What to pack for traveling to Myanmar
What to pack for traveling to Myanmar .
If it is your first time to travel to Myanmar , We , local people would like you to learn what to pack for traveling to Myanmar .
1.* Modest, airy clothing: Sleeved tops and 3/4 or long, preferably loose pants.
Let us recommend T-shirts and cotton pants, or whatever makes you the most comfortable within the ‘dress code’. To enter temples and pagodas, you have to keep shoulders and knees covered.
2. Scarf
If you’re intending to wear sleeveless in the car, before hopping off the car, you can quickly drape a scarf over your shoulders. I generally feel a little uncomfortable (too much attention, when we already stood out for being obviously none-Burmese) for wearing sleeveless outdoors, hence my scarf is always ready.
3.Cheap, easily-removable, washable slippers
You’ll need to remove shoes and socks before stepping into temples, therefore slippers/flip-flops will be your most ideal form of shoes to wear in Myanmar. Bagan, especially, can feel like a very ‘raw’ place with dirt roads and pavements; you really don’t want to be sitting on the ground trying to put on your sneakers for each temple you visit and end up dirtying your pants. Wear slippers that can be easily removed and put back on. At the end of the day, you might wanna wash the slippers too, so be sure they’re water-resistant.
4. Shoe bags
A practical option. Bring a small bag to contain shoes in case you need it. For example, Shwedagon Temple in Yangon is huge and has different entrances/exits, so it would be smart to put your shoes in a bag and carry them with you, then you can exit from another exit if you like. I came and left using the same exits, so this was not relevant for me.
5. USD dollar notes, in mint condition
If you’re changing currency in Myanmar, your USD notes need to be in mint condition — as good and crisp as NEW. Other currency notes need to be in good condition.
6. Hand sanitizer
For cleaning your hands after touching all sorts of surfaces! Or you can choose to use antiseptic wet wipes if you like.
7. Medicine, supplements, first-aid supplies
Pharmacies aren’t readily available in at least Bagan and Nyaung Shwe. Bring your Paracetamol pills, gastric pills, pills for diarrhoea, Vitamin C tablets, plasters, etc.
8. Torchlight
Blackouts happen often in Myanmar, even in Yangon. A torchlight will help you navigate the pavements along dark roads. You can also use it to make out the wall murals inside dim temples in Bagan. If you’re going to chase sunrises in Bagan, a proper torchlight will help you lit the road. If you ask me if your handphone’s torchlight function would suffice, I would think not really.
9. Mosquito / Insect repellent
10. Sunscreen (for the face)
We Asians are obsessed about sunscreen for the face. At my dermatologist’s advice (“put sunscreen on or else, all your spots will be suntanning”) I’ve used sunscreen everyday without fail for plenty of years. Currently, I’m using this SPF50+ sunscreen by Anessa, a brand by Shiseido – one of the top Japanese brands.
11. Sunblock (for body)
12. Foldable umbrella
In case of rain, depending on the season you go.
13. Sunglasses.
14. Cap
15. Travel adapter.
In case of flat hair after long bus rides, or for the sun.