Myanmar Nutz and Bolts

The Basics

Country: Myanmar
Where is it?: Myanmar, also know ans Burma, is in southeastern Asia, between Bangladesh and Thailand.
Why do people go here?: Most people who head to Myanmar want to really get off the beaten path and explore a country that is isolated and repressed. There is huge debate among travelers on whether to visit Myanmar, with much of the tourist dollars going toward the government that doesn’t respect basic human rights.
What are the main entry points?: The only safe means of entering Myanmar is flying into the capital. It’s not safe to overland into the country.
Currency used: Kyat
Country Code for Phones: 95
Area codes for Major Cities:
Religion: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%
Population: 42,720,196
Ethnic Groups: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5%
Government: Military regime
Languages: Burmese

Travel Information

Major Cities: Rangoon, Mandalay
Attractions: Bagan, Bago
Accommodation: Mynamar Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: No Tourism Office

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Mrauk U, Kengtung
Health Issues: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid
When to go: Myanmar can be oppressively hot. Visit between November to February.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day: January 4
Getting Around: Nothing is efficient or makes travel in Myanmar easy. Buses or pickup trucks are the best option.
Good to know: Research the debate on whether to travel into Mynmar. Much of toursist fees support a repressive military dictatorship.