::::: Hostory Myanmar :::::

Myanmar, the largest country :

Peninsula stretching 200 km from north to south and over 900 km from east to west and covering the area of Great Britain and France combined. Three quarters of Myanmar is covered by mountains and jungle and there are no less than 135 ethnic groups living in the country. Flat plains and wide rivers characterize the geography of the centre of the country while mountain ranges run along the Thai border up to the Himalayas in the east. The southern coast of the country borders the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman River, formerlt Known as the lrrawaddy, around which most of the country's best farmland is found.

Customs and formalities :

Regulations are generally relaxed for tourists arriving by air in Yangon. Visitors should complete immigrations and customs declaration forms during the flight and submit these on arrival.All foreign currencies
(if bring more then US$2000.00 )may be declared Customs office.

Traveler's check, jewelry, cameras and electronic goods etc must be recorded on the customs form, which may be checked on departure. Bringing in or taking out Myanmar currency is not allowed. Gems and jewelry purchased from authorized dealers are allowed take but not antiques.

Passport and visa :

Most of the counties require visa in hand before getting into Myanmar. Visa is usually deliver by Myanmar Embassies who require original passport and 02 passport photos for 36 working days to issue visa. Visa Myanmar also could apply on arrival Myanmar, contact directly Jewel Tours for more information

International airport :

Yangon airport

Airport tax :

An international airport tax of US$ 10.00 per person is payable cash in US$ or FEC ( Foreign Exchange Certificates ) when departing Myanmar on an international flight. Departure tax is not charged for domestic flights.

Business hours : GMT + 7 hours :

From 09:00 to 16:00 Except Saturday and Sunday

Currency :

Approximately 1000.00 kyats equivalent roughly to 1 USD Dollar. Credit cards and Traveler cheques can currently NOT be used or exchanged in Myanmar ( with some very rare exceptions in upscale restaurants

and hotels)! It is necessary to bring enough cash in USD or EURO. Other foreign currencies are difficult to change. Please bring new series US Dollar bills ( "big heads" instead of "small heads") and with series numbers not starting with CB as these are not accepted in Myanmar due to rumors these series are counterfeit.

Climate :

Myanmar has three seasons similar to many other parts of Southeast Asia. The Southwest monsoon starts at the end of May or beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. This season bring frequent and heavy downpours of rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening especially in Yangon, the rest of the country is dryer. In the raining season the weather is more humid what can make traveling less comfortable. The rains give way to dry weather in October and the temperatures are generally lower and more pleasant at this time. In March the temperatures start to climb again leading up to the next rainy season at the a\end of May. Temperatures between March and May can by very hot reaching over 35 Cin some places.

Health requirements :

No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in Myanmar and it is advisable to take precautions especially if traveling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar ( only in Yangon there are good clinics ) and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling in case evacuation is needed.

Public holidays :

Independence Day                                  January 4
Union Day                                             February 12
Farmer's Day                                          March 2
Armed Forces Day                                March 27
Water Festival and New Year(variable)April 13 - 17
Labour Day                                           May 1
Martyr's Day                                          July 19
National Day                                          November 25
Christmas Day                                        December 25

Variable holidays are also the start and end of Buddhist Lent (mid - July - mid - October ) and Full moon days ( Warso, Tabaung, kason, Thadyingut )

Language :

The national language of Myanmar is Burmese, of which there are over 80 different dialects spoken. The written language uses an amazing looking script based on ancient Indian characters. In the cities many of the older generation still speak very goof English and it is also becoming popular again with the younger generation.

Topping :

Topping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in a country where the average annual in come is only around 300 SUD. It is customary, thought not compulsory, to tip tiur guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters can also be tipped.

Myanmar Tour program information :

           Myanmar is developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic in mountain region. At village, you stay overnight do not provide western toilet, current water rather electricity.
Letter description in the program B = Breakfast ;
                                                     L = Lunch ;
                                                     D = Dinner ;
                                                     O/N = Overnight
           Expenses.However,the trip with full board meal is arranged upon request. The dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing are all respectful and cool in Asia hot climate. In addition to your items of personal clothing, we suggest you to bring trainer or sneaker shoes, jacket for cold weathwe.torch/flash light, hat, rain coat for wet season, sun cream, sunglasses, daypack, toiletries and small towel, insect repellent.
          Occasionally, this itinerary may be amended for reasons beyond our control as weather or road conditions.

YANGON - BAGO - THANLYIN
FLT-MY40 / Cult
Yangon - Bago - Thanlyin - Shwegagon ( 3 days 2 nights )

YANGON - KYAIKHTIYO - BAGO THANLYIN
FLT-MY41 / Cult
Ynagon - Kyaikhtiyo ( godle rock ) - Bago - Thanlyin ( 4 days - 3 night )

YANGON - MANALAY
FLY - MY42 / Cult
Yang - Mandalay - Sagaing - Mingun (4 days - 3 nights)

YANGON - BAGAN
FLY-MY43 / Cult
Yang - Bagan - Mt.Popa - Bongyoke Aung - San Market (4 days - 3 nights)