Covid-19 Developments in Myanmar that You Need to Know

The Covid-19 pandemic is at its full swing now and has covered almost all the nations of the world. Italy, USA, Turkey and China are some countries where the number of cases is registered highest in the world. However, Myanmar too suffered a lot due to this pandemic. If you have booked the Myanmar tour in recent times, you need to cancel it as the international flights are cancelled by the government of Myanmar and the ban will stay for another couple of months. In this post, we will discuss some of the recent developments that happened in the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar. 

History of Covid-19 in Myanmar

On 31 March 2020, two confirmed Covid-19 cases were registered in Myanmar and the committee for CoronaVirus Disease (Covid-19) was formed by the President of Myanmar Win Myint, which was headed by the Vice President Myint Swe and it was made up of union ministers of the cabinet. The total number of confirmed cases as on 23rd April 2020 is 127 and the total death toll is 5 as of now. The number of tests done on citizens is 5,198 and total 2,212 persons are under investigation. The number of active cases is 115 as of now. 

The national-level Covid-19 response team led by the state councillor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi announced that it will provide free food to all those people who are struggling across the nation during the 10-day national New Year holiday. 

The Thingyan Water Festival 

The Thingyan Water Festival is an opportunity for many daily wage earners to earn money by offering food and beverages to the visitors and the event was cancelled to prevent the Covid-19 spread in Myanmar. The government has promised to distribute rice, cooking oil, salt, beans and onions to the people with no income during the holidays. 

Apart from food distribution, the government also promised to provide 150 free electricity units until the end of April for domestic use and urged people to stay at home to counter the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. 

Mandalay Region 

All the Myanmar tour packages and trips are canceled in the Mandalay Region as heavy travel restrictions are imposed in this region. Some of the key markets such as Zay Cho, Yadanarpon and Mingalar are also closed until an uncertain time and the region is almost deserted. 

Furthermore, the Mandalay regional government has promised to spend 1 billion kyats (approximately US $770,000) to help families with no regular income during this pandemic time. Also, the government has asked the private sectors to come forward and donate to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the most affected professionals are porters, taxi drivers, street hawkers, flower traders and other small traders. The government also has donated few essentials such as cooking oil, beans, pulses and onions to the Buddhist monks and nuns as they are vulnerable during the crisis. 

Mandalay and Sagaing regions have formed various groups and volunteer teams to help households with essentials such as soaps, sanitizers, masks and other crucial commodities. 

Myanmar government has banned staff from New Year travel 

Almost 1 million civil servants travel to their homes during the New Year water festival each year. However, the government has banned them from traveling due to this pandemic time. Every year, these civil servants get the holidays of five to ten days and they return to their homes to spend this time with their loved ones. This year, they will not be able to do so to spread the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Myanmar government punishes fake news publishers 

Anyone who spread Covid-19 fake news through any of the social media channels will be arrested and prosecuted by the government to stop panic during this outbreak. A man from Bago Region's Yaytarshay Township was arrested by the local police as he posted a Facebook post related to fake news about Covid-19 disease. He was sued under the Natural Disaster Management Law's article 27 which states that a person who spreads fake news or misinformation related to a disaster to create panic amongst the public shall be punished with a maximum of one year in prison and fine. 

Also, people who don't follow rules and regulations imposed by the government or refuse to cooperate with the local bodies could face lawsuits under the 2013 National Disaster Management Law. 

The KBZ bank donated nearly $1 million to fight Coronavirus outbreak

Medical supplies worth $1 million was donated to the health ministry of Myanmar by the Kanbawza bank of Myanmar to prevent the Covid-19 outbreak and to treat the disease. 

5 Effective Ways to Get the Most out of Your Myanmar Tour

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a picturesque destination located in Southeast Asia. It has been over the last decade or so when Myanmar has slowly but gradually opened its door for tourism. Recently, thanks to the improved infrastructure, there has been a vast improvement in the tourism of the country. This makes it an ideal place to satisfy your wanderlust.

If you are inquisitive to travel to this part of the world, opt for Myanmar tour packages from a reputed company. The reason being, it can provide a rewarding experience of temple landscapes, unspoiled nature, and sealed culture, which is primarily a blessing while experiencing this picturesque country for the very first time. Let’s now look at the different ways to get the most out of your Myanmar tour.

The Best Time to Visit Myanmar

Typically, it has been observed that it is best to visit Myanmar during the dry season, which falls between November and April. It is considered to be the peak of the tourism season as it enables you to enjoy the dry and cold weather. 

In case you wish to get the most of your tour in terms of both weather and monetary value, we suggest you travel this country during the shoulder season, i.e., April-May and October-November. Although you might encounter a little rain, the weather is overall excellent, and the additional benefit is, you can get plenty of promotional discounts from hotels and services. 

Procedure to Get Myanmar Visa 

In the year 2015, the government of Myanmar introduced an online system for Visa. However, there is no need to visit the Myanmar Embassy to apply. Simply submit your information, and get a visa on approval at $50.

Advance Booking is Advisable Prior to Traveling the Country

Although there are plenty of hotels and resorts in the country now than in the past, however, at a certain period, it becomes difficult to find a room in case you are looking to have a great time during your stay. In case you are traveling independently, at least have a glance at the online hotel booking to ensure that you have a pleasant stay. You can get further information on online booking tools from airport pickup to luggage storage and luxurious river journeys from Google.

The Budget for the Trip

When it comes to the budget for the Myanmar tour packages, always remember that it is not cheap in respect to other countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, when you compare it with Thailand or Vietnam, it is much more expensive. Another thing that you would note when you travel to this country is that most of the service providers prefer cash instead of credit cards even though there are lots of ATMs across the country in recent times. In case, you prefer to utilize ATM, keep this in mind, the operation fee is as high as 5-6% of the transaction.

Planning an Exclusive Itinerary

As first-time visitors, you would love to explore the must-see places of the country. The five famous places are Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Ngapali beach. Although these are top tourist destinations, you can cover these places without spending a lot of money. However, if you want to avoid tourist areas, it is vital to prepare an extraordinary itinerary. 

The best way to do that is by browsing through some travel blogs on Google. This is the best way to ensure that you learn about not-to-be-missed experiences. You can even post questions on travel forums like Tripadvisor. 

There are lots of travel experts who see the country from time-to-time. They can help you provide valuable information that can assist in preparing your exclusive itinerary. There are also Myanmar travel agencies that design new tours specifically to attract more tourists in the country. Check out their websites to get the best idea about the trending travel destinations in the country.

So, when do you plan to visit this amazing destination?

List Of Incredible Places In Myanmar, That Will Skip The Heartbeat

Hardly anyone would have envisaged Myanmar to be so beautiful, mysterious, culturally rich as it is today. Also known as a “Golden Land,” it gained this name owing to the cultural history and natural resources. The tourist places comprise of gem-encrusted temples, incredible rock formation caves, pristine beaches, and a thrilling culture to connect with. 

While passing through the destinations, you will have some sensational experience witnessing the sunrise and planes covered with clusters of temples. The stunningly rich country is now open for tourism only in the past few years after passing through the rise-and-fall of empires and military dictatorship for years. Let’s embark on the journey of Myanmar tour through the sacred land of the buddha.

Shwedagon Pagoda:

Have you heard of the Eiffel tower of Yangon? We are sure it is the one-must-not-miss location in Myanmar. If we believe the legends, this Pagoda is almost 2600 years old, and if scientists are to be believed, it is nearly 1000-1400 years old. The gem-encrusted temple’s roof can be seen from most rooftops of the city. 

Shwedagon Pagoda is rumored to hold Lord Buddha’s hair. To add more to the surprise, the glorious temple has 27 metric tons of gold leaf, diamonds, and gems engraved on the top of the Pagoda. This pride place of Myanmar will surely give you a breathtaking and magical experience. 

Visit the Boutique Winery:

It turns out quite amusing that Burma also has its own vineyards! Yes, you heard it right; if you are one of those who love visiting the vineyards, then you should definitely visit Aythaya winery established back in 1999 near the Inle Lake. Monte DiVino lodge, a tiny boutique hotel gives you the view of the area where you can enjoy your glass of rose with the locals. It sounds exciting right!

Visit the Waterfalls:

Love swimming? Yes, visit the east of Mandalay. It is one of the most relaxing getaways featuring sequential dramatic waterfalls. The town of Pyin Oo Lwin was once an escape lane for the British colonials. You can plan a trip to a crystal clear waterfall named Taw Gyaint, which is a perfect spot for avid swimmers. 

Saddar Cave:

It is quite astonishing to see hundreds of Buddhist statues in a single cave! This place is located quite close to the Thai border, which can be explored by walking under the entire mountain and also by taking a small wooden boat passing through the paddy fields. 

The area is fully covered with lush green open fields, and bulbous mountains all around. Inside the cave, you see giant Buddhist sculptures and can also hear the bats shriek. Don’t forget to remove your shoes, you are not allowed in there as this natural wonder is a holy place to visit. 

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda:

Pilgrims from all around the world visit the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda for meditating and praying to Lord Buddha. The golden-leaf covered stone is hard to miss in Myanmar. It is 25 ft high and 50 ft wide, and a strand of Lord Buddha’s hair is believed to stop the Pagoda from falling. The Pagoda is quite small as compared to other tourist places but is a must-visit site during the full moon day in March of Myanmar tour packages. This is because 90,000 candles are lit at the spot, which makes the golden boulder shine like never before. 

Bagan: 

Your trip is incomplete without visiting Bagan, a famed archaeological site. Bagan is jaw-droppingly beautiful with more than 2000 Buddhist temples, stupas and pagodas spread all over the region. Almost 2000 structures could survive till today and rest around 8000 of the approx total 10,000 crumbled under their own weight over the years. 

Myanmar faced an influx of tourists in recent times and hence the place best to stay is in the old Bagan. 

If you are a tropical lover, include Myeik in your Vietnam and Cambodia tours. The place is a fascinating port town where you can hop on a boat and travel around the places. Here is the list of country’s best escape places which will help you uncover some best travel places in Myanmar. We wish you have a fantastic journey on the untrodden parts of Myanmar.

Visit The Beautifully Crafted Country Of Myanmar

The tourists are flooding in leaps and bounds over the last few years in Burma, now Myanmar. The spectacular country is sandwiched between India and other Southeast Asian countries. Every blink of your eye will open up to some awestruck locations that will leave you crazy the moment you step in. The incredible amalgamation of modern and old stole many hearts during the Myanmar tour. 

With an array of things to do, did you jot down the places you want to visit during your Vietnam And Cambodia tours via Myanmar? Here is a list of some of the breathtaking places which you should visit in Myanmar. Keep reading further. 

The sunrise over Bagan plain:

The most iconic moment which can not be missed during the visit is the Bagan sunrise. The view starts with the temple view spread over plains, a multi-color rainbow view emerging in the sky, darkness fading gradually, and the morning mist rising. You will be left in a distinct sense of awe, and for all good reasons, the place is worth grabbing the top spot on the list. The hot air balloon view is like a cherry on the cake. 

The 777 steps of Mount Popa:

Want to grab in your camera a postcard view? This fantastic place has an extinct volcano with a temple on top. Why the name? Because climbing 777 steps, you will reach the top of Mount Popa where monkeys are lined up who will juggle with you for food. Get involved in this half-day mischevious trip from Bagan.

The location of thousands of Stupas, Kakku at Inle Lake:

Don’t get surprised by seeing a collection of 2478 stupas that are almost 2000 years old. This place holds a religious value for the Pa’O people. If you are visiting Inle Lake, it is advisable to visit this place with the help of a local guide. We assure you that you are going to have an unforgettable experience during your visit. 

Well, do not miss the sunset at the Inle Lake on your return. The lake is one of the most stunning lakes in the world. You can have the best experience of it by taking a boat ride(not normal one but long slender wooden boats) and watching village life on the ride. The lake is a mirror of Myanmar and is a must-not-miss place on the list.

The Shwedagon Pagoda at night:

Every country has a nightlife or a place that should not be missed for visiting at night. The Shwedagon Pagoda has that mesmerizing magic thing. It is a quite-calm place after the dark. The most sacred pagoda comprises of hundreds of gold plates and not less than 4500 diamonds engraved on the top. Shwedagon is an important historical place in Myanmar and is mostly filled with worshipers.

Cruise the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay:

Did anyone mention the cruise in Myanmar tour packages? Yes, you heard it right, Irrawaddy is Myanmar’s longest river with breathtaking views of waters and the banks. Cruising in the same will serve you some local fishermen view, and an amazing Myanmar daily life. 

These places will leave you step-back in time, and we are sure you would love to pause the moment and stay there, relaxing, enjoying and rejoicing. Go ahead and make your Myanmar tour a fun-filled and interesting one. 

Get Engaged In Unveiling Some Mysterious Facts About Myanmar

The Magic of Holiday does not reside in the journey nor in the destination. It is, in fact, the acoustic blend of both the experiences.

If you are looking for some mysterious yet fun-loving holiday plan, the missing on Myanmar tour is not an option.

The country sparkles its unique charm, with all the cultural and architectural references, it stands out among most Asian countries. We can say it more like a unicorn in the sea of donkeys!

Soon enough you will know why and how Myanmar makes a statement when it comes to Holiday destinations in South-east Asia.

Share with us the joy of knowing amusing/shocking facts of the country, so visiting the place, in reality, becomes actual fun!

Duology in the Names

Do we call the country by the name Myanmar or Burma, the idea puts you into a certain dilemma.

Logically, Myanmar is the official name used in the Geography of the country. While Burma is the sweet name given by its own residents. 

It is the same as having two names of a person, one given out of love by our parents other what the world calls you.

Here’s an added information; Myanmar is derived from Myanma, meaning fast and strong people.

The Tribe of Long Neck

A lot of people might have noticed a ring-like accessory around the woman’s neck. But did you know, that it originally comes from Myanmar?

A place where a number of traditional and ethnic items are tucked away is what Myanmar really all about. The uniqueness of this tradition comes from a special tribe; i.e Kayan.

You would be amused to know the real reason behind wearing the rings. Typically, in the initial years before the British Era, tiger attacks were quite prevalent. These rings were woman’s armor back then and went on to become a part of Burmese culture.

Kuthodaw Pagoda: The Book Stupa

It is interesting to know that Myanmar contains the biggest book in the entire world, sitting inside the Buddhist Stupa.

The Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay is among the beautiful tourist attractions, popular for being a religious place. And at the same time holding the historical record of the biggest book.

What’s amusing is that this book is a combination of a total of 1460 pages and 730 leaves. The size something that will drop your jaws; each page is 3.51 ft wide, 5.1 inches thick and 5.02 ft tall.

Do not miss out the amusement of visiting a place that is embraced throughout the world. Make sure you hit the place while booking Myanmar Tour Packages.

Expect the Undiscovered Facts!

Such amazing facts can be treated as the driving force to visit the country. The aura of Burma/Myanmar is peaceful. Every person you meet will sound cheerful and welcoming.

The facts can be both weird and interesting, it all depends on how you choose to look at them!

Tour across the entire South-Asian countries, Threeland travels brings in some interesting packages for Vietnam and Cambodia Tours also.