How to Find Hotels In Myanmar (Formerly Burma)

Originally called Burma, Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia. It's currently ruled by a military junta. Name changes in this country reflect the current government's influence and are quite controversial. (For example, the city of Rangoon is now called Yangon). Many governments who don't recognize the government still refer to Myanmanr as Burma. The United States is one of these countries. Despite this, Myanmar remains a beautiful place to visit. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A passport
• A computer with Internet access

Find Accommodations In Myanmar

1. Find accommodations by calling the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board at 011(+95) (0)1 242 828, Ext. 6462. You can also visit their Web site for accommodations listings (see Resources below).
2. Rent a bungalow at a small local hotel for less than $20 per day. This price includes a meal.
3. Stay at one of the many local guesthouses in the rural villages, where accommodations can be found for as little as $5 per day.
4. Consider a luxury hotel in one of the larger cities. Since most accommodations in Myanmar are downright cheap, you might be surprised at the level of amenities you can get for your money.

Get to Myanmar

5. Fly into Yangon Mingadalon International Airport in Yangon.
6. Use the domestic air services to travel between the larger cities of Burma, since ground transportation is generally unreliable and uncomfortable.
7. Consider using ferries and boats to travel along Myanmar's extensive coastline, which may be quicker than ground transportation.
8. Take a ride in a rickshaw or a horsecart for a more authentic way to travel within the larger cities.

Experience Myanmar!

9. Take a ride in a hot air balloon over the temples of Bagan.
10. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Temple, which is a symbol of old Burma as well one of the most famous temples in Southeast Asia.
11. Cross the U Bein Bridge in Amarapura. It's the longest bridge made of teak in the world. At 2 kilometers, it spans the entire lake.
12. Take a tour of the Palace at Mandalay. It was almost completely destroyed in World War II, but now has been rebuilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Since the government seriously regulates information coming in and out of Myanmar, access to many modern communication methods at hotels like fax machines and the Internet are severely limited. Laws have been relaxing in recent years.
• Be prepared for the airport departure tax when you leave. It must be paid in cash.
• All phone numbers start with the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• Do not take photographs of public buildings, military personnel or anything else that can be considered sensitive by the government. Always ask permission to photograph people before you do so, especially women.