Do & Don’t

Do things travelling in Myanmar

• Do say “Mingalarbar” when meeting someone, use  “U” in front of men names and “Daw” in front of women names;
• Do let the oldest be served first;
• Do offer articles with both hands and keep both feet on the ground;
• Do bend slightly in front of the elders;
• Do dress and act decently, speak slowly and clearly;
• Do ask permission before taking photographs

Don’t things travelling in Myanmar

• Take off your shoes when you are at the religious places (Removing headwear is not necessary).
• Treat Buddha images or statues with respect.
• Shaking hands is not necessary in Myanmar.
• Don’t hug or kiss in the public of Myanmar
• Don’t step over any part of the person, it is completely considered rude.
• Accept or give things with both hands from or to monks, nuns and novices.
• Don’t point your finger at the Pagoda or person, it is considered rude.
• Don’t play music loudly near the religious area or monastery because monks are not allowed to listen music.
• Don’t touch the Buddha images or statues and sacred relic objects.
• Show respect to the monks, nuns and novices (even they are the children).
• Sit lower than monks, nuns, novices and elders.
• Don’t offer food to a monk, nun or a novice after noon time.
• A woman should not touch the Buddha image or statue and monk.
• When you visit to the Myanmar homes, most of the Myanmar people do not wear shoes in their homes. So take off your shoes when visiting.
• Carry toilet paper in your bag if you visit with a train or an express bus.
• Please leave a donation when you visit at the religious places if possible.
• If you buy some expensive objects, make sure it comes with an export permit.
• Show respect to everyone, they will show respect to you. (Myanmar people are friendly, helpful, honest but proud.
• Don’t touch the adult on the head.
• Don’t eat food sale at the street vendors.
• Don’t drink tap water.
• Drink only Bottled water and drinks that are not opened.
• The oldest person will served first.
• If you want to eat Myanmar traditional food, go to decent restaurants in Yangon because they cook Myanmar traditional food according to international standards.
• If you walk in front of the person who is senior than you, lower your head a little to show them your respect.