The Orient - Myanmar - Country Information

Experience the marvellous ancient monuments, charming peoples, dramatic scenery and colonial nostalgia of Burma (now Myanmar). Our new itinerary includes an unforgettable cruise on the Irrawaddy River aboard the comfortable Pandaw III. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are conflicting and well-documented views on whether or not British tour operators should promote tourism to Myanmar. Bales Worldwide is a non-political organisation, and we believe that there is as much potential harm inflicted by isolating the country as by allegedly supporting the regime by sending tourists. We use a privately-owned Burmese ground agents for all our services in Myanmar, and only use internationally-managed, non-government hotels. Tourism brings essential employment to the local communities within Myanmar and we believe this important point should not be overlooked.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Myanmar
Area	671000 sq km
Population	40 million
Capital	Yangon
Time Difference	GMT + 6½
Visa	Visa is required. For visa application form click here
Currency	Kyat
People	Tibeto-Burman, Mon-Khmer, Austro-Thai and Karennic
Language	Burmese
Dialling Code	+95
Electricity	220V 50HZ

Visas:

A visa is required by all British passport holders and most other nationalities and must be obtained before your departure. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure date from Myanmar and have at least two blank pages. Prior authorisation is required in order to apply for your visa, which Bales Worldwide will obtain on your behalf. For visa application form click here

Health risks:

Hepatitis A & B, Japanese encephalitis, Malaria, Typhoid

When to Go:

The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and the end of February, when the climate is cooler than at other times of the year and drier.  March and April are often dry too, but the temperature is much higher and less bearable for sightseeing.