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 PHOTO &
FILM:
In a country as photogenic as Myanmar many photo enthusiasts realize long before the end
of their journey that they didn’t bring along enough films. |
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Nowadays
that is not a problem anymore as supplies can be replenished in most places where tourists congregate. However, in some cases it might be difficult to get
a special film or the films on sale are expired. So it might be a better idea
to bring a sufficient supply of films. In the big cities, meanwhile even chips
for digital cameras are available. Their prices are the same as abroad
therefore it doesn’t make sense to try to buy them in Myanmar.
Generally the Burmese do not have any objections against being photographed.
However, courtesy commands to obtain
the 'victim’s' approval. Many pagodas charge a minimal fee for cameras;
video cameras might be a little more expensive. Some museums restrict
photography. It’s not a problem any more to bring along video cameras. |
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SOUVENIRS:
In Myanmar arts and crafts have a very long tradition and are still very
much alive.
Accordingly a number of interesting souvenirs can be bought
in the country and the best places to buy them are the tourist centres.
In Yangon and Mandalay there are quite a few shops specializing in the needs of
tourists. |
Contrary to a widely-held belief according to our experience the
export of Buddha statues doesn’t constitute a major problem as long as
the statues are new and not yet consecrated. Also, a little 'baksheesh'
sometimes results in miracles. Your local guide may also be willing to
help you should the need arise. |
HEALTH & MEDICAL CARE:
The dreaded tropical diseases usually do not constitute a threat to tourists
because they are mainly the result of unsanitary conditions, lack of medical
care due to poverty and similar factors. Malaria, however, should never be
underestimated, but, according to our experience, is not a grave problem in areas
visited by tourists. The threat of being bitten or poisoned by dangerous animals should also not be
overestimated. |
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On one hand poisonous snakes and spiders are rarely to be found
and on the other hand they anyway usually run away before a human gets close.
However, we advise to stay away from the all too common stray dogs as well as
from cats. Unfortunately
the quality of medical care leaves a lot to be desired. Minor indispositions
may be handled by local doctors and some local pharmacies stock a fairly
extensive spectrum of drugs, mostly sold under their English trade names. We
recommend to bring along all regularly required drugs in sufficient numbers, as
well as cosmetics. In the case of aggravating health problems your place of
treatment should be either Bangkok or Singapore where you will find plenty of good
hospitals.The most common health problems, however, are flu and diarrhea: Even though you may
not be able to prevent them entirely you can limit them by choosing clean and
proper food and avoid to stay in air-conditioned rooms for too long. |
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DISABLED
TRAVELERS:
There are only very few places in Myanmar that cater for the special needs of
disabled travelers, especially those dependent on wheel chairs. For example,
special toilets are
virtually unknown, except maybe at the big hotels. However, many sightseeing
places as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon or the Pindaya Caves in the Shan State have recently
been equipped with lifts - even though they are not always in working
condition… |
Nevertheless Myanmar is a country that can be visited by disabled
travelers without problems. The helpfulness of the Myanmar people is beyong
anything we can imagine in the West. Whenever necessary there will be an
abundance of people willing to lend a hand. Event the Golden Rock is not 'off
limits' to disabled travelers as litters are available at low prices. |
THE SHOE QUESTION:
Ever since foreigners have come to Myanmar they encountered the shoe question. In
temples, stupas and monasteries and their precincts it is an absolute must to
take off shoes and socks as well. |
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As the term 'precinct' sometimes is
interpreted in a rather large scale, very often often this rule results in
displeasure, even anger on the side of foreign visitors - many have problems to
understand why shoes should be taken off a long way before the building. The
same is valid for temples that are not any more in use. Please avoid fruitless
discussions - try to control your anger and accept the local custom! |
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BEACH
HOLIDAYS:
Until recently only 'cultural tourism' could be found in Myanmar: Sightseeing at
temples, the scenic countryside, markets, monasteries, etc...
After their sightseeing trips many visitors longed for restful days at the
beach; the only way to fulfill that wish was to continue to Thailand
with a plethora of well-developed beaches with good infrastructure... |
Although Myanmar boasts a coastline of more than 2,000 kilometres and beaches
that can keep up with any others in the region. Not too long ago those beaches
provided only spartan accommodations that could not satisfy the needs of more
sophisticated travelers in any way. |
Since 1999 this has changed: A number of beach hotels with quite satisfactory
standards have opened at Ngapali Beach, on the Bay of Bengal. Several beach hotels have a very good
standard indeed: One of them is under German management and
leaves nothing to be desired. Nice rooms with (working) air-conditioning, swimming
pool, water sports, etc...
The food is excellent with an emphasis on seafood. Near the hotels, a number of
restaurants cater to those who want to have a look at the local cuisine - a
little hot, but very tasty!
Ngapali is accessible by air from Yangon in 45 minutes.
From Thandwe Airport it is only 15 minutes to the hotels. |
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There are other beaches at the Bay of Bengal as well: Ngwesaung
is on the same latitude as Yangon but unfortunately not as easily accessible as
Ngapali - count on about five hours by car. You may also go from Yangon to
Pathein by ship and continue by car to Ngwesaung. The beach resort of Chaungtha,
located a little north of Ngwesaung,
is popular with Burmese tourists who have their very own ideas of beach
vacation. Chaungtha is well connected toYango by public transport.
The Mergui Archipelago’s untouched islands off the coast of Myanmar’s
southernmost province of Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) have recently been opened to
foreigners but so far only for package tours. You may explore spectacular
diving, go snorkeling, kayaking, trekking in the jungle or simply sunbathing (see
chapter “Sights of Myanmar”).
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©
2008 Axel Bruns |
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