Myanmar has only recently opened its doors to foreign travelers and Burmese are well known as friendly. The country is not completely opaque as far as customs and traditions go. As a result, to have a happy time on your trip to Myanmar, you should glance at the dos and don’ts in Myanmar.
Let's follow Incredible Asia Journeys to take a moment to review these essential dos and don’ts in Myanmar.
- Travel with reputed travel agents (Tripadvisor is a good source). If you don’t check the reputation of the travel agents you choose, you may get low-quality service. In the worst case, you will find yourself in bad conditions: dirty hotel, uncomfortable car, bad food, etc.
- Say “Mingalarbar” when meeting someone, use “U” in front of men's names and “Daw” in front of women's names.
- Spread your wealth, use your money wisely.
- Sit lower than a monk and old nuns and elders.
- Let the oldest be served first.
- Go to decent recommended restaurants in Yangon, where they cook Myanmar food according to international standards to try good Myanmar food.
- Offer articles with both hands and keep both feet on the ground.
- Bend slightly in front of the elders.
- Dress and act decently, speak slowly and clearly.
- Ask permission before taking photographs, the Burmese can be very shy.
- Wear a polite dress code (long and body-covering clothes), cover your head, and remove shoes and socks before entering religious sites to show your respect to the local religious customs.
- Help protect Myanmar wildlife by refusing to purchase wildlife products.
- Show respect to monks, novices, and nuns.
So, with many things to be aware of, you can avoid these don’ts below and you can make your way through Myanmar without offending the locals.
Golden Pagoda in Myanmar
- Don't touch the robe of the monk, anyone’s head, and women.
- Don't disturb people praying or meditating.
- Don't play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to listen to music.
- Don’t handle Buddha images or sacred objects with disrespect or keep them in inappropriate places (on the floor for example).
- Don't touch sacred objects with disrespect. Hold them in your right hand or with both hands.
- Don't offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
- Don’t show affection in public. Myanmar is still a conservative country and the locals may be offended by public displays of affection.
- Don’t change your money on the black market. Authorized money changers are places to go.
- Don’t wear shorts, or tank tops to the pagodas, temples, or other religious places. You will be considered rude and sometimes you will not be allowed to be in.
- Don’t sit down higher than a monk or than a statue of Buddha.
- Don’t sit with your back against a statue of Buddha.
- Don’t put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
- Don’t step over any part of a person, but if you must, always ask to be excused first.
- Don’t turn the plant of the feet towards a monk or a statue of Buddha.
- Don’t gamble. Don’t use drugs. Using drugs is illegal in Myanmar.
- Don’t point a finger straight in the face.
Do not point your finger straight in the face
While Myanmar is generally safe for tourists, there are areas with ongoing conflicts and unrest. Travelers should:
- Research the regions you plan to visit and avoid areas with reported disturbances or conflict zones, particularly near border regions such as Rakhine State, Chin State, Kachin State, and parts of Shan State. These regions often experience clashes between armed groups and government forces.
- Listen to locals or guides about safety concerns and heed their warnings. Avoid venturing into restricted or remote areas without proper guidance.
- Stick to reputable transport services and avoid traveling late at night, especially in less-populated areas.
- Keep up with news about Myanmar to stay updated on any changes in safety conditions. Check for travel advisories from reliable sources before and during your trip.
- Inform your country’s embassy of your travel plans, especially if you plan to visit rural or sensitive regions.
Balloon in Myanmar
With these dos and don’ts in mind, you can prepare a Myanmar trip of rich culture and beautiful landscapes respectfully and safely. Book your tour with Incredible Asia Journeys today for a personalized and worry-free travel experience. Our experts will ensure you discover the best of Myanmar safely and comfortably.
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