But Often with Strife
For most of its independent existence, Myanmar (sometimes called Burma) has seen a good deal of ethnic violence and civil wars. As such, it can be a challenge to travel there — but if you do so, working with a connected Virtuoso advisor, it’s among the most remarkable places on Earth. Shwedagon Paya has 27 metric tons of gold leaf and Ananda Pahto is among the most revered of all Bagan temples.
Best to enter from another SE Asian Major Hub. Singapore / Bangkok / Hong Kong will have direct flights to Myanmar.
I prefer the end of October & November for the region.
The most ideal time to visit the beauty and mystery of Myanmar is in the cool dry months from November to February.
The monsoon weather patterns of Southeast Asia bring with it a distinct dry season which is typically split between a cool season from November to January/February and a hot season from March to May. After the scorching heat of the hot season monsoon rains bring a distinctly rainy season which lasts from June to October. The central region, which is protected by the Arakan mountain range, experiences significantly less rain than other regions of the country
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Required To enter Myanmar / Burma, you must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a valid tourist visa.
US Department of State Myanmar Information
Official Myanmar eVisa website
Sadly NOT part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
Vaccinations:
Yellow fever may be required if arriving from certain countries with yellow fever
Traveler’s Medical Insurance is highly advised:
Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Medicare and other standard Healthcare coverage does not extend to basic medical care or emergency care outside of the USA.
Myanmar / Burma remains at a Level 3: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict.
Be advised certain small regions are affected by this advisory. No Itineraries or Travel Planning include travel in unsafe regions of Myanmar.
US Government Travel Advisory Page for details
Burmese Kyat (pronounced “chat”)
2020: 1000 Kyat = .75 USD
Credit card use is limited to hotels and mid- to high-end establishments catering to tourists.
• In Burmese culture it is unseemly to show too much emotion so avoid losing your temper over problems and delays.
• You should always take your shoes off when entering a temple or when visiting private houses.
• You should never touch anybody’s head intentionally as it is regarded as a particularly holy part of the body.
• Accordingly, the feet are literally the lowest part of the body so do not point your feet at anybody or at a Buddha image.
• Sensitivity to politically related subjects in conversation is advisable.
• It is polite to ask permission before taking photographs of Burmese, particularly monks.
Yangon
Stunning Colonial Style hotel in the heart of Yangon.
An elegant teak mansion dating from the 1920’s this beautiful hotel is located in Yangon’s leafy Embassy Quarter, close to the Shwedagon pagoda and other major landmarks. Its extensive gardens, shaded by ancient trees, are set with lotus ponds and a fan-shaped swimming pool. Spectacular by lantern light at night, they are the perfect place to enjoy the Residence’s renowned Burmese and International cuisine. Relax in the library; enjoy a cocktail in the Kipling Bar; laze on colonial-style armchairs beneath the ceiling fans: this is where the novels of W. Somerset Maugham come to life.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
Belmond Governor’s Residence Website
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY BELMOND PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Yangon
An easy (five-minute) walk to the temples and sights of Old Yangon, this five-story hotel is reminiscent of the bygone British colonial era when travel was so very glamorous. The Newsroom restaurant pays homage to journalists who long ago traveled here as does the hotel’s overall vintage decor – of leather and manual typewriters; parquet floors and checkered marble slabs. Yet expect every modern-day amenity – including a spa.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
Janine Cifelli Information Page
PART OF MY JANINE CIFELLI PORTFOLIO
2 / 3 / 4 / 11 night – Irrawaddy River
The most comfortable and sophisticated of the river cruises offered on the Irrawaddy River.
Whichever journey you embark on, you’ll be escorted by a qualified guide with an exceptional knowledge of Myanmar and strong connections to the local communities. All routes offer a unique, genuine and personal perspective on the country.
Belmond Road to Mandalay website
Myanmar is definitely a place I would work with a Destination Specialist, especially on your first visit. I have several good partners for Southeast Asia. Much depends on the level of the experience you want and budget.
One of my favorite providers of a great In-Depth & High-Quality expeditions.
5 days
Disconnect from the modern world and explore life surrounded by charming nature of the Putao region. Located at the northernmost part of Myanmar, Putao is an isolated city with untouched nature and diverse landscape. Discover the history and daily lives of Lisu, Rewang and Shan tribes with a hike through each village and explore the beauty and thrill of outdoor activities including rafting and biking. This four-day itinerary is designed for you to experience the life of a mountaineer in comfort and fun.
14 days
Disconnect from the modern world and explore life surrounded by charming nature of the Putao region. Located at the northernmost part of Myanmar, Putao is an isolated city with untouched nature and diverse landscape. Discover the history and daily lives of Lisu, Rewang and Shan tribes with a hike through each village and explore the beauty and thrill of outdoor activities including rafting and biking. This four-day itinerary is designed for you to experience the life of a mountaineer in comfort and fun.
Myanmar / Burma Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: September 2020
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