Welcome to Myanmar (Burma) It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure. Golden Wonders 'This is Burma', wrote Rudyard Kipling. 'It will be quite unlike any land you know about.' Amazingly, over a century later, Myanmar retains the power to surprise and delight even the most jaded of travellers. Be dazzled by the 'winking wonder' of Shwedagon Paya. Contemplate the 4000 sacred stupas scattered across the plains of Bagan . Stare in disbelief at the Golden Rock at Mt Kyaiktiyo , teetering impossibly on the edge of a chasm. These are all important Buddhist sights in a country where pious monks are more revered than rock stars. Traditional Life In a nation of multiple ethnic groups, exploring

Myanmar Currency & Exchange Rate The Kyat is today the official currency of Myanmar (Burma) which is often abbreviated as "K" and placed before the numerical value (e.g. K200). Kyat is presently released in notes (no coin) of value K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500, K1.000, K5.000 and K10.000 . Besides the official Kyat, the US dollar is also widely accepted in Myanmar as an alternative currency, especially for tourists in Myanmar trips , it is larger purchases such as hotels, luxurious restaurants, flights, etc. from foreigners. It may be sometimes at a worse rate if these transactions are paid in kyat. On the other hand, for smaller purchases such as taxi, buses, and cheaper to mid-range meals payment made in kyat are more preferable. Myanmar Currency Exchange Rates In 1993, Myanma

MYANMAR (BURMA) VISAS Key Myanmar tourist visa facts are listed below. For business visa information, go here . Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Myanmar . Visa-free travel (for 14 days, or longer in some cases) is permitted for Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos passport holders. Citizens from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau are permitted visa-free travel for up to 28 days. Chinese and Indian passport holders can a get visa on arrival for USD50 (at international airports only). In addition to getting visas at embassies and consulates, Myanmar has an online e-visa system. It is designed to make the process of application simpler for visitors - particularly those from countries that do not have a Myanmar embassy. For e-visa

Rakhine State, the Delta and South Burma These regions have high temperatures and humidity from February to May. Choose your clothes wisely to pair with the heat and the conservative nature of this religious area (wearing shorts and bare shoulders usually bring frowns from the locals). June to October carry over the high humidity and bring intense rains that can often close roads and cause delays when it comes to transportation. Generally you want to avoid this particular area during the monsoon, which tends to be more intense than most elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Another consideration during this time should be mosquitos and the malaria and dengue fever that comes with them. November to February is gorgeous , bringing warm weather and reliable sunshine. The dry zone and lower-central Bur

While large scale tourism to Burma is still relatively new when compared to her neighbours, it is getting easier and easier to get into and out of the country. It currently has three international airports and a growing number of international crossings with Thailand, one with Laos and one with India. Requirements Passport You'll need a passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your entry date to enter Burma. Visas The vast majority of tourists enter Burma on a tourist visa. This visa can be organised online, through a travel agent, or via a Burmese embassy or consulate. The typical visa is valid for 30 days. Visa extensions are possible. For more information, see our Burma visa page . Airports Burma has three international airports, Yangon International Airport (RGN) in Yango

Currency Burma's currency is the kyat (pronounced 'chat'). For the past few years, its tended to trade at around 970 kyat to US$1. Money changers are now well regulated and fair; there is no longer any need to find a black-market money changer. International ATMs are spreading across the country, but are not always reliable -- access in main tourist areas such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake should be possible. Credit cards are gradually gaining popularity, but are mainly only used in high-end hotels and restaurants. Safety For the average traveller, Burma is quite a safe country. Petty theft may occur but violent crimes against foreigners are practically unheard of. Most confrontations come from a lack of respect for cultural norms, such as wearing footwear and non-conservative c

Myanmar is a Buddhism country well known as the Golden Land. Otherwise, it is also called the Land of Pagodas. Hence, when coming to Myanmar, tourists should know the behaviors both in public and religious monuments. Dos: 1, Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions: Visitors are not asked to abandon their ways, they are asked to adapt to the Myanmar environment. 2, Respect the elders: Let the oldest be served first, and bend a bit when crossing close in front of the elders. 3, Wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites: Please cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas. Offer articles with both hands. Seek permission on retrieving an article above a person's head. 4, Keep the feet on the ground: Do tuck away your feet,