ALWAYS CARRY A TORCH IN YOUR LUGGAGE
by DennyP
I was advised before going to Burma of the fact that the power was cut in the major cities without warning....This I'm not sure if it was a conservation programme or the system was just in mealtdown...think it was the latter...Most big buisinesses and hotels have large backup generators out front to cope with these outages...the small buisnesses are suffering as they can't afford such items...A torch is always handy for such a time also at night as there is very little street lighting...another handy time is when you maybe inside a temple or Pagoda...
Closing times
by Hewer
Keep in mind that many bars, restaurants and teahouses close at 9pm. Almost all of the rest are closed by 11pm. Some of the international hotels stay open later.
Most of the exceptions seemed to be karaoke houses. I could hear singing from my hotel room as I drifted off to sleep each night, though I never quite worked out where it came from.....
There is still plenty of activity on the streets though, as many vendors prepare for the next day.
Visit the Shwedagon Paya. ...
by sexy_sensei
Visit the Shwedagon Paya. This is one of the most recognizable and wonderful buildings in the world. Rising high above the heads of its humble and devouted worshippers, a pilgrimage to the paya (or pagoda) could be compared to the travel made by Muslims to Mecca. Everyone citizen of Burma must or tries to make the trip to the Shwedagon Paya at least once in their lives. Covered in over 80 tonnes of gold and encrusted with hundreds of rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, and crowned with a 100 carat diamond, it is a beacon for all of Burma. Make sure to take a long walk through the many shops and arcades that can be found outside the paya grounds. Make sure to take off your shoes for walking ANYWHERE in the paya grounds and remember that all foreign visitors must pay $3 US to enter. You can also find very helpful (and, most important, 'at-your-pace') guides who can explain the grounds. I simply enjoyed sitting in the presence of the Shwedagon Paya early in the morning, watching the people coming to pray, and relaxing. The Shwedagon Paya is more than just a religious beacon -- it is a very important meeting place and there are shops, tea shops (Burma's hidden treasure), and restaurants all around it. Enjoy yourself -- and don't forget to bring a whole lot of film.
Rangoon Tip
by Krystynn
My fondest memory is probably the feeling of being transported back in time to the 1940s! No offence meant to the lovely Burmese people... (I really love them all). As this was my first trip to a country like Myanmar/ Burma, I was intrigued with what I saw. Most importantly, this was a very special trip for me. It was my first church mission trip to a third world country so..... (more on it later...).
Wear Lungis
by vickss
Lungis appeared to be the national dress of people--male or female in the country. The apparel is basically a wraparound which people use for the bottomhalf. Locals told me they are as infamous as Scottish kilns as a lotta people do not care about wearing an underwear.. haha.. shame shame..It sells for about $2 which is gender neutral.. an advantage..!! Checks are the most popular pattern on the lungi. This product by the way is similar to what men wear in India but then it is a definite NO for formal attire(not applicable in South India) and people usually wear it as a sleeping gown --topless-- at homes. Though you are not expected to wear one in Myanmar if you do you make more pals..!
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1 piece USD 100 bill equals 90 pieces 1,000 Kyats
DIGITAL CAMERA BATT. CHARGER AND INT.POWERPLUG
TYPICAL RANGOON BUS..
BIG ENSUITE WITH FRESH LINNEN &HOT AND COLD WATER
