Myanmar has a long and complex history. Many groups of people have lived in the region. The first identifiable civilization is that of the Mon. The Mon probably began migrating into the area in about 300 BC, and their first kingdom Suwarnabhumi, was founded around the port of Thaton in about the same period. The Pyu arrived in Myanmar in the 7th century and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra and Halingyi. During this period, Myanmar was part of an overland trade route between China and India. By 849, the Burmans had founded a powerful kingdom centered on the city of Bagan and filled the void left by the Pyu. The kingdom grew in relative isolation until the reign of Anawrahta (1044 - 77) who successfully unified all of Myanmar by defeating the Mon city of Thaton in 1057.
Tropical monsoon, cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)
Currency
Kyat is the currency of Myanmar. Major credit card such as Visa and American Express are accepted in major hotels and few restaurants only.
Passport
All visitors entering Maynmar must possess valid passports. Visitors must have a valid passport of at least 6 months. Please note that many countries will not allow entry if there is less than six months validity left on the passport.
Visas
A visa to Myanmar valid 28 days and cost USD20.00 and the passport has to be at least 6 months. Two application forms and three passport size photos are required. All the visitors should change USD200.00 into Foreign Exchange Certificates on arrival at Yangon Airport by an authorizing letter from the travel agency.
