To visit Myanmar(Burma) is to step into another world of spellbinding aromas, sights and sensations, with a truly unique atmosphere. Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, is a melting pot of the traditional and the contemporary, true Burmese culture melding with a colonial legacy still present decades after the departure of the British. The city's pulse beats to the rhythm of its streets, bustling with what makes the country so special: its people.

Let yourself be inspired by stately processions of monks robed in saffron and purple, shaven headed nuns seeking alms, and elegant Burmese ladies adorned with yellow thanaka paste. Young and old linger gossiping in teashops smoking traditional fragrant Burmese cheroots, dressed as they have been for centuries in their traditional longyis or htameins.

The beaches are almost uniquely unspoilt for this part of the world, and timeless Ngapali beach is perhaps the most typical of all. Relax in the shade of palm trees, wander along the silver sands, watch the fisherman at their daily catch or just let the breezes from the Bay of Bengal clear your mind.

Wherever you go you will catch glimpses of times past, real or imagined,but it is the hospitality and friendliness of the people of this "golden land" which is most striking- their tolerance of different religions and cultures, respect for each other and heartfelt smiles. It is this perhaps more than anything else which makes Myanmar the unique and fascinating country it is.

Climate
Myanmar has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: the cool season from November to February which is dry and with temperatures ranging from 21C to 28C; the hot season from March to May with average temperatures in the 30s and occasionally over 40C; the rainy season from May to the beginning of October with frequent short rainstorms and humidity.

Health
Please consult your physician about immunisation requirements (malaria and hepatitis are recommended). You should drink only bottled water and exercise caution when eating from small local restaurants.

Foreign Currency
The local currency in Myanmar is the kyat (pronounced 'chat'). Foreign visitors are strongly advised to bring sufficient funds of US dollars in cash. Traveller cheques and other foreign currencies can be difficult and time - consuming to cash. At this stage there is no usage of credit cards in Myanmar possible until further notice.

Tipping
The persons in Myanmar are very helpful and supportive in general to the foreign tourists without expecting anything in return. But obviously each, that stood you helpfully and friendlily to the side, will be very happy, over a little gift or grateful gesture.

Domestic Airlines and Flights
Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways both approach almost all of the various destinations in Myanmar. There is a baggage restriction of 20 kg per person. A little baggage piece may be brought per person with on board. It is therefore advisable, to leave baggage parts that are not needed during the trip through the country in Yangon and to pick them up on the return.

Airport Tax
Airport tax upon departure of Myanmar is raised at the airport in the amount of US$ 10,- per person.

Custom Determinations
You should indicate all valuables as well as cameras, electronic equipment, gem etc. at entry. For jewelry or diamond stones that were acquired in the country, you must show possibly an export permission, but certainly the purchase record.

Visa Determinations
A tourist visa for Myanmar can be received in every Burmese Embassy or consulate worldwide. Travelers who arrive via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Hong Kong, may be able to receive their tourist visa within one day at the local embassy. A tourist visa is valid for a stay of 28 days. Travelers with UNITEAM Tours & Travel are asked to provide exact statements - like address and passport number – before visas-proposition. We will transmit then a letter that you enclose with your visas-proposition. In the mean time the possibility to apply for a visa directly via the internet exists. Please visit www.visa.gov.mm. You will receive your visas approval per E-mail and pay the visa fee upon entry at the airport. Since the summer of 2003 the compulsory exchange (US$ to FEC) upon entry exists no longer.
                                                                                                 Visa Information

Beaches
Myanmar still has really unspoiled and untouched beaches. The most typical one is Ngapali Beach, where life stands still. You can relax in the shadow of palmtrees, walk for several kilometres along white beach and watch the daily work of fishermen or just clear your mind with a mild breeze coming from the Gulf of Bengal.

Electricity: 220Volt

How to get to Myanmar