| Burma ((my)ဗမာ) | |
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| Flag | |
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| Information | |
| Capital city | Naypyidaw |
|---|---|
| Area | 678 578 km² |
| Population | 42 909 464 hab. (2006) |
| Density | 63,23 inhab./km² |
| Form of State | Republic |
| Other languages | Burmese (official language), ethnic minorities have their own languages |
| Cash | kyat (MMK) |
| Electricity | 220 V/50 Hz |
| Telephone prefix | 95 |
| Internet suffix | .mm |
| Flow direction | Right-hand drive |
| Spindle | UTC 6:30 |
| Location | |
 18 ° 42 ′ 0 ″ N 98 ° 18 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
The Burma Where Myanmar (official name) is a country ofSouth East Asia borderIndia, of the China, from Laos, of the Thailand and Bangladesh.
Understand
Geography
Located at the crossroads betweenIndia, the China and the Indochinese peninsula, Burma has an area of 678 528 km2 for a population of 51 million inhabitants. This country lies on 1 900 km from north to south and over 900 km from east to west. Burma is crossed by the Irrawaddy River, navigable on 1 500 km with a vast delta of fertile land located west of Yangon.
Weather
Burma has three seasons: the cool season (20 to 30 degrees Celsius), the hot season (up to 45 degrees), and the monsoon.
Tourism is recommended in the cool season, in order to avoid extreme heat and flooding.
Story
The history of Burma is quite complex. It begins within the current borders of the country involving the peoples of the bordering states, on the current territories of the People's Republic of China, India, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand and further in time the colonial powers: Portugal, France and above all the United Kingdom. Its history is marked by the incessant struggles of the Burmese ethnic group in order to impose its hegemony on other ethnic groups, particularly Shans in the north, and Mons in the south.
Population
Holidays and public holidays
Regions
.png/425px-Burma_Regions_Map_(fr).png) Myanmar map |
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Cities
- 1 Bago – Formerly named Pegu.
- 2 Mandalay – Former capital of the Konbaung dynasty built around the Royal Mandalay Palace.
- 3 Naypyidaw – The new administrative capital since April 2006, formerly named Pyinmana.
- 4 Yangon – The commercial capital, famous for its pagodas and colonial architecture, formerly called Rangoon.
Other destinations
- 1 Bagan – The first capital of the XIe to the XIIIe century, formerly named Pagan. There are mainly pagodas left.
To go
Formalities
- Burma
- 14 day visa waiver or 28 day eVisa for tourism or business reasons
- eVisa for tourist or business reasons
- eVisa for tourist reasons
- Visa Required
By plane
To arrive in Myanmar by plane, the practically obligatory point of passage is Yangon. International flights are operated between Yangon and Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Delhi, Calcutta, Chang Mai, Taipei, etc.
There are many domestic air connections provided by the companies, Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Air Bagan. These three companies use ATR 42s and ATR 72s.
On a boat
By train
By bus
The passage of borders land by tourists is very limited. In the rare cases where it is allowed, you will never be able to continue your way to Yangon by land. The only way is by plane.
Come fromIndia is possible via the border post of Moreh (State of Manipur, India) / Tamu (Sagaing region, Burma), it is the only relatively safe border access open to foreigners that exists on the Indo-Burmese border.
By car
It is forbidden for tourists to drive in Burma (except motorcycles that can be rented for example in Bagan ...) even if it is their own vehicle or that of his company.
Access from Bangladesh is not possible by land.
Come fromIndia is possible via the border post of Moreh (State of Manipur, India) / Tamu (Sagaing region, Burma), it is the only relatively safe border access open to foreigners that exists on the Indo-Burmese border.
Circulate
On a boat
Sailing from Mandalay to Bagan is one of the most rewarding days of the trip.Before dawn: step on a flexible wooden gangway, hand on a branch that serves as a ramp held by 2 sailors, one on board, the other on the bank. 6 h pile: admire on the shore of the rising sun all these buildings with golden roofs: the pagodas dedicated to the Buddha.In the early morning: see the Burmese canoes with paddles sliding against the light on their way to their work.On the west bank: lit by the rays of the rising sun, observe the immense stocks of teak logs awaiting delivery.On the river, cross small tugs towing floating cans to which are stowed all these invisible trunks: teak is a very heavy wood, it do not float! At the first stop: admire the will of women who enter waist-deep water with baskets of fruit in their hands and bananas on their heads, to sell their products to travelers. course of the river: notice the pragmatism of the captain who places 2 sailors at the bow of the ship, long bamboos in hand to probe the seabed and avoid the traps of the sandbanks! During the second stopover: admire the bright colors of the Rustic cotton tablecloths patiently colored and woven, then sold on the fly from the bank: exchange of kiats * against the tablecloth. Towards 16 h : Glimpse the immensity of the Bagan Plateau and its thousands of pagodas and temples pointing to the sky. When disembarking: rush to one of the pagodas closest to the landing stage in the middle of cultivated land to be able to enjoy the setting sun.Arriving at the top of an observation point, turn your back to the setting sun (you will be alone, every others watching the sun disappear, which in itself is nothing new!) to enjoy the natural illumination of the fiery red brick pagodas capped with gold against the greenery of the fields.
By train
The main train connections are between Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Thazy, Taungoo, Moulmein. Allow approximately 16 hours between Yangon and Mandalay for example.
By bus
Easier and easier thanks to improved roads. The brand new road between Yangon and Mandalay is the perfect example and has saved several hours between the two cities.
By car
Signage meets international standards, road signs are written in local characters (sometimes with their Latin transliteration, etc.) in white on a blue background.
What is the speed limit 50 km / h in the city.
In reality, it is practically impossible for a tourist to drive his own car or that of his company in Burma. Only expatriates can drive on site after having answered many formalities. In any case, insurance does not exist and the traffic is very chaotic, that is why this option is strongly discouraged.
All car rental agencies will offer you a vehicle with driver (don't forget to tip him = around 1 USD / day / person ...). Impossible to give the tariffs which fluctuate constantly with the price of gasoline. Count in any case approximately 50 € per day car rental is only worth the cost for long journeys.
It is best to take a taxi for short trips. There is now a taxi company which operates with vehicles equipped with meters. Otherwise, it's up to you to negotiate the price of the ride. The best is to choose a taxi that runs on gas (look for the blue flame-shaped logo on the windshield ...) which should offer you better prices. Check with locals beforehand to find out the average price for a ride, as the price is negotiated before getting into the vehicle.
For very short journeys, there are finally the rickshaws which allow you to quietly enjoy the Burmese rhythm of life.
Note that two-wheeled vehicles are prohibited from driving in Yangon. In all other cities of Burma, you can rent bicycles. Be careful to roll on the low side !!!
To speak
The official language is Burmese ; ethnic minorities have their own languages; however, history dictates that English is more or less spoken and understood by the population. In any case, people being very patient, you will be able to make yourself understood using signs or, possibly, using the little lexicon of your guide.
To communicate with the Burmese, you will need to have a certain command of working English.It will be very easy for you to communicate with the population, even if their knowledge of English is limited, except for people in contact with tourists. . If you have no basis in Burmese, get yourself a guide, in which you will find on the one hand the names of the places in the national script and on the other hand the most common words. If, despite everything, you cannot make yourself understood, try the signs: people, very patient, will not hesitate to call their friends or call out to other people to help you. lost, do not hesitate to ask a passer-by for directions: he will be very happy to help you.
To buy
The official currency is the kyat. Kyat can be purchased anywhere, from Euros (1 €= 1500 Kyats) or US $ (1 $ = 1370 kyats) always in banknotes in very good condition, neither stained nor torn .... they are inspected very closely. Since 2012, no more black exchange, official rates are free and known. The numerous exchange offices (airports, hotels, shops, pagodas) are in free competition.
Eat
As in all of Southeast Asia, the staple food is rice. Burmese food is inspired by its neighbors India, China and Thailand depending on the region.
In Burmese restaurants, you will often have a soup as a starter, a fish dish and / or a meat dish to accompany the rice. Burmese do not eat cheese; dessert will be mostly fruit in restaurants, but Burmese eat them instead of meals.
A beer brewed in Burma is easily found (served in a 650 ml bottle). The choice of Burmese wine, however, is limited.
Have a drink / Go out
Nightlife in Myanmar is generally not very hectic, but there are a few places to have a good night out.
Housing
There are magnificent hotels in Myanmar: Inle princess resort ... But this type of hotel will keep you away from the activity of towns and villages (morning market, stalls, monks marching to obtain donations ...) In cities and tourist areas, hotels of all classes and for all budgets.
To learn
To work
Communicate
Security
 | Emergency telephone number: All emergency services:999 |
Security in the country is pretty good. However, as Myanmar is a military dictatorship, avoid crossing Thai borders.
Government travel advice
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Canada (Government of Canada) 
France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 
Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)
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Health
Respect
The Burmese are extremely tolerant. They will welcome you with open arms and often overlook the rudeness that you can do without realizing it. In order to better integrate yourself, there are however a few rules to follow. One way to thank the Burmese for their hospitality:
- In Burma, tips are commonplace except in very small local restaurants or teashops. Usually leave 2 to 3 USD.
- Never point or stretch your legs in the direction of someone because it is the height of rudeness in Burma. Don't show anything with your foot. Especially in the direction of a Buddha or a monk. Try to copy the way the Burmese sit, this is the only way not to be wrong, otherwise it could be assimilated as an attack by the population.
- Do not touch the heads of children or adults. It is the upper part of the being among Buddhists (unlike the feet, hence the previous rule of politeness). Avoid all physical contact with a person of the opposite sex, which is considered a mark of intimacy only for couples, and rarely in public (do not kiss in public). Also, never kiss and always prefer to shake hands. If in doubt, you can also just bow your head and smile, which is the usual Burmese way of saying hello (don't join your hands, that's for Thailand). On the other hand, do not be surprised if you see men or women walking holding hands in the street: it is considered here as a sign of friendship.
- Try to respect a certain dress code, especially in religious places. Burmese culture is very prudish and traditional. Prefer long clothes (it's better against the sun and mosquitoes anyway), cover your shoulders if you are a woman, avoid too deep necklines and do not go topless at the beach (for women of course ).
- Likewise, sexuality is rather taboo in Burma. Do not talk about it or joke about it unless you are with a guide or a young person who is used to hanging out with strangers and bringing up such topics.
- Never extend or take anything with your left hand, which is reserved for personal hygiene and therefore considered unclean. In the presence of a monk, even prefer to hold out or take an object with both hands, tilting your head in a sign of respect. If you want to make a monetary donation to a monk, prefer to put the money in an envelope, as the monks are not allowed to receive the money.
- It is not forbidden to photograph religious places or temples. Just think about doing it in a respectful way. However, you cannot photograph bridges, public buildings, soldiers or officials of any kind. Although sometimes a big smile is the best way to negotiate.
- The Burmese can easily be photographed. All you need to do is ask their permission with a simple gesture and you will have the pleasure of tasting their sense of welcome. Remember in any case to always respectfully ask permission from a monk before photographing him.
- You have to take off your shoes when visiting a pagoda and have a decent outfit (shoulders covered and no mini-shorts).
- Never give money to children! Instead, tell them to go to school. Besides, never give them gifts, except in the case where you find yourself in the most isolated places of the country. In this case, choose useful gifts like pencils or notebooks instead. Throughout your trip, try to ensure that your relationship with the population is always based on an exchange, either commercial or an exchange of small gifts, unless, of course, you find yourself in front of a person who is really in touch. the need. However, begging is still very limited in Burma. Make sure she stays that way.
- Burma is fortunately still a destination away from sex tourism. Make sure she stays that way! Go ahead telling yourself that this trip will bring you a lot and try to make it reciprocal. But do not bring the faults from home or other neighboring countries!
- Any deliberate mark of disrespect towards Buddhism, monks, representations of the Buddha, temples, etc. can get you in big trouble, and even send you to jail!
| This article uses content from Wikipedia's Myanmar article. See the history of this page for the list of authors. |