Myanmar is a fabulous travel point, there is such an abundance of color, exotic places and interesting attractions. Few people have heard about Myanmar, some only know it as Burma, the old name, and most people have the same reaction when they hear something like this from northern Thailand’s neighbors: “Myanmar, is this a country?”

It is also amazing, impressive and hits you as a very cold shower since you make the first step in the airport. Even though I seriously documented myself before heading out this summer, nothing prepared me for the reality that you will discover there. Whether you want to get there in the very near future, or want to enrich your general culture a little, you should know a few things about Myanmar.

We chose to make the two vaccines, we also had travel insurance and, in addition, we avoided street food. On the one hand, the local cuisine didn’t give us much back, and on the other hand, we admit that we found it unhealthy. Thus, the only problem I had during my 17 days in Myanmar was a small indigestion which, to be honest, was due to some unfortunate combinations of spicy foods at a restaurant, but that did not affect us at all. the long-awaited adventure. Visa: A very pleasant surprise was the process of obtaining the visa, for which you do not have to do much. I applied online here, we registered, I paid (all online) the $ 50 fee, and the confirmation came by email. Be sure to print the Tourist Visa Approval Letter to Myanmar, because with it you will be presented at the airport visa counter. We also had the letter and the itinerary through the country, previously prepared (confirmations for air tickets and accommodations), but we were only asked for the letter, and based on it we received a visa valid for 28 days.

Speaking of which, we have been told in Myanmar so many times that we are beautiful that we got a bit up. Not being accustomed to such goodwill, I initially thought that there should be an interest in the middle, that they were far too friendly, but it was not. They seem to like tourists, feel good about them and are very curious and sincere. Only in Bagan did I meet traders who were a little more insistent, but not as far away as the Balinese, the Turks or the Moroccans. At the first refusal, any attempt would end, which, we tell you from experience, does not happen much in other parts. And, as a very valuable tip, remember “Mingalarbar”. It is the greeting of the locals, it means a good day and you will surely impress them, especially if you come through the rural areas. Find more info at Myanmar travel information.

The bottom line is simple: there are two completely different styles of travel, and prices are tailor-made. Returning, however, to our experience, a room at a decent hotel (repeat, not luxurious) starts at $ 30-40 / night, domestic flights are about $ 70-100 / person, compared to the $ 7- you get on the bus, the balloon flight in Bagan starts from $ 300 / person. The food also cost us a lot – about $ 5-7 / person for a dinner – and the trips were not too cheap. Comparing, therefore, with Thailand or Bali (both destinations where we have spent quite a long time), Myanmar ranks among the most expensive destinations, despite much worse tourism infrastructure.

Both Burmese men and women wear longyi – straight, long and colorful skirts wrapped around the body. The cheapest one I bought was 10 lei. Probably cheaper for locals. It is an extremely colorful and photogenic country. A Cuba Libre cocktail costs 80 cents if you go with a local to a bar and order it. If you order it, it costs $5. As in all other Buddhist countries, in Myanmar temples you have to step down. So take some comfortable shoes and wet wipes to clean your feet after these barefoot walks. Read more info at Myanmar trekking tours.