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Myanmar is a Land of Festivals: a festival for every month of the year. Most festivals are cultural and religious. Majority are nation-wide celebrated while a few are distinctly regional. The dates of the festivals and special events are determined by the Lunar Year.
1. January
• Kayin New Year celebrated on 03-Jan.
• Independence Day celebrated on 04-Jan
• Kachin Manaw Festival in Myitkyina, Kachin State celebrated on 09 to 10-Jan
• Ananda Pagoda Festival in Bagan celebrated on 10-Jan to 01-Feb
• Kayah State Day, Festival in Kaya State, 12 celebrated on 12-Jan
• Naga New Year, Festival in Chin State celebrated on 15-Jan
2. February
• Feast of Shan Harvest Day in Shan State celebrated on 03-Feb
• Shan State Day, Shan State celebrated on 04-Feb Mahamuni Pagoda Festival in
Mandalay celebrated on 08 to 16-Feb
• Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda Festival in Thanlyin(Syriam) celebrated on 09 to 17-Feb
• 12 Feb-Union Day is celebrated all over Myanmar celebrated on 12-Feb
• Salone Festival celebrated on 14 to 17-Feb
3. March
• Peasants’ Day a gazetted holiday celebrated on 03-Mar
• Maw-din Pagoda Festival, Ngapudaw, near Pathein celebrated on 03 to 17-Mar
• Pakhan Ko Gyi Kyaw Festival celebrated on 03 to 17-Mar Venue: Shwe Gu Ni
Village (Between Pakokku and Mingyan)
• Shwe Saryan Pagoda Festival celebrated on 03 to 17-Mar Venue: Shwe Saryan
Village, Patheingyi Mandalay
• Indawgyi Festival in Hopin, near Myitkyina celebrated on 10 to 17-Mar
• Zalun Pyidawpyan Image Festival Venue: Zalun, near Pathein celebrated on 11 to
17-Mar
• Baw-gyo Festival, near Shipaw celebrated on 12 to 17-Mar
• Nyan Taw Pagoda Festival, (Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda) Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
celebrated on 16 to 17-Mar
• Katku Pagoda Festival, Katku celebrated on 16 to 18-Mar
• Alms offering to the monks by the native (Pa-O) people dressed in their traditional
black outfits. A traditional market festival to enjoy.
• Pindaya Cave Festival, Pindaya celebrated on 16 to 18-Mar
• Tabaung Fullmoon Day, The whole country celebrated on 17-Mar
• Armed Forces Day, The whole country celebrated on 27-Mar
4. April
• Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival, Bago celebrated on 09-Apr Thingyan Water
Festival, the whole country celebrated on 13 to 16-Apr
• Sand Stupa Festival Min Thar Su Quarter, Mandalay celebrated on 14 to 15-Apr
• Myanmar New Year Festival, The whole country celebrated on 17-Apr
• Popa Ceremony, Mt.Popa celebrated on 17-April
5. May
• May Day, The whole country celebrated on 01-May
• Shwe Kyet Yet Event, Amarapura celebrated on 14 to 15 May
• Kason Fullmon Day, The whole country celebrated on 15 May
6. June/July
•Thihoshin Pagoda Festival, Pakkoku celebrated on 07-Jun to 22 Jul
•Shinbinsagyo Pagoda Ceremony, Salay celebrated on 12 to 13 Jul
•Waso Fullmoon Day, The whole country celebrated on 13 Jul
• Fish Feeding Ceremony, Pwinphyu, near Magwe Martyr’s Day, The whole country
celebrated on 19-Jul
• Shwe Kyun Pin Festival, Mingun celebrated on 30-Jul to 5-Aug
7. August/September
• Taung Byone Festival in Matara, near Mandalay celebrated on 08 to 12 Aug
• Yadanar Gu Festival in Amarapura celebrated on 20 to 26 Sep
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in Inlay celebrated on 26 Sep to 13-Oct
8. October
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda Festival in Mandalay celebrated on 03 to 10 Oct
• Pindaya Cave Festival in Pindaya
• Myathalon Festival in Magwe celebrated on 05 to 24 Oct
• Elephant Dance Festival in Kyaukse celebrated on 09 to 10 Oct
• Thadigyut Festival, The whole country celebrated on 09 to 11 Oct
• Thadigyut Fullmoon Day, The whole country celebrated on 10 Oct
• Floating of all Festival, of lamps Shwekyin celebrated on 11 Oct
9. November
• Shwezigon Festival in Bagan celebrated on 01 to 23-Nov Thanbodde Pagoda
Ceremony in Monywa celebrated on 03 to 08-Nov
• Phowintaung Festival in Monywa celebrated on 03 to 08-Nov
• Hot air Balloon Festival in Taunggyi celebrated on 05 to 08-Nov
• Robe Weaving Contest celebrated on 07-Nov
• Shin Mar Le Pagoda Festival in Mandalay celebrated on 07 to 08-Nov
• Kaunghmudaw Pagoda Festival in Sagaing celebrated on 08 to 16-Nov
• National Day, The whole country celebrated on 8-Nov
10. December
• Shwemyetmhan (Golden Spectacle) Pagoda Festival in
• Shwetaung celebrated on 01 to 08-Dec
• Kayin New Year celebrated on 23-Dec
• Christmas Day, The world celebrated on 25-Dec
I. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Rangoon) in US$
1. Shwedagon Pagoda $5
2. National Museum $5
3. People’s Park $3
4. Gem Museum $5
5. Ngar Htut Kyi Pagoda $2
6. Bogyoke Aung San Museum $3
7. Rangoon Zoo $2
II. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Mandalay) in US$
1. Mandalay Hill $10
2. Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda $10
3. Kuthotaw + Sandamuni Pagodas $10
4. Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) + Atumashi Pagoda $10
5. Maha Muni Pagoda $10
6. Royal Palace $10
7. Mandalay Museum & Library $10
8. Ava & Bargaya Monastery $10
9. Kaungmutaw Pagoda $3
10. Soon U Ponya Shin Paya (Sagaing Hill) $3
III. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Bago) in US$
1. Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha $10
2. Shwemawdaw Pagoda $10
3. Kanbawzathadi Palace & Museum $10
4. Mahazedi Pagoda $10
5. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda $6
IV. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Pyay) in US$
1. Museum $6
V. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Bagan & Vicinity) in US$
1. Zone fee $10
2. Museum $5
3. Mt Popa $5
4. Salay - Youqson Kyaung Museum $3
VI. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Monywa) in US$
1. Po Win Daung Caves $1
2. Shwe Ba Hill $1
3. Thanboddyi Pagoda $3
VII. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Rakhine State) in US$
1. Sitwee - Rakhine State Cultural Museum $2
2. Mrauk-U Zone Entrance fee $5
VIII. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Inle) in US$
1. Zone Entrance to Lake $3
2. Kak Ku Temples $3
3. Shan Museum, Taunggyi $2
4. Shan Museum, Nyaung Shwe $2
5. Pindaya Caves $3
IX. Entrance Fees In Tourists Places (Myitkyina) in US$
1. Kachin State Cultural Museum $2
I. City - Rangoon:
Rangoon, the capital of Myanmar is the host for some of the world’s mind-blowing wonders, like the:
1. Shwedagon Pagoda: Rudyard Kipling termed it as the .Golden Wonder.. It looks beautiful during sunset as the last rays fall on the soft golden dome, making it glitter. The great dome rises 321 feet above its base and more than 5 tons of gold and jewels sits atop the Pagoda. Its crown is adorned with 1800 carats of small diamonds and a single 76 carat diamond globe. Archaeologists propose that the original stupa was built in the 6th century BC. It is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar.
2. Botataung Pagoda: These 131 feet towering Pagoda is named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted the relics of Buddha brought from India about 2000 years ago. This Pagoda was destroyed during World War II and was built later.
3. Sule Pagoda: This 151 feet high Pagoda is situated at the center of Rangoon, it contains a hair of Buddha.
4. National Museum: Has many historical things of Burma, including the 26 feet high throne of King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king. The collection includes gem-studded arms, swords, bowls, black and white photographs of the Mandalay Palace and also the royal couch that belonged to King Mindon’s queen.
5. Glass Factory: Situated in old Rangoon, it is one of the most beautiful glass factories of the world. Visitors are allowed to see the manufacturing process and can buy from them.
6. Myanmar Gems Museum and Gems Mart: This museum has a rare collection of gems, which include the world’s largest sapphire that is 6-3/4 inches high and nearly 26 pounds in weight (or 63,000 carats) and the world’s largest pearl, weighing in at 845 carats.
7. Scott Market: 70 years old, has a large collection of Burmese handicraft under one roof.
20. Religion
The majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhist although Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced.
21. Telecommunications
Telephones & fax facilities are available in most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay but charges are quite expensive. E mail facilities are now available at many hotels and local businesses in Yangon and Mandalay.
22. Travellers Cheques
Travellers Cheques may be very time consuming to transact. You must bring the original purchase agreement for the traveller’s cheques with you as proof when cashing your cheques.
23. Visa Requirements
All visitors (above 7 years age) require visa to enter Myanmar at Yangon or Mandalay airport. Visa can be obtained at a Myanmar embassy. FIT visa (entry tourist visa as officially called) holders, except children younger than 12 years, need to exchange 200 US$ into 200 FEC money on arrival. Package tour visa (entry visa as officially called) holders do not need to exchange money. Package tour visas required confirmed tour booking with a local tour operator (local tour operator need to send the letter).
For the tourists who enter and exist at a land border checkpoint the entry visa (border pass) is issued at the checkpoint. Tourists need to exchange US$ 100 (or more) into FEC money. The amount depends on number of days stay, the places of visit.
Entry at an airport and exist at a land border checkpoint (or vice visa) need special permit (plus, maybe, package tour visa). Entry at a land border checkpoint and exist at another land border checkpoint also need such permit. There are some areas in the country going to where need compulsory use of local guide.
24. Travel Inside The Country
There are improvements in the roads and bridges, as well as the domestic flights over the past 10 years. However they are far from perfect. It is hard to predict how many hours it will take between two cities at any time. Road damage and repair works taking place that hinder the speed of driving are not uncommon. Bridges may be officially finished, but they may not be ready to actually open to the traffic. There may be announcement of passenger ships running between Yangon and the southern Thaninthayi ports of Dawei, Myeik, Kaw Thaung, etc.; but in fact they could not actually provide you a tentative schedule.
There are three domestic carriers: Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanmar Airways. Most foreign travellers would fly only the first two. They are safe and offer good in-flight services. They usually publish flight schedule which they could follow less than 100%. Besides they do not have on-line connected booking system. Booking is almost entirely done by telephone calls to the sales agents who in turn call again to the airlines.
Train and bus time tables should be asked when you physically arrive there. They tend to change without prior notice. Going to many far away places need special permit that makes the travel expensive.
Anyway compared to the past, the present travel situation in Myanmar has been improved allot. The inconveniences and the subsequent low volume of tourist arrival make the country one of the most wanted destinations for ones who wants to see the really traditional Asia.
City - Mandalay:
Second capital after Rangoon, has world’s largest stone book situated in the compound of the ‘Kuthodaw Pagoda’ where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 729 stone slabs. The delicate tapestry works, stone sculpture, the time-honored art of gold leaf home industry is definitely worth a visit.
Bagan is known as ‘temple fairyland’, 2300 out of 13000 Buddhist monuments exist here. Mt.Popa is just an hour’s drive from Bagan and situated on hilltop, it is a very popular site for pilgrimage.
River Cruising is the Ayeyarwady River along the famous ‘Road To Mandalay’ route in the luxurious Orient-Express Cruise liner, a riverboat. Other interesting points of attraction are Inte lake, Mrauk, Sagaing hills, Amarapara, Taunggyi, Pindaya, Mon state.
Situated about 180 km from Rangoon is the unquestionable wonder of Myanmar, the Golden Rock Pagoda. The pagoda is positioned on a gold gilded boulder precariously balanced on the edge of stone rock in the top of Kyaikhto Mountain. It is believed to enshrine three scared strengths of Buddha’s hair.
11. Climate & Weather
Myanmar has three seasons. 1. Cool Season - October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C, 2. Hot Season - March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C, 3. Wet Season - June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C. The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, even during the wet season, Yangon normally receives morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inle Lake and in Shan State is quite pleasant all year round but cold at night from December to February.
12. Drinking Water
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.
13. Domestic Airlines & Flights
Myanmar Airways, Yangon Airways, and Air Mandalay regularly fly from Yangon to Mandalay, Bagan, Heho, Thandwe, Kawthaung, and other tourist destinations. Cruise ships call at Yangon Port with visa on arrival being granted with prior arrangement. There is a 20 Kilo limit for baggage per person and excess baggage fees may be charged. We suggest you leave items not needed upcountry in Yangon and collect them upon your return.
14. How To Get There
Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport are the main gateways and there are regular flights to Yangon from Bangkok and Singapore. Also there are direct flights to Yangon from Abu Dhabi, Bandar Seri, Begawan, Bombay Calcutta, Shiang Mai, Chaka, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, London, Osaka, Paris and Taipei.
15. Health
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area. Clients should bring sufficient medication with them if required and should check for updated health recommendations before your departure to Myanmar regarding hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, etc. Please contact us if you would like detailed information on emergency health services available.
16. Immigration & Customs Formalities
Your valuables (jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
17. Insurance
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary personal baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival. SOS Worldwide has a local representative office in Yangon with a 24 hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.
18. Language
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English is widely used.
19. Mobile Phones
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold your telephone upon arrival and you can collect on your departure.
1. Airport Tax
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person.
2. Duty Free Allowance
Two bottles of liquor; two cartons of cigarettes; 100 cigars; 1.5 lbs. of tobacco; and one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne.
3. Currency
The monetary unit in Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’). Visitors are not allowed to bring in or take out Kyats. Foreign currency must be exchanged only at authorized money changers at the airport, hotels, and banks. International credit cards and traveler’s checks are not widely used, except at major hotels and restaurants.
4. Foreign Exchange Certificate (Fec)
The FEC requirement has been removed. You no longer need to exchange $200 for FEC’s. Traveling to Myanmar gets easier and easier day by day for the foreign tourists.
5. Time Zones
Myanmar is GMT + 6.5 hours
6. Electrical Power
230 Volts AC and also 50 HZ. You can use the 3-prong European style plug or the 2-prong European style plug, and in a few hotels, the standard U.S. 2-prong plug.
7. Clothing
Casual and light clothing is recommended, preferably natural fibers year-round, but bring a sweater or jacket for the higher hill areas, particularly during the winter months (November through February). A windproof jacket is a good idea when touring Inle Lake during the winter months. A light raincoat is ESSENTIAL if you’re visiting during the monsoon months (June through September).
8. Dress Code
Remember this is a Buddhist country and always dress modestly. Shorts and tank tops for men and women should be avoided. When entering religious site and pagodas, it is required to removes shoes and socks. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, so bring along shoes that are easy to slip on and off. You’ll notice that the Burmese generally wear thong-style sandals as they are very convenient!
9. Tipping
Tipping is widely practiced, so if a service charge is not included, tip for good service. Be sure to ask your guide the appropriate amount. It’s easy to forget the economic differences.
10. Security
Myanmar is not known for crime and it’s quite safe to travel everywhere. The area of the Myanmar/Thai border is one area to exercise some caution, and also any area that is crowded or on trains and buses (like anywhere in the world). Keep your Passport and money in a safe place when in these situations. In the unlikely event of a loss, it must be reported to the nearest police station and embassy immediately.
Truly, Myanmar is one of the most magical and beautiful places in the world. It has more historic religious temples than anywhere on earth, and the oldest archaeological site in South East Asia. To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world. What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey in the first place.
Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilizations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of South East Asia’s largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.
Traditional delights combined with glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Myanmar offers all the spectacular delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups. Myanmar also boasts one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holiday will be carefree from start to finish. But above all, Myanmar offers the warmest welcome in Asia.
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