We recommend staying at The Governor's Residence by Orient Express, situated some 10m from Yangon's city centre in a quiet diplomatic area. The Residence is an old colonial style building with gardens & a pool. Go for a room on the highest floor.

Cheap flights to Myanmar

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Myanmar (Burma). The usual way to travel would be to fly to Yangon via Singapore, Doha or Bangkok. Qatar Airways via Doha is often cheapest. As it's always 1-stop flights keep an eye out for travel times.

Cape Town to Yangon (RGN)

There are 1-stop flights from CPT to Yangon with Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Singapore Airlines.

Durban to Yangon (RGN)

Flying from Durban to Yangon involves at least 2 stops with Cathay Pacific (via Bangkok), Emirates (via Dubai), SAA (codeshare) or Singapore Airlines.

Johannesburg to Yangon (RGN)

You'd fly from JNB to Yangon with Cathay Pacific (via Bangkok), Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), SAA (codeshare), Singapore Airlines.

As the crow flies, it is 9945km from CPT to RGN, 8667km from DUR to RGN & 8751km from JNB to RGN.

Myanmar travel guide

In 2013 a Myanmar travel guide was produced by the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, in comic format, to help tourists fit in with the local culture. Here's some of their tips:

• DON'T kiss in public (aw)

• But Do Practice safe sex (lots of it?)

• DON'T take any photos that may make people feel embarassed, e.g. it is considered disrespectful when tourists take photos of women showering (in case you didn't know)

• DO smile

• DON'T point with your foot (presumably this has been an issue then?) and when you sit make sure your feet are tucked away (never pointing at anybody, or at the Budha)

• DO wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites

• DON'T touch anyone on the head (this is considered aggressive)

• Calling with your finger up means calling for a challenge (preferably not to be done to somebody twice your size!), but calling with your finger down is polite.

• Visitors should be understanding when experiencing electricity outages (same could be said for South Africa)

• Women travellers are very safe in Myanmar (we'll take your word for it!), but should dress decently.

• DON'T touch the robe of a monk

• Spread your wealth, use your money wisely (but of course!)

• Giving money or sweets to children is not advisable

Languages

Burmese is the official language of Myanmar.

South African consular representation for Myanmar is from Bangkok

• Physical address: Floor 12 A, M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pratumwan, Bangkok

• Email : dha@loxinfo.co.th

• Phone number : +66-2-659-2900 

Public holidays in Myanmar

• 4 January (independence day)

• 12 February (union day)

• 2 March (peasants day)

• 27 March (armed forces day)

• 13 to 16 April (Burmese New Year)

• 1 May

• 19 July (Martyrs day)

• 27 November (national day)

• 25 December

Floating dates:

• Full Moon of Tabaung

• Full Moon of Kason

• Start of Buddhist Lent

• End of Buddhist Lent

• Start of Ramadhan

• Full Moon of Tazaungmon

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