Avoiding these things when traveling to Myanmar

As tourism starts to gain traction in this extraordinary but unassuming part of South East Asia, here are some essential things to know before you travel to Myanmar.

Avoid using your left hand

If you travel to Myanmar, you need to remember this rule that is always using your right hand when picking up the food, or taking the items because the left hand is a vulgar, unclean part of the body. While eating, the Burmese will always use their right hand, not their left. In their conception, the left hand is used to do the daily personal hygiene things, so it is definitely not used for eating.

Do not wear shoes in pagodas or temples

In Myanmar, when coming to temples and pagodas, visitors should leave their shoes or slippers (including socks) outside before entering. This act, first of all, is to show your respect for the spiritual destinations and is to keep the sanctuaries clean. Local people are devout Buddhists, that is why wearing shoes or slippers in the sanctuaries is considered a disrespectful act.

Do not ride a motorbike in the city center of Yangon

This is actually a law. Motorbikes are supposedly banned in the main parts of Yangon for safety reasons. This may take some getting used to since most other major hubs in the region allow the use of motorized bikes. Motorbikes and electric scooters can be ridden in townships on the outskirts of Yangon as well as in other cities.

Do not forget to bring toilet paper

Toilet paper is not always an option in public restrooms throughout Myanmar, so be sure to pack some tissues if this is a necessity. Sprayers or ‘bum guns’ are usually available to help rinse after going to the bathroom. In less populated parts of Burma, it is more common to see an area near the toilet bowl or squat toilet filled with water, and a smaller dish to help with flushing and cleansing.

Avoid expressing feelings excessively in public

As a nation with a majority of the population is Buddhist, in Myanmar, people do not accept embracing, expressing feelings excessively in public places.

Do not point someone’s foot

Similar to touching the head, the act of pointing to the foot of anyone or anything, especially the foot of the Buddha statue in Myanmar, is considered to be extremely rude. Because the feet are the most vulgar part of the body. In addition, when coming to this country, you should not put your foot on the furniture.

Do not walk before looking all ways

When crossing a road in Myanmar make sure to look both ways, even when crosswalks are present. Drivers do not necessarily yield for pedestrians, and it is not uncommon to also have to dodge bikers and trishaws while walking across busy intersections.

Likewise, as Myanmar is in the height of a rapid, exciting transformation, many parts of cities are literally construction zones. Walkways tend to be uneven or even riddled with holes. Keep an eye on the path ahead and look all ways, always.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Source Internet