The population of Myanmar is just over 6 million and the language spoken is Burmese however there are around 100 tribal languages and dialects also spoken. Some English is spoken in towns and main tourist areas. If you are planning on calling back to the UK then remember that it’s GMT+6. 5 hours there. The international dialling code for people calling you is +95.
Visas are required by UK nationals and you must apply in advance at the Myanmar Embassy in London which is located at 19a Charles St, London W1J 5DX. The processing time is typically around seven days and the visas are valid for a four-week stay in the country. Check the cost but it’s currently £15.
If you want the best view over the area then take a break at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro. This is in the Sakura Tower and gives 360 degree views of Yangon, the food may not be five star but the views definitely are. You should not drink the local tap water or have anything that may have been washed in it. Always buy sealed, bottled water or purify your own. Dengue fever is a problem in the area so avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and covering your arms and legs.
On your first day head downtown to Sule Pagoda, the gold stupa that now acts as a roundabout to Yangon traffic. After that explore the nearby streets on foot to see the mixture of buildings in the town. Keep a lookout for the colonial Strand Hotel and City Hall among others.
If you now feel like some retail therapy head to a location with over 2, 000 stalls under one roof. The Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott’s Market is the perfect place to spend your newly changed kyat on everything from ‘I heart Myanmar’ T-shirts to tribal handicrafts. If you cannot find it here it probably does not exist.
So by now you will have built up an appetite, a good option is to aim for Feel Myanmar Food at 124 Pyihtaungsu St. The advantage of eating here is that you can try a range of excellent value Burmese dishes that are about US$1 each. It’s popular with the locals but don’t let the queues put you off as you can try a lot of different food options very cheaply.
Now that your rested and full check out the National Museum on Pyay Rd. It’s not the best, but it’s worth a look to see the country’s relics. If you feel like something more restful then take a stroll by one of Yangon’s two lakes. The smaller one, Kandawgyi, is closer and more popular with tourists. The larger, Inya, is where the locals go.
You can finish your day by getting some food from a market stall on route to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Here you can watch the sunset, see the monks gather and chat with the locals.
Visas are required by UK nationals and you must apply in advance at the Myanmar Embassy in London which is located at 19a Charles St, London W1J 5DX. The processing time is typically around seven days and the visas are valid for a four-week stay in the country. Check the cost but it’s currently £15.
If you want the best view over the area then take a break at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro. This is in the Sakura Tower and gives 360 degree views of Yangon, the food may not be five star but the views definitely are. You should not drink the local tap water or have anything that may have been washed in it. Always buy sealed, bottled water or purify your own. Dengue fever is a problem in the area so avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and covering your arms and legs.
On your first day head downtown to Sule Pagoda, the gold stupa that now acts as a roundabout to Yangon traffic. After that explore the nearby streets on foot to see the mixture of buildings in the town. Keep a lookout for the colonial Strand Hotel and City Hall among others.
If you now feel like some retail therapy head to a location with over 2, 000 stalls under one roof. The Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott’s Market is the perfect place to spend your newly changed kyat on everything from ‘I heart Myanmar’ T-shirts to tribal handicrafts. If you cannot find it here it probably does not exist.
So by now you will have built up an appetite, a good option is to aim for Feel Myanmar Food at 124 Pyihtaungsu St. The advantage of eating here is that you can try a range of excellent value Burmese dishes that are about US$1 each. It’s popular with the locals but don’t let the queues put you off as you can try a lot of different food options very cheaply.
Now that your rested and full check out the National Museum on Pyay Rd. It’s not the best, but it’s worth a look to see the country’s relics. If you feel like something more restful then take a stroll by one of Yangon’s two lakes. The smaller one, Kandawgyi, is closer and more popular with tourists. The larger, Inya, is where the locals go.
You can finish your day by getting some food from a market stall on route to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Here you can watch the sunset, see the monks gather and chat with the locals.