Dos and Don’ts In Myanmar

Getting Around In Myanmar

• Please request a map when you visit the local tourism office.
• Please ask for directions if you are not sure of your location.
• Please plan ahead so you can spend a memorable time in Myanmar.
• Please be careful when crossing the road.
• Please take precaution when travelling during rainy seasons.
• Please carry a light bag, to avoid draining your strength as you explore Myanmar.
• Tourists are requested to wear appropriate clothing. The local people of Myanmar are sentimental about places of religious worship and hence do not appreciate revealing clothes.

Travelling Essentials in Myanmar

• Travel Brochures/Guide Books/Booklet
• Passport & Visa
• Photocopies of travel and personal documents
• Insect spray, Torchlight
• Basic first-aid kit
• Extra towels and socks to cope with the humid environment

Interacting with the Locals

• The locals are friendly, helpful and polite.
• They are always eager to help, as long as you ask politely.
• The people love to hear you speak their language.
• They will be delighted if you join them in their celebrations.
• Please refrain from behaving inappropriately in public.

Did You Know?

• In Myanmar, the head is the most respected part of the body. Touching someone’s head is considered disrespectful and aggressive.
• Pointing with your foot is highly discouraged as it is rude to do so. Tuck in your legs when you sit and remember not to let your feet face Buddha shrines.
• Extending your right hand and holding your forearm with the other when receiving things from the locals is a sign of respect and courtesy.

Protect Myanmar’s History and Artefacts

• Please do not climb the ruins of historical and religious sites.
• Please ask for permission if you are unsure about entering important areas.
• Please ask for permission before touching religious or historical items and when you do, please be careful when handling them.
• Please do not remove any precious artefacts from historical, religious and archaeological sites.
• Please do not buy protected historical and archaeological artefacts.
• Please do not accept gifts in the forms of protected artefacts.

Culture and Traditions of Myanmar

• Please respect the customs of the people.
• Please be aware of your reactions and comments about their culture.
• Please ask for permission before you take any photos in case there is a religious programme on.
• Please refrain from using flash when you take photos of people conducting religious rituals.
• Please dress decently and remove your shoes and socks when visiting religious sites as a form of respect.
• Please understand the traditions and culture of a region or state so that you can display appropriate behaviour when you travel to the area.
• Please note that it is disrespectful to touch the monks.