Burma holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Burma holiday, personal to you.
Burma facts
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw is the country's official administrative capital, a closely guarded and isolated town 320 km north of Rangoon - the former capital and the city in which foreign embassies are still based.
Language: Burmese and other ethnic minority languages.
People: Burman (68%), Shan (9%), Karen (7%), Rakhine (4%), Chinese, Indian and Mon.
Religion: Buddhist (89%). Christian, Muslim, animist.
Size (sq km): 678,500.
Population: 47,758,181.
Population density/sq km: 70.3.
Etiquette
There's no denying that Burma's recent history has been tragically overshadowed by the actions of its military junta, yet many who decide to visit believe the drip-drip effect of tourism will be the factor most likely to bring about change. Among these voices has been opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy has declared that the boycott of tourism to Burma should be lifted, provided tourists deal with non-government hotels and companies. We believe it's not our place to make moral judgments on where individuals choose to travel â€" on the contrary, our advice would be to make your decisions based on your own informed consideration of the issues at stake â€" yet there's no denying that Burma is an extraordinary country whose friendly people, astonishing scenery and unique culture would propel it to the top of many travellers' wish lists under less controversial circumstances. Should you wish to go, our Asia specialists will be happy to discuss the travel options with you and to direct you to resources where the issues are debated at greater length, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Shopping
Handicrafts and jewellery. Visitors should make sure they buy directly from artisans and not from government-run shops.
Food & drink
Dishes include lethok son (vegetarian rice salad), oh-no khauk swe (rice noodles, chicken and coconut milk), mohinga (fish soup with noodles). Street food includes chapattis. Tea is popular (often added spices may make your tongue turn red).
International Airports
Rangoon (RGN) 19 km from the city and Mandalay (MDL) 25 km from the city.
Internal travel
Air travel is the most efficient transport for time-saving. Rail services are subject to delays caused by climatic, technical and bureaucratic difficulties. Bus services are uncomfortable. Government-run taxis are blue and white.
Red tape
Visas
Required.
Vaccinations
BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, JE, Malaria, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2
Driving requirements
Those wishing to drive must apply for a Burma licence at the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Rangoon.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 19A Charles Street, Berkeley Square, London W1J 5DX, tel (020) 7499 8841, fax (020) 7629 4169, memblondon@asl.com. US: 2300 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 332 3344, fax (202) 332 4351, email info@mewashingtondc.com.
UK/US reps in Burma
UK: 80 Strand Road, Box No 638, Rangoon, tel (1) 370 863, fax (1) 370 866, email mailto:Consular.Rangoon@fco.gov.uk. US: 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon, tel (1) 536 509, fax (1) 650 306, email consularrangoo@state.gov.
Currency
Kyat (K) = 100 pyas.
Finance
Credit cards are unlikely to be accepted. Traveller's cheques not accepted.
Business hours
0930-1630 Mon to Fri
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Burma is ruled by a military junta which suppresses almost all dissent and wields absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions. It is considered one of the world's most repressive regimes, accused of human rights abuses and corruption. Ethnic rebels continue to fight the government and travel to Karen, Shan, Karenni, Chin and Arakanese areas should be avoided. Additionally, Burma's infrastructure remains in tatters following the devastating Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Seek latest advice before travel.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: 60.73, F 65.28.
Useful websites for travel
www.mewashingtondc.com, http://rangoon.usembassy.gov, www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/Burma, www.burmacampaign.org.uk/. www.freeburmacoalition.org/.
Local media
The New Light of Burma and Burma Times are English-language, state-run newspapers.
Tourist boards
n/a.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Burma. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Burma itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6561.
For many years Burma has been a controversial destination. Since the positive announcement of the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the boycott of tourism, the country has again come onto people’s radars. Far less controversial are the golden pag...
Calling all watersport lovers to the Palm Beach Resort at the Ngwe Saung or Silver Beach along the west coast of Burma on the Bay of Bengal amid groves of lush palm trees....
The finest resort in the archaeological town of Mrauk U located in the northern Rakhine state of Burma is the Mrauk U Princess Resort. Surrounded by mountain peaks, the Mrauk U River and endless paddy fields, this lush resort is set in its own private scenic g...
The luxury Aureum Resort and Spa is the premier boutique hotel at Ngapali Beach on Burma’s Indian Ocean. With stunning views over the Bay of Bengal, this elegant resort designed with traditional teak canopies offers seclusion and a sanctuary to relax and...
As a haven of serenity, the Pagan Thiripyistaya Sanctuary Resort makes the most of the spiritual and Buddhist qualities of the ancient capital of Burma, Pagan....
To experience the romantic, old-world colonial charm in the heart of Rangoon, stay at the Governor’s Residence Hotel located in the upmarket embassy quarter....
If you are seeking a tranquil, charming hotel in the heart of bustling Mandalay, the Rupar Mandalar Resort is a fine choice....
Eastern Burma is remote and rarely visited. Shan State is the largest state in Burma and encapsulates the colourful, complex nature of the country. Bordering China, Laos and Thailand, this region is the centre of a mix of cultural influences and is home to a n... Please call 0845 643 6561 for price details.
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Central Burma is home to some of the country’s most important historical and cultural treasures. From the ancient temples at Pagan to the calm waters of Inle Lake and on to the hubbub of Mandalay, this tour shows off an impressive and dramatic array of s... Please call 0845 643 6561 for price details.
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The cool and dry winter is from November to February, the hot summer is from March to May and the wet, humid monsoon from May to October. A dry-zone between Mandalay and Pyay gets less rain than the rest of the country.
GMT +6.5.
Kyat (K) = 100 pyas.
Get foreign currency online
