Monday, January 5, 2009

Myanmar











WHERE IS MYANMAR?





Surely by now, that we are in the 21st century, half of the world will have been renamed. Old countries with new names appear all over Africa and Asia. Since 1989, Burma has become Myanmar and its capital, Rangoon, has become Yangon, Pegu has become Bago, Maymyo has become Pyin-Oo-Lwin, and so on. Myanmar, also known as the Golden Land, not only for its golden pagodas but also for the wealth of its agriculture and its precious minerals is - with its total area of 676,577 sq.km - about the size of the United Kingdom and France combined. It lies in South East Asia, with parts of India and Bangla Desh to the west, China to the north and Laos and Thailand to the east. Its southern borders are formed by the sea; by the Bay of Bengal to the southwest and the Andaman Sea to the southeast. However, whatever you call it, Myanmar or Burma, as Somerset Maugham once wrote: "You try to guard yourself by saying it is not real... it is a beauty that batters you and stuns you and leaves you breathless..."

People:
The population of Myanmar, spread over seven states and seven divisions, is estimated at 48 million people. Myanmar is inhabited by 135 ethnic nationalities. The Bamars, comprising about 69 % of the population, form the largest group.

Religion:
Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, with 80 percent of the population embracing it. There are also Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

Culture:
Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmars. The people have preserved tradition of close family ties, respect for the elders and reverence for Buddhism. Myanmars are known for their hospitality and friendliness.

History:
Myanmar’s Golden Age dates back to the 11th century when King Anawrahta united the whole country into the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan well before the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompassed the entire Menam valley in Thailand and lasted about 250 years, before it collapsed with the invasion of the Mongols under the leadership of Kublai Khan in the 13th century. The Second Myanmar Empire was founded in the middle 16th century by King Bayinnaung. King Alaungpaya founded the Third Myanmar Empire in 1752. It was during the zenith of the Konbaung dynasty, that the British colonized Myanmar. Myanmar became a sovereign state on January 4, 1948, after gaining independence from Britain.

Visa:
Tourist and business visas are valid for 28 days. Tourist visas are not extend able; business visa may be extended for another 28 days. Transit visas are valid for 24 hours. Apply to any of Myanmar Embassies or Consulates with three photos and your passport.

Vaccinations:
None are required unless travelers arrive from infected areas.

Currency:
The currency in Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced 'chaat'). US$ (only new notes) are the accepted currency in Myanmar. It is quite inconvenient to change other foreign currencies as well as to use credit cards and traveller checks. It is possible, but costs commission fees and it takes sometimes up to 2 hours to obtain the cash.

Time:
Myanmar’s time is six hours and thirty minutes ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT).

Airport Tax:
When leaving Myanmar by air, an airport tax of US$ 10.- p.p. must be paid before check-in.

Dress:
Cotton clothing and a light wrap on evenings during the winter season (between Oct and Feb) are recommended. When visiting temples, pagodas or other places of religious worship, it is necessary to dress modestly, as any kind of revealing clothing is frowned upon in Myanmar. Removal of all footwears and socks is necessary before entering all places of religious worship.

Climate:
Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The wet season lasts from mid-May to mid-October, the dry cool season from mid-October to mid-February, and the warm season from mid-February to mid-May.




Reasons to visit Myanmar

To witness the 2500 year-old Shwe Dagon Pagoda, the largest and oldest golden monument on earth:

Many Kinds and Queens of Myanmar have donated pure gold of their body weight, depositing tons and tons of gold in this great golden pagoda in Yangon. Thousands of donors donate tons of gold almost every year.

To see the most significant throne in the world, covered with gold:

Gold is plenty in our Golden Land, though not cheap in price. Compare this golden throne of the last Myanmar King, with those thrones of the Chinese, Japanese emperors, Maha Rajas, or that of Charlemagne, Louis 16, Napoleon, Cleopatra, or William the Conqueror. You'll find this is the most significant and most sophisticated. Besides each section of carvings on the throne will tell you so many tales...

To see the largest book that man could ever created:

The whole Buddhist bible was engraved on 729 white marble stones, set up in a square, each being protected by a small white temples. The 730th pagoda is a conventional temple occupying the centre of the square. Each marble tablets are about 3 feet wide and 4 feet high. Known as Kuthodaw Pagoda, it lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill, Mandalay.

To ring the largest ringing bell in the universe:

The world's largest ringing bell, Mingun Bell, is still hung in Sagaing and still make sound when rang. It is 26 feet high and weighs 90.55 metric tons. You can ring it. You can get underneath it and take photo. Ah! Isn't that exciting? Imagine that you can say "I've rung the world's greatest ringing bell!"

To experience a visit to this 2400 year-old miracle Golden Rock, called Kyaiktiyo Pagoda:

Windy cyclones had blown. Earthquakes had disturbed. But this balancing pagoda on top of this golden rock at the very edge of the cliff, survived for thousands of years. Legends tell that this Golden Rock used to be flying in the air centuries ago at the same spot.

To walk around on the amazing floating-islands and to row a boat in the highest and largest lake in SE Asia:

Could it be possible that an island can float above water? It really can... People even grow vegetables on them. Cut them. Sell them and drag them along with a boat.

To see the living mummies:

Are you into para-normality? X-File fan? There are approximately 20 prestigious Buddhist monks around the country, who had died decades or some centuries ago and their bodies never decayed. Some of their bodies could not be burnt, when cremated. Buddhists believe it is because of their super-natural powers. Some are covered with gold today (photo). Their nails turned blue, and flesh dried. But a few are still growing their nails and hairs till today! How can science describe about that? Would you call them living mummies?

To go scuba diving among the corals of the southern Myanmar sea:

Scuba-diving fans has witnessed that the southern Myanmar sea near Victoria Point is the most beautiful and virgin spot for scuba-diving in Southeast Asia. Some even exaggerate as the Red Sea of the East.

To meet a fortune-teller and see your future:

Myanmar fortune-tellers, with knowledge of the ancient arts of India, China, and Thailand, in addition to its own expertise, is often highly honored. Note that David Copperfield was an Indian descendant. Fortune-tellers refer to telepathic psychics, traditional astronomers, palmists, or the combination of the three. Trust me, you will need to book for months ahead to get an appointment with a good reliable fortune teller.

To see the largest man-made stone cave. Narga Cave (Dragon Cave) at World Peace Pagoda:

The Narga man-made stone cave was built for the 5th International Buddhist Council in the 1950s. Located next to Kabar Aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda), and is about 200 meters long and 100 meters high.

Tuvenirs to hang on the wall of your living room:

You want to buy puppets, lacquer ware, or some artifacts? Don't buy them in Thailand. They mostly come from Myanmar. This is where you can buy at the wholesale price!

To make merits by visiting pagodas, and do meditation, if you are a Buddhist:

Buddhists have strong faith in visiting pagodas for gaining merits, aside from travel experiences. Would you like to visit this Land of the Pagodas?

To buy genuine jewelries at a very low low price, direct from manufacturers:

Many Asians highly consider jade as lucky gem stone. You'll be amazed to find that precious stones in the West are not so precious in Myanmar, due to high production and large number of gem stone dealers.

Largest Reclining Buddha in the World:

The Shwethalyaung, a colossal reclining statue of Buddha (181 feet [55 m] long), is to the west of the modern town and is reputedly one of the most lifelike of all the reclining Buddha figures; allegedly built in AD-994, it was lost when Bago (Pegu) was destroyed in 1757 but was rediscovered under a cover of jungle growth in 1881.

To try out some spicy Myanmar food:

Or to visit an ah-hlue, if you wish, where anyone can come in and dine all you can eat for FREE!

If you like Thai food, you'll love Myanmar food, but it is a generally lighter than Thai food.


Traveler Tips

If this is your first time to visit Myanmar, here are some of the important tips for a traveler.

Best time to Visit:
You can visit Myanmar all the year round but the best time to come is between October and February as the weather during this period is neither too hot nor wet.

Entry Formalities:
A valid Passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extend able for an additional 14 days. A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extend able up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement.

Customs Formalities:
Foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$ 2,000, jewelry, cameras, video cameras, recording equipment and laptop computers must be declared at the airport. Failure to do so could end up in confiscation upon departure. Export of antiques and items of archaeological value are prohibited.

Foreign Exchange:
FECs, which is equivalent to the US$, are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants, and as payment of admission fees at museums and pagodas. FECs can be exchanged for Kyats (Myanmar currency) at market rates at authorized money changers. Credit cards such as American Express, Diner and Visa are accepted at most airlines, hotels, banks, jewelry shops, supermarkets and travel agents.

Vaccination:
Not required unless you are coming from an infected area.

What to Wear:
Light, casual wear preferably made of cotton is suitable for all climates. Some warm clothes are necessary if you plan to visit northern Myanmar or other hilly regions in the cold season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as the dress code for Buddhist religious buildings prescribe decent apparel and no footwear including socks.

Manners and Etiquette:
It is recommended that you refrain from kissing and hugging in public, pointing at things with your feet, sitting with your back to a Buddha image, improper use of or behavior toward a sacred thing as a Buddha image, and touching a monk.

Credit Cards & Traveler Checks:
Not widely use in our country except the International Hotels & a few souvenir shops in Yangon & Mandalay cities. Traveler Checks can only be changed at the central bank of Myanmar in Yangon during office hour. It will be more convenient for the clients to bring in the US$ cash.

Clothes:
Light clothes are suitable. Cotton wear. For entering the pagodas or Monasteries, have to bring long sleeves pants (or) skirts.

Insects:
Enough to bring only mosquito repellent.

Payment:
We prefer either TT or cash on arrival as credit card payment take a long time to declare back the money into our account due poor banking system. 50% of the tour cost or minimum of USD 200 per person is needed to deposit into our account by TT once the tour package is confirmed. The rest of the payment should be made at least 14 days before the group or clients' arrival.


No comments:

Post a Comment