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| Introduction To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm, Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combine with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups. The country's expanding tourism infrastructure boasts five star hotels, intimate boutique hotels and family guesthouse in all the major centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resort. Above all, the warmest welcome in Asia awaits visitors who still appreciate the gentle sincerity of a land still dedicated to hospitality and traditional values. Getting into Myanmar Available flights include Myanmar Airways International, Thai Airways International, Silk Air, Air China, All Nippon Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Indian Airlines, Eva Air, Mandarin Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. Air Mandalay links Yangon and Mandalay with Chiang Mai, Thailand. Geography With an area of 676,557 square kilometer, Myanmar is sandwiched between India and Banglades on one side and China, Laos and Thailand on the other, while to the south is the Andaman Sea with beautiful unspoiled beaches. Myanmar has several important river systems, including the Ayeyarwady River that runs the entire length of the country and enters the sea in a vast delta region south-west of the capital Yangon. This tropical south of Myanmar with its fertile river plains is one of the most important rice cultivation areas in the world. The central region of Myanmar holds the hill country. The climate is very good for growing cotton and all kinds of vegetables. A wide expanse of comparatively dry plain stretches north of Yangon, but hill ranges running north-south separate the central plain from the countries' neighbours. The Himalayas rise in the north, where the Hkakabo Razi, right on the border between Myanmar and Tibet, is the highest mountain in South-East Asia at 19,290 ft./5881m. Population In 1998 the population of Myanmar reached 44.5 million. Around 69% of the population are ethnic Burmese. The rest of the population comprise more than 135 ethnic groups, like the Shan, Cachin, Chin, Mon and Rakhine. Over 75% of the population live in the rural areas, especially in the fertile plains of the Ayeyarwady River and the delta region. Half of the population is below 20 years of age. Religion early 90% of the Myanmar are Buddhists. The rest are Christians, Muslim, Hindu and Animists. Over 100,000 Buddhist monks live in the monasteries throughout the country. Language The official language is Burmese with its 110 different dialects. In the tourist areas of Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay English is widely understood. Local Time in Myanmar Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Office Hours Government and business - 09:30 am to 04:30 pm, Monday through Friday Shop - 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, usually Monday through Saturday Climate & Weather Myanmar is a year round destination and has three main seasons. - The hot season runs from March to mid May. - The rainy season from mid May to early October. - The cool season from mid October through until the end of February Each season has its own attraction, and even during the rainy season, there are many days of clear blue skies, and the landscapes are green and lush. Currency Myanmar currency is known as "Kyat" (pronounced Chat). The present usable denominations are: Ks.1,000; 500; 200; 100; 90; 50; 45; 20; 15; 10; 5; 1. Licensed money changers can help you exchange US$/FECs into local kyats. Major hotels and a few restaurants will accept credit cards. Travellers' cheques are not normally accepted and are difficult to transact. Travellers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes). British Pounds, French Francs, German Deutsch Marks and other currencies are difficult to change. Airport Departure Tax As is the case at most international airports, there is an international departure tax. In Yangon, US$/FEC 10 per person is payable for departures on international flights. There are currently no airport taxes for domestic flights. Food Traditional Myanmar food such as Mohinga, On-no-Khaukswe, assorted baked and fried delicacies and a variety of Myanmar curries are available at reputable Myanmar restaurants. Chinese cuisine or tasty Indian dishes are available at popular food outlets in major towns and cities. Dress Casual and light clothing is recommended for Myanmar all year round. A light sweater or jacket will be useful during the cool season and when traveling in northern areas. Shoes and other footwear must be removed when entering religious buildings and homes. Mini skirts, shorts and revealing clothes are prohibited when visiting temples and pagodas. |
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