Destination Guides - Myanmar

Myanmar

Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia which has a total area of 678,500 square kilometres and the 40th-largest in the world. Last Modified On: Wednesday, 06/August/2008 22:05:06pm Back to Previous

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Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. The country is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, and India on the northwest, with the Bay of Bengal to the southwest.

Burma's diverse population has played a major role in defining its politics, history and demographics in modern times. The country's culture, heavily influenced by neighbors, is based on Theravada Buddhism intertwined with local elements.

Visitors to Myanmar can obtain a 28 days tourist visa from Myanmar Embassy or consulate office abroad upon presentation of their passport valid for at least 6 months. Two application forms and three passport size photos are required. Visa fees are approximately US $20 in local currency. Since late 2003, all visitors to Myanmar no longer need to exchange USD 200 into Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC). Visa extensions may be obtained in Myanmar. Visa on Arrival can also be arranged.

Myanmar currency is the Kyat. The official exchange rate is approximately 6 Kyat to US $1. Recently, any kinds of credit cards and travelers cheques are not accepted within Myanmar.

Climate and Weather

Myanmar has three distinct seasons:

1. Hot Season: March-Mid May with average temperature around 25c-38c
2. Rainy Season: Mid May-September with average temperature around 23c-33c
3. Cool Season: October-February with average temperature around 18c-24c

The best time to visit Myanmar is in cool season, but even in rainy season, it doesn’t rain much especially in Bagan and Mandalay just for part of the day. So Myanmar is good to see all year round.

Departure tax for international flight is US $10 (either $ or FEC), payable in USD. There are no taxes on domestic flights.

As of February 2006, twelve airlines, direct flights to Yangon (Rangon) are available from: Bangkok (TG, MAI, PG), Calcutta (IC), Chaing Mai (6T), Dhaka (BG), Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur (MAI, MH), Kunming (CA), Singapore (MI, MAI & Jetstar Asia), Taipei (AE) and Doha (QR). Airlines currently operating to and from Yangon are: Air China, Air Mandalay, Mandarin Airlines, Indian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Silk Air, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Qatar Airways, Jetstar Asia and Biman (BG). Direct flight from Chiangmai to Mandalay is also operated by Air Mandalay.