Dos and Don'ts in Myanmar Travel Essentials

Myanmar remains one of the truly authentic Asian experiences with unmatched beauty of its nature, uncommon kindness its people, and unique traditions of their culture. Make the most of exotic, undiscovered and fast-changing Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar is a country of extraordinary scenic and cultural variety, with much to discover and enjoy – but it is a fast-changing place that can also pose unique challenges.

At KSM Travels, we have a network that reaches every corner of Myanmar; the strong team of travel professionals who know the country inside out. KSM Travels offering:
·        Leisure travel for individuals, groups, special interests, adventure and nature fans.
·        Meetings, Incentive, Convention & Event (MICE) Planning & Management
·        Full time employees throughout the region with local professionals

Myanmar is becoming increasingly accessible for foreigners, with many new and exciting destinations available with every passing year. Our passion is exploring these areas and offering experiences that are anything but ordinary; our focus is on responsible travel, engaging with local communities, discovering the undiscovered – and going beyond expectations.

"Uniquely Myanmar: things to expect"

Men in Skirts? Really?

Yes, the traditional outfit in Myanmar is a sarong-type skirt called a longyi and is worn by locals on a daily basis. They are worn by both men and women but tied in different ways.

What is that yellow stuff on people’s faces?
Its called thanaka and is used by everyone: men, women, children, young and old. The paste is a form of sun protection but also is used for its cooling properties, ability to tighten pores and, of course, fashion. Thanka is made from the wood of the thanaka tree, ground on a stone mortar and mixed with water. It is sold throughout the country.

What are the red stains on the ground?
The juice from the betel leaves! Burmese love to chew a concoction of areca nut, lime paste and betel leaves . It provides a mild stimulant affect but also causes a red saliva to form leaving the teeth stained and forcing the user to spit red juices on the ground. The betel nut stalls are everywhere in the country– just look for the piles of green leaves and large mortar.

Why are they making kissing noises?
In Myanmar, to get someone’s attention it is common practice to make a loud ‘smooching’ noise. Visit a local tea shop or beer hall and you will see this in practice.

Flipflops everywhere!
The Burmese footwear of choice is a velvet flip-flop, called ‘slippers’. They are comfortable and practical– the Burmese take off their shoes when entering a house and it is expected that all visitors to temples remove their shoes.

Burma or Myanmar?
The official name of the country is ‘ The Republic of the Union of Myanmar’. The British adapted the name ‘Burma’ to reflect the Bamar people, Myanmar’s largest ethnic group.

While similar to its neighbors in many ways, Myanmar has some unique characteristics unlike any other country. Here are a few questions you may find yourself asking.

DOS AND DON'TS

Most social indiscretion will be forgiven without you even realizing. Myanmar people known that foreign visitor have their own custom and different ways of doing things, but if you are aware of some of the Dos and Don'ts you will earn respects from locals. Don'ts get too hung up about learning a huge list of
Dos and Don'ts....

Dos

When you meet each other, please say "Min-ga-la-bar" that means Hello.
When you pass through in front of an elder person, please lower your head a little bit to show respect.
When you eat something altogether, please take your meal only after elder person has taken first.
When you are entering religious places (especially Pagodas and Monastery), ethnic houses, please take off your shoes and footwear.
When you give something to elder person or someone, please offer by both hands.
When you go to the religious places (Temples, Pagodas and Monasteries), please wear decent clothes.
When you get to molest others involuntarily, please say "Gadawt" twice, as a gesture of asking pardson.
When you see Monks, Novices and Nuns, please pay respect to them.
When someone help you, please say " Kya Zu Bae" that means "Thank you".
When you take a photo to someone, respect the local livelihood and daily life by asking permission before taking photo.
A void sitting in chairs or the same level as Monks or Nuns and certainly not higher.
Respect all Buddha Images. They are held sacred and sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonments.
Serve elders first.
Prepare for exposing high temperature (Recommend to bring light cotton clothes). Always seek the advice from travel agent, tour operators or locals.
Carry toilet paper in your travel bag.
Cross the road with extra care, even when using pedestrian crossing.
Try and learn a few useful phrases in Myanmar, (It helps).
SMILE a lot. We love friendly people.
Last but not the least, have valid to Myanmar. (Check; Passport and visa information section).

Don'ts

Do not offer to shake hands with a Monk or do not touch a Monk.
Do not wear the shoes and shorts at the Pagodas and Monasteries.
Do not kiss in public Area and in particular in the enclosure of a Pagoda.
Do not touch the head of anybody.
Do not sit with back against Buddha Image.
Do not handle Buddha Images or sacred object with disrespect.
Do not turn the plant of the feet towards somebody, a Monk or a statue of Buddha.
Do not show an object or a person with the point of the feet.
Do not shake a hand of woman, except if she takes initiative of it.
Do not go where you are advised not to go.
Do not make noisily a places of worship.
Do not point with fingers at another's person face.
Do not women sitting on the roof of bus or train (for tour own safety).
Do not couples showing public affections.
Do not drink alcoholic drinks in public.
Do not bring out any antiquities such as Statue of Buddha and other antique items from the country.
Do not go where you are not advise to.
Do not drink tap water
Do not eat food from road side stalls.
Do not sunbath nude.
Do not overstay your visa.

"Language: some key phrases"

About Burmese: Burmese is the official language of Myanmar and is spoken by 32 million people as their first language. The language, although mainly monosyllabic, is tonal and is derived from mon script. The squiggly-looking language contains 33 letters and 11 vowels with tonal markings placed around the letters.

Although most Burmese people speak a bit of English, learning a few key phrases in the local language will enhance your time here in Myanmar.

1– dtiht

2– nhit

3– dtoe

4– laay

5- nhaa

6– chauwk

7– khone

8– shiit

9– khole

10– dtiht xey

100– dtay yaa