stupas. To gain insight into local cultures and livelihoods, visit some

Where to stay in Inle?

The Inle Princess Resort has always been Exotissimos top choice in Inle for its traditional dcor and lovely surroundings. It is located on the lake shore and its rooms are stilted bungalows overlooking the water- true bliss! The Lake View Resort is a deluxe boutique offering that overlooks the Inle Lake. Distinguished by its signature dome, the Inle Resort is one of the finest and designed in native style architecture.

Myanmar - FAQs
AIRLINES
AIRLINES (DOMESTIC) We use the following 5 domestic airlines: Air Bagan, Air Mandalay, Air KBZ, Asian Wings and Yangon Airways. All four airlines fly French-Italian ATR turboprop planes (Avions de Transports Rgionaux), a type of plane well suited for the local conditions, airports and distances. The configuration is either 40 seats (ATR-42) or 70-seats (ATR 72) in rows of 4 seats with a middle aisle. Entryexit is at the back of the plane. Standard One-class configuration. Air Bagan operates 1 Fokker-100 Dutch-made jet aircraft with 95 seats, 12 of which are business class seats (Lotus Class - 3 rows of 4 with middle aisle). Economy class configuration is: 2 seats -aisle- 3 seats. Entry/exit is at the front of the plane. Exotissimo Travel does not use Myanma Airways (domestic) flights (not to be confused with Myanmar Airways International). If passengers insist on flying Myanma Airways (if for example no other airline is flying to that destination), passengers will be asked to sign a Liability waiver.

AIRLINES (INTERNATIONAL) The following airlines currently fly into Myanmar: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Myanmar Airways International, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air, Air China, China Eastern, Mandarin Airlines, Indian Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air Bagan and Vietnam Airlines. AIRPORT TAX An international airport tax of 10 USD per person is payable cash in USD or FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificates) when departing Myanmar on an international flight. Departure tax for domestic flights is 1000 kyat and is included in ticket cost for flights booked on or after 1 July 2011. ARRIVAL FORMALITIES Queue up at the immigration counters with a filled out arrival card and your passport with your visa stamped inside. After passing immigration, collect your luggage from the luggage belt and proceed to the customs counter. Hand over your filled-out customs form. Note that items of value and currency in excess of 2000 USD are supposed to be declared and taken again on departure, but in practice things are made quite easy for tourists. Also note that mobile phones and laptops are no longer kept in storage on arrival as is still claimed in some guidebooks.

CLOTHING
Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Myanmar. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat and umbrella are a good idea in the rainy season and the umbrella can also offer useful shade from the sun. Evenings in the hill stations and on Inle Lake can be quite chilly so bring a sweater or other warm clothing if visiting these areas. This applies especially for the winter months November-February for treks and the Inle lake area where early morning boat rides can be quite cold. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries. Shoes (and socks!) must be removed before entering any religious building or private home. It is therefore useful to wear shoes without too many laces and which can easily be taken off. We provide small towels to clean your feet before putting back on your shoes.

ple or those with health and back problems especially, we recommend avoiding longer road trips like Bagan to Kalaw or Inle Lake to Mandalay. In some places like Monywa-Po Win Taung, some jeep rides are planned. Please let us know in advance of people with back problems or who need special attention are traveling in order for us to make necessary arrangements.

to the east, India and Bangladesh to the west and China to the north east. There are three international land borders open for travelers: Tachilek (located near the Thai border town of Mae Sai), Kawthaung (located in the south near the Thai town of Ranong, 5 hours from Phuket) and Muse (connecting to Chinas Yunnan province). At the present time, overland travel is not permitted however the situation changes frequently. Exotissimo can advise and arrange travel permits when the ban is lifted yet we cannot guarantee the stability of the overland regulations. Thus we recommend having flexible travel dates and will provide an alternative back up plan in case permission is revoked at the last minute. During periods when overland travel IS permitted, if a traveler uses different arrival and exit points (ie- arrives in Yangon by plane and departs overland via Kengtung) special permission must be requested in advance.

flavor. Chinese, Indian and European food is served in restaurants at most tourist places.

GEMS / PRECIOUS STONES

Myanmar is well known for its riches in precious stones, especially rubies (pigeon-blood) and jade (imperial-jade). Should visitors chose to purchase gems, they do so at their own risk and rely solely on their own judgment and knowledge. Exotissimo Travel Myanmar does not assume any responsibility for gem and antique purchases through recommendations made by our guides. Our guides are instructed not to recommend any specific shop. Even if pressed to do so by visitors, the sole responsibility for their purchase lies with the buyer. A relative guarantee for the quality of purchases is given by an official receipt and certificate issued by government-licensed dealers. Prices in such shops are higher but are more credible and would theoretically allow you to return the purchase in case you are unhappy or if it is of lesser value. The issued paper can also be shown when exiting the country as export of gems and stones, and without such a government-issued paper are illegal.

ELECTRICITY
Myanmar uses 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor. Power outages are quite common but most hotels have their own generator.

ENTERTAINMENT
There is not much in the way of western style entertainment in Myanmar but Yangon has a few bars and nightclubs. In the rest of the country, entertainment is mostly confined to the hotels and tourist-orientated restaurants. For those seeking a taste of the local culture in the evenings, head to tea shop, beer hall or night market where the locals gather to relax and socialize.

FOOD
The staples of Burmese cuisine are rice, rice noodles, and curries. The main ingredient of the meal is usually rice and the curries tend to be not as spicy as those from India or Thailand. A clear soup called hingyo accompanies most meals and a fermented fish sauce or paste called ngapiye is usually served to add to the

ELDERLY PEOPLE
Some roads in Myanmar are not in the best shape and most of the vehicles are also a bit older. For elderly peo-

ENTRY/EXIT POINTS
Myanmar is bordered by 5 countries: Thailand and Laos

HEALTH
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in Myanmar and it is advisable to take precautions especially if traveling off the beaten track. Please consult with your usual doctor or a doctor specialized in tropical countries before traveling. Medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar (Yangon has the best facilities) and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling. Such an insurance should cover the cost of an evacuation flight out of Myanmar (most of the time to Bangkok) which are sometimes necessary.

INSURANCE
Medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar (Yangon has the best facilities) and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling. Such an insurance should absolutely cover the cost of an evacuation flight out of Myanmar (most of the time to Bangkok or Singapore) which is sometimes necessary either on a regular flight or on a special flight. For adventure tours, such as cycling, proof of purchase of a travel insurance policy will be required.

LANGUAGE
The national language of Myanmar is Burmese, of which there are over 80 different dialects spoken. The written language uses an amazing looking script based on ancient Indian characters. In the cities many of the older generation still speak very good English and it is also becoming popular again with the younger generation.

MONEY (EXCHANGE, ATMS, TRAVELERS CHEQUES)

Myanmar is a cash-based society- There are NO ATMs in Myanmar and Credit Cards/Travelers checks are mostly not accepted. Please make sure to bring enough cash (USD or Euros) for your purchases and payments. Currency: The currency in Myanmar is the kyat (pronounced chat) and comes in notes of 10,20,50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 kyat. As in many countries of the area, the US Dollar is the most useful currency to carry but we recommend for travelers to exchange some money into kyat. In many local restaurants and shops, kyat is the only method of payment allowed. There is a parallel official currency the FEC (Foreign Exchange certificate), which can be used (as you use cash US Dollars) to pay hotels, flight- train tickets, souvenirs, meals etc. It is at par (1:1) with the US Dollar but make sure to spend it before leaving Myanmar as it is valid only in Myanmar. Exchange: Please DO NOT change money at the airport as the rate is much lower (50-70% less) than the rate in town. Your Exotissimo guide can advise where to change money in Yangon. US Dollars are the best currency for exchanging and the

MOBILE PHONES
Your mobile phone will NOT work in Myanmar as Myanmar currently has no roaming agreement with any country. Prepaid cards in value of USD/FEC 50 (CDMA450 MHZ) are available for purchase within the country. The USD/FEC 50 card is maximum 90 days validity after activated. These prepaid mobile phone cards are aimed at tourists visiting Myanmar who wish to keep in touch with friends and family. A phone rental system is available from the Yangon International Airport. A deposit of 200 USD (cash) isrequired and the daily fee is 2 USD for regular phone or 4 USD for smartphone. Phone credit is anadditional cost with cards available for 10,000 - 30,000 kyat (must be paid in cash). These top up cardsare available for purchase throughout the country.

Euro is becoming more popular, especially in Yangon. The exchange rate in Yangon is generally better than upcountry and the larger the bill, the better the rate (ie- 100 USD notes receive 10% more kyat compared to 50 USD notes). Bring new series US Dollar bills (big heads instead of small heads) and with series numbers not starting with CB- these are not accepted in Myanmar due to rumors of these series being counterfeit. Notes should be in very good condition and not torn, dirty or washed as these will not be accepted in Myanmar, even in many hotels! NOTE: It is no longer a requirement to exchange money into FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificates) at the airport. Credit cards: Only some upscale restaurants and some hotels do accept credit cards (surcharge of 3-8%) but it is not recommended to rely on this service as the Internet often shuts down during the day making payment by card impossible. Travelers Checks: Travelers Checks currently CANNOT BE USED or exchanged in Myanmar.

like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Nyaung Shwe, digital photos can easily be downloaded and loaded onto a CDROM in case you run out of memory. It is not allowed to photograph facilities with strategic military interest (bridges, army compounds, police stations, army personnel, etc.).

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Mobile telephones and laptop computers with modems are officially not allowed into the country but the rule is not enforced and they can be brought in. However mobile phones will not work in Myanmar, as the country does not have any roaming agreements. Items of jewelry, cameras and foreign currency (above USD 2000) are supposed to be declared at customs upon entry. Export of Buddha images and antiques or articles of archaeological importance is prohibited. Gemstones can be safely bought only from government-controlled outlets and the buyer should ask for a certificate (please read more details under Gems/Precious Stones above).

INTERNET
Internet access is still in its development stages and not reliable- the connections can be extremely slow at times so patience is required! Internet is also regulated in Myanmar and the access to some websites is filtered or impossible. Many internet cafes, however, can offer a different URL that will allow access to email providers such as gmail and yahoo. It is best to have your mail forwarded to Exotissimo (we will provide you with the right contact person) or the hotel e-mail address. Most of the hotels have now some internet terminals and in cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake), you will also find some small internet cafs.

HOURS OF BUSINESS
Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 until 16:00. Most shops are open every day. An exception is Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), which is closed on Monday, on public holidays and full moon days (like all markets in Myanmar). The museums in Myanmar are open Wednesday - Sunday only and are also closed on public holidays.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Normal print films are available in Myanmar but professional quality films (like slide films) are very difficult to find and it is better to bring your own. In towns

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
2011 October 12 Full moon Day of Thadingyut November 10 Full moon Day of Tazaungmone

July 3 Full moon Day of Waso July 19 Martyrs Day October 30 Full moon Day of Thadingyut November 28 Full moon Day of Tazaungmone

are in poor conditions although efforts are being made to upgrade most roads especially after the yearly rainy season which ends in October. The relatively old vehicles used in Myanmar also make long distance travel less comfortable than in neighbouring countries.

tipped.

VEHICLES
Vehicles used in Myanmar (from 4-seater saloon cars to 45-seater buses) are generally of an older manufacturing date (which can be 10-15 years back) as the import of new vehicles is currently not possible or prohibitively expensive, given the current economic situation in Myanmar. While every effort is made to provide the best possible and available options, visitors have to be prepared to travel in less comfortable vehicles than in neighbouring countries like in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia. We appreciate your understanding. All vehicles do have air-conditioning and we provide all our clients with complimentary water and towels in ice-boxes in each vehicle.

November 20 National Day December 8 National Day December 25 Christmas Day December 25 Christmas Day 2012 January 4 Independence Day February 12 Union Day March 2 Farmers Day (Peasants Day) March 7 Full Moon Day of Tabaung March 27 Armed Forces Day April 12-16 Water Festival April 17 Myanmar New Year Day May 1 Labour day (May Day) May 5 Full moon Day of Kasone

SHOPPING
There are many fantastic local products in Myanmar that make excellent souvenirs and memories from your trip. Traditional crafts include lacquerware, especially in Bagan, woodcarvings, stone carvings, bronze work, rattan, silver jewellery, silk longyis and hand-woven textiles.

2. Package Tour visa This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. It usually takes 3-5 days to issue the visa. With the confirmation of your booking, Exotissimo will send the letter to the Embassy. Exotissimo will need the full names, passport numbers, nationality and name of Myanmar Embassy we have to send the letter. A copy of the letter will be send to you by fax or e-mail. 3. Visa on Arrival Pre-arranged Visa on Arrival is available for all nationalities (starting 2 August 2011) however we stillrecommend applying for your visa in your home country before traveling. This service is only availablefor clients traveling with Exotissimo for the duration of their stay in Myanmar- due to regulations weare not able to assist with non-Exotissimo clients. Please provide us passengers full name, fathersname, date of birth and place, Passport No, Issuance/Expiry date of passport, Nationality, Sex, Race,Religion, Occupation, Home address, Flights in/out and a scanned passport photo. The applicationprocess for visa on arrival will take at least 12 working days. After getting the approval letter, we will send you a copy of this authorization by fax or scanned e-mailattachment. The letter should be presented at the airline check-in counter. Upon arrival in Myanmaryou will get your visa stamped in your passport and pay 30USD/

passport in cash at the airport (this feecan be included in your package price and we will then settle the visa fee for you). Exotissimosservice fee for these arrangements is 25USD/passport and it will be included in your package rate. Theservice fee will be charged whether the visa application is accepted or not. Please bring a supply of passport size pictures for any eventuality when traveling in the region (6photos). Note: we still recommend applying for a visa in your home country as approval is generally grantedfurther in advance than with the VOA process.

RELIGION
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar and over 85% of the population practice it. The monastery is the traditional focal point of village life in Myanmar and monks rely on villagers for donations of both money and food. Every boy in Myanmar is expected to spend sometime as a monk. The remainder of the population are Christians, Muslims and animists.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Myanmar is 6h 30 min ahead of GMT in winter and 5h 30min in summer: 1500H GMT = 2130H in Myanmar (winter). Myanmar is 30 minutes behind Bangkok (Thailand) time: 1500H in Bangkok = 1430H in Myanmar.

WEATHER
Myanmar has three seasons similar to many other parts of Southeast Asia. The Southwest monsoon starts at the end of May or beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. This season brings frequent and heavy downpours of rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening especially in Yangon, the rest of the country is dryer. In the rainy season the weather is more humid what can make travelling less comfortable. The rains give way to dry weather in October and the temperatures are generally lower and more pleasant at this time. In March the temperatures start to climb again leading up to the next rainy season at the end of May. Temperatures between March and May can be very hot reaching over 35oC in

VISAS
A visa is COMPULSORY to enter Myanmar. A 28-day tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors. The current regulations for entering Myanmar are as following: 1. Individual visa This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. An invitation letter is not mandatory, and it usually takes 3-5 working days to issue this visa.

ROAD TRAVEL
Road travel allows visitors to see more of the country and is a great way to get closer to the land and its people. However some distances are quite long in Myanmar, and they are even longer because road conditions make (relatively) fast travelling difficult. Roads

TIPPING
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in a country where the average annual income is only around 250 USD. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters can also be

some places. NOTE: Myanmar is in the northern hemisphere so it is also winter from November to February. You need to bring some warm clothing for early mornings everywhere, and especially for higher areas like Shan State (Kalaw, Inle Lake, Pindaya, Kengtung, Putao). The hotels in those areas are NOT equipped with heating or fireplaces so be prepared for some colder nights!

WATER
It is not advisable to drink tap water but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. All hotels provide a complimentary bottle of local mineral water per person in the room. Ice cubes in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas. Some minor stomach problems are always possible when travelling in exotic countries. Bring a supply of your usual anti-diarrhoea medicine.

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EXOTISSIMO TRAVEL MYANMAR Yangon - Main Office #0303, Sakura Tower 339 Bogyoke Aung San Street Kyauktada Township, Yangon, MYANMAR Tel: +95 (0) 1 255 266/427/429 Fax: +95 (0) 1 255 428 Email: go.myanmar@exotissimo.com Mandalay - Office No.24, 70th Street Between 28th & 29th St. Mandalay - MYANMAR Tel: +95 (0) 2 38786 Fax: +95 (0) 2 44214 Email: go.myanmar@exotissimo.com