Myanmar (formally knows as Burma), one of the world destinations, offers great historical values, rich cultural heritage and a unique daily life style, a vast diversity such as pollution free air and river system , unspoiled beaches. The world richest and most impressive Buddhist monuments, more than 5000 ancient temples and stupas in 10th century archaeological Bagan, finest wooden architectures in Mandalay and unique lifestyle amidst Shan plateau, unspoiled white beaches or snow-capped mountains in the extreme north are mentioned a few.

   Myanmar is situated in the Southeast Asia, with an approximate area of 676,577 square kilometers (261,228 square miles).   It locates India and Bangladesh to the west, China to the north and Laos and Thailand to the east.  Southern border are formed by the sea; Bay of Bengal to the southwest and the Andaman Sea to the southeast. The country has 1920 kilometers length and 905 kilometers width.

     Myanmar history dates back to the 11th century. King Anawrahta united the kingdom and founded the First Myanmar Empire (Bagan Dynasty) in 1044 AD, extending up to the Menam Valley in Thailand. He introduced and established the Theravadas Buddhism. He made innovation of  cultural and architectural designs for the construction of religious edifices. His dynasty lasted for over two centuries; it was devastated by the Mongol in the 13th century.
King Bayinnaung re-consolidated the kingdom in the 16th century and founded the Second Myanmar Empire (Hamtharwady dynasty). It was stretched from the borders of India to parts of Thailand. It was collapsed in 1599, after three centuries long.
King Alaungpaya reunified the Third Myanmar Empire (Koneboung dynasty) in 1752.Over one hundred years of reign; three Anglo-Myanmar Wars were fought in 1824, 1852 and 1885. Finally the whole country was annexed as a colony by the British.
Myanmar gained independence and has become a sovereign state on 4th January 1948.

Passport & Visa

    Visitors must have a valid passport with an EVT (Entry Visa for Tourist) prior to enter Myanmar. EVT can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate offices with validity for 28 days. Application forms in duplicate with three-passport size photos are to be submitted with a fee of US$ 20 equivalent in their respective currency.
   Visa-on-Arrival  Can be arranged for those countries where Myanmar Embassy or Consulate office does not exist and for those who are not free to arrange entry visa. Some special arrangement also is made upon request. In which case please do contact our office for special arrangement.

Electricity

    The voltage throughout the country is 220-230 V/50 Hz. Most of the hotels use their own generator.

Airport Departure Tax

    Myanmar is inhabited by 135 ethnic nationalities, distributed in the different regions. There are eight major national races; Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakkhine and Shan races. Most of tribal groups still follow their own traditional customs, costumes and life-style.  The country has a total population of about 50 million people. Capital Yangon has a population of more than 5 million and the second important city is Mandalay with more than 1 million.

       Lies between two grate empire China and India and it has incorporated the arts and civilizations. Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, with 80 percent of the population embracing it. There are also Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

   There are three seasons in Myanmar.
1. Rainy season from end of May to October
2. Hot season March/April/May and October/ November
3. Cold season from end of November to end of February.
The best time to visit Myanmar is during the cold season.
Rainfall is much lesser in Upper Myanmar (Mandalay, Bagan) than in Lower Myanmar (Yangon). During the cold season visitors will need warmer clothing on Shan plateau, since temperature especially during evening/night might get down to 10 C. Visitors should bring a rain coat or an umbrella during the rainy season.
        All over the year visitors need a protection against the sun-sunglasses, hat.
        It is recommended to bring light cotton or linen clothing all over the year.
Note: When you visit a Buddhist temple, monastery or pagoda you must remove your shoes and socks! Therefore sandals might be very comfortable.

     There are 4 domestic airlines in Myanmar.
The railroad system has been owned by the government since British time. It’s not connecting with railroad outside the country. More important for moving passengers and cargo are the inland waterways, with 12,800 km of navigable rivers and cannels. Mostly larger towns and cities are river ports.
The road transportation on highways from about 29,000 km, of which 12% are paved and 65% are gravel can be arranged.

    The cuisine of Myanmar is influenced by the cuisine of neighboring Thailand and China; also Indian recipes are found. Many local restaurants offer Chinese cuisine. International hotels offer Western food as well as Oriental food. Some of the Myanmar recipes are quite hot.
     It is definitely not recommended to drink tap water. Bottled purified mineral water and soft drinks can be bought along the entire tourist route in Myanmar.

Currency