Language: Burmese (Myanmar)
Currency: Kyat (K)
Population: 55 million
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to enter using almost any passport. You’ll only be allowed into Thailand if your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival, with enough pages for embarkation stamp upon arrival, and must show proof of sufficient funds and onward or return passage.

Myanmar has a tropical climate, with the southwest monsoon bringing rain from May to October. Roads can become impassable, particularly from July to September. The central plains, however, receive only a fraction of the rain seen on the coast and in the Ayeyarwady delta. 

From October onwards the rains subside; the best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February, when temperatures are relatively manageable. From March to May, the country becomes very hot, particularly the dry zone of the central plains where Bagan and Mandalay often see temperatures in excess of 40°C.

It’s a pleasant thing to shop in Myanmar, where bargain is acceptable and, in some regions, bartering is still in fashion. This mysterious country offers a peculiar peek at Southeast Asia, but in a more ancient way that is rarely found anywhere else. 

Visitors find it irresistible doing shopping when cambering around Myanmar’s attractions, where unique and beautiful items are touted all the way. Below suggests practical ideas regarding what to shop in Myanmar and useful tips for those want to make a nice deal.

What to Shop in Myanmar:
Lacquerware
Rubies and Gemstones
Longyi
Handicrafts
Embroidered Tapestries
Gold Leaves

Tips for Shopping in Myanmar:
•   The real old Buddha images/statues and archaeological artifacts are not allowed for taking out of the country, 
•   Be mindful that authority controlling trade standard doesn’t exist in Myanmar, which means a thorough check of the goods you buy is necessary to apply. 
•   The transaction is made when you agree the price. 
•   Nyaung U Market in Bagan is a bustling center for visitors to buy things ranging from daily fresh goods to custom longyi. It’s an ideal place to mingle with the locals and learn their lifestyle!
•   The floating village in Inle Lake has unique souvenirs that are quite ‘Myanmar’.
•   In Yangon, the well-known Bogyoke Aung San Market is where shopping can be a fun thing to do. Great bargains can be made here. 
•   Official certificate of the jewel is needed when passing the customs. 
•   Shops inside the hotels may store interesting articles, have a go.
•   Most Myanmar markets are open on Sundays and closed on Mondays. During Buddhist Lent Festival, which normally includes August October, all Myanmar markets are closed on full moon days.
•   If you need more specific ideas about shopping in Myanmar, your private tour guide would love to share his mind.

Whilst you may have heard all the negative things in the news, we believe that Myanmar makes for one of the most special and unique travel experiences, due to its stunning geography, rich and varied culture and warm, proud people.
Tick & Click Travel gives you “dos and don’ts” of travelling in this favourite country, as below:
DOs:
•   Dress modestly in Myanmar, and leave body-revealing clothes at home. 
•   Cover your legs and shoulders when visiting religious sites.
•   Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions
•   Respect the elders
•   Keep the feet on the ground 
•   To maintain Myanmar’s unique heritage, do not buy antiques. Buy arts and crafts instead 6, Help protect Myanmar wildlife by refusing to purchase wildlife products:  The illegal selling of wildlife endangers the species native to Myanmar. Tourists should not buy these products.
•   Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks, not on the black market.

DON’Ts:

•   Don’t sit with back against Buddha Image. Don’t handle Buddha Images or sacred object with disrespect. Don’t keep Buddha Images or sacred objects in inappropriate places.
•   Don’t offer to shake hands with a monk. Women should not touch a monk.
•   Don’t step on others shadow or any part of their bodies. Don’t point a finger straight in others’ faces. Don’t point with your foot
•   Don’t touch anybody on the head
•   Don’t touch a woman on any part of her body
•   Don’t gamble. Don’t use drugs
•   Don’t go where you are advised not to go
•   Don’t kiss in public
•   Don’t disturb people praying or meditating
•   Calling with your finger up means calling for a challenge
•   Don’t touch the robe of a monk
•   Giving money or sweets to children is not advisable

Prepare your stomach as you are about to discover an exciting range of Myanmar dish that fresh in ingredients and tasty in flavors. Your appetite will be well satisfied. Myanmar has some of the most exciting and varied cuisines in all Southeast Asia. This is our guide to what to eat when travelling in through this unexplored paradise!
FOOD
Mohinga: Myanmar’s national dish
 Samosa
Chapati and Curry
Salad dishes
Soups
Soups
Yangon’s barbeque
DRINK
Drink bottled water only but tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.
TIPS FOR DINING IN MYANMAR
•   When eating food in street stalls and markets, void eating doubtful meat and try vegetables instead. 

•   Although usual Asian flavors dominate Myanmar, in recent years, Yangon and Bagan have seen a spring in international restaurants, such as western, Japanese, Chinese and even Korean. 

•   The Chinatown located at the downtown Yangon is a good place to find various kinds of foods from all over Asia.

•   The concept of service is in its infancy, so don’t expect western standards in dining place. While upmarket restaurants do better. 

•   Tipping is not common practice in Myanmar, but it’s appreciated. A 5-10% tip will do.

•   Staff working at western cafes/restaurants can speak English, but not those in the markets or street stands. If the language doesn’t work, keep patient and turn to your private tour guide for help (if out of the itinerary). 

•   Never drink tap water, use bottled drinking water which is available at every shop. Or our guide will help you with this. 

•   There are no sophisticated social rules for dining in Myanmar. Watch what the locals do and follow suit.