Fact File: Burma

Burma is home to people of many different ethnicities, including the Bamar or Burmans (around 65 percent), Shan (10 percent), Kayin (seven percent) and the smaller Kachin, Chin and Mon. There are also sizeable Chinese and Indian populations. The Bamar tend to be concentrated in the lowlands while ethnic minority groups live at higher elevations. Close to 90 percent of the population is Theravada Buddhist, although many people also believe in nats (animist spirits). Some hill tribes are Christian and there are also Hindu and Muslim communities.

The land's original settlers, the Mon, were pushed out of the lowlands by the arrival of the Bamar from the Tibetan Plateau during the ninth century. King Anawrahta established his court in Bagan in 1044 and declared Theravada Buddhism as his kingdom's official religion, founding an era of great architectural, religious and artistic achievement. When fighting between warring Burmese kingdoms touched on Bengal in the 19th century, the British moved in, taking Burma as a colony. Japanese forces invaded in WWII. At the end of the war, Burma was left under the leadership of the freedom-fighter Aung San, who was assassinated with most of his cabinet in 1947. The country declared independence in 1948, although fighting between different tribes continued.

The hottest season in Burma falls between March and mid-May (average temperatures 25-38oC), when the rainy season begins. The rains last from mid May until then end of Sep (23-33oC) and are followed by three months of relatively cool weather (average temperatures 18-24oC). It can even get down to near freezing at night around Inle Lake.

In general, Indochina and Burma are very safe for travellers. Violent attacks are rare, although theft is a problem. When possible, secure your valuables in the hotel safe. Remember to record your traveller's cheque numbers and credit card info - just in case. Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that's easily reached (like an outer zip-up compartment on a backpack). Be especially vigilant in markets and other crowded places like ports and train stations. Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are more of a problem in Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Some thieves approach on motorcycles, grab your belongings and race off before you've realized what's happened. If you ride in a cyclo (pedicab) do not hold your bag in your lap. Sit on it! Wearing valuable jewellery (especially necklaces that can be easily grabbed) is not advisable.

In Southeast Asia, revealing clothing is unacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine'as long as they aren't too short. People tend to dress as well as they can afford to - Asian people are often astonished by some travellers' choice of dirty and tattered clothing. When visiting pagodas, temples or Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Hanoi, shorts and tank-tops are unacceptable. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. Footwear and socks must be removed in pagodas. Shoes are usually removed upon entering private homes too. In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection between men and women are considered shocking. On the other hand, it's perfectly normal for a pair of men or a pair of women to link arms or hold hands. Upon meeting someone new, people may simply nod to each other or may shake hands. Using both hands to shake someone's hand is a warm gesture of respect. Beckoning someone by crooking your finger is very rude. The correct way to call someone over is to extend your hand with the palm down and flap your fingers towards your wrist. To ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one hand in front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write on your palm with the other hand.

Twenty-eight day tourist visas may be obtained from Myanmar (Burma) embassies or consulates abroad. It is possible to get a visa on arrival if paperwork is done two weeks prior to arrival. To obtain a visa on arrival please send Trails of Indochina your full name, passport number and other passport details three weeks prior to departure. A visa on arrival costs $20 and requires two passport photos. The Myanmar Government is now making visa on-line available. For further information see: www.visa.gov.mm

Burmese Visas can be obtained from the local Burmese office in the UK.

Contact: Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 

19A Charles Street,

Berkeley Square, 

London W1J 5DX.

Or call: 0207 499 4340

Myanmar's currency, the Kyat, trades for around 850 to 950 to the US Dollar. US Dollars are preferred. Travellers need no longer change a certain amount of cash upon arrival. Visa, American Express, Master Card and Diner's Club are NOT accepted in Burma. JCB cards numbered 3566 and up are also not accepted. A few major hotels do accept travellers' cheques and credit cards from hotel guests, although it is better not to count on this. Cash advances are not possible.

The following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia. Consult your doctor or local health department to discuss which ones you need:

Diptheria and tetanus: Combined vaccinations for these two diseases are usually given in childhood and should be boosted every ten years. Hepatitis A: Vaccination provides immunity for up to ten years and involves an initial injection followed by another six months to one year later.

Typhoid: Vaccination takes the form of an injection or capsules.

Meningococcal Meningitis: This vaccine is only recommended for travellers making extended visits to rural, northern Vietnam. Protection lasts for three years.

Rabies: People making longer trips to remote areas should consider rabies vaccination, which involves three injections over a period of three to four weeks.

Japanese B Encephalitis: People on trips of a month or more to areas suffering from recent outbreaks should consider getting this vaccine, which involves three shots over one month.

If your trip to Indochina or Burma includes stops at beaches and mountainous areas, you will need clothes for all temperatures. A swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are not too revealing, long trousers, some light-weight, long-sleeved tops and a light jacket that is wind- and rain-resistant will get you through most trips. If you plan to visit northern Vietnam, Laos or Burma in the winter, you'll need a warm coat. Mountainous areas can get chilly; choose clothes you can layer. If trekking is on your agenda, you will need sturdy footwear'plus lots of socks. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas or people's houses, as you'll save time taking your shoes on and off. Larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City and even Phnom Penh and Yangon offer upscale bars and restaurants, so be sure to pack some clothes and shoes for a nice evening out. Leave your flashy jewellery at home.

While imported beauty products are readily available in major cities, you'd be wise to pack staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent, as well as prescription medication. Many medicines are available in Indochina without prescriptions, but they may be out-of-date or of poor quality.

You should bring a money-belt to safely carry your travel documents and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a lock. Bring photo-copies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-sized photos if you're applying for on-arrival visas. When flying into or within Vietnam, you will probably be given baggage claim tags (they will be stuck to the back of your ticket). Keep these, as you will need to show them when leaving the airport.

Film is sold in bigger tourist centers, although it may be out-of-date or sun-damaged. Stock up in Bangkok or bring it from home. For peace of mind, skip the cut-price, back-alley photo shops and get your precious pictures developed some place you trust.