We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Cameras and video-cameras are permitted in Burma. Restrictions on photography include military facilities and any structure considered strategic (including bridges and train stations though this last may be loosely enforced).
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
There is a departure tax of US$10 payable on international flights.
Accordingly you should allow approximately US$50 for this purpose.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Burma (Myanmar) |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$2.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$2.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$14.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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A regular TOURIST VISA can be obtained by applying directly to an overseas Burma (Myanmar) Embassy. It may take a few days or longer depending on the particular embassy and time of year. UK and Irish nationals can either apply directly or through Visaswift - our partner in visa processing - www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx or 0207 4051616. A regular TOURIST VISA's validity expires 90 days after issue and only allows a 28-day, single-entry visit. Those nationalities who do not have a Burmese Embassy in the country in which they reside please contact us directly to discuss visa on arrival.
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Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A and B. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. If travelling from a country in the yellow-fever zone within 6 days prior to entering Burma you will be required to produce a yellow fever vaccine certificate.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Additional Information for your Cycling Tour
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Cycling Safety
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
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Bike details
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
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| Bike Details |
Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: |
Hybrid |
| Bike model: |
Specialized - Hardrock Sport
|
| Number of gears: |
27 |
| Brakes: |
V Brakes |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame range: |
16" - 18" - 21" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Handle bar or rear panniers |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Yes |
| Female saddles provided: |
Yes |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes - 12.5mm offset, two bolt design, 30.9mm |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes - 9/16 |
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Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Burma is a tropical country and has three seasons. Temperature and rainfall varies across the country; Rangoon, Bagan and coastal areas tend to have higher temperatures and rainfall.
Cool season = October to February with average temperatures from 18-24C; at higher altitudes (Inle Lake, Kalaw) the temperature is slightly cooler and temperatures can drop down to about zero at night.
Hot season = March to mid-May 25-38C; particularly hot in Bagan and Rangoon.
Rainy (Southwest Monsoon) = mid-May to September 23-33C; practically all of the country’s rain falls in this period. Monsoon period means that the beach extension is only possible from October to April.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
You will need loose fitting, comfortable clothes for hot, humid conditions. Sunhat, sunglasses, long trousers and long sleeved shirt essential for protection from the sun.
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Warm weather clothing is suitable for Rangoon, Mandalay and Bagan. The Shan highlands, Inle Lake and Kalaw are cooler and in the winter season temperatures may reach near zero at night. Please dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites, covering your torso, shoulders and legs to below the knee and easily removable footwear for convenience as you can only enter sacred sites barefoot. In general, as Burma is a traditional, conservative and largely Buddhist culture we recommend you do not wear revealing clothing.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for sightseeing, trainers for cycling.
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Equipment
Mobile phones: Your mobile will not work in Burma. It is possible to buy a local SIM card for $20 in order to make/receive international calls, as long as your phone is un-locked. SMS messaging is not possible. WiFi is available in most hotels.
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Take a cycle helmet, cycle water bottle, sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent. You may wish to bring a gel seat cover for your saddle and ear plugs often come in handy. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage. You may wish to bring a small torch in case of power cuts.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
