Mobile/Whats App:(+84) 977 89 05 45Email: contact@ilotustours.com
Mobile/Whats App:(+84) 977 89 05 45Email: contact@ilotustours.com
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw (since 2005), but the former capital, Yangon (Rangoon), remains a significant urban center. The change in capital is part of Myanmar’s tradition of upheaval and renewal, as the country has had several capitals over the years, including Mandalay, Inwa, and Mrauk U.
Major cities: Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Taunggyi, Mawlamyine, Bago, Myitkyina, Monywa.
Culture: Myanmar has a deep-rooted culture of hospitality and openness. Visitors are often struck by the warmth and friendliness of the locals, who are eager to ask questions and make new friends. Festivals held throughout the year provide opportunities for communal fun and engagement.
Religion: Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion and plays a central role in public and private life. Monastic education is vital for many youths, and monks and nuns, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, hold a significant place in society. Pagodas line roads, riverbanks, and dot towns and villages across the country. Islam and Hinduism are also practiced, particularly by the Indian community.
Myanmar has a tropical climate, with three distinct seasons. The rainy season lasts from mid-May to October, bringing heavy rain along the coasts and mountains, while interior valleys can be relatively dry. From November to mid-February, the cool and dry season brings pleasant daytime temperatures but can have chilly nights in the north. Before the monsoon, from mid-February to mid-May, temperatures rise steadily, becoming very hot in the interior plains, peaking just before the welcomed arrival of the monsoon rains.
The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and drier, perfect for exploring historical and cultural sites like the temples of Bagan or the pagodas of Yangon without extreme heat or heavy rains. Conversely, the rainy season (May to October) can make travel more challenging, especially in rural areas where roads become muddy and less accessible.
A visa is required to travel to Myanmar. Visitors must obtain a visa prior to arrival unless they hold diplomatic passports or qualify for other exemptions. The tourist visa typically allows for a stay of 28 days from the date of entry. It is recommended to check the current requirements and start the visa application process well in advance of your trip.
The official currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). Here’s some useful information for tourists:
Kyat (MMK): Kyat is used nationwide, with banknotes available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, and 50,000 kyats. Coins are less common.
Use of US dollars: Although kyat is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted and even preferred in many tourist areas, hotels, and shops. It is recommended to carry US dollars, especially for larger expenses such as accommodation and some tourist activities.
While kyat is the official currency, having US dollars on hand is often practical for foreign travelers, especially in tourist areas. Make sure to have small denominations of kyats for everyday expenses and for places that only accept the local currency.
