KnowIt - Survival Guide - 1st Edition

KnowIT

yangon SURVIVAL GUIDE

SHOPPING SPORT ART & STAGE HEALTH & BEAUTY HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT DOING BUSINESS AND SO MUCH MORE...

FIRST EDITION Nov 2014 - Feb 2015

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a playful culinary experience.

ARTISAN COCKTAILS | FUSION CUISINE 31D Kan Yeiktha Street, Kabaraye Road, Yangon tel: 01-660 737 wheresmydrink@escapegastrobar.com

team MANAGING DIRECTOR Andreas Sigurdsson PROJECT MANAGERS Nikita Black EDITORIAL Oliver Slow Ben Hopkins CONTRIBUTORS Moe Chit Borbรกla Kรกlmรกn Lottie Neil Linda Gadd Kathleen DeLacy Griffin Hotchkiss Mark Wilson Theodor Strohal SALES Aung Pyae Phyo sales@myanmore.com PHOTOGRAPHY Daniel Roca, Julian Ray, Sura Photography, Gerhard Joren ART & PRODUCTION Mai Aye Mya Thida, Yoon Wai Wai Aung, Kyaw Kyaw Tun PUBLISHER U Myo Aung Pyi Zone Publishing House Permit No: 04285 PRINTER No.263, National YMCA Building, Thein Phyu Road, Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

FIRST EDITION November 2014 ABOUT MYANMORE Myanmore Yangon provides daily updated listings of events, a full scale dining & nightlife directory, editorials and much more in the topics of Dining, Nightlife, Art&Stage and Activi ties.

Disclamer No part of this guide can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from MYANMORE. All details are deemed correct at the time of print, the editor, employees and contributors can not be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that might occur. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject, or amend any submitted artwork, photographs, illustrations and manuscripts.

table of contents FIND YOUR BEARINGS 10 THE STORY OF YANGON 11 CITY LAYOUT 17 NEED TO KNOW 21 COMMUNIICATIONS 22 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT 82 WHERE TO LIVE 86 FINDING A PLACE 87 REAL ESTATE COMPANIES 91 RELOCATION AND HOME MAINTENACCE 93 FINDING A JOB

activities 28 TOP TEN THINGS TO DO 30 SHOPPING 40 DISCOVER MYANMAR SPECIALTIES 42 SPORT 50 CLASSES AND LEARNING THE LANGUAGE 56 YOGA AND MEDITATION

art & stage 61 ART GALLERIES 64 THEATRE 65 MUSIC 66 CINEMA

business 98 SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS 100 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT 102 BANK LISTINGS 103 AS AN EMPLOYER 104 NETWORKNG AND GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE 105 SERVICED OFFICES 108 CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 111 EVENT COMPANIES 113 USEFUL DIRECTORY 117 FURTHER RESOURCES 119 MAP

beauty THERAPY 70 SPAS 71 BARBER SHOPS 72 TATTOOS

ICONS TO THE GUIDE ? ADDRESS CONTACT NUMBER OPERATING HOURS

HEALTHCARE 76 77 78 79

ESSENTIAL ADVICE PUBLIC HOSPITALS PRIVATE HOSPITALS DENTISTS & VETS

editors note

Welcome

T

he world knows it and so do we, Yangon has opened its doors to a new generation of foreign investors, adventurers and tourists. The attractions are plain to see: evocative colonial architecture, shimmering temples, colourful markets, friendly people and an ever increasing number of bars, restaurants and art galleries adding colour and depth to a city in the midst of new beginnings.

In the following pages you’ll discover everything from where to find the perfect souvenir shop to setting up your own business. In between we’ve covered multiple topics, from shopping, sport, art and culture to learning the language, health advice, finding somewhere to live and so much more.

Using the knowledge of locals from all walks of life as well as travellers and expats we’ve done our best to keep you up to date with all things Yangon.

We also welcome your feedback for our next edition.

Times change, businesses come and go and what’s relevant today could be history tomorrow. So if you notice any need for corrections or additions please keep us informed so that in the future KNOW IT becomes the ultimate guide to the city we love to enjoy.

Enjoy Myanmar

7 KnowIt / November 2014 The unique art of Pathein umbrellas - page 41

8 KnowIt / November 2014

Mahabandoola Road with Sule Pagoda in the backdrop

9 To get started in Yangon you’ll need to understand a few of the basics. Finding your bearings and knowing how to get around is a good place to start. Currency issues, telecommunications and internet access are equally important in this modern age. Add to that a basic awareness of the city’s history, festivals and national holidays and you’re on the way to knowing Yangon.

KnowIt / November 2014

Find your bearings

the story of yangon

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As the city in its current form, Yangon is a relatively young one. However, much like many others around the country, there is a more ancient version which sat relatively idle before its re-emergence.

In 1755, King Alaungpaya, founder of the Konbaung Dynasty which ruled the country from 1752 to 1885, built a new city called Dagon on the site of present day Yangon.

The history of Dagon is tied very closely to a rather shiny, beautiful pagoda which dominates today’s Yangon skyline.

According to legend, the Shwedagon Pagoda has existed for more than 2,600 years. It is said that two brothers were travelling in the region in the Shwe Dagon Pagoda 6th century BC when they met the Gautama Buddha, who gave them eight relics of his hair. The brothers returned to their homeland where they met local ruler King Okkalapa and granted him the hairs, which he enshrined at the site.

What happened next is, frankly, rather incredible.

“There was a tumult among men and spirits… rays emitted by the hairs penetrated up to the heavens above and down to hell… the blind beheld objects… the deaf heard sounds… the dumb spoke distinctly… the earth quaked… the winds of the ocean blew… Mount Meru shook… lightning flashed… gems rained down until they were knee deep… all trees of the Himalayas, though not in seasons, bore blossoms and fruit.”

One other explanation was that the Shwedagon Pagoda was built by Mon kings sometime around the 8th century. When the British took over what was then Burma, they recognised the benefits of Yangon being located close to the sea. Renaming the town Rangoon (presumably because they couldn’t quite work out how to say Yangon), they turned it into their capital, using Sule Pagoda as the official centre-point and building the city in a grid-like structure around that.

Although the government moved the capital up-country to Nay Pyi Taw in 2005, Yangon has continued to prosper as the country changes. The mighty river still acts as a useful trading point and the downtown area remains one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Southeast Asia, with historic buildings ranging from Pagodas, to Mosques, to Hindu Temples, to Churches and even a Synagogue.

Downtown Yangon is much smaller but was built in a grid system by the British, making it a relatively easy city to navigate within the downtown area. Going from west to east, the streets are numerical from the 1st. Upwards of the centre-point is the impressive Sule Pagoda, which is a lively hub of activity for both locals and foreign businesses; hosting popular tea shops, parks and international hotels (including Sule Shangri-La, which is often used as an unofficial centre-point for business people arriving in the city).

The Strand Road, lying alongside the Yangon River, is a lively street and hosts (unsurprisingly) The Strand Hotel as well as a number of other hotels and restaurants.

Heading out of the city, the two main roads are Pyay Road (to the west) and Kabar Aye Pagoda Road (to the east); two parallel roads that act as Yangon’s main veins from its suburbs.

The whole country is divided into townships (as of 2007, there were 325 nationwide) and there

Sule Pagoda Road

KnowIt / November 2014

Yangon is surrounded on three sides by water. To the west and south lies the Yangon River, while to the west is Pazundaung Creek, which flows into the Yangon River. Stretching north, the limits of Yangon City stop - generally speaking - somewhere around the airport in Mingalardon.

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city layout

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are 44 in Yangon. Useful ones to know for visitors include Dagon (home to Shwedagon Pagoda, a lively expat scene and just north of downtown); Bahan (popular for expats living in the city); Botahtaung for Botahtaung Pagoda; Kamayut for the lively Hledan area; Latha for Chinatown; and Kyauktada the main centrepoint of downtown Yangon.

Be aware It’s more a case of ‘Be Aware’ in Yangon rather than ‘Beware!’ Relatively speaking, Yangon is one of the safest cities in all of Southeast Asia, crime levels are still very low and the people are generally very respectful; that doesn’t mean that incidents of crime don’t occur.

With Myanmar being an incredibly conservative country, visitors – particularly women – are encouraged to dress in a conservative manner. There is also very much a culture against “losing face” in Myanmar. Myanmar people do not enjoy confrontation and there have been instances of anger and bad blood when a foreigner argues with a local. If you feel that you are being ripped off, do not become aggressive. Smile and deal with any issues in a polite and respectful way.

Another thing to look out for, particularly at night, is packs of dogs. Again, instances have occurred where packs of dogs attack people walking alone at night, so it is advisable to always travel at least in groups of two at night.

Getting around Walking Walking around is one of the best options to really get to know a city and also save money.

But pathways are uneven, so mind your step.

Remember to check which side traffic is coming from... we don’t want you to get run over.

Taxi Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to travel around Yangon. You should ask and confirm the fare before boarding. Fares start at around 1,500Ks for a short trip, but expect to pay more after dark or to switch on the airconditioning. As understanding of English is limited amongst many taxi drivers, it is useful to know what the major landmarks close to your destination are.

Trishaw or Side-car These are the easiest and most convenient mode of transportation outside downtown, where they are restricted. They’re great for getting around small streets and fares start from 500Ks.

City Buses Uncomfortable and usually very crowded, buses are the best way to drop your budget for transportation. Starts from 200Ks, but everything is written in Burmese.

Car Rental with Driver If budget is no issue for you, you will find that renting a car with a driver is a convenient way of traveling around. Note that visitors without an international license are not allowed to drive in Myanmar.

Bike Hopping on a bicycle is an alternative way to experience Yangon and its surrounding countryside. Several tours are available if you are seeking an unforgettable adventure in a green environment.

With hand-written train schedules and passenger lists, as well as the hardwood seats, train travel in Myanmar often feels like you are stepping back in time.

The scenery itself isn’t particularly unique, but it’s the local way of life you witness as the train trundles along that is the real draw of this trip. Chicken carcasses line the floor, monks sit idly staring out the win-

A FAIR FARE Getting around Yangon by taxi can be a hassle if you don’t like to bargain. Taxi drivers are out to make a buck (can you blame them?) and they will capitalize on customers that don’t know exactly where and how far away their destinations might be. Here are a few tips for striking a fair deal with a driver:

13 dow and locals will always offer a pleasant smile.

The Yangon Central Railway Station is also an impressive piece of architecture Tickets $1 (US Dollars only accepted on Myanmar trains). Yangon Central Railway Station, next to Bogyoke Aung San Stadium, a few hundred yards north of Sule Shangri-la Hotel.

Negotiate in increments of 500. Almost all fares are going to be 1,500, 2000, 2,500 or 3,000 kyatt unless you’re going unusually far (like to the airport or bus station).

Ask for air-con. Some more ‘enterprising’ drivers will try to charge an extra 500-1000 kyatt to turn on the air-conditioner; you could decline on principle, but in the heat of Yangon traffic it just might be worth splurging on some chill time.

Don’t be afraid to get some help. Even if you don’t like bargaining, it’s undeniably entertaining to watch an expert haggler at work.

Many locals would love to help you get where you’re going, or at least tell you what the fair price is.

KnowIt / November 2014

Circular Train Line One of the cheaper options for those visiting Yangon on a budget, the Circle Railway – a three to four hour loop around Yangon and the northern suburbs – offers genuine insight into the lives of the city’s residents.

One recent addition is some air-conditioned and first class carriages, but the majority of carriages continue to be the claptrap, swaying trains and it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or morning and to observe the day to day life of the people.

14 KnowIt / November 2014

Night scene Yangon

Mapping out the main areas of town EAST DOWNTOWN The lively eastern downtown area offers great street food, unique architecture and lively street-life. The wide, boulevard-like Pansodan Street is the highlight of this part of town with its Colonial-era buildings, as are the book sellers that line the street (look closely and you may pick up some great bargains). Architectural highlights include the High Court and the Secretariat Building.

WEST DOWNTOWN Stretching west from Sule Pagoda, visitors will first pass through Little India, with its excellent restaurants and vibrant streetlife. Further west there are some intricately-designed Hindu temples and the Chinatown area. 19th Street is the go-to area after-dark no matter what night of the week it is.

YAW MIN GYI QUARTER Quickly emerging as one of Yangon’s trendier areas, the Yaw Min Gyi district has probably the most number of restaurants-per-squaremile in the city. Head here for Japanese food, Western-style burgers and excellent street food.

LOCAL TIP: The street vendor on the corner of Yaw Min Gyi and Bo Yar Nyunt Road sells what is often labelled the best Shan Noodles (Shan Kow Sway) in town.

BAHAN Popular amongst the city’s expat community, Bahan offers a number of good restaurants.

Dhamazeddi Road is lined with excellent restaurants, most notably Onyx Steak House.

INYA LAKE Built as a reservoir during the days of British rule, Inya Lake is now a popular spot for Yangon’s young lovers. The west side of the lake sees couples walking up and down, arm-in-arm all day long, while the east side is usually a bit quieter and even has a Golf Driving Range.

AHLONE Yangon’s lively riverside area is a good place to visit during the day. Here you’ll see industrialYangon at its liveliest. Nestled down some of the quieter streets here remain many of the British-built colonial homes, although many are off-limits to visitors.

City fishing

HLEDAN Hledan is one of Yangon’s most exciting areas, particularly by night. There’s a lively market where the streets are filled with the aromas of chicken carcasses, spices and flowers all mixed in. There are also a few bar/restaurants emerging in the area.

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hlaing

south okkala

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mayangone

inya lake

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thuwunna

14 hledan quarter

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12 kyi myin daing

bahan

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san chaung

8 ahlone

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tarmwe

kandawgyi park (karaweik)

shwe dagon pagoda yaw min gyi quarter

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west downtown

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1. Seikkan 2. Lanmadaw 3. Latha 4. Pabedan 5. Kyauktada 6. Botahtaung

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7. Pazundaung 8. Ahlone 9. Dagon 10. Mingala Taung Nyunt 11. Daw Pone

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10 mingala taung nyunt sule pagoda

5 1 2. Kyi Myin Daing 13. San Chaung 14. Kamayut 15. Bahan 16. Tarmwe 17. Thuwunna

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11 daw pone

east downtown

6 18. Hlaing 19. Mayangone 20. Yankin 21. South Okkala

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20 yankin

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need to know 17

Map of Myanmar

The high season for tourists is between November and February, when Myanmar experiences its ‘Winter’ season. Some locals might be wrapped up in ski jackets and woolly hats in this time, but the temperature rarely drops below 20° Celsius – although things tend to get reasonably cool at night, particularly in the northern areas.

Around mid-March the hot season begins, which ends mid-May, when temperatures often go above 40°C in Yangon, and even higher around Mandalay and Bagan: Then comes the rainy season, which runs from mid-May until the end of October, with the heaviest rainfall often falling in June and July.

mandalay

nay pyi taw

yangon

Yangon Rainfall inches/mm

ºC/ºF Temp 40/104 -

- 12/300

30/86 -

- 8/200

20/68 - 4/100

10/50 0/32 -

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f

m

a

m

J

J

a

s

o

n

d

-0

Orientation

Population

Myanmar (formerly Burma) sits on the cusp of Southeast Asia. It is neighboured by the Andaman Sea to the South; the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh and India to the West; China to the north; and China, Laos and Thailand to the East. It is the most westerly country in the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

A recent census revealed the population to be 51 million, considerably lower than the previous estimate of 60 million. There are, however, questions over the current count as not everyone was included in the census.

It is made up of seven states (Kachin, Rakhine, Chin, Karen, Kayah, Shan, Mon) and seven regions (Yangon, Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Irrawaddy and Magwe).

Yangon - 5 million Mandalay - 1.5 million Nay Pyi Taw - 1 million Mawlamyine - 500,000

KnowIt / November 2014

Climate

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Local currency: The Kyats

capital city - nay pyi taw Myanmar has long had many incarnations of capital cities and the latest came in 2005, when the previous military regime moved their capital from Yangon.

Currently, the city only attracts businessmen who have to visit Nay Pyi Taw to meet with ministers and the occasional businessman that is located there. However, the government has announced in the past that it plans to one day turn it into a vibrant city that is attractive to tourists. The most attractive sites are a pagoda, a zoo, a gems museum and a uniquely empty 20-lane highway that runs up to Myanmar’s government building, the Hlutttaw.

Yangon and Mandalay While Yangon lost its capital city status in 2005, it remains the country’s social and economical capital with the vast majority of activity taking place there. If Yangon is the economical capital, then Mandalay - which was the last royal capital of the country until 1885 - is certainly the cultural capital with the largest amount of pagodas, monasteries and monks in the country.

Currency The official currency is kyat (pronounced ‘chat’) which currently exchanges at about K990 to US$1, but can fluctuate relatively wildly. Those

coming from abroad should bring crisp and clean US Dollars, then exchange for kyat on arrival BANKS AND ATMS All banks are open from 9:30am to 3:00pm and the most useful banks are KBZ and CB banks, both of which accept Visa cards and Mastrcards and have ATMs with which you can use overseas cards. There is a K5000 charge per transaction. You’ll find these ATMs all across Yangon.

BRING NEW DOLLAR BILLS It is imperative that your dollar notes are in pristine condition, that means 2006 or later dollar bills that have no creases, marks or fading colours. That means anything less may be rejected when it comes to paying. While $100 bills get the best exchange rates it is also a good idea to have one, five and ten dollar notes to round off hotel and other bills directly.

Do not exchange money with people on the streets. There are frequent reports of travellers being scammed by black market traders in Yangon.

CASH, CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLERS CHEQUES The kyat (pronounced chat) is divided into the following banknotes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500, K1000, K5000, and K10,000, the smaller denominations are less

Credit cards are becoming increasingly accepted by top end hotels, restaurants and shops but are little use elsewhere.

MONEY CHANGERS There are several official banks and private licence exchange booths in Yangon with the airport offerring some of the best rates. Count kyat before handing over your money and never accept notes that are torn or taped over as no one will accept these. Hopefully you won’t need to carry huge wads of cash as the presence of ATM machines is becoming more commonplace. .

Time Zone GMT +6.30

The ruling party in Myanmar is the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which was registered in June 2010 as a political party, and is successor to the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA). It is headed

by President U Thein Sein, who came to power in April 2011 after elections in late 2010, and its headquarters are in Nay Pyi Taw. The main opposition party is the National League for Democracy (NLD), while other rival parties include the National Unity Party (NUP) and the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

Myanmar is expected to hold its next General Election in late 2015, an event that is seen as a key test of the current spate of reforms taking place in the country.

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Many places will accept the $US or the kyat but a few government run services such as the trains, archaeological site and IWT ferries continue to insist on payment in dollars.

Political Situation

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common and usually in tatters.

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Though the country is still a long way behind most other nations when it comes to phone connectivity. Official figures say that less than 10 percent of the population has access to a mobile phone; this figure is likely to change in the near future, with rapid changes taking place in the sector.

In 2013, it was announced that Telenor of Norway and Qatar’s Ooreedoo would be granted licenses to begin rolling out their services within the country.

A few years ago, SIM cards could cost upwards of US$1,000 making them inaccessible to the general public. However, as of August 2014 cards sold by the Ooredoo network have become generally available for as cheap as K1,500. Cards work on a top-up basis, with K1000, K3000, K5000 and K10,000 cards available. SIM cards and top-ups can be bought at numerous streetside retailers in downtown Yangon and Mandalay, as well as other larger towns and cities. Shops usually display this sign: To purchase a SIM card, foreigners may need to have photocopies of their passport photo page and Myanmar visa page, as well as one passport photo. Ooreedoo and Tele-

Getting connected

emergency numbers Police (Emergency)

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Police (Yangon Division) 01 545455 Fire

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Telephone Myanmar Telephone Code: + 95

nor SIM cards are 3G mobile data enabled and standard SIM and micro SIM cards are available.

The government MPT network also now offers SIM cards on general sale for K1500; top up works in the same way as Ooredoo cards.

Ambulance

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If you don’t have a Yangon General Hospital: 01 256112 sim card and need to give someone a call (local), just look out for phones on the streets. For international calls, you’re much better off skyping from an internet café.

Internet Another industry that has seen marked improvements but continues to fall behind international standards, internet access remains a huge problem for many people and businesses in Myanmar. In Yangon, it is possible to gain good access at some of the larger hotels such as Sule Shangri-La, Park Royal and Chatrium, but those wanting to install internet at home are often subjected to high set-up and monthly costs and slow internet.

KnowIt / November 2014

Communication

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National Holidays While a range of religions are celebrated in Myanmar, it is Buddhism that takes the lead role when it comes to celebrating National Holidays. Most National Holidays in Myanmar take in a visit to the local pagoda by the local people, and there are also a fair amount of holidays celebrating the country’s most historical monuments.

Karen New Year 1st January Karen New Year is a relatively new celebration, having been first celebrated in 1938. Like all of Myanmar’s ethnic groups, the Karen are a fiercely proud people and their New Year celebrations (‘Pyathoe’) are a show of unity.

The rice harvest is completed in the period approaching the New Year and, according to Karen tradition, there must be a celebration for the consumption of the new crop. Celebrations usually include dances, singing, speeches and other activities. A good place to visit during this event is Hpa An in Karen State.

Independence Day 4th January On January 4 1948, Myanmar (then Burma) became entirely independent of its British rulers. Shan National Sao Shwe Taik became the new country’s first President and U Nu its first Prime Minister.

While there is no lingering resentment towards the British, the Burmese are fiercely proud of gaining independence and fairs and activities are held across the country. In Mahabandoola Square, in downtown Yangon (southeast of Sule Pagoda), lies the Independence Monument, which is on the exact spot of what was once a bust of Queen Victoria during the days of British rule.

Union Day 12TH February Union Day celebrates the anniversary of the

signing of the Panglong Agreement, which was signed between the Burmese government under General Aung San and the people of Shan, Kachin and Chin on February 12, 1947.

The agreement pronounced full independence in internal governance and was seen as key to the country gaining full independence from the British a year later.

Full Moon of Tabaung March FULL MOON The Full Moon of Tabaung is a traditional merit-making day for Buddhists in Myanmar. It is celebrated during the last month before the Burmese New Year. Shwedagon Pagoda hosts a lively festival to celebrate this holiday. The festival begins with a ceremony making offerings to the 28 Buddhas, followed by a 10-day nonstop recital of the Buddhist scriptures.

Peasants’ Day 2nd March PEASANTS’ DAY celebrates Myanmar’s large population of “peasants” or farmers, which make up about 70 percent of the country’s population. The date commemorates the military coup of 1962.

During the holiday, leaders organise talks about opportunities for farmers in the country and reforms that would benefit the industry.

During the holiday, some families visit parks or local pagodas, while there are usually cultural shows hosted in various towns around the country.

Ceremonies are hosted on this day, celebrating the nation’s army (the Tatmadaw), usually in the capital city Nay Pyi Taw.

Thingyan Water Festival (Burmese New Year) 13th APRIL - 21st April It’s that one time of the year where the usually conservative Burmese allow themselves to go a little wild.

Celebrated similarly in neighbouring Buddhist countries, Thingyan (‘Songkran’ in Thailand and ‘Chaul Chnam Thmey’ in Cambodia) was traditionally, and still is in certain quarters, celebrated to cleanse ones spirit before the coming of the New Year.

Thingyan Water Festival

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Karen New Year | 1st January

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Independence Day | 4th January

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Union Day | 12th February

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Full Moon of Tabaung | March full moon

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Peasants’ Day | 2nd March

Today, it has turned into a raucous, but incredibly fun celebration where people of all ages take to the streets to party and pour water all over each other. Floats are set up on the side of main roads and vehicles pass through ready to be utterly doused in water.

If you happen to be visiting during the holiday, make sure your valuables are securely wrapped in waterproof containers as the local people show absolutely no mercy in their dousing.

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27th March Originally celebrated as Resistance Day, the celebration of Armed Forces’ Day coincides with the anniversary of the army’s resistance against Japanese occupation in 1945.

Top Events

KnowIt / November 2014

Armed Forces’ Day

Despite the relatively raucous celebrations today, many Burmese take the opportunity to head to the monastery for a few days to find some much needed tranquillity and to give merit.

KnowIt / November 2014

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Labour Day 1st May The almost worldwide holiday celebrating workers’ rights, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocates eight-hours for work, eight-hours for recreation and eighthours for rest.

Full Moon of Kasone May FULL MOON Sometimes informally referred to as Buddha’s Birthday, Kasone (known commonly as Wesak), commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. It is a holy day for Burmese Buddhists and is usually marked by marches through the streets.

Waso Full Moon Day July FULL MOON Celebrating the Buddha’s first sermon of the Four Noble Truths, the Waso Full Moon Day marks the beginning of Buddhist lent (Vasso), which generally coincides with the height of Myanmar’s rainy season.

It is normally a time of heightened religious activity around the country, and many of the most abiding monks do not leave the monastery grounds during this time. Commitments from more lay Buddhists usually involve abstaining from meat, alcohol or smoking and it is also a time when Burmese people are not allowed to move house.

Buddhist ceremony

independence from the British.

On Martyrs’ Day, at approximately 10.37am, car horns on the streets of Myanmar go into a frenzy to commemorate the moment that gunmen barged into a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat in downtown Yangon and shot the group.

Months later, politician U Saw was found guilty and hung outside Yangon’s Insein Prison.

Besides Aung San, those shot were Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Ba Win, Thakin Mya, Abdul Razak, Sao San Tun, Ohn Maung and Ko Htwe.

Martyrs’ Day

Full Moon Day of Thadingyut

19th July Apart from Thingyan, Martyrs’ Day is probably Myanmar’s most important public holiday.

It is observed to commemorate the assassination of the country’s father of independence General Aung San (whose daughter is Aung San Suu Kyi) and nine others by a jealous political rival shortly before the country attained

October FULL MOON Held on the full moon day of the Lunar month of Thadingyut, this festival (also known as the Lighting Festival of Myanmar) says goodbye to the Buddhist lent, and hopefully rainy season.

The festival is celebrated to welcome Buddha’s descent from heaven and lasts for three days: the day before full moon, full moon and the day

25 following full moon.

Christmas Day During Thadingyut, musical plays and free movies are shown around the country, and there are a number of food stalls, as well as traditional shops opened to celebrate.

It is one of the most important days of the year for the Buddhist people and is a popular time for local people to visit Pagodas.

Full Moon of Tazaungmone November FULL MOON Held on the full moon day of Tazaungmone (usually in November), the holiday celebrates the end of Kahtein season, during which monks are offered new robes and alms.

Despite today being celebrated as a Buddhist festival, the festival is thought to have strong links to Hindu celebrations. It is yet another festival that fills the country’s pagodas, and much merit-making takes place.

National Day 16th November National Day is celebrated to commemorate the beginning of student protests against British rulers, which included a strike on the country’s universities.

25th December Despite being a predominately Buddhist country, Christmas is celebrated as an official National Holiday.

KnowIt / November 2014

Temple carvings

Pun Hlaing Golf Club

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27 New arrivals, whether they are staying long or short-term, might be surprised at the range of activities on offer in Yangon. The city has markets-galore, so there is no shortage of places to go to browse and buy your local crafts.

In a city like Yangon, where very few clubs or groups existed until a few years ago, it is possible to start almost any activity that you want. Normally it’s a case of having a conversation with some friends, or posting something on a forum, and within hours you have a group of like-minded people wanting to start something.

Just in the past year, that is exactly what has happened in Yangon with sports such as rugby and Gaelic football becoming popular.

As such, it is inevitable that more groups and activities will develop as the city grows.

KnowIt / November 2014

ACTIVITIES

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The National Museum of Myanmar offers an eclectic mix of interesting, striking and slightly odd artifacts of the country’s past. There's a range of areas covering different aspects of Myanmar’s history, such as language, the Taungoo dynasty and celebrations of the country’s many ethnic groups.

Be Enlightened at the Shwedagon

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top 10 Things to do

Learn about Myanmar’s past

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Myanmar’s most pious site, the Shwedagon Pagoda, sits at the top of most people’s must-do lists with good reason - not only is it a still-functioning religious and pilgrimage site, it is also an aesthetic beauty that dominates Yangon’s skyline.

Experience Yangon’s Downtown

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Walk the gridded, and gridlocked streets of downtown Yangon to experience one of the loudest, most vibrant cities in the region. The streets are lined with hawkers selling everything from maps, to books, to antiques and it is also here that you will see the majority of the impressive colonial-era buildings that were built by the British. It’s worth stopping in many of Yangon’s lively teashops for a quick break.

Stroll around the Royal Lake

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Yangon’s Kandawgyi Lake is home to lush vegetation, relaxing restaurants, cafes and love-sick youths. It’s a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon relaxing in the park’s vast space, while the area close to the Karaweik (on the lake’s south eastern edge) is a lively area by both day and night.

Witness some puppetry

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Get your local crafts

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Bogyoke Market, in downtown Yangon, is your spot if you want to take home some typical Myanmar arts and crafts from your trip.

The extensive market sells products ranging from gems, to longyis, to the unique Pathein umbrella.

Sample the local food

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While the unofficial national dish is mohinga (a sort of fish broth), some of Myanmar’s best food comes from the ocean to the country’s west. Rakhine sea food offers all your treats from lobster, to crabs, to prawns and many more.

The best place to sample them in Yangon is at any of Minn Lan’s seafood restaurants.

Try some Burmese boxing

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Burmese boxing (‘Lethwei’) is similar to its better known cousin in Thailand, but with a few differences. It’s a brutal sport to watch, and even more brutal to practice, the latter of which can be done at the Thut Ti Lethwei Boxing School.

Experience one of the world’s quirkier museums

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The Drugs Elimination Museum is strange by name and even stranger by nature. Built by the previous military government to show how seriously they were taking the country’s large drug problems (and copy-catting a similar museum in Shan State), the museum is housed in a huge mansion that is filled with odd facts and artefacts about what the government has done to deal with the drugs problem.

Visit a haunt of Kipling’s

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Myanmar’s version of the Raffles Club is in a somewhat worse state than its Singaporean equivalent. The main buildings remain standing but in a remarkably rundown fashion. Still, the Pegu Club offers a fascinating insight into how some of the higher echelons of society would have lived during their Burma postings.

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With the official title of ‘Yoke the’, this traditional Burmese puppetry is thought to have regal origins, having been performed before the country’s kings and queens. It is a practice that continues today; the best place to see it is at Htwe Oo Puppetry.

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shopping While there are mega stores showcasing high end brand names there are also several fascinating markets and corner shops selling rare antiques, original artworks, English language book stores and tailor shops. Fans of fresh markets will find ingredients they never knew existed to test their culinary skills along with convenience stores in every neighbourhood.

ANTIQUE AND HANDICRAFT SHOPS

? 18 – D, Sein Le May Avenue, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin, Tsp +95 (0) 1 662 916

SHINON MYANMAR Your place for a great selection of Myanmarthemed souvenirs either to keep here or take home ? Bogyoke Aung San Market, Downtown.

+95 (0) 9 4202 6313 9am to 5pm. Closed on Monday info@shinon-myanmar.com; www.shinon-myanmar. com

AUGUSTINE’S SOUVENIR SHOP More like a museum than a shop this has to be one of Yangon’s most captivating shopping destinations packed full of intriguing antiques with an emphasis on wooden carvings.

THIRIPYITSAYA Thiripyitsaya offers a wide variety of selected pieces representative of Myanmar culture.

Items include gold and silver jewelry set with precious gems, ethnic textiles, and natural dyed fabric including lotus produced only in Inlay, as well as other high quality local products such as organic honey and coconut bowls. ? Sakura Residence, No.9 Inya Road, Kamaryut Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 525001 10:00 - 18:00 thiripyitsayaboutique@gmail.com

? 25, Thiri Mingalar St, Kamayut Tsp

+95 (0) 1 524052 11:30am – 7 PM Mon- Fri, 2-7:30pm

NANDAWUN Gems, tapestries, silk, silverware, lacquerware, minority costumes, wood carvings, paintings, marionettes, and rare editions of books on Myanmar ? 55, corner of Baho Roadand Ahlone Road, Ahlone Tsp +95 (0) 1 221 271; 212 409 9am – 6pm

DAW MYA MYA SEIN Beautifully crafted antique lacquer ware. Set in an old Burmese gouse where you are welcome to visit the shrine room. Former Shan Princess, Madam Sein, was originally from the Royal Family of Shan State. ? 11 Thiri Zeyar Street, Bauk Htaw, Pyi Tharyar

+95 (0) 1 542 505

MADAME THAIR Expensive but beautiful items. Madam Thair is quite a character. ? 649, Myakanthar Street, 51/2 miles, Pyay Road

ART & DECO Made by the ladies from the Women’s Home.

They now have a shop inside the complex grounds.

+95 (0) 1 526 140 10am – 5pm

LISTINGS

SHOPPING

man and other ethnic groups.

Myanmar Lacquer ware shop Export quality of lacquerware items. Good for gifts at very reasonable prices. ? No. 7, 13th Street, Lanmadaw Township

+95 (0) 1 226 261

? Room 20, Main Front Building (first floor) Bogyoke Market (Scott Market) Bogyoke Aung San Road Yangon. +95 (0) 1 256411 (Ext: 792) / +95 (0) 9 450029481 (Mobile) / +95 (0) 9 5097654 (Fax) http://www.yoyamay.com/ yoyamay.ygn@gmail.com

? No. 4, Building 4 near Yankin Centre, Yankin

Township +95 (0) 1 400 262; +95 (0) 9 49 328 203

MOE KYAW THU GREETING CARDS Producers of handmade Myanmar greeting cards using unique golden and 3D traditional designs ? 192, East Wind, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yan-

LUE SKY BHANDMADE EXOTIC WOOD & GLASSWARE

gon. +95 (0) 9 430 87634 yeyint.ag666@gmail.com

For handmade exotic wood and glassware: To make sure you meet the right people make an appointment 30 minutes beforehand.

MINGALAR MYANMAR SOUVENIR

? 107 Thanlwin Road, Kamaryut, Yangon, Yangon

More souvenirs for tourists at fair prices

Region, Myanmar +95 (0) 9 5104086 / +95 (0) 9 73226844 (Mobile) sonnyturbo08@gmail.com

? Corner of 31 street and Mahar Bandula Str, Latha Township, Yangon, Myanmar

JEWELLERY SHOPS YOYAMYAY ETHNOGRAPHIC TEXTILES GALLERY Yoyamay produce contemporary Chin textiles drawing material and design inspiration from ethnic Chin, Naga, Kachin, Karen, Akha, Bur-

Myanmar's gems are highly valued

AUNG KYAW OO SILVER SHOP Regarded as the best silverware in Yangon. ? 450 Thein Byu Road

+95 (0) 1 394 890

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Export quality lacquerware and rattan items along with an array of decorating ideas.

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Myanmar Elephant House

SHOPPING

LISTINGS

GOLDEN MYANMAR JEWELLERY

ELEGANT GEMS

Modern contemporary designs and quality loose stones available at competitive prices. Ms Kin Thida is an international gem dealer.

Own cutting factory and gold smith with traditional craftsmanship and using modernised casting machinery. Factory tours arranged.

? No. 49, Main Hall, Scott Market

? 48 New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township

+95 (0) 1 253 114 10am – 4:30 pm

+95 (0) 1 556 009; +95 (0) 1 546 764

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Tailors AT DIAMOND High quality jewellery and textiles

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? The Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road

+95 (0) 1 243 377 9:30am – 6pm

GOLDEN LAND

Myanmar’s skilled tailors can make everything from western-style suits, to shirts, to longyis.

The starting price for western-style suits is generally around US$120, with prices varying depending on the size of the suit and the quality of the material.

The Strand Hotel Jewellery Gallery

Man Top

? Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road

Located upstairs in Bogyoke Marketม Man Top comes highly recommended from a number of Yangon’s expats.

+95 (0) 1 243 377

? Bogyoke Aung San Market, Downtown

LOUPE COLOURED STONE AND JEWELLERY

+95 (0) 1 703 369 9am – 5pm

Mixed beautiful Burmese gems with unique and modern designs at affordable prices. ? No. 75 Nawarut Building ground floor, Scott Market

+95 (0) 9 503 8505

MYANMAR VES A big exporter of jewellery to the west. Factory tours arranged ? 66 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road

+95 (0) 1 661 902; +95 (0) 1 666 770 9am – 4pm

GEM MUSEUM Opened by Ministry of Mines: The first two floors offer around 80 jewellery shops open to the public while the third floor is a museum.

Near Kaba Aye Pagoda and VES. Dr, Khin Khin’s shop at No. 24 ground floor is recommended. ? 66 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road

+95 (0) 1 665 169 Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm, closed on Mondays and public holidays. Private appointments are available in the evening with Guest Services.

Dress making in Yangon

LISTINGS

SHOPPING

SMILE TAILORS Professional tailors specializing in suits, shirts, trousers, slacks and company uniforms.

Three generations of the same family have run this tailor shop and the quality can be seen in the results of their suits, longyis and shirts.

a shop upstairs on the eastern wing of the main building, which sells many beautiful clothes of Myanmar’s hundreds of ethnic groups.

? Corner of Mahabandoola and 43rd streets.

? Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown.

+95 (0) 1 245 428 9am - 5pm

Universal Tailoring This tailor, in the heart of downtown, puts together everything from suits, to shirts, to longyis and is known to be particularly friendly. ? 212 Anawratha Road, between 31st and 32nd streets. +95 (0) 1 385 485 8am - 5pm

8am - 4.30pm. Closed on Mondays

San Pya Fish Market Dirty, stinky, sprawling - excellent. People travel from far afield to visit this lively fish market.

A must-visit for those looking for something a little bit different. Get there early for the real experience. ? Corner of Kyee Myin Daing Kannar Road and Nat Sin Street, on the eastern bank of the Yangon River Taxi from downtown 2am - 8am

outdoor Markets Bogyoke Aung San Market (‘zei’) Located on the northern edge of downtown, this is the place to visit for all your tourist trinkets and gifts. It’s an extensive bazaar selling everything you’ll need to take home from your trip; from jewellery, to crafts, to art work.

There are many tailors here; one hidden gem is

Theingyi Market A sprawling, lively market that is popular among the locals. It is a good market for clothes, but also sells all the commodities needed for the locals, with merchants coming from across the Irrawaddy Delta to shop there. Items for sale here include rice, dried fish, cosmetics and just about every consumer product you can think of. ? Corner of Shwedagon Pagoda Road and Mahaban-

doola Road, Downtown.

Early morning and closes around 5pm

Thiri Mingalar Market

Modern shopping

Although it’s a 24-hour market, the Thiri Mingalar Market, located in Hlaing township in the north, comes into its own at night. The expansive market stretches for miles and miles and is divided into separate sections of the varying products that are sold here. Like many sites worthy of a visit in Myanmar, the real draw here is the showcasing of local people going

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Market life

Tip Top Tailors

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? D 30, P 2, 2nd Floor, Yuzana Plaza (Banyar Dala Street, Tamwe), Yangon +95 (0) 9 42029 5993 9am – 5pm

SHOPPING

LISTINGS

about their daily lives. ? Thiri Mingalar Market, off Bayint Naung Road, Hlaing township (NOT Old Thiri Mingalar Market) 24 hours Taxi from downtown

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Convenience Stores Practically every busy street in Yangon has a convenience store these days. The chain may differ depending on the street, but most stores tend to stock the same items, such as local snacks, imported snacks (think Oreos, Ritz biscuits), soft drinks, beer and the occasional beauty product.

Supermarkets

Sein Gay Har This chain of supermarkets usually includes a general store selling items such as clothes, mobile phones and furniture. Most of their supermarkets stock both domestic produce and produce from across Asia.

9 am – 9 pm LOCAL BRANCHES Super Centre ? 44, Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myan-

mar +95 (0) 1 395 140

Hledan Centre ? 39/41 Hledan Road, Kamayut township.

+95 (0) 1 514 673

CityMart The CityMart stores, with many outlets dotted around Yangon, are Myanmar’s best supplied supermarkets. Stocking everything from fresh meats, to cosmetics, to alcohol - both local and imported - and much more in between, it is the place to go for those looking for a few home comforts.

Parami Center

All branches are open 9am to 9pm, except the Myanygone Branch, which is open 9am to 10pm.

+95 (0) 1 382 310

? Between Insein and Baho Road, Parami Road, Hla-

ing township. +95 (0) 1 521 118

Chinatown Centre ? 678 Mabandoola Road. Downtown

Bo Aung Kyaw Centre Myanyigone Branch ? 231, Corner of Pyay Road and Shin Saw Pu Pagoda

Street, Sanchaung Township. +95 (0) 1 510697 Taxi from downtown

Aung San Branch ? Aung San Stadium (North Wing), Mingalar Taung Nyunt township. +95 (0) 1 394 765 Taxi from downtown

MarketPlace by CityMart

? 71, Corner of Bo Aung Kyaw and Mahabandoola Roads. Downtown +95 (0) 1 392 306

Central Mart ? Between Bo Yaw and 23 Street, 620 Mahabandoola Road. Downtown +95 (0) 1 371 993

Ga Mon Pwint These modern shopping malls sell everything from clothing brands to electrical gizmos.

? 403A Dhamazeddi Road, Bahan township.

+95 (0) 1 523 840 Taxi from downtown

local branches Kaba Aye

MarketPlace by CityMart (FMI Centre) ? 380 Bogyoke Aung San Road, FMI Centre, Down-

? 300 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road (after Parami Road), Mayangone township. +95 (0) 1 653 653; +95 1 653 644

town ( Next to Bogyoke AUng San Market) +95 (0) 1 246 859

Thein Gyi Zai ? Thein Gyi Zai (D), Block A, Corner of Shwedagon

LISTINGS Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road, Downtown. +95 (0) 1 379 541; +95 1 376 357

Bo Ga Lay Zai

SHOPPING

Tamwe township +95 (0) 1 545 872 9am to 9pm Taxi from downtown 2,500Ks

? 460 Merchant Street. Downtown

+95 (0) 1 392 031; +95 1 256 903

township +95 (0) 1 526 928; +95 (0) 1 516 533

Ruby Mart A busy and well-stocked supermarket located alongside Pansodan Bridge in downtown Yangon. ? 294/304 Pansodan Road (on the corner with Bo-

gyoke Aung San Road, Downtown) +95 (0) 1 398 426 9am to 9pm

SuperOne Centre As a hybrid of Supermarket and Department Store Superone has more variety of local products than at City Mart, but the choice of imported products is very much limited. However, if you are looking for quality Myanmar products, this is a good place to start. ? Lay Daunk Kan Road (corner of Kyaikkasan Road),

Shop till you drop

Shop here for goods ranging from fresh produce, dry foods and snacks to large furnishing and electronics. ? North Point Shopping Centre, Pyay Road, 9 Mile, Mayangone township +95 (0) 1 660 100 9am – 9pm Taxi from downtown 3,500Ks

Shopping Malls Dagon Centre I & II A relatively modern shopping centre halfway between downtown and Inya Lake containing mostly fashion houses, a few restaurants and a cinema that plays both local and international movies. Recent additions include a pizza restaurant and an ice cream parlour. ? Corner of Pyay and Bargayar Roads, Sanchaung township. +95 (0) 1 262 264 9am to 9pm Taxi from downtown

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? 245 Bargayar Road, Mayangone Ward. Sanchaung

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Ocean Supercentre Myanyigone

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SHOPPING LISTINGS

LISTINGS

SHOPPING

Taxi from downtown 2,000Ks

FMI Centre

+95 (0) 1 240 400 8am to 9pm.

Junction Square Opened in 2012, Yangon’s [current] largest shopping mall is a sparkly, modern place that is popular amongst the young locals dressed in trendy clothes and frequenting fast food joints.

It’s a useful place to pick up some modern items such as clothing brands and (not always functional) electrical products. There’s a cinema here that occasionally features Hollywood blockbusters.

ATMs which accept international bank cards are also available here. ? Pyay Road, before Hledan Junction, Kamayut township. +95 (0) 1 532 489 9am to 9pm Taxi from downtown 3,000Ks

Ar Yone Thit Bookshops There are a number of book stores lining the southern edge of Bogyoke Aung San Road, but this one that sits close to Central Hotel is the best-equipped for English-language books. The owner, Khin Maung Tin, is knowledgeable and keen to chat. ? 365 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown.

+95 (0) 1 250 199 9am - 5pm

Bagan Bookshop A well-equipped bookstore with just about every book you could ever read about Myanmar.

There is also a relatively good general literature section. The owner is very knowledgeable about local literature. ? 37th Street, just south of Mahabandoola Road, Downtown. +95 (0) 1 377 227

Innwa Book Store You’ll find a reasonably good selection of English-language titles at this store.

Taw Win Centre Another western-style shopping mall with clothes, furniture and book shops, as well as a few restaurants: Opposite the centre there are ATMs which accept bank cards from abroad. ? Pyay Road (shortly after the railway bridge), Dagon township. +95 (0) 1 860 111 9am to 9pm Taxi from downtown 1,500/2,000Ks

Yuzana Plaza A popular shopping venue for locals, Yuzana Plaza is a blend between a shopping mall and a traditional market. Clothing, household items and other home produced products are available; the top-floor is a dedicated one-stop area for furniture. There is also a food court area that uses a ticketing system. ? Banyardala Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt township

8.30am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays.

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? 380 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown.

Bookshops

? 301 Pansodan Road, Downtown

+95 (0) 1 389 838 8.30 am - 6pm

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The newest addition to Yangon’s retail sector is a high-end shopping mall built next to the popular Bogyoke Aung San Market. There are a few restaurants in the mall’s lower floor as well as a CityMart supermarket and ATMs.

LISTINGS

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SHOPPING

With books comes power

Monument Books Probably Yangon’s best-stocked shop for English-language books, although the prices are usually a little more expensive here. There’s also an upstairs cafe.

modern day classics to those that are at least a few decades old. Look very closely and you may discover a few hidden gems, or failing that, just pick up anything you can get your hands on.

An absolute must for book lovers. ? Pansodan Road, Downtown

? 150 Dhamazedi Road, Bahan township.

+95 (0) 1 537 805 8.30am - 8.30pm Taxi from downtown 2,000Ks

Myanmar Book Centre Another relatively well-stocked book store: The one in downtown has perhaps slightly more choice than the store on Baho Road. The Baho Road branch also sells a range of Myanmar arts and crafts. ? Downtown branch: Near the corner of Merchant

and 35th streets. ? Baho Road branch: Corner of Baho and Ahlone Roads. +95 (0) 1 214 708 9am to 6pm Taxi from downtown To Baho branch, 2,000Ks

Popular Book Store Owned by the people behind the CityMart supermarkets, Popular Book Stores have a reasonable selection of English-language books, usually the sort you would find in airport book shops.

MYANYIGONE STORE ? Ground Floor of CityMart Supermarket Myanyi-

gone, corner of Pyay Shin Saw Pu Roads, Sanchaung Township +95 (0) 1 510 697 Taxi from downtown 2,500Ks

JUNCTION SQUARE STORE ? 3rd Floor, Junction Square Mall, Pyay Road, Kama-

Pansodan Book Stalls The streets surrounding Pansodan Road are filled with book sellers, selling everything from

yut township. +95 (0) 1 532 489 Taxi from downtown 3,000Ks

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Discover Myanmar specialities Myanmar’s unique heritage has led to a number of crafts and products being developed that are specific to Myanmar. Some ornamental, others practical, they can all make for very useful gifts for your friends back home, or to decorate your own home.

Burmese Lacquer Lacquerware are objects decoratively covered with a material called (would you believe it) lacquer – a wood finish that dries by a unique curing process. Burmese lacquer is sap taken from a Thitsee tree - trees that are grown in Myanmar.

The sap is straw-coloured but turns black once it has been exposed to air and, once brushed, forms a hard, glossy, smooth surface.

The most popular lacquer items in Myanmar are trays, ashtrays and boxes, in a large variety of shapes and sizes. They are usually intricately designed and to witness them being manufactured is an impressive sight; it makes you realise how much work goes into the process of making them. Again, for Yangon, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the best place to pick up lacquerware.

Coffee While not famous on the world stage, there are a number of areas in Myanmar that produce good coffee. The most notable of which are Pyin Oo Lwin and around Mount Victoria in Chin State.

Gems & Jewels One of the reasons Myanmar is attracting so much attention from the international business community is the vast natural resources on offer in the country, particularly in the north. Of those natural resources, some of the most famous are the range of jewels and gems around the country. Myanmar has both raw and finished gems available including rubies, sapphires, pearls, jade and many more.

A range of gems are available at Bogyoke Aung San Market, there are also a number of gem shops dotted around the city.

41 Pathein Umbrellas One of Myanmar’s more famous and unique products, the Pathein umbrella is an intricately-designed parasol that is more popular as a decoration than as its function of holding-off rain – although they are useful for that too.

The first umbrellas made in Pathein – which is located about five-hours due west of Yangon – were from paper, then the makers became more innovative and made them with cottons, silk and satin. The umbrellas are available in a range of colours and sizes, and are popular for tourists to buy during their Myanmar trip. A good place to buy them is Bogyoke Aung San market.

Puppetry Myanmar’s unique style of puppetry, 'Yoke the', goes back a few hundred years and is thought to have had some royal origin – probably performed to one of the kings of the Konbaung dynasty. The traditional art form fell away when the country was under British rule but has slowly begun a re-emergence over the last few decades. Some of the most notable characters in the art form are the nat spirit, the alchemist, the hermit and the buffoon.

Tea Myanmar tea is grown predominantly in the hilly Shan State and is a huge source of income for farmers in the north part of the country.

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Longyis You’ll see them worn practically everywhere around Yangon; and longyis are great presents to take home – they’re also very useful in the country’s hot season. Try the local way of wearing it by going “commando”.

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sport Martial arts and kickboxing are the two most popular sports in Myanmar. References to kickboxing are found in the chronicles of warfare between Burma and Thailand during the 15th and 16th century while the British introduced football (soccer) in the 19th century. While football remains the most popular spectator sport in Yangon there are numerous sporting activities open to travellers and expats alike.

BADMINTON If it’s not a bamboo ball being kicked up in the air, then it is likely that the locals will be hitting a shuttlecock into the air. The Burmese are relatively enthusiastic badminton fans. The courts adjoining the gym inside Yangon University (next to the tennis courts above) can be hired for a cheap fee. ? Located on Pyay Road on the banks of lake Inya.

+95 (0) 1 514908 Email: uycontactmm@gmail.com

CRICKET The Irrawaddy Cricket Club plays occasional matches out of the Pun Hlaing Sports Oval.

Contact: Steve Alexander at sa.golf.spapm@gmail.com

FOOTBALL While many of the locals are football – and more specifically, Premier League – fans, getting an organised game of football together is surprisingly difficult to do. Despite some efforts to get a regular meet-up organised, little has stuck and the best bet for those wanting a game

is to organise their own or join in with some of the locals who are having a casual kick about in some of the random green spaces in the city.

YANGON EQUESTRIAN CLUB Foreigners and Locals can enjoy indoor and outdoor horse riding at this historic club. They also provide horse riding lessons for adults and children. ? Parami Road and Pyi Daung Su Road

+95 (0) 1 526052 8:am - 11:am, 4:pm - 6:pm

LETHWEI (BURMESE BOXING) The local version of the bruising kickbox-style sport Lethwei (pronounced ‘Laway’) can be tried at Thut Ti Lethwei Boxing School. Run by a former national champion Lone Chaw, the school is a friendly place and, if you’re feeling brave, an ideal place to practice this unique sport. ? 893 Wuntharetkhitta, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. It is often tricky to find, so the best option is to phone the school and get them to give your taxi driver directions. +95 (0) 9 73187441 www.myanmar-boxing-school.com

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Football crazy

If you’re for a game of Aussie rules The Myanmar Fighting Cocks train every Saturday at 3:30pm. The ground is on Waiza Yan Thar Road, next to Thuwana Indoor stadium.

For more information contact: thefightingcocks@bigroosterfooty.com

GAELIC FOOTBALL

TENNIS

The Myanmar Celts train at the same time and place as the Fighting Celts, every Saturday at 3:30pm on Waiza Yan Thar Road, next to Thuwanna Indoor stadium.

For more information contact: thefightingcocks@bigroosterfooty.com

There are a fair number of tennis courts dotted around the city. Tennis tournaments are hosted at the tennis court in Inya Lake Hotel on Saturday mornings, whilst the grounds within Yangon University (just off Pyay Road) are available to rent for US$5 per person. Other options include Park Royal Hotel (US$5 per person per hour) and the public court on Thein Phyu Road.

There is some confusion regarding membership at the Yangon Sailing Club (Inya Road, close to junction with Pyay Road), so it’s best to pay them a visit and have a chat. The club opens its doors to non-members on Friday nights. ? 132 Inya Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 9 51513899 info@yangonsailing.com

ROWING Next to the sailing club is the Rowing Club, where boats can be hired. The club’s officials are sometimes a little wary of foreigners but after some careful negotiation it should be possible to hire a boat.

Burmese Boxing

HOCKEY Relatively new to the Yangon sporting scene Yangon Hockey Club has a small but committed membership that trains every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. ? Thein Pyu Sports Ground, Thein Pyu Road For more information visit the Yangon Hockey Club Facebook page.

YANGON DRAGONS – RUGBY ANDGAELIC FOOTBALL CLUB Started in 2013 by a bunch of rugby enthusiasts, the Dragons have now competed in a number of international competitions and will begin hosting international teams this year.

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SAILING

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SPORT

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SPORT

Playing golf in Yangon

There is a touch team as well as a contact team.

Overall, they’re a very friendly bunch.

The Myanmar Celts Gaelic Football Team also train at the same time. ? Yangon United Football Club on Insein Road (about 200 yards before the junction with Parami Road).

Contact: Email Tim Buma at yangondragonsrugby@ gmail.com for more info.

They meet every Sunday morning at 10.30 - so it’s great for sweating out the hangover.

GOLF Golf is hugely popular in Myanmar and golf courses can found throughout the country.

There are also a few driving ranges around Yangon. Prices vary but expect to pay between US$50 and US$100 for green fees and above US$30 for club rental.

PUN HLAING GOLF CLUB CYCLING BIKE WORLD EXPLORES MYANMAR The friendly folks at Bike World organise two weekly bike trips. The Friday Night Ride begins at 9.30pm at the Bike World guesthouse, arriving back at the same location about midnight.

The Sunday morning ride leaves from the same place at 6.30am and returns around midday.

Bikes are available for hire. ? 10F Khabaung Road, 6 ½ mile, Hlaing township

(near the Israeli Embassy).

Contact Jeff at +95 (0) 9 513 4190 Price range Bike hire 15,000Ks to 20,000Ks.

The 18-hole Gary Player designed course opened in 2000. Pun Hlaing Golf Club is a favorite for both residents and visitors and is situated 12 km West of Yangon, gateway port city to the Union of Myanmar. ? Pun Hlaing Golf Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharya township +95 (0) 1 684 020

YANGON GOLF CLUB Located 25 minutes north of downtown Yangon by car Myanmar’s second oldest golf club is a challenging and fun course to play with a few long tee-offs over wide water and plenty of bunkers and well placed hazards. ? Kha Yae Pin St, Da Nyin Gone Ward, Insein

BICYCLE RENTAL – KEINNAYI SOUVINEER SHOP If you’re brave enough to explore Yangon on wheels then this upstairs shop, next to Myanmar Travels and Tours, can rent you a bicycle. ? 118 Mahabandoola Garden St, Kyauktada Per day: K5000

+95 (0) 1 6355 5563 www.yangongolfclub.com

SPORT

Kandawgyi Park Located near to Shwedagon Pagoda this park is tranquil and well maintained, with pleny of open space for jogging. It's a perfect place to have a glimpse of everyday life especially on weekends when families and couples converge. ? Kandawgyi Pat St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp

+95 (0) 1 292616, +95 (0) 1 292619

People’s Park Located near the western stairways of Shwedagon Pagoda People’s Park covers

ROYAL MINGALARDON GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB This 18-hole, 286 acre international standard golf course is located six kilometres from Yangon International Airport and 20 kilometres from the city centre. ? Nar Nat Taw Street (corner of Kyun Taw Street) Kamayut township. +95 (0) 1 502 894

YANGON CITY GOLF RESORT Sprawled over 130 hectares and just 25-minute drive to the north of the capital city, YCDC (Read: Yangon City Development Committee) Golf Club boasts two, 18-hole courses with completely different characters. ? Thirimingalar Sreet, 10 Miles, Insein Township

+95 (0) 1 641763-7 goalhill@myanmar.com.mm www.citygolfresort.com

MYANMAR GOLF CLUB Established in 1948 Myanmar Golf Club is located about two miles from Yangon Interna-

? Pyay Rd, People’s Park Compound, Dagon Tsp

+95 (0) 9 8622249 7am – 7pm

Maha Bandoola Garden Located in Downtown Yangon next to Sule Pagoda Road this park is popular with t'ai chi practitioners in the morning and in the evening ? Maha Bandoola Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

Sein Lan So Pyay This garden is located beside Inya Lake and contains a romantic restaurant known as Sein Lan So Pyay, which offers a variety of food and drinks. ? Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp

+95 (0) 1 502720

tional airport and offers plenty of challenging ups and downs, rolling hills and ponds. ? Myanmar Golf Club, 9 mile, Pyay Road, Mayangone Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 661702

HANTHAWADDY DRIVING RANGE A popular driving range for golfers keen to improve their swing ? Nar Nat Taw Street (corner of Kyun Taw Street), Kamayut township +95 (0) 1 502 894

INYA LAKE DRIVING RANGE Decked out with neon flashing lights and floating-island targets scattered 400 meters offshore, Inya Lake Driving Range is a curious site. Here, people actually hit golf balls into the water. ? Inya Lake is about 10 kilometres from downtown.

Streets bordering the lake are Parami Road to the north, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road to the east, University Avenue on the south and Pyay Road to the west.

6:00 am – 8:00 pm.

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The streets of Yangon are not ideal for jogging but there are a few decent parks scattered around where you can up your fitness levels with a brisk jog or just slow down with a gentle stroll.

135.72 acres and includes an amusement park with swimming pools, water slides, joy rides and a water fountain garden

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PUBLIC PARKS

SPORT GYMS

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Most major hotels have good gyms that can be used for a daily rate such as Sule Shangri-la, Park Royal and Summit Parkview. There are also a small number of independent gyms that are worth a go.

Group fitness classes are led by well-informed trainers. The equipment is relatively new with a large gym area and mirrors to remind yourself how well – or otherwise – you’re doing. ? 64(G) Kyitewine Pagoda Road, 8mile - within Hotel Avenue 64 6am – 11pm

SHANGRI LA FITNESS CENTRE Shangri La offer a compact, boutique-sized gym space with a decent sized swimming pool to cool off after working out. ? 223 Sule Pagoda Road (within Traders Hotel)

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BALANCE FITNESS

6am – 11pm

REAL FITNESS Located downtown and well equipped this gym offers aerobics classes and TRX training classes daily, can become very crowded during peak hours. ? 20, Pearl Street, Golden Valley Ward, Bahan Town-

ship (Right across Mya Yeik Nyo) 7.30am – 9pm

MARTIAL ARTS AIKIDO The Y.I.H. dojo is the largest Aikido dojo in Myanmar, with a total matted training area of 180 square meters. All local instructors are certified by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Japan. ? Yangon International Hotel, 330 Ahlone Road. http://aikidoinmyanmar.tripod.com/id1.html

SPORT

TAEKWONDO Myanmar Taekwondo Federation The place to for taekwondo enthusiasts, from beginners right up to professional level. ? Aung San Memorial Stadium

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+95 (0) 1 255 935 worldtaekwondofederation.net taekwondo.mya@gmail.com

RUNNING HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

? Opposite the entrance to Yangon University on University Avenue.

Saturday at 3pm

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A self-styled ‘drinking club with a running problem’; Yangon’s incarnation of this global group are a friendly bunch who meet every Saturday afternoon. Their runs (which are often tough but always enjoyable) take in parts of the city visitors are never likely to see otherwise. Their leader, Bobo, will always make light fun of any newcomers – in true Hash tradition.

They meet every Saturday at 3pm opposite the entrance to Yangon University on University Avenue.

In at the deep end

Bahosi

MARATHON Yangon hosted its first International Marathon in 2013, attracting more than 1,000 participants. 2014’s event was even bigger and attracted professional athletes from as far-afield as Kenya. The third incarnation of the event, which also includes a 10 kilometre challenge and a 3 kilometre “Fun Run”, is expected to return in January 2015.

? Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Bahosi Housing, Lanmadaw Tsp +95 (0) 9 5114629

Micasa Swimming Pool ? 17, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township, Yangon, Myanmar. +95 (0) 9 51650933 / +95 (0) 1 650960 (Fax)

For more information visit: yangonmarathon.com

SWIMMING Apart from the swimming pools listed below non gusts can use the swimming pools at many of the high end hotels including: Chatrium and Savoy (US$10), Park Royal (20$US) and Governor’s Residence – free as long as you eat at the restaurant.

Inya Lake Swimming Pool ? Inya Lake, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road,Yangon,

+951 966 28 66 / +951 966 55 37 (Mobile)

KOKINE SWIMMING CLUB Offering two well-maintained 30m outdoor pools this club has been going since 1904. ? 23 Sayer San Road, Bahan

+95 (0) 1 542749 Admission: K2000

SPORT

KANDAWGYI SWIMMING POOL This pool is often busy but not as nice as Kokine; there’s also a paddling pool for toddlers.

DORA RIVER CRUISE

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Admission: K4000 ? Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Bahosi Housing, Lanmadaw Tsp +95 (0) 9 5114629

YANGON UNIVERSITY SWIMMING POOL It’s not the nicest, and women should wear a t-shirt and shorts over their bikini, but it does the job. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons there is usually a fun crowd of students who are willing to join in a game of water-polo. Not a sunbathing pool. ? Inya Rd, Sein Lan So Pyay Garden, Kamayut Tsp

+95 (0) 9 73105276 Admission – K1000

Dora River Cruise

If you’re tired of getting stuck in traffic make a beeline for Yangon River and book a cruise that weaves its way past bobbing commuter boats and historic sites of Yangon’s skyline. Stake out your place on the upper deck while your host serves Burmese and international snacks and refreshments.

With enough seating and table space for 30 people on the can opied upper deck the Dora Cruise is a great choice for private parties as well as public cruises which operate their sunset cruise from 16:30 - 18:00 daily.

Look out for the Shwedegen Pagoda standing proud between the historic landmarks of Yangon and soak up the contrast between the slow rural life on the south bank of the river and the frenetic activity of Yangon. There’s plenty of space to wander around with a glass in hand, taking in the sights from the upper and lower decks or just relaxing with friends in the rattan chairs.

Not quite the Titanic but a safe alternative and a refreshing way to see Yangon from a new angle.

Boarding at Botahtaung jetty close to Botahtaung Pagoda. +95 (0) 1 531 313, +95 (0) 9 43136561 www.cruiseinmyanmar.com Email:doracruise@fastmail.fm

SPORT

CHINLONE - KEEPING IT UP

Since it is predominantly played with the foot, many people view Chinlone Street chinlone as Myanmar’s own version of football.

However, with no goals or opposition side, it is much more similar to the traditional game that many kids played in football-playing countries, Keepy-Uppy – where, if the name hasn’t given it away, the aim is to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible.

While a competitive version of Chinlone has now been established (it featured in the Southeast Asia Games for the first time in 2013), traditionally it is a sport that is played non-competitively and it is common to see men, women and children playing together.

The ball is woven from rattan, meaning that each time it is kicked into the air, it makes a distinctive ‘clicking’ sound. Much like football, Chinlone players can use any part of the body except the arms, but generally, and particularly for the competitive element, there are six points of contact: the top of the foot (which hurts like hell for those uninitiated), the inner and outer sides of the foot, the sole, the heel and the knee.

In the team version, six players pass the ball to one another in a circle. Occasionally, one player moves into the centre of the circle and is helped by his teammates to create a range of moves. Once the ball has dropped to the ground, that game is finished and it starts again. In the competitive version, two teams perform 10-minute sets separately. Each set is scored on an individual basis (based on skills and range of moves) and the winners are determined by a best-of-three format.

Perhaps the most difficult ‘shot’ in Chinlone is done behind the back, and kicked with the sole of the foot (this writer can vouch for its difficulty and has a sprained thigh and a scar on his knee to show for it). Form is also important in Chinlone; there are correct forms for the placement of every body part. A move will only receive high marks if the form is correct.

There is some debate about the origin of Chinlone but it is thought to be more than over 1500 years old and would, in previous times, have been played for the country’s royalty. It almost certainly has links to the Chinese game of tsuchu, which is recognised as the oldest form of football and is very similar to other games in the region such as Thailand’s takraw and sepak raga Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

KnowIt / November 2014

It is a common site in Yangon to see groups of men in circles, their longyis hoisted up around their thighs, kicking a bamboo ball in the air. Welcome to Chinlone, Myanmar’s national sport.

While many Myanmar people pack into beer stations and tea shops each weekend to catch the latest matches in the English Premier League, it is Chinlone that leads the way when it comes to sports participation.

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Oliver Slow introduces Myanmar’s national sport

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classes For those looking to stretch their brains a bit, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new in Yangon. Hardly surprisngly, new arrivals are keen to learn the local language and there is no shortage of teachers offering these services. English and French classes are also available. A few dancing classes have popped up in recent months, while lovers of the local cuisine can also learn with specialised courses offered by some restaurants in town.

LEARNING THE LANGUAGE Myanmar language teacher Moe Chit offers practical advice on how to learn the country’s lingo Learning a language is a great way to immerse oneself in a country and culture. Learning can be fun and enjoyable, but requires motivation and commitment.

For some gifted people, learning a new language is easy; for others, it may take longer. Whatever your ability, using the right technique and materials are important. Get started learning Myanmar quickly and on the right track with these tips.

• Myanmar is tonal; so you must master the pronunciation. The wrong tone completely changes what you mean – sometimes with amusing results!

• Start simply, focusing on the 100 most common words, along with basic grammar structure. Doing so will help you survive day-today conversation.

Burmese Language Teacher Moe Chit

• Relate Myanmar pronunciation to equivalents in your native language. For example, “please reduce/discount” in Myanmar is pronouned “shopa”. When you shop, you sometimes haggle to reduce prices, so the pronunciation of “shopa” can be associated with the word “shop”.

• Basic spoken Myanmar can be learnt through phonetics. Accuracy is important, so you may want to study with a language teacher, local friend or use teaching books with audio. Many of

my absolute beginner students progress to speaking basic sentences and phrases in just a few days with phonetics alone.

• Once you know how to read and write Myanmar, read the local press and watch news, and movies or listen to music. Even just a few minutes a day helps; it’s how many of us practice English!

• A pocket bi-lingual dictionary is an essential tool that will help you whenever you came across new vocabulary.

• Join a language exchange club to practice your language skills regularly. Local friends, colleagues or even your local date may be willing to practice the language with you! Finally, taxi drivers are a valuable source of knowledge for everything from football scores to local news.

They are a great group of people to practice with, making traffic jams more bearable!

Good luck with your Myanmar language learning.

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• Prepare flashcards for vocabulary or phrases. Carry them around with you and practice when out and about, whether in a taxi or tea shop. “Ankidroid” is a program which makes flash cards for Android devices.

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• Repetition breeds familiarity, leading to confidence and success. The best way to practice is to get out and about and practice with locals, repeatedly. You’ll mess up and have lots of fun encounters and frustrating misunderstandings… until you get it right. And that’s ok – it’s all part of the fun!

CLASSES

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LISTINGS Ten essential Myanmar phrases to get you going

One more cup of beer please!

Beer nau’ ta hkwe’ pei: ba What’s your phone number?

Phone nan pa’ be lau’ le: I don’t feel well.

Nei ma-kaun: bu: Please take me to the hospital.

Hsei: yon ko po pei: ba ˚ ba Please take me to the __________. ________ko po pei: ˚ What’s your name?

Nan me be lo hko le: My name is ________ Nan me ________ ba Please help. Ku nyi ba Please send me an email.

Email po ba ˚ ba Please call me.

Phone hko

myanmar language schools

LINKING HANDS Linking Hands run classes for limited numbers.

MOE MYANMAR LANGUAGE CENTRE Effective and fun classes run by experienced and adaptive teachers. Ten day and other regular courses are available for students of all levels. ? No. 436, Top Floor, Thein Phyu Road,(opposite Thein Phyu bus stop) Mingalar Taung Nyut Tsp. +95 (0) 9 4316 8422, +95 (0) 9 9754 98877 Email: register.mmlc@moemyanmar.com Website: www.moemyanmar.com www.facebook.coom/MyanmarLanguageCenter

YANGON UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES Large and enthusiastic teaching staff offer classes at many levels and times, including evening classes three days a week. ? 119, 131, University Avenue Rd. (Corner of Inya Rd.) Ward (10), Kamayut, Yangon 11081. +95 (0) 1 535985, 513193, hostel +95 1 530443 Contact: Sayama Ma War War Oo E-mail: rose.91264@gmail.com

? No. (4), 3F, Myaing Hay Wun Rd, Ward 4, 8th Mile, Mayangone.

Contact Jo Griffiths 01 552 531 or 09 7318 0428 language@linking-hands.net

Global Enchanting Education Center ? 709, 7th Floor, Bayintnaung Tower (2B), Kamaryut Township, Yangon +95 (0) 9 5181316, +95 (0) 9 73127074

Bilingual Language Centre ? No. 7 (Ground Floor), Thu Kha Mein Street Queen Shin Saw Pu Quarter, San Chaung, Yangon +95 (0) 9 500 6431 Email: nyalinphyu@gmail.com

Institut Français de Birmanie The French Institute offers Myanmar language lessons in English: http://www.institutfrancais-birmanie.com/

THE BRITISH COUNCIL Regularly offers classes in Myanmar language http://www.britishcouncil.org/burma.htm

THE AMERICAN CENTER Regularly offers classes in Myanmar language http://burma.usembassy.gov/american-center.html

CLASSES

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LISTINGS

Learning Languages should be fun

PANSODAN SCENE

Mya Hla: U Mya Hla

The friendly folk at Pansodan Scene host a weekly Burmese Language Club for people to practice.

Formerly with Linking Hands, now freelance. +95 (0) 9 45000 5693 umyahla2004@gmail.com

? 144 Pansodan Road, Downtown.

Every Saturday 4pm - 6pm

Nance Cunningham PRIVATE MYANMAR LANGUAGE TEACHERS Some private schools in Yangon offer Burmese for foreigners. Schools come and go and the availability of Burmese classes changes frequently. The following is a list of private teachers you can try.

Prof. Dr. Daw Cho Cho Aung Taught Burmese to foreigners at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University for many years.

Former interpreter, and co-author of the Paiboon dictionary and other language teaching aids. Nance is an experienced and proficient teacher of Burmese to foreigners. inkish@gmail.com Pa Pa Khine <ppkhine1@gmail.com> +95 (0) 9 5179895 or 0973202808.

Sally San Yu Wai Maing Teaches at the Institute Franรงais. +95 (0) 1 535328 sanyuwaimaung@gmail.com

Contact: profdr.cho@gmail.com

Waddi Thwin: Daw Waddi Thwin: Formerly taught in UFL.

Ko Htoo Htoo Khant

+95 (0) 1 513196, 635021.

Tutors at the US Embassy and takes private students.

Contact: htoohtoo.khant3@googlemail.com

Daw Yi Yi Win +95 (0) 1 663691 mamaqueen@gmail.com

CLASSES

LISTINGS

Yu Yu Khaing

EDULINK AUSTRALIA

Experienced and resourceful. khaing.yuyu@gmail.com

A privately-run English school that also offers opportunities for students to study in Australia.

+95 (0) 1 217261.

Zar Chi Aung

+95 (0) 1 500 464; +95 (0) 9 7316 2586; +95 (0) 9 42111 9895 info@edulinkaustralia.com

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Formerly with Linking Hands in Mandalay. +95 (0) 9 730 92791

zcaungmimi@gmail

NELSON ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE

Daw Than Nu

A private school that offers individual and group classes. The school has three centres in Yangon.

Runs private classes in English, but also has language teacher training and experience and has taught many foreigners. +95 (0) 9 200 1402

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES THE AMERICAN CENTRE Offers cultural, educational and information programmes. It also has an extensive library. ? 14 Tawwin Road, Dagon Township (off Pyay Road, after Taw Win Centre). +95 (0) 1 223 106; +95 (0) 1 223 140: +95 (0) 1 221 585

Centre 1: ? 75 Dhamayone Street, Sanchaung township.

+95 (0) 1 516 681; +95 (0) 1 526 311; +95 (0) 1 523 680 nelc@myanmar.com.mm; nelchocentre1@gmail.com

Centre 2: ? 202/213 MGW Tower, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Downtown. +95 (0) 1 256 517; +95 (0) 1 256 516; +95 (0) 9 504 5234; +95 (0) 9 861 2639 Nelccenter2@gmail.com

Centre 3: ? 3 Aung Thapyay Road, Sanchaung township.

+95 (0) 1 501 947

BRITISH COUNCIL The educational arm of the British Embassy offers English classes as well as cultural shows. It has a well-stocked library. ? 78 Kanna Road.

+95 (0) 1 254 658; +95 1 245 345 enquiries@mm.britishcouncil.org

NEXUS MYANMAR A privately-run English language school. ? 8 Panchan Tower, Dhamazedi Road (near corner of Bargayar Road), Sanchaung township. +95 (0) 1 708 904 nexusmyanmar@gmail.com

STRATEGY FIRST INSTITUTE A private school that focuses mainly on Business English. ? 1002-1005 10th Floor, Panchan Tower (corner of Bargayar Road), Sanchaung township. +95 (0) 1 539 135; +95 (0) 1 539 132

FRENCH LANGUAGE CLASS FRENCH INSTITUTE MYANMAR (INSTITUTE FRANCAIS DE BIRMANIE) Offering individual and groups classes

LISTINGS

DANCING CLASSES LATIN NIGHTS AT HOLA DANCE CLUB Social dance classes every Tuesday (Argentine Tango – Standard) and Friday (Salsa and Latin). ? 94 Bogar Lay Zay Street (between 42 and 43rd Streets and just north of Merchant Street), Downtown.

8pm - 11pm

ZUMBA DANCE CLASSES

COOKING CLASSES GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE Governor’s Residence offers two choices of cooking classes. The first is a Market Tour and Cooking Demonstration, where participants can learn how to prepare a traditional Myanmar salad (US$40 per person). The second is the same as mentioned and includes a buffet lunch (US$60 per person). ? 35 Taw Win Road, Dagon

+95 (0) 1 229 860; +95 (0) 1 228 260. township.reservations@governorsresidence.com

Zumba dance cardio for all levels.

MONSOON RESTAURANT

? Grace Studio in Pearl Condominium, Kaba Aye

A local chef from the restaurant takes participants to a local market to get the correct ingredients before returning to the restaurant to learn how to cook some unique Myanmar dishes. Prices vary.

Pagoda Road, Bahan township. +95 (0) 9 73118339 Tuesday and Thursday. 6.30pm zumbamyanmar@gmail.com

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+95 (0) 1 535 428; +95 (0) 1 536 900; +95 (0) 1 537 122

? 85-87 Thein Phyu Road, Downtown.

+95 (0) 1 295 224; +95 (0) 9 501 5653

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? 340 Pyay Road, Sanchaung Township.

CLASSES

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yoga & meditation Yangon has a number of yoga and meditation retreats that are open to foreign meditators (known locally as yogis). Most centres practice Insight (Vipassana) Meditation and those wishing to stay longer than one-month should organise a special meditation visa with the meditation centre beforehand.

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MEDITATION RETREATS CHANMIYAY YEIKTHA MEDITATION CENTRE Meaning ‘peaceful retreat’, this meditation centre was founded by another Mahasi disciple, Sawadaw U Janaka.

PANDITARAMA MEDITATION CENTRE Established in 1990 this respected meditation centre offer courses in English for visitors prepared to commit to stays of one week or more. ? 80A Thwan Lin Road, Bahan

+95 (0) 1 535 448 www.panditarama.net

? 55A kaba Ay Pagoda Road, Mayangone

+95 (0) 1 661 479 www.facebook.com/mayanmarmeditation.centreyangon

DHAMMA JOTI VIPASSAMA CENTRE This simple, peaceful retreat is a short walk from Shwedagon Paya and Kandawgyi Lake.

Meditators must sign up for the introductory ten day course and share accommodation. ? Ngahtatgyi Paya Road, Bahan

+95 (0) 1 549 290 www.vridhamma.org

MAHASI MEDITATION CENTRE The Mahasi Centre was founded in 1947 by the late Mahasi Sayadaw, arguably Myanmar’s greatest meditation teacher. The Mahasi technique strives for intensive, moment to moment awareness of every physical movement, every mental and physical sensation and, ultimately, every thought. The centre only accepts foreigners who commit to at least one week. ? 16 Thatana Yeiktha Road, Bahan www.mahasi.org.mm +95 (0) 1 541 971

SHWE OO MIN DHAMA SUKHA YEIKTHA Classes taken at the International Centre by the Venerable Sayadaw U Tejaniya Many travellers come to Myanmar to meditate

? Aung Myay Thar Yar Road, Gone Tala Poung vil-

lage, Mingalardon Township.

LISTINGS

CLASSES

+95 (0) 1 636 402. headway@mptmail.net.mm.

YOGA YOGA AT L’OPERA

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Check out the Italian restaurant L’Opera for informal yoga sessions held in the gazebo situated behind the restaurant and overlooking Inya Lake.

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? L’Opera Restaurant, 62D Tun Nyein Street (near to Inya Lake Hotel), Yankin township Contact L’Opera directly +95 (0) 1 665 516 Tuesday and Thursday 4.45pm to 6.15pm and Sundays 10am to 11pm

VINYASA CLASS WITH GABRIELLE PALUCH Yangon Yoga is a new yoga resource for people looking to practice yoga in Yangon. All classes are taught by Gabrielle Paluch, who is a Yoga Alliance certified teacher, and works as an editor at the Myanmar Times during the day.

Price: 7,000Ks per person, please bring your own mat

Practicing Yoga

? Downtown Yangon. Contact Gabrielle directly for more information +95 (0) 9 43 057 023 Monday and Thursday 6.30pm (but not every week) gabrielle.paluch@gmail.com

BANDO YOGA Bando yoga or Burmese yoga is a form of yoga from Myanmar usually taught alongside bando. It is probably based on the internal training of Indian martial arts and is often referred to as peasant or slave yoga. It was for the common man and also used by ancient warriors of northern Burma to maintain health and protect from illness and disease.

Open: Wednesday 7pm - 8pm ? 9 Mile

Aldrich on +95 (0) 9 4202 80430 Wednesday 7pm - 8pm

Dhammapala Hill, Mayangone, Yangon The International Theravada Buddhist University in Yangon was established in 1998. It offers programs in insight meditation and the study of canonical texts and relevant languages. The courses are taught in English. +95 (0) 1 665673 / +95 (0) 1 660171

Purple haze

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The people of Myanmar are an incredibly creative bunch and, as such, the country has a huge amount of artists from different genres. Around Yangon, the most prominent of these is painting and almost every major street in the city is home to one or two art galleries, all exhibiting various interpretations of art.

The country also has a long tradition of stage shows - during the dynasty eras, performing for royalty was seen as a huge privilege - and even in rural Myanmar, these sort of shows continue today. In Yangon, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less easy to come across stage shows, but that does not mean they do not happen. One particular highlight of Myanmar stage shows is the unique element of Burmese Puppetry, while there are more and more international stage performances taking place in Yangon these days.

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art & stage

the local ART scene

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Art Historian Borbála Kálmán presents a brief overview of Yangon’s contemporary art scene The 1970s saw the arrival of Yangon’s first contemporary art galleries, representing what could have been a platform for artists to flourish and share ideas. Predictably, the censorship board had other plans, stifling the flow of ideas and leaving the gallery scene limited in scope for decades to come.

The past few years, however, have seen an upsurge in Yangon’s art scene, setting the stage for creative artists to share their ideas and works with the world. Hardly a week passes by without an opening or a specific program related to the arts, helping create a wider platform. The following is a brief checklist of just a few of the gallery spaces taking an active approach to the arts.

All of these galleries are featured in the listings that follow.

Pansodan Gallery has emerged as a meeting point for local and international artists and a great place to catch up and enjoy a beer.

Myanmar Deitta or New Zero Art Space is ideal for anyone interested in photography and documentaries and regularly holds events on Thursdays.

Nawaday Tharlar has regular ‘open mic’ evenings where artists are encouraged to perform, read poetry and sing.

River Gallery has regular openings that are worth looking out for.

TS1 Gallery is an outstanding space and showcases Yangon's progressive contemporary art scene with extra programs nearly every week.

Inya Gallery, is one of the milestones of the Yangon art scene offering a quiet space to wander and focus on the inner side of art.

Inya Gallery

Mentioned above are just a few of the art venues to watch out for in the coming months. To keep an eye out for exhibition openings, performance art, photography exhibits, roundtables, you name it – just be sure to check the arts calendar on Myanmore’s website!

In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the openings of new art galleries with contemporary artists exhibiting a wide range of works. No doubt, the relaxing of censorship has done much to encourage the flow of new and bold works amongst local artists.

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Bogyoke Aung San Market Art Galleries Located in Yangon’s most popular tourist spot, here is your place if you’re looking for some relatively cheap art work -that’s not to say there isn’t some very good art work here. It’s worth devoting some time to peruse through the vast collection. ? Bogyoke Aung San Market, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown.

8am - 4.30pm

Gallery Sixty Five Established in 2010, Gallery 65 is a vibrant and unique art gallery. Its mandate is to exhibit contemporary Myanmar art that is “always fresh, new and original.” ? 65 Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township

+95 (0) 9 511 7650 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri

Beik Thano

? First Floor, 62 Pansodan Road, Lower Block, Down-

Beautiful and fascinating exhibits from a range of artists. U Tin Win and Daw Sandar will be happy to share their passion of Myanmar art with you. Both are very knowledgeable and have excellent English.

town.

9am – 5pm Mon - Fri

? 113/3B Kaba Aye Pagoda Road

This two-year-old gallery offers a range of work from different artists.

+95 (0) 1 542 560

Myanmar Ink Art Gallery ? 43/2 Ah Lan Pyay Pagoda Road, Dagon Township

Lokanat Gallery Having opened as far back as 1971, Lokanat has long had a tradition of working hard to support local artists. The gallery hold exhibitions on a weekly basis inside a crumbling but evocative early 20th century building.

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Art galleries

+95 (0) 1 374 630.

10am - 10pm.

Nawaday Tharlar Another Yangon art gallery with a friendly and knowledgeable owner exhibiting a great

ART & STAGE selection of local art: Ko Pyay is the owner and one of the friendliest folks in town. ? Yaw Min Gyi Road (north side, close to Park Royal Hotel), Dagon township.

styles. Exhibitions are regularly held both here and internationally, where local artists are selected to visit. A twin River Gallery has recently opened on 38th Street next to The Strand Hotel. ? Strand Hotel Annex, 92 Strand Road

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New Treasure Art Gallery Owned by artist Min Wae Aung, whose most recognised work is that of Buddhist monks, the New Treasure Gallery was formed by a collective of about a dozen artists. It aims to help develop young artists and encourage people to become more interested in art work. ? 84 (A) Than Lwin Road, Golden Hill Avenue, Golden Valley, Bahan Township. +95 (0) 1 526 776 10am to 5pm

+95 (0) 1 243 377 10am – 6pm

Trish Gallery This small but well-designed gallery offers an eclectic and unique collection of the works of a range of local artists. Get speaking to the friendly owner, Trish, and she may introduce you to her rather-impressive private collection of art works and sculptures. ? 46A G/F, Flat C, Excellent Condominium, Min Kyaung Street, Dagon township, +95 (0) 9 3137 1974

New Zero Art Space Regularly hosts exhibitions and events of international and local artists in the medium of sculpture, performance, video art and photography. ? 202, 2nd Floor, United Condo, Ah Lan Pyay Pagoda Road (near Park Royal Hotel), Dagon Township. +95 (0) 9 7312 9520; +95 (0) 9 4500 43099 newzero.ygn@gmail.com

GOLDEN VALLEY ART CENTRE A large collection representing a variety of artists in a charming setting.

Gallery Sakura Welcome to the world of Myanmar Fine Art. Sakura Group is supporting Myanmar’s talented fine artists who are very little known by people from all around the world: Paintings, photographs and wooden carvings available. ? Sakura Tower (Ground Floor) 339 Bogyoke Aung San Road Kyaukutada Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 255 255 8:30 - 17:30 (everyday) http://www.sakura-tower-yangon.com/gallery.php

? 54 D, Golden Valley

+95 (0) 1 513 621

Myanmar Deitta Pansodan Gallery One of Yangon’s better-known art galleries, the friendly owner of Pansodan, Ko Aung, is about as knowledgeable as it gets with regards to Myanmar’s art scene. The gallery hosts weekly drinks at the gallery every Tuesday from 8pm. ? First Floor, 286 Pansodan Road, Upper Block (close to the junction with Bogyoke Aung San Road), Downtown.

9am - 6pm

River Gallery This classy gallery in the annex of the impressive Strand Hotel, portrays the work of about 30 local artists, who offer a varying range of

The primary purpose of this modern art space is to act as a focal point for the Documentary Arts community in Yangon and a platform for international and local artists. Run by English photographer Matt Grace, it’s a friendly place to hang out and learn a bit more about the arts community in the city. Interesting and thought-provoking exhibitions are regularly held here. ? 3rd Floor, Pyan Hlwar Building, 4A Parami Road (near the corner with Kaba Aye Pagoda Road), Mayangone township. +95 (0) 9 31 736154 contact@deitta.org

In conversation with Ko Pyay

I had no idea about art before, but I found their work interesting and I developed a passion for it. Their way of life in particular wreally interested me and I began to build quite a good art collection. I had already gathered around 100 pieces when my friends started asking me to open a gallery.

The original Nawaday Gallery was on Nawaday Road and opened in 2012. We moved to this space [on Yaw Min Gyi Road] last year because it is cheaper, bigger and easier for people to find.

As Myanmar has begun to open up, has the art industry changed at all?

Yes, it has changed a lot. It’s not just the industry that’s changed but the market also. I mean, artists definitely have a lot more freedom than they used to. Before, if you wanted to host an exhibition, then you would often need to gain permission from the authorities. Quite often, that permission wasn’t granted and, as a result, artists couldn’t express themselves. Now, people have more freedom to do what they want.

The market has changed too. Two or three years ago there were no ATMs here, but now people can access their cash more easily. If someone comes on holiday and decides that they want to buy a painting, then they can simply withdraw cash, something they couldn’t do before. There are more tourists too, so I would say in a way that the market is easier nowadays.

But has that created more competition with more art galleries opening?

I don’t really feel that there is more competition. The art gallery that we have is quite unique in that it is not aimed at the tourist market. I feel like we have quite a regular, loyal customer base.

And what about other forms of art in Myanmar, have they seen much change?

Well, I’m interested in lots of other forms of art like poetry for example and other forms of expression. Because of my interest in poetry, we began an Open Mic Night back in 2012 and that has grown hugely since then. It regularly attracts people who perform poems, songs or just about anything they want to. We also put on other classes sometimes. For example, just two weeks ago we had someone come in and sit as a model for a group of artists who drew their own personal interpretation. That was a great way for people to interact and express themselves.

Does Myanmar art take its inspiration from anything specific?

I think that very much depends on the artist. Each person’s style is very different and you definitely have those who take their ideas from traditional forms of art, but at the same time there are those who enjoy the much more contemporary side of things.

Nawaday Tharlar Art Gallery is located at Room 304, Building 20B, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township.

KnowIt / November 2014

Why did you decide to open Nawaday Gallery?

First of all, my background was never in art. I actually had an interest in language and studied my Bachelor’s Degree in Pali, then a Master’s in Linguistics in India. But then, I began to hang out with artists. I spent a lot of time at Pansodan Gallery hanging out with the artists there. They inspired me and I began to really develop an interest.

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Ko Pyay, owner of Nawaday Tharlar Art gallery talks about Yangon’s burgeoning art scene

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theatre Dance and puppetry continue to thrive in Yangon with venues featuring indigenous dance forms, stringed puppetry and cultural exchange programs with foreign countries.

KnowIt / November 2014

National Theatre of Yangon Constructed with aid money from China, the National Theatre holds semi-regular events including cultural exchange programmes with foreign countries, workshops, religious ceremonies, prize giving ceremonies and stage shows. The Myanmar National Symphony Orchestra also performs here. It is a fantastic site; it’s just a bit of an issue trying to find information about when their shows take place. ? Myoma Kyaung Street (between U Wisara

and Pyay Roads), Lanmadaw Township +95 (0) 1 382489

Karaweik Cultural Show The Karaweik is an attractive golden barge that sits in the middle of Kandawgyi Lake. The area around the Karaweik (entrance 200Ks) is a lively spot practically every evening of the week. It offers one of the best views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which sits just on the other side of the lake.

Burmese puppets

The Karaweik hosts weekly cultural shows that includes an international buffet. The performance gets mixed reviews. ? Karaweik, Kandawgyi Lake Park

Buffet from 6pm to 9pm Price: 30,000Ks each www.karaweikpalace.com

Htwe Oo Puppet Show A unique showing of Myanmar’s traditional heritage where stringed puppetry tells a story.

Mr. Htwe is the leader of this show. He can put on shows at customers’ requests (minimum stage size two, maximum 12). Mr. Htwe explains the history of the art as well as how the puppets have been made, a truly wonderful experience and one of the more unique ones in Yangon. +95 (0) 9 512 7271 www.htweoomyanmar.com; director@htweoomyanmar.com

At present, the number of outlets for live music is limited but that may change with the emergence of JAM IT! a movement of independent bands that work together to play live music in public venues.

From humble beginnings with acoustic guitars in a Yangon Park, Jam It! has developed into the most talked-about underground creative movement in the country, spawning a new generation of music fans determined to catch their favourite acts live. Despite an on-going battle to find venues and support, to date Jam It! has showcased more than forty different acts in Yangon and Mandalay, produced its first promotional EP and promoted the best of Burmese creativity by working with a multi range of media including MTV World.

Concerts by Myanmar artists are usually advertised on billboards, social media and word of mouth. but for now the best venue to catch new wave indi bands is probably Mojo’s, a late night bar with an upstairs venue. ? 135 Inya Road, Bahan township.

+95 (0) 1 511 418

Live Music @ 50th Street Bar Live band plays every Wednesday & Friday night at this popular expat hangout ? 9/13 50th St, Botahtaung Tsp (off Merchant Rd) Lock up your daughters

LIVE MUSIC @ THIRIPYITSAYA SKY BISTRO Enjoy panoramic views of Yangon from the 20th floor while listening to live sounds from visiting bands playing everyday.

+95 (0) 1 397 060

KOKINE BAR & RESTAURANT Live music on most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. ? 34, Sayarsan Lane, Bahna Tsp

+95 (0) 9 541 1253

? Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauk-

tada Township +95 (0) 1 255 255

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE French and local culture are promoted here along with occasional live bands.

MONDAY BLUES @ MOJO

? 340 Pyay Rd., Sanchaung

Listen to live music with Blues every Monday night as well as regular events throughout the week creating a great party atmosphere.

+95 (0) 1 1 536 900 http://afrangoun.org

KnowIt / November 2014

ROCK’N’ROLL WILL NEVER DIE The loosening of censorship has seen a steep rise in the number of new bands in Yangon, blasting out original material in the genres of hip hop, metal, punk and rock. The followers are young Burmese fuelled up on adrenaline and determined to party hard, infusing music venues with a new found energy.

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music

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cinema Yangon’s big cinemas will show some of the international blockbusters. Failing that, Burmese movies are worth a go just to soak up the ambience and see how much the locals enjoy going to the cinema. Expect to pay between 1,000K and 6,000K per ticket.

KnowIt / November 2014

Thamada Cinema Sometimes screens the big blockbusters along with regular local movies ? Alan Pya Pagoda Road (very close to Park

Royal Hotel), Dagon township

Nay Pyi Taw Cinema Yangon’s most popular cinema screens a lot of foreign movies and sometimes hosts international film festivals ? Sule Pagoda Road (opposite Sule Shangri-LaHotel)

Mingalar Cinema @ Dagon Center II, Dagon Center II, 6th Floor Screens both foreign and Burmese films ? 268 Pyay Road, Myay Ni Gone Ward, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar +95 (0) 9 73254091, +95 (0) 9 73254092

Mingalar San Pya Cineplex Screens both foreign and Burmese films ? 202/206, Anawrahta Rd, Lanmadaw Tsp

+95 (0) 9 73176000

+95 (0) 1 251277, +95 (0) 1 251288

Thamada Cinema Screens mostly Burmese films ? 5 Alanpaya Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon

Junction Square Cineplex Screens both foreign and Burmese films ? Pyay Rd, Junction Square shopping mall

+95 (0) 1 527055

+95 (0) 1 246962, +95 (0) 1 246963

Mingalar Cinema

Buying DVDs IN SHOPS AND on the street

Screens mostly Burmese films ? 5th Floor, Theingyizay Blk D, Latha Tsp, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 241057, +95 (0) 1 243058

Thwin Cinema Screens mostly Burmese films ? 309 Bogyote Aung San Road, Kyautata Tsp, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 372594, +95 (0) 1 722582

Shae Saung Cinema Screens mostly Burmese films ? 198/200 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyautata Tsp, Yangon

There are numerous shops legally selling mostly Hollywood and Bollywood DVDs, most of these shops are centred on Maharbandoola Pan Chan (Upper Block) Street, Kyauktada Tsp. They can also be found at: • Latha Street, Latha Tsp. • Padonma Street, Sanchaung Tsp. • Supermarkets in downtown area Street-side venders selling both western and Burmese DVDs usually set up shop after 4pm and can be found on most busy streets in Downtown Yangon. This is, however, an illegal practice.

poetry BY CATRIONA KNAPMAN

The Clockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wink

KnowIt / November 2014

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(Yangon, Burma, 2013) I am sure there is something else beyond the winking clocks and the grins of dogs that follow me through the streets, home.

I tell myself, there is more than meets the eye, but the days do not change as we hoped they would. Hands circle the small faces of clocks like windscreens being wiped clean. Second time round I might have caught it: the shut-eye of truth, at three am. Trapped by howls and helicopters.

I do not think to remember the hours.

Not then.

Pity The chickens ride upside down on his bicycle, feet like trees roots, growing upwards. They shake their wings, twist into bicycle spokes, but he does not try to free them.

He has seen this before, chicken feet roots in the sky, the wheels on the bike, their bodies still warm. He thinks if he remembered pity it might be this, it might be the squirming chickens tied onto his bike, but there is far too much pity, far too many faces, too many empty bowls, far too many waves and forests.

Not this journey, there is no pity here.

Only the rustle of feathers, the bump of his bike along the roads, the rush of the ferry over the river and a good sale. He hopes for a good sale.

For a moment he looks up with the eyes that take this journey, with eyes which do not see and in that moment, just then, he sees.

It is later he smiles.

Later, that he laughs.

Catriona Knapman is a Scottish writer currently residing in Yangon who writes fiction, non-fiction and poetry on the themes of justice, development, love, life and people.

To read more of Catrionaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, visit her website at www.luckydiplife.wordpress.com

KnowIt / November 2014

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69 Want to get away from the noise and chaos of Yangon now and again? What better way than to treat yourself to a bit of pampering? Fortunately, the city has plenty of beauty and spa centres dotted around - offering everything from massage, to pedicures, to skin treatments and more. These listings were available going to print but it seems likely that many more will open over the coming months and years.

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beauty therapy

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ONLY THE BEST WILL DO An industry that has seen a huge emergence in recent years is Myanmar’s beauty and wellness scene. Beauty parlours and spas are sprouting up around the city on a regular basis as Yangon’s young at heart keep up-to-date with the popular trends across Asia.

Most locations listed below offer hairdressing services as well as other beauty treatments including manicures and pedicures.

KnowIt / November 2014

spas & beauty

spa and beauty industry. Full body massage available from 18,000Ks. ? 16/2 Inya Road, Township

Spa and beauty including manicure Body Massage available for 28,000Ks, Haircut for 18,000Ks and Manicure for 10,000Ks. ? Market Place CityMart, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan township. +95 (0) 1 523 841

Seri Beauty & Health - Massage and Beauty Care Fully Body Massage available for 12,000Ks, Manicure for 6,000Ks and Haircuts start at 2,000Ks. ? 144 Dhamazedi Road, Bahan township.

+95 (0) 1 534 205 9am to 10pm

Spice Girls – Hairdresser Predominately a hairdresser that offers some other beauty treatments. Haircuts start at 5,000Ks. ? 39 Moe Kaung Road, Yankin township.

+95 (0) 1 572 701 9am to 9pm

+95 (0) 1 537 907 9am to 9 pm www.inyaspa.com

Thaya Day Spa Owned by the same people behind Inya, Thaya Day Spa is a slightly more contemporary spa centre located next to the very modern Junction Square. Full body massage available for upwards of 18,000Ks. ? Building 17, Third Floor, Junction Square, Pyay Road, Kamayut township www.thayaspa.com +95 (0) 9 731 7397 10am to 9pm, 7 days a week.

CALIFORNIA BEAUTY SKIN SPA Offering a wide variety of different treatments including a selection of massages and scrubs, mani’s, pedi’s and waxes as well as having a hair salon. ? Skin Spa can be found at No.32B, Inya Myaing Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. +95 (0) 1 535097, +95 1 501295

Inya Day Spa

Magic House Spa & Beauty Saloon

This pleasant spa facility located on the leafy Inya Road offers a vast range of great services including Foot Massage, Classic Thai Massage, Aromatherapy and 2 or 4-hand Hot Stone Massage. There are a great deal of other services too as well as an on-site smoothie bar, offering some of the best flavours in town. If you get an opportunity, say hello to the friendly owner Damian, who is very knowledgeable about the

Established in June, 2013, Magic House Spa @ Beauty possesses good nail art section as well as several kinds of skin care, waxing, and hair related stuff. ? No-16 (right), Arriyamagin Street, Sanhitlonetan Yankin Township 9am – 7pm

LISTINGS

BEAUTY

? 80(A) Inya Road, Kamayut township

SALON MALIKA Salon Malikha is dedicated to provide quality treatment for each guest through exceptional services and technical excellence. ? 2(B) Parimi Road, Yangon, 11601

+95 (0) 1 512 380; +95 (0) 1 511 252 9am - 7pm.

barber shops

Mon – Fri - 9am – 6pm: Sat – Sun – 10am – 5pm

More of a therapeutic massage than a relaxing one, this place gets very good reviews. Your money also goes towards helping blind communities in Myanmar. One hour massage available for 8,000Ks.

There are open air barber shops to be found all over town. For most it’s a trade passed down from father to son so the standards are generally high. Keep your eyes wide and you'll find one to suit your style.

? 285 Bo Aung Kyaw Street (Middle Block), Down-

TONY TUN TUN

town. +95 (0) 9 861 5036 9am - 9pm

Perhaps Yangon’s best known hairdresser, Tony Tun Tun has a number of branches located across Yangon. It is said that Mr Tun Tun himself works at the shop on 6th Street. Treatments start at about 5,000Ks. To have your hair cut by Mr Tun Tun himself is more expensive;

Traditional Burmese Massage Traditional Burmese Massage is not designed with relaxation in mind, but focuses on the body’s many pressure points. It’s not out-andout painful, but there’s certainly a bit of pain.

The masseur at this parlour, Ko Min Min Soe, was taught the technique by his grandfather, who in turn was taught by a Buddhist monk.

A massage is 16,000Ks for the hour and is only available on Sundays. ? Located at 9 Mile, close to the airport

Contact Aldrich Sawbwa on 09420280430 Only open on Saturdays and Sundays. aldrich@fitnesswarf.com. Or visit facebook.com/ burmesemassage.

Taxi from downtown

Lemon Day Spa Lemon Day Spa offers a range of spa, health and beauty treatments. Full body massage available for 16,000Ks and aroma massage costs 25,000Ks. ? 96F Inya Road, Kamayut township.

+95 (0) 1 514 848, +95 (0) 9 73208476 9am – 8pm

LA Source Services include massages (full body available for 50,000Ks) and a range of beauty services.

Manicures cost 15,000Ks as well as haircuts.

Street side barber shop

KnowIt / November 2014

Genky Blind Massage

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STREET SIDE BARBERS

you’ll need to make your reservations early too.

GBS 3:

? 279 – 281 Anawratha Road (at the top of 6th Street,

? No.19(A), Yawmingyi St., Dagon Tsp., Yangon.

close to Junction Maw Tin Shopping Mall). +95 (0) 1 222 537 10am -10pm

Branches:

+95 (0) 9 73087 264, +95 (0) 1 376 421

GBS 4: ? No.21, Kyar Kwet Thit St., Kyaukmyaung, Tamwe Tsp., Yangon +95 (0) 9 32066 599, +95 (0) 1 551984

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Botahtaung ? Gamone Pwint Shopping Center, Merchant St& corner of Bogalay Zay St, Botahtaung Township +95 (0) 1 256 983, +95 (0) 376 359 ext: 225 9 am to 8:30 pm

GBS 5: ? No.47, Yae Kyaw Rd., Pazundaung Tsp., Yangon.

+95 (0) 1 294979

KnowIt / November 2014

GBS 6: Junction Square ? Junction Square Shopping Mall (outside, opposite

Lotteria), Pyay Road, Kamayut township.

Yankin ? Yankin Centre, Corner of Sayar San and Number 1

? No.54 (A1), Laydaungkan Road, Thingangyun Tsp., Yangon. +95 (0) 9 25444 8354

Tattoos

Industrial Road, Yankin township

T8 HAIR DESIGN Comfortable, air conditioned surrounds with well trained staff ? No.147,1 Middle of 47~48 Street, Anawyahtar road, Yangon, Myanmar +95 (0) 1 299357 Open: 09:00 - 08:00

Hair Clinic

Traditional Burmese Tattoo - not for the faint hearted!

Enjoy all the latest treatments and styles in this small but cosy hair clinic. ? 2B Parami Road, Mayangone Township, Yangon 11061 +95 (0) 9 33393253, +95 (0) 9 43164128

GOLDEN BRIGHT STAR (GBS) Well trained hairdressers with a number of outlets that include the following.

Golden Dragon Tattoo Studio Gets the best recommendations from Yangon’s most heavily-inked citizens. ? 170, 1st Floor, Corner of Anawratha and 33th Roads, Kyauktada township. +95 (0) 9 516 1379 11am - 6pm

GBS 1:

Myanmar INK Tattoo Studio

? No. 276 (B-1), East Horse Race Course Road,

Specialists in creative and edgy designs

Thamwe TSP, Yangon. +95 (0) 9 73 120066

? 32 Alan Pyay Pagoda Road (opposite Park Royal Hotel), Dagon township. +95 (0) 9 4210 55312 10 am www.myanmarinkartgallery.com

GBS 2: ? No.314, Banyadarla Rd., Tamwe Tsp, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 541 908, +95 (0) 1 542 362

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

My next hour was spent being induced into a coma in a sumptuous white leather armchair whilst enjoying a relaxing reflexology session. Having never had a reflexology treatment before I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect! In my last six months here, I’ve noticed there exists a particular penchant for legs and giving leg massages. After my calves and feet were exfoliated I received a relaxing if slightly painful calf massage that left my leg muscles feeling rejuvenated. My therapist proceeded to bring out a selection of implements to gently prod different sections of my feet, sending tingles up my entire body.

California Skin Spa is more of a skin health spa than a beauty salon. They offer a wide variety of different treatments including a selection of massages and scrubs, mani’s, pedi’s and waxes as well as having a hair salon which not only does the usual; haircuts, styling for special occasions, blow-dries but also scalp and hair-care treatments, including one for frizzy, unmanageable hair, something everyone needs in this humid frizz-inducing climate! ? Skin Spa can be found at No.32B, Inya Myaing Road, Bahan Township, Yangon.

+95 (0) 1 535097, +95 (0) 1 501295

KnowIt / November 2014

Having had a few facials in Myanmar I can believe California Beauty’s claim to “offer a unique experience not available anywhere else in the country” to be true. The derma trained therapists use a skin-mapping system which ensures your treatment will be tailored to your specific needs.

I started with their Ultra Calming Treatment facial. For the hour long facial I was regaled with an assortment of different machines, sprays, and products. What made this different from most other facials I’ve been to was the sensation of having several treatments simultaneously. My therapist worked on my forehead, nose, cheeks and eyes using a skin mapping system which assures each part of your face receives the exact treatment needed.

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Lottie Neil recommends a beauty therapist in the heart of Yangon

KnowIt / November 2014

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75 Located in the heart of the tropics, visitors to Myanmar should be wary of the potential of tropical diseases, particularly in rural areas. In Yangon, the two diseases to watch out for are Dengue Fever (which saw a peak in cases last year) and rabies.

During the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five decades of isolation, healthcare infrastructure fell a long way behind neighbouring countries but recent years have seen improvements in this area. There are now a few international-standard hospitals around town, while the public hospitals also offer quite good healthcare services.

At the international clinics, prices are inevitably higher than at public hospitals and a consultation with an international doctor will cost upwards of $50.

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healthcare

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AVAILABILITY oF HEALTHCARE Myanmar medical care falls short of international standards and local hospitals should only be used in emergency situations. If your needs are not immediate contact your embassy for advice, as staff will usually direct you to the best options. Be aware that getting Western style health care may not come cheap.

If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria do not waste time, travel to the nearest quality facility to receive treatment. It is always better to be assessed by a doctor than to rely on self treatment.

Buying medication over the counter is not recommended in Myanmar as fake medications and poorly stored drugs are common.

STOMACH BUGS AND DIARRHEA By far the most common problem affecting travellers in Myanmar is caused by bacteria.

Treatment consists of staying well hydrated: use rehydration salts mixed with lots of bottled water. Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin will kill the bacteria quickly.

Giardiasis is relatively common. Symptoms include; nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue and intermittent diarrhoea. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with Metronidazole being a second option.

FOOD Rather than be overly concerned at street stalls, where food is freshly cooked to order, note that eating in restaurants is the biggest risk factor for contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.

Avoid shellfish, and food that has been sitting around on buffets. Peel all fruit, cook vegetables and soak salads in iodine water for at least 20 minutes. Eat in busy restaurants with a high turnover of customers.

DRINKING WATER • Never drink tap water • Avoid ice • Check bottled water seals are intact at purchase.

• Avoid fresh juices – they may have been watered down.

• Boiling water is the most efficient method of purifying it.

• Iodine, the best chemical purifier, should not be used by pregnant women or those who suffer with thyroid problems.

• Ensure your water filter has a chemical barrier, such as iodine, and a pore size of less than four microns.

HEAT Avoid muscle cramps and naussea by drinking lots of water and avoiding excessive exercise.

Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and must be acted upon immediately. Symptoms come on suddenly and include weakness, nausea, a hot dry blood of temperatures of over 41 degrees, dizziness, loss of coordination, fits and eventual collapse and loss of consciousness.

Seek medical help and commence cooling by getting the person out of the heat, removing their clothes, and applying wet cloth or ice to their body, especially to the groin and armpits.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE Throughout Myanmar traditional medical systems are widely practiced. Traditional healing systems such as Chinese medicine are well respected, and aspects of them are being increasingly used by western medical practitioners.

+95 (0) 9 7316 9704 10 am to 5 pm

AA Pharmacy ? 146 Sule Pagoda Road, Downtown

+95 (0) 1 253 231, +95 (0) 1 242481, +95 (0) 1 251451, +95 (0) 1 242651 8 am to 9 pm

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All traditional Asian medical systems identify an essential life force, and see blockage or imbalance as blocking the disease. Techniques such as herbal medicines, massage and acupuncture are used to bring this vita force back into balance or to maintain balance. These therapies are best for treating chronic fatigue, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, skin conditions and other chronic ailments. Don’t use traditional medicines to treat serious acute infections, such as malaria.

? Room 006, Yuzana Tower, Shwegondine Road (West), Bahan township +95 (0) 1 558 213; +95 (0) 1 552 840 8:30 am to 9 pm

Mingalar Pharmacy Vaccination Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travellers.

Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travellers.

? 91-93 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown

+95 (0) 1 298 678 8 am to 9 pm

General Practitioners (GPs) Polio: One time booster recommended for any adult who completed the childhood series but has never had a polio vaccine as an adult.

Yellow Fever: Required for all travellers who have been in a yellow fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Otherwise, not recommended. Japanese encephalitis: Recommended for anyone spending a month or more in rural areas, or anyone spending a substantial amount of time outdoors. Rabies: Rabies is carried by some dogs in Myanmar – and the street dogs in Yangon can be particularly aggressive at night. Recommended.

Malaria: Malaria is reasonably rife in Myanmar, less so in Yangon. Some medication is recommended, particularly for those in rural areas.

Dengue Fever: There has been a recent spike in cases in Yangon. Travellers should take precautions, including bite cream, mosquito nets and cover their bodies, particularly at night.

Pharmacies A Plus ? 352 Shed 4, New Bogyoke Market, Bogyoke Aung

San Road, Downtown

Public Hospitals Yangon General Hospital Yangon’s largest General hospital has a capacity of 1,500 beds consisting of three medical wards, three surgical wards, one trauma and orthopaedic ward, and 24 specialist departments for in-patient care. The hospital also runs an ER for general medicine, general surgery and traumatology ? Anawratha Road, Latha Township

+95 (0) 256112; +95 (0) 1 384493

East Yangon General Hospital Located in Botataung township, East Yangon General Hospital consists of a medical ward, a surgical ward, a paediatric ward, and an obstetrics and gynaecology ward. The hospital also runs an ER for general medicine, general surgery and traumatology. ? Merchant Road (near 54th Street), Botahtaung township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 292835, +95 (0) 1 292836, +95 (0) 1 292837

KnowIt / November 2014

Golden Bell Pharmacy Be aware that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe’, and there can be drug interactions between herbal medicines and Western medicines. If you are using both systems ensure that you inform both practitioners what the other has prescribed.

HEALTH

LISTINGS

West Yangon General Hospital Consisting a medical ward, a surgical ward, a paediatric ward, and an obstetrics and gynaecology ward, West Yangon also runs an ER for general medicine, general surgery and traumatology. ? Lower Kyeemyindaing Road, Ahlone township

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+95 (0) 1 222860, +95 (0) 1 222861

Yangon Children’s Hospital

KnowIt / November 2014

Yangon’s children’s hospital includes an emergency department and a capacity of 1,300 beds.

? No.439-441.New University Avenue Road.Bahan Township. Yangon,Myanmar +95 (0) 9 44802 6197

http://www.kembangangp.com/radiant.aesthetics@gmail.com

SAKURA HOSPITAL Opened 1998 Sakura is a modern hospital with reasonable rooms and facilities. ? No.23, Shin Saw Pu Street,Sanchaung Township , Yangon, Myanmar. +95 (0) 1 512 668 24/7

? 2 Pyidaungzu Yeiktha Road, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 256112; +95 (0) 1 384493

Victoria Hospital Private HospitalS KEMBANGAN -UHC HOSPITAL Medical and aesthetic services are provided at an international level. Aesthetic services include cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. They also have a centre specializing in liver ailments.

Yangon General Hospital

With a self-proclaimed mission to provide international standard healthcare with reasonable pricing Victoria Hospital is well-equipped with modern technology. ? No. 68, Tawwin Road, 9 Mile, Mayangone Town-

ship, Yangon, Myanmar +95 (0) 1 9666141 24/7

LISTINGS

Shwegondaing Specialist Centre (S.S.C)

HEALTH

Dentists

A general private hospital, opened in 2001, with 200 beds providing medical and surgical services with care and compassion.

D-INYA ROAD DENTAL CARE CENTRE

? 7, East Shwe Gon Dine Road, Bahan, Yangon

? No 6/A, Inya Road, Yangon, Myanmar

+95 (0) 1 524430 Daily 09:00

Asia Royal Hospital

Dr. Tun Tun Thwe

Clean, reasonable-standard private hospital close to downtown Yangon

? Dental Clinic, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, 339 Bo-

? Asia Royal Cardiac and Medical Care Centre, Baho

Road, Sanchaung township +95 (0) 1 538055 /+95 (0) 1 537 296 (Fax) 24/7 www.asiaroyalmedical.com

gyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada township +95 (0) 1 255118 9am to 6 pm (Make an appointment first)

Dr. Myint Htain ? 70 Dhama Yone Street, Sanchaung township

+95 (0) 1 539795; +95 (0) 9 7315 7997

Pun Hlaing Hospital International-standard hospital located in the far west of the city ? Pun Hlaing Hospital, Pun Hlaing Golf Estate Av-

enue, Hlaing Tharyar township +95 (0) 1 684323; +95 (0) 9 4210 42679 24/7 enquiry.phih@spa.com.mm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; punhlainghospital.com

Dr. Aye Aye ? Delta Plaza, Room 003, Building C, Ground Floor 247/269 Shwegonedine Road, Bahan township +95 (0) 1 552914; +95 (0) 9 515 7399 10 am to 5 pm (Make an appointment frist)

VETS Academy Hospital ? 335, Lower Kyee Myin Daing Rd, Ahlone Tsp

+95 (0) 1 212890, +95 (0) 1 212886 24/7

Bahosi Hospital

May Vet Clinic, Dr. Soe Min Lin ? Hlaing Myint Mo Housing Estate, Kan Street, Kamayut township +95 (0) 9 7313 3112

Providing 24 hour emergency care service, in patient care, intensive care, observation services and pharmacy services

Paing Phyo Vet Clinic, Dr Myint Wyn

? Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Bahosi Housing, Lanmadaw Tsp

gone township +95 (0) 1 6535 575

+95 (0) 1 2300631 24/7

International SOS Clinic International quality healthcare centre in the north of Yangon ? International SOS Clinic, Inya Lake Hotel Resort, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township +95 (0) 1 657922 internationalsos.com

? 006, Building 4, Myaing Hay Win Housing, Mayan-

Domestic Animal Care Centre ? Room 106, Building 1, Myaing Hay Wun Housing, Kyaik Waing Pagoda Road (near Junction 8 Super Market), Yankin township +95 (0) 9 518 6391; +95 (0) 1 665508 5pm to 9pm

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+95 (0) 1 544 128, +95 (0) 1 544 116 24/7

A panel of dentists available for consultation throughout the week.

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Yangon's former Supreme Court

Finding employment and long term housing in Yangon can be a complicated process.

Where do you begin? Who do you need to talk to? What are the legal requirements?

In this section we aim to provide pointers and advice on how to go about finding work and long term housing. If it sounds daunting donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put off, new arrivals from overseas are generally welcomed by locals and the business community alike.

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housing & employment

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WHERE TO LIVE In the whole of Yangon Division, which stretches dozens of miles north of the downtown area, there are 33 townships (read: districts). In truth, for those moving to Yangon, only the most adventurous dwellers are likely to explore the majority of these.

We have collated some key information for some of the more popular areas of the city when looking for accommodation in the city. It’s important to bear in mind, like practically everything in Yangon, there is no exact science involved with finding accommodation; prices vary depending on which agent you use and who you know. Prices range from about US$200 per months for a room in a relatively basic shared apartment to US$5,000 a month and up for family homes in Yangon’s more exclusive areas.

Ahlone Located on the western side of town and close to the lively Yangon River area, the majority of Ahlone township is industrial with a number of dilapidated buildings. That said, hidden away

here and there are some well-maintained and relatively well-priced apartments, particularly around the area of Kyee Myin Daing Lower Road. It’s a good location for those wanting to get into the downtown area as it bypasses the busy thoroughfares into town, Pyay and Kaba Aye Pagoda Roads.

Bahan One of Yangon’s more secluded, up-market areas, Bahan’s most noted area is the elite Golden Valley. The calm, leafy area is filled almost to the brim with large houses surrounded by large gates with prices generally reaching the US$4,000 - US$5,000 a month mark. However, if you’re not earning that sort of cash, don’t write off Bahan completely as some of the sideroads off Dhamazedi Road offer houses at more reasonable prices. It’s one of the best areas in town for restaurants, with the junction near to Dhamazedi and Inya offering at least half a dozen great eating options.

Dagon Dagon Township stretches relatively far from near to the Park Royal Hotel westwards to the leafy ambassador’s residence area on the west of Pyay Road. Dagon’s most popular residential spot is the Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, which sits behind Park Royal and stretches as far west as Shwegadon Pagoda Road, occupying Bo Yar Nyunt, Nawaday and Yaw Min Gyi roads. This

EMPLOYMENT

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HOUSING

In the neighbourhood

is a great place to live for new arrivals and is filled with many of Yangonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger expat crowd. Prices are increasing some-what here but there are still some good options available.

There are also a number of good restaurants in this area and it's within a 10-minute walk to downtown.

Downtown Stretching around 50 streets from west to east, the downtown area is vast and the options of areas to live here are equally so. The western part of the downtown area is a popular locals area on the edge of Chinatown and is the place to be if you are looking for a bustling streetlife.

Heading further east, the closer to central Sule Pagoda you get, the more prices are likely to jump and then further east still you have the lively local area around 45th to 50th Street, which is home to a great selection of street food and eclectic mix of ethnicities and religions.

Hlaing On the main road coming in from the airport, Hlaing is a useful spot to live on the western side of Inya Lake. Again, there is plenty of vibrant streetlife nearby. Insein Road, has some wonderful eateries and is home to Yangon

United Football Club, Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful domestic team.

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EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING

Hlaing Tharyar

Mayangone

Sitting on the western bank of Yangon River, Hlaing Tharyar is mostly an industrial area with a whole host of factories. There’s not much in terms of activity and streetlife but for those who can afford a little more, Hlaing Tharyar is home to the attractive Pun Hlaing Golf Estate; a beautiful, lush estate set in acres of grounds. It is home to an international-quality golf course, a great bar and restaurant area, spa and hospital facilities along with a school on-site. It’s pricey though.

On the north eastern edge of Inya Lake sits Mayangone. There are a few leafy areas tucked into the western-most side of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road while the eastern side offers a few very pleasant beer stations located on Parami Road.

Prices are generally a bit lower here as Mayangone is a good 30-minute drive to town.

Kamayut A great blend of local life consisting the Junction Square Shopping Mall and Hledan Market, both of which are located in Kamayut township; just to the south of Inya Lake. With its fast food joints, shining concerts on most weekends and the young and hip Yan- gonians walking through its doors, Junction Square seems to be at the extreme contrast to the chicken carcasses, seafood and general chaos of Hledan market.

Mingalar Taung Nyunt One of the more bustling parts of town, Mingalar Taung Nyunt is a popular place of residence for many of Myanmar’s Muslim population. All through the night, street vendors are lit up in neon and there’s a hive of activity every night of the week. Prices are often cheaper here and it is within easy walking distance to the downtown area.

Mingalardon Located close to the airport, the majority of Mingalardon’s residents live in large homes often hidden behind large walls. It’s quite a long drive to the downtown area, but great for those looking to live in a more secluded part of town.

Sanchaung Another lively area located halfway between downtown and Inya Lake. The Myanyigone area (not to be confused with Mayangone) is vibrant with all sorts of activity including restaurants and tea shops. It’s not a bad shopping area too, with the Dagon Shopping Centres located in the heart of Sanchaung. There are also a few pleasant green spaces dotted around Sanchaung.

Tamwe Slightly east and north of downtown, Tamwe is another location that can be relatively wellpriced if you’re lucky enough to find the right apartment. Traffic is getting a touch worse in this part of town, which makes the journey into the centre a fair bit longer, but it’s a good, lively local area. It’s also home to the Thuwanna National Stadium, where the Myanmar National football team play many of their matches.

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HOUSING

Pabedan Township

Yankin Growing in popularity, Yankin, in the far north of Yangon on the way to the airport, is attractive due to its relatively good prices and respite from some of the chaos in central Yangon.

There are a few good shopping areas nearby, most notably the Yankin Center, which has all of your most basic needs. The area around New University Avenue and Saya San Road has a range of good restaurants too.

Why Buddhist people don''t move during THE MONSOON SEASON. Fom July till October, (monsoon) Buddhists tend not to move home, the reason being that during this period insects and other life forms sprout up from the ground and to move might kill them.

Those who are looking for apartments will find it suddenly more expensive within these months. It’s not to say it’s not allowed, it’s just not recommended and frowned upon.

FINDING a place

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Amidst the excitement of moving to Yangon, finding accommodation can often be the most difficult thing for new arrivals to have to deal with. Over-priced apartments, outdated infrastructure and paying for six months - or sometimes a year - in advance all contribute to the difficulty of finding a new home within your new home.

While those issues certainly do exist, things are not always as bad as they seem. Yangon does have a huge number of hardworking, honest agents who do the best they can to find good deals for their customers (unfortunately, inevitably there are those at the other end of the spectrum too), and those looking for a good deal for their apartment should ensure they give themselves as much time as possible to look for an apartment within their budget.

It’s been well reported that real estate prices in Yangon are sometimes double or even triple to those of other major cities in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok and Jakarta, and it is understandable that this has led to a spike in prices, which has put off some international businesses and business people from relocating to Yangon.

As more and more expats are drawn towards Yangon, the completion of a range of condominium and apartment projects has meant that prices are beginning to level out the previously uneven playing field of demand versus supply.

There is not really any “average price” for apartments within the city. For those on a budget, apartments are occasionally available for the $300/month mark but these are very few and farbetween and will usually be very basic apartments with almost no furnishings, and often not in the best location. Those looking for a comfortable, Western-style apartment (furnished, with air-conditioning and a hot shower) should expect to pay no less than $600 per months wherever the location is, and family homes tend to start at around the $1,000 a month mark, with the most expensive houses being rented for upwards of $5,000 a month.

Some of the most popular areas for new arrivals include Bahan township, which incorporates the leafy and expensive Golden Valley area, while the popular Yaw Min Gyi district is quickly emerging as a trendy part of town with new cafés opening up.

Resedential yangon

HOUSING

Savills is a UK owned company, listed on the London Stock Exchange with 120 offices in the Asia Pacific region and have a track record experience of providing property services in emerging markets. Savills has been helping clients in Myanmar since 2010. ? 192, (Middle Block), Bo Myat Htun Street , Yangon

+95 (0) 9 250 808383, +95 (0) 9 250 505135 Contact: Richard Emerson - remerson@savills.com. mm

Estate Yangon Estate Yangon specializes in residential development, industrial development, office space and accommodation ? 18/H, Yadanar Myaint Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon +95 (0) 9 420045179 E-mail: estateyangon@gmail.com, kthu@estateyangon.com

Happy Homes Will assist in finding a new home as well as providing services in assisting housekeeping and bill payment +95 (0) 9 7349 4483, +95 (0) 9 250 66559 Email: aahappyhomes@gmail.com

LEASING CONTRACTS WITH LOCAL LANDLORDS There are hundreds of privately run hotels and guest houses in Yangon for short term stay but should you lease a contract for up to a year make sure the contract is written in your language and shows your name. There have been numerous instances where the lease contract is written only in Burmese and on a pre-stamped letterhead showing a lower lease than agreed upon. Frequently you find instead of your name the name of another local on the tenant side. The reason for such fictitious transactions are tax advantages.

We strongly recommend not to accept such a contract. The contract is also valid if written in a foreign language (i.e. English) and should show your name. In general the maximum contract is one year unless the tenant is a MIC approved company. However, it is possible to extend the lease for more than one year with individually drafted side agreements.

By Dr. Theodor Strohal, Strohal Legal Group. +95 (0) 1 253273; +95 (0) 1 391528

property plus Company Limited Will assist in finding a new home ? 16/, 3, 3rd Floor, Kyun Daw Street, San Chaung, Yangon +95 (0) 9 730 35 336, +95 (0) 1 504455 Email: thynnkhine@gmail.com

Myanmar Housing Myanmar Housing is the biggest real estate portal website in Myanmar. You can find a lot of information about land houses, condominiums, industrial properties, offices, shops and land.

Contact: http://www.myanmar-housing.com/

Sai Khung Noung Sai Khung Noung will assist in finding penthouses, landed houses and apartments, condominiums, car show rooms and offices which are well connected to the city center, ware houses in the industrial zones as well as land for commercial development. ? 01, Pin Shwe Nyaung Street, Tamwelay, Tamwe Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 541501, +95 (0) 1 551197, +95 (0) 1 400781 Email: saikhungnoung1995@gmail.com

Emperor Real Estate & Services Agency Will assist in buying, selling and renting apartments, offices, shops and flats as well as modern single housing, factories and garages ? No (274/B), 2nd Fl, 3rd Quarter, Annawyahtar Road, Lanmadaw Township,Yangon. +95 (0) 1 227473 / +95 (0) 1 2300 302, +95 (0) 9 5129563 (Mobile)

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SAVILLS

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Real Estate Companies

EMPLOYMENT

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HOUSING

? (18), Aung San Stadium , (Eastern Wing).

Upper Pansodan Street , Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township , Yangon +95 (0) 1 394 157, +95 (0) 1 394 416 , +95 (0) 1-394 160 (Fax) Email: asialand.as@gmail.com

Pronto Services Set up in 2013 PRONTO Services aims to take the stress out of finding and moving into a property in Yangon. Whilst the property market has at times reached ridiculous peaks in terms of price, location and facilities, PRONTO Services keeps a realistic perspective of the current trends and a keen eye on international clients. ? 304 Kandawgyi Tower, corner of Natmauk Road and Kandawgyi Lake, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township. +95 (0) 1 554 884; + 95 (0) 1 221 513

POPULAR RESIDENCES

Hotel Parami is a new international business style hotel that is ideal for long term residents located in the prime area of Parami Road. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities, well designed rooms and services to meet the needs of corporate travellers and the leisure market. ? No. 2, Parami Road, Myangone Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 658 116~8 E-mail: inquiry@hotelparamiygn.com www.hotelparamyangon.com

Marina Residence Overlooking Inya Lake these serviced apartments are located 15 minutes from the International Airport and 15 minutes from the central business zone. ? 8 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone township.

+95 (0) 1 650 651~9 www.marinaresidenceyangon Email: marina@mptmail.net.mm

MiCasa Hotel Apartments Conveniently located 15 minutes from Yangon International Airport and a mere 15 minutes’ drive to the famed Shwedagon Golden Pagoda MiCasa provides fully serviced apartments for expatriates on long stay and leisure travellers alike.

Shangri-La Residences

? 17 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone township.

Situated in Yangon’s prime residential area in 15 acres of greenery overlooking the serene Kandawgyi Lake and sacred Shwedagon Pagoda are 240 elegantly appointed apartments that make up the Shangri-La Residences.

+95 (0) 1 650 933. www.myanmar.micasahotel.com Email: bc.micasa@mptmail.net.mm

? 150/150A Kan Yeik Thar Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt township. +95 (0) 1 394 469 sales.slry@shangrila.com

Pearl Condominium This fully serviced apartment promotes itself as a ‘home away from home’ for expatriates and leisure travellers alike. ? Kaba Aye Pagoda Road (after junction with Saya San Road), Bahan township

Sakura Residence From studios or 1-bedroom type units to 3-bedroom family type apartments, several choices are available at Sakura Residence. ? 9 Inya Road, Kamayut township.

+95 (0) 1 525 001, +95 (0) 1 525480 www.sakura-residence-yangon.com Email: sales@sakuraresidence.com.mm

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Asia Land offers services in selling, buying and leasing for real estate including private housing, apartments, condominium, factories, offices, show-rooms and industrial land.

HOTEL PARAMI YANGON

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Asia Land Real Estate Service Co., Ltd.

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High standard relocation specialists providing a wide range of services including home finding, school search, settling in and orientations. ? 11A Yadanarmon Road, (Hlaing Station Road), Quarter 5, Hlaing Township, Yangon www.MyanmarRelo.com

DNS MOBILITY LTD MYANMAR DNS Mobility Ltd Myanmar is one of the leading removals companies in Myanmar, specializing in packing of used household goods & personal effects, customs clearance of import and export consignments, logistics, transport and door to door delivery services.

? No. 125, Ground Floor, 52nd Street, Pazundaung Tsp Yangon +95 (0) 1 291663 / +95 (0) 1 202466 (Mobile)

Asian Tigers Mobility Ltd. Asian Tigers are leading provider of international relocation solutions. Each year Asian Tigers Mobility companies move thousands of families to their new homes from every corner of the globe, including Yangon. ? Room 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, 41st~42nd St, Botahtaung Twn,Yangon,Myanmar. +95 (0) 1 250290, Fax: 252213 info@asian tigers-myanmar.com

www.asiantigers-mobility.com

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MRS - MYANMAR RELO SOLUTIONS

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RELOCATION AND HOME MAINTENANCE

Bandoola Transportation Co., Ltd. - Myanmar Transportation services for home and commercial relocation

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? Parami Compound, Parami Rd., South Oakkalapa Tsp. Yangon +95 (0) 1 579655,573259

Boe Yadanar Transport Co., Ltd.

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Transportation services for home and commercial relocation ? 45, Tae Nu Yin Ave., Pyay Rd., 7 ½ Mile, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon +95 (0) 1 660251, +95 (0) 9 5342819

FINDING A JOB

Hintha Business Centre

Like any job hunt around the world, it’s worth starting with the question: “What interests me, what am I good at and what unique skills do I already have?” Once you’ve answered that question, it becomes much easier to narrow down what industry you want to be looking at.

There is of course the question if Myanmar is the place for you. There are challenges to living here and Myanmar is certainly not for everyone. Accommodation is expensive, power-cuts are regular and it’s damn hot – and if it’s not hot - it’s usually raining. There are other frustrations but there are a great deal of good sides too. I won’t go into them here but once you find them, they make leaving this place a difficult thing to do. Speak to many of the expats living in Yangon and you are likely to encounter people who wax-lyrical about the magnificence of living in such a unique country.

If you’re still reading, then it’s clear that you are still serious about working in Yangon. So, what do you do? There are websites to help you out and some of the more popular newspapers run classified sections; but the main thing is to be active. Regardless of whether you are looking for a journalism job, an English teaching job or an art director’s role, the task becomes much easier once you make yourself visible and accessible. To help you on your way, below are some online resources that might be useful in the job hunt.

Recommended websites for job search Job Websites Myanmar • www.myjobs.com.mm • www.work.com.mm • www.myanmarjobsdb.com • www.myanmarbestjob.com • www.jobsinyangon.com

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Yangon, the former capital but still the economic The interview hub, is the city seeing the majority of the companies move in; which means those looking to find work are in a great position in Yangon.

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You may have noticed it; Myanmar is opening up.

More and more international corporations are moving in, while smaller companies are gradually upping their operations to try and take advantage of the influx of money that many expect to come into the country in the near future.

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OBTAINING A WORK VISA To obtain a Business Visa for Myanmar you will need a letter of introduction from your future employer. A Business Visa will allow you to stay for up to 70 days and is extendable. If you need a permanent visa you will need your employer to sponsor you, some will also include health insurance If you are planning on working freelance you will need to take care of insurance yourself.

NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) NGOs work independently of the government to help people at grass-roots level and many of them are to be found in Myanmar.

They often advertise for medical personnel including doctors, midwives and lab techs as well as translators, social workers, database specialists, field assistants, administration assistants and communications / media personnel. Some websites to get you started:

• Adventist Development and Relief Agency Myanmar www.adramyanmar.org/get-involved/ carier-at-adra • Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders Recruits medical and non-medical field staff. Currently provides healthcare in Yangon Divisions and Shan, Rakhine and Kachin States. www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/ field/ • KT Care Foundation Myanmar http://www.ktcare.net/ • This website advertises jobs from a range of NGOs: www.ngoinmyanmar.org TEACHING ENGLISH Privately run international schools are often on the lookout for competent teaching staff. Pre-school teachers, teachers of Chinese or English as a Second Language and guidance counselors are also sought after.

There are 18 international schools in Yangon. Here is a selection: American / AP Curriculum: • International School of Myanmar www.ismyanmar.com/ • International School Yangon www.internationalschoolyangon.org • Yangon Academy http://www.yangon-academy.org/ • Yangon International School http://www.yismyanmar.com/

The Seeker

British / IGCSE Curriculum • Alba Language and Business Academy http://alba-edu.com/ • Horizon – IGSE and IB www.horizonmyanmar.com • Network International School www.networkinternationalschool.com/ • Myanmar International School Yangon (MISY) www.misyedu.com/

Some Volunteer Placements in Myanmar Most volunteers find placements in Yangon but it’s also possible to find community projects in rural areas. The following is a list of volunteer options to get you started.

Job hunting can be thirsty work

• Myanmar International School www.mis-edu.com/ Singapore Curriculum • Nelson International Education Centre www.myanmareducationservice.com/ • Pride International School Myanmar www.myanmareducationservice.com/ VOLUNTEERING Volunteering can be hard work but the rewards will usually make it worthwhile.

There is always a need for trained or untrained teachers and for builders, tradespeople, medical personnel, administrative and field assistants. Some organizations accept day-helpers while others will need a commitment of weeks before taking you on. Many of the larger NGOs only employ professionals, but smaller community projects and monasteries readily accept volunteers.

Visas for Volunteer Work Technically, a tourist visa excludes you from doing any work, even volunteering,

• Aung Myay Thukha Monastery Teaching School http://aungmyaythukha.org/ • Eden Centre for Disabled Children, Yangon www.edencentre.org/ • Growing Together School Jyotish Nordstrom ? 190/A Thiengi Street5, 5th Ward, Haketa Township, Yangon Email: gt.camp@gmail.com or contact. gtf@gmail.com • International Buddhist Education Center (IBEC), Sagaing www.ibec-sg.com/ • KT Care Foundation Myanmar http://www.ktcare.net/ • Oxford Burma Alliance Burma Volunteer Program (BVP) www.oxfordburmaalliance.org/bvp. html • Teach for Myanmar TFM http://teachmyanmar.org/ • Volunteers in Asia (VIA) / USA exchange programs www.viaprograms.org/ind e x . p h p ? o p t i o n = c o m _ content&view=article&id=495 • UN Volunteers www.unv.org/how-to-volunteer.html

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but many volunteers enter Myanmar on the 28-day Tourist Visa. If volunteering at a Buddhist monastery, the monastery will send you a letter to help you get a meditation visa. The Meditation Visa is for 90 days, allowing you to stay longer and it can be extended with the help of your monastery.

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97 Investment and business opportunity for individual and corporate business has never been greater than now. Reforms have set the ball rolling and for those with an idea and an appetite for new challenges the steps towards setting up your own business and employing locals have become reasonably straightforward.

As with most things in Myanmar making things work depends a lot on getting to know the right people and using initiative, but at least now the legal paperwork has been simplified enabling international business to become a legitimate part of Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

Hintha Business Centre

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setting up your own business The new Foreign Investment Law enacted in November 2012 allows foreign investors full equity ownership in several sectors of business in Myanmar. They may also enter into partnerships with both local and foreign partners, establish branch offices of foreign companies within the country and enter into joint ventures in private or public limited companies, As a result of the rapid economic reforms, the process of investing and setting up a business in Myanmar has been simplified. Speed is of the essence; bureaucratic red tape no longer delays company registration and application for a permit to do business. Two one-stop service centers in Naypyidaw and Yangon are now able to issue registration and permit cards almost instantly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; provided, of course, that the right documents are submitted and instructions are followed.

The process is relatively straightforward, be it for setting up a foreign branch or representative office, entering a joint-venture with a local company, or establishing a 100% foreign owned company.

Most people will employ a lawyer to lead them through the paperwork but if you wish to go it alone the following eight step process applies to setting up your own business. â&#x20AC;˘ If you are forming a new company, verification will be made to ensure that there is no other company of the same name.

Creating the right environment

Hintha Business Centre

• Submit the required set of documents. The requirements vary with each category of registration.

• Following the Home Affairs security clearance and ministry approval, the Executive Committee of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) will, at its weekly meeting, examine the documents concerned before passing them on to the Cabinet of the Union Government.

• After the Cabinet’s approval, the company must submit its Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with 200,000 kyats in official stamp fees.

• A company doing business in services is required to wire transfer an initial US$ 25,000 fee – 50% of the full US$ 50,000 – for the final stage of registration and permit application. Similarly, for a company involved in industry, hotels, and construction, a transfer of US$ 75,000 –50% of the full US$ 150,000 – is required. The fees can be deposited at the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB), Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB), or any of the 18 private banks authorized to deal in foreign currency. Note that for companies in industry, hotels, and construction, an additional permit from the MIC is required for final approval.

• The permanent registration card and permit will now be issued. The card and permit are valid for 5 years, renewable for consecutive 5-year periods with a renewal fee of 500,000 kyats each time.

business cards

obligatory handshake. Remember the wellknown tip: It is always worth spending a few seconds scanning their cards just to remember their names.

Printing in Yangon is relatively straightforward and the downtown area has a number of print shops where business cards can be printed. One particularly recommendation for printing cards is Thazin Colour Printing Sevices which can have it done in just 20 minutes.

The giving and taking of business cards is popular in Myanmar and is often one of the first interactions to take place after the

? No.207, Pansodan Street, Yangon.

+95 (0) 1 375 999

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• Information on the company’s Board of Directors will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance. Concurrently, details of your company’s intended operations will be sent to the relevant ministry for an “approval”.

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• When the required documents have been submitted, you will be required to pay a fee of 1,000,000 kyats, after which you will be issued a temporary registration card and a permit – both valid for six months. Though obtaining a permanent (five-year) registration card and permit will take relatively longer, it is expected to take no longer than 1-2 months, a period well within the 6-month validity of the temporary card and permit.

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OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT Opening a bank account in Yangon is a surprisingly straightforward procedure and can be done even if you’re on a tourist visa. Banks that allow foreigners to open an account, such as KBZ, CB Bank, Aya or MAB, only require a passport and minimal paperwork. Simply state if you want an account in USD, EURO or Kyat and the process should be finished within half an hour or so. Your MPU (Myanmar Payment Union) card will probably take a week or so to arrive.

The following stats may vary slightly from bank to bank but are worth being aware of:

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• Most banks charge a 0.3% commission on total deposits.

• Expect a 1,000 Kyat withdrawal charge regardless of the amount.

• You are able to transfer money from abroad but not from all banks. The following are the banks accepted: May Bank, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, SMBC, Bangkok Bank, SCB, K-Bank, Krung Thai Bank, OCBC, UOB, Natixis and ICBC. The commission is 10,000 Kyats whatever the amount is. In general it works best to transfer money via a bank in Singapore.

• There is a deposit limit of USD 10,000 every month, any more than that and you will need proof of income.

• You’ll also be charged 50 Kyats for the checkbook and every time you issue a check you’ll be charged 1 000 Kyats. However, this may not be a regular occurrence as checks are rarely accepted.

• For bank statements, expect to be charged around 500 Kyats each time.

• To apply for an MPU card you’ll go through a similar procedure at a different counter. Hand over your passport, fill out some paperwork and expect to pick up your card within a week. The card can be used for purchases but be aware that not many places yet offer this option and even if they do there could be cases where there are connections problems.

• Obtaining an MPU card and opening a bank account are two independent processes. You can open a bank account without applying for a MPU Card.

OTHER BANKING SERVICES The services offered by banks are still lagging behind other countries. However, they are slowly catching up. By the time of going to print E-banking is provided by one bank, Ayerwaddy Bank, and local credit cards (visa and MasterCard) are rumoured to make an appearance later this year.

Currently, the best option for a credit card is a VISA Travel Money Card. It works as a credit card but requires deposit and can only be used overseas or online. Be aware that some American websites still don’t accept payments from Myanmar or cards issued in Myanmar.

ATMs now accept a wide range of cards including VISA, Mastercard, JCB and Union Pay. However, ATMs as well as POS terminals might not always work due to poor Internet connection.

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GOVERNMENT BANKS

World Bank ? No.57, Pyay Road, 6.5 Mile, Hlaing Tsp

+95 (0) 1 654824~29

Kanbawza Bank (KBZ) ? 615/1, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp

+95 (0) 1 538075, +95 (0) 1 538078

Asia Green Development Bank

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? 519, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp

+95 (0) 1 523 903

Ayeyarwady Bank KnowIt / November 2014

? 149, Bo Aung Kyaw Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

+95 (0) 1 372942, +95 (0) 1 372941

C B Bank ? 334/336, Strand Rd, Lathar Tsp

+95 (0) 1 372646, +95 (0) 1 371848 Central Bank of Myanmar

Bob Percival

United Amara Bank (UAB) ? 520, 2nd Flr, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp

Central Bank of Myanmar

+95 (0) 1 8603009 - 18

? 26/A, Set Hmu 1st St, Yankin Tsp

+95 (0) 1 543769

Myanma Investment & Commercial Bank ? 170/176, Bo Aung Kyaw Rd, Botahtaung Tsp

+95 (0) 1 253196, +95 (0) 1 256901

Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank ? 80/86, Mahabandoola Garden Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

+95 (0) 1 370994, +95 (0) 1 380616

Myawaddy Bank

Bob Percival

Government Employees Bank ? 23/25, 1st Flr, Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

+95 (0) 1 371620, +95 (0) 1 377465

Myanmar Agriculture Development Bank ? 26/42, 2nd Flr, Pansodan Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

Yoma Bank ? 380, 606/6 6th Flr, Bo Gyok Aung San Rd, FMI Center, Pabedan Tsp +95 (0) 1 246799, +95 (0) 1 246800

Innwa Bank ? 550/552, Merchant Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

Myanmar Economic Bank ? 43/45, Pansodan Rd, Kyauktada Tsp

+95 (0) 1 379349, +95 (0) 1 379351, +95 (0) 1 371840

PRIVATE BANKS Myanma Apex Bank ? No.207, Thein Phyu Road (Middle Block),

Botahtaung Township, Yangon. Myanmar. +95 (0) 1 398811~19. www.mabbank.com

+95 (0) 1 391132, +95 (0) 1 391131, +95 (0) 1 391131

as an employer

So how do you bring out the best in your new work colleagues and employees?

First of all, take on the role of a coach as opposed to teacher. In Myanmar a ‘teacher’ is someone who tells you what to do while a ‘coach’ is someone who shows you how to do it.

To bring out the best you will need to take a ‘hands on’ role in coaching staff in the area of customer care, accounting, marketing, quality assurance, leadership, technical skills etc.

Young people here tend to be hard working and fast learners, but they have not been exposed to the world enough to understand many basic concepts. They are used to following a strict hierarchy and reluctant to admit they don’t understand something.

As a manager you must be patient and willing to give, to train and to share your own experiences, knowledge and contacts with others. The people here are eager to learn and develop. If they feel that you are genuine and keen to help them progress the chances are they will be loyal and stay.

How you behave around your staff is extremely important in gaining respect. Be polite in conversation, dress properly and interact with your staff in a kind manner, showing respect for the culture and the local environment.

Another tip is to be humble. Myanmar people do not like managers who show off too much, the result counts and they want to be with someone who is successful and can deliver. Few of your staff, if any, will criticize you, even if they know you took the wrong decision. To create an atmosphere where the staff is able to say no to their manager will take time, but it will be worth the effort in building a confident, assertive team who know how to achieve results.

Linda Gadd is the Founding Partner of Signium International Myanmar - http://www.signium.com/Offices

KnowIt / November 2014

Decades of isolation and economic stagnation has resulted in a shortfall of skilled local people in Myanmar, and if you’re planning on employing your own staff this is something you’re going to have to deal with. First of all, it’s important to understand that lack of training and exTake a hands on role in coaching staff perience doesn’t mean lack of potential, your new colleagues may well be very talented individuals.

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Linda Gadd offers advice on how to bring out the best in your new team of employees

BUSINESS

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NETWORKING AND GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE An ideal way to connect with new people and find new business leads in Yangon is through the various Chambers of Commerce and Internations.

Internations are one of the world’s largest and most efficient Expat platforms with a large number of activities including forming your own groups. Since its inception in 2013 Internations community has gone from strength to strength with monthly networking events attracting between 60 and 120 attendees.

Among the chambers, the French Chamber of Commerce is the most active one arraning both breakfast, dinner and young professional meetings.

If you are in the Tech Industry, don't miss the Mobile Monday events on the last monday of every month held at various venues (www.mobilemondaymm.com) Other venues ideal for making contacts amongst Yangon’s business community are the historic Strand Bar at The Strand Hotel downtown on Strand Road. Its Friday night is legendary and the bar springs to life from 6pm when you'll can find a wide variety of people eager to make connections.

Gallery Bar at Sule Shangri La on Sule Pagoda Road and the lively 50th Street Bar (a bar located on 50th St.) are other places where you’ll regularly find locals and foreigners mixing business with pleasure.

To find out more about the latest business events, check www.myanmore.com/yangon/business-events/

Networking in Yangon

Office@36th

Keier Group

Managed by Officehub Services (Myanmar) Co., Ltd., with a parent company in Singapore, Office@36th offers fully-equipped serviced offices, with multinational corporations, emerging companies as well as start ups in mind, who want to setup office in Yangon.

The Keier Group is dedicated to providing fully furnished, well-equipped serviced offices to our clients working in Myanmar. Their flagship office at MAC Tower is located right in the heart of Yangon, Myanmar’s economic capital.

? No.129, 36th Street, Yangon, Myanmar

+95 (0) 1 387947, +95 (0) 1 387940-50 info@officehubservices.com 08:00 - 18:00

? No. 561, 563, 565, 567, Merchant Street, # 801-804 Kyauktada Township, Yangon (10-15 minutes up from Embassy of India) +95 (0) 1 378 410, +95 9 4921 4888 Fax: +95 1 378 409 9am - 6pm Mon. - Sat info@keiergroup.com

Hintha Business Centres Located in the heart of downtown Yangon, Hintha Business Centre has a large, flexible and well-designed office space. It offers fulltime, fully serviced offices, as well as access to conference rooms, business lounges and virtual office facilities. ? Floor 3, 608 Merchant Street (corner of Merchant and 31st), Downtown. +95 (0) 1 441 3410, +95 (0) 1 441 3433 9.30am to 6pm Monday-Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

608merchant@hinthabusinesscentres.com.

Swiss Business Office Center Swiss Business Office Center offers A-grade offices in a prime location in a quiet area of central Yangon, located between two of the city’s main roads, Pyay Road and U Wizara Road. ? 36-8 No. A Myay Nu Street, Yangon, Myanmar

+95 (0) 9 2306067-70 sales@sboc-yangon.com

• Private offices • Meeting rooms • Short-term leases • Hot desks • Fast Internet T: +95 1 441 3414 E: 608merchant@hinthabusinesscentres.com w: www.hinthabusinesscentres.com

KnowIt / November 2014

Much like property prices, quality office space is at a premium in Yangon, even more so with facilities in a good location and with a fast, reliable internet connection. This has led to an upsurge in popularity of serviced apartments, many of which offer desks on a short, mid or long-term basis.

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SERVICED OFFICES

106 KnowIt / November 2014

Project Hub Yangon

My Yangon Office

An open co-working space and new business incubator with a range of facilities. It has a friendly, informal setting and offers regular workshops as well as encourages local start-ups and entrepreneurs to meet.

My Yangon Office is a fully serviced office that offers a range of services at the heart of Yangon. Located in a very central location, you will be offered all the services and comfort you would expect in order to run your operations in the most effective way.

? 203 United Condominium, 39 Alan Pya Pagoda Road, Dagon township. +95 (0) 1 221 265 9am to 7pm Projecthubyangon@gmail.com

? 42 A Pantra Street, Dagon Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 9 4224 60619 myyangonoffice.com

ZEN GARDEN OFFICE A first for Yangon these mobile offices are eco friendly, spacious, airy and affordable with a life span of 40 years. What makes them unique is the fact that you can literally pick them up and relocate them to a new site if and when the nedd occurs.

For more information: +95 9420 762 789: +95 950 08354 vorana@zen-garden.asia

Zen Garden Office

Sakura Myanmar Business Center Modern office space in Yangonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest tower with easy access to major hotels, Yangon Central Station, banks and shopping malls

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? Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 255 255 Fax: (95 1) 255 258 E-mail: stowersales@myanmar.com.mm

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BUSINESS CENTRES International Business Centre A lot of high quality office space available facing Inya Lake. ? 88 Pyay Road, Hlaing township Taxi from downtown +95 (0) 1 667 133; +95 (0) 1 513 482, +95 (0) 1 524881, +95 (0) 1 667132 Modern Office space in Yangon

Hintha Business Centre

vorana@zen-garden.asia / www.zen-garden.asia / +959 420 762 789

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Chambers of Commerce In Yangon the number of chambers of commerce continues to rise, enabling business owners from different nationalities to connect and work together.

FRENCH MYANMAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (FMCCI) Gathering French, Myanmar and International companies willing to promote trade, investment, industrial and commercial activities in Myanmar, FMCCI has been officially launched in 2014 on the basis of the French Myanmar Business Association established on March 14, 1996. The objective of FMCCI is to expand and develop business and economic relationships between France and Myanmar by offering various activities to its members and supporting the companies prospecting in Myanmar. ? No. 17(B), 4th Lane, West Shwegondine, Bahan Township, Yangon. +95 (0) 1 510933, +95 (0) 1 525737 Ext. 112, 124 Email: afma.manager(at)gmail.com, afma. businesscoordinator(at)gmail.com, infos.afma(at) gmail.com

pose to support business between Sweden and Myanmar. ? 1st Floor, Annex Building, Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon. +95 (0) 1 375 680 For more information go please go to: http://www. sweden-myanmar.com/contact.html

The Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) UMFCCI is Burmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest not-for-profit business federation, representing 10,854 Burmese Companies, 1,656 Enterprises, 770 Foreign Companies, 185 Co-operatives and 2,898 Individuals ? 29, UMFCCI Office Tower, Min Ye Kyaw Swar Street, Lanmadaw Township. +95 (0) 1 214 344; +95 (0) 1 214 345 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday Taxi from downtown

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The role of the Chamber is to promote, foster, support, and represent UK business interests in Myanmar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; directly helping British firms identify market opportunities and providing them with a first port of call when looking to trade in that particular market. ? Hintha Business Centre , Floor 3, 608 Merchant Street (corner of Merchant & 31st) Pabedan Township, Yangon For further information please contact: stephanie@ britishchambermyanmar.com http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/

Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) CACCI is a regional organization composed of apex chambers of commerce and industry and business associations representing the interest of some 3.0 million business enterprises in Asia (including Myanmar) to providing a forum for examining, crystallizing, and consolidating economic thinking of Asian and Western Pacific enterprises and for promoting intra-regional trade and investments. ? Based in Taiwan

SWEDISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN MYANMAR The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar was started spring 2013 with the sole pur-

+886 2 2725 5663 cacci@cacci.org.tw

German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Myanmar

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A privately held non-profit organization financed by its corporate members with a contact address in Yangon. They include the most renowned companies from major industries and the banking sector, trading companies and a great number of small and medium-sized enterprises from all industries located all over Germany.

KnowIt / November 2014

? 37, Room 7, Inya Lake Hotel, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone township Taxi from downtown Contact oav@oav.de

Indo Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industries (IMCC) IMCC opens gateways for investors in various sectors of Indian/Myanmar industries. ? 100 Kyakkasan Road, 1st Floor, Tamwe township

+95 (0) 9 523 1574; +95 (0) 1 556 954 Contact: ashokmurarka@gmail.com Taxi from downtown

International Best Business Group (IBBG) IBBG operates primarily in the food & drink industry. ? 3 Aung Theiddi Kyaung Street, Mayangone township

+95 (0) 1 441 3326 Contact: ibsibbg@gmail.com Taxi from downtown

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) In September 2012, JETRO launched operations of its Business Support Center (BSC) in Yangon further connecting Japanese business interests with Myanmar. ? Sedona Hotel Business Suites #04 02, Kaba Aye

Pagoda Road, Yankin township +95 (0) 1 544 051 Taxi from downtown

Business certificates

investment promotion organization operated by the Government of South Korea. KOTRA was established in 1962 as a national trade promotion organization. Since then, it has facilitated Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapid export-led economic development through various trade promotion activities such as overseas market surveys and business matchmaking. ? Sakura Tower, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Downtown.

+95 (0) 1 255 453, +95 (0) 1 255 454, +95 (0) 1 255455 - 6, +95 (0) 1 255 087 Fax: 255 457 masu@kotraygn.com.mm Taxi from downtown

Malaysia Myanmar Business Council (MMBC) MMBC is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit association formed with the objective of enhancing and facilitating Malaysian businesses in Myanmar ? 27B Saw Bwa Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone township

Korea Trade Association (KOTRA) KOTRA (Korea Trade Promotion Corporation initially, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency since 1995) is a state-funded trade and

+95 (0) 9 5016 806 Mmbc2u@gmail.com Taxi from downtown

Myanmar Business Executives (MBE)

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MBE is a network of more than 25 owners and executives of private businesses in the fields of manufacturing, trade, marketing services, IT, agriculture, logistics, transportation, social marketing, and professionals such as trainers, teachers and journalists and local NGOs. ? Room 604, Business Capacity Building Centre, 401/5 Panchan Tower, Corner of Bargayar and Dhamazedi Roads. +95 (0) 1 516 639; +95 (0) 1 538 531 Taxi from downtown

Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Further connecting Chinese business ventures with Myanmar ? 1-5, Shwedagon Pagoda Rd., Cor. of Kannar Rd., Latha Tsp +95 (0) 1 610 924 wmi@mptmail.net.mm Taxi from downtown

Myanmar US Chamber of Commerce The Myanmar/US Chamber of Commerce aims to bridge, develop and share the historical business and commerce opportunities Myanmar offers now and in the coming years. +95 (0) 1 251580 Contact Eric Rose of Herzfeld Rubin Meyer & Rose Law Firm Limited :Eric.rose@hrmr.us

Singapore Association of Myanmar Started in 1993, SAM is an association for Singaporeans living in Myanmar with around 300 members. ? 72, Chindwin Road (next to Blazon) Yangon

+95 (0) 9 86 12246, +95 (0) 9 87 629 10 sam.secretaryangon@gmail.com

Myanmar US Chamber of Commerce (MUSCC) The Myanmar U.S. Chamber of Commerce aims to bridge the gap, develop and share business and commercial opportunities between USA and Myanmar. The headquarters are currently located in New York.

Website : www.mmuscc.org Email : info@mmuscc.org, ads@mmuscc.org

HONG KONG MYANMAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Currently in the development stage: For more information please visit: www.hkmcc.net/

German Chamber of Commerce Currently in the development stage For more information please visit: www.eurocham.org.sg +95 (0) 1 54 89 51 / +95 (0) 1 54 89 52 Fax: +95 (0) 1 54 88 99 Email: post@botschaftrangun.net.mm

EUROPEAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Currently in the development stage For more information please visit: www.eurocham.org

Breath Out Myanmar host unique parties in various locations around the city. https//www.facebook.com/breathoutmyanmar

MYANMAR EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY Established in 2010 this group organise events ranging from teambuilding activities to meetings. ? 42 YwarMa Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township

INSPIRED EVENTS An events company with offices in Malaysia as ell as Myanmar ? 37A Upper Boyazar RoadYankin Township info@ievents.biz www.ievents.biz

YANGON BOAT PARTY The guys at Yangon Boat Party hold semi regular (usually monthly) themed boat parties on Yangon River. For more details e-mail: yangonboatparty@gmail.com

Boat Party on Yangon River

+95 (0) 9 730 16397: 09 42111 9070 Myanmaremc.com

STORK AGENCY With experience in Shanghai, Mumbai, the team behind Stork Events organise larges scale events for business and individuals. ? 135 Inya Road, (corner with Dhamazedi Road) Bahan Township +95 (0) 1 511 418 thandar@storkagency.com

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breathe out myanmar

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event companies

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useful directory 113

Email: austembassy.rangoon@dfat.gov.au

DHL Express ? c/o HB Logistics, Ground Floor, 58 Wardan Street, Lanmadaw township +95 (0) 1 215516~18

Express Mail Service International ? 361 Pyay Road (near Hanthawaddy roundabout), Sanchaung township +95 (0) 1 515151, +95 (0) 1 503576, +95 (0) 1 503579

Bangladeshi Embassy ? 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 515275, +95 (0) 1 526144 Fax: +95 (0) 1 515273 Monday - Thursday: 9:30am - 1pm/ 2:00pm 5:00pm Friday: 9:00am - 12:30pm/ 2:00pm - 5:00pm mission.yangon@mofa.gov.bd

Post Office ? Corner of Bo Aung Kyaw St & Strand Road,

Brazilian Embassy

Botahtaung township

? 56 Pyay Road, 6.5 Mile, Hlaint Township, Yan-

gon

Embassies and consulates Most foreign embassies and consulates are based in Yangon. Check the governments Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mofa.gov.mm) for more information.

American Embassy ? 110, University Ave, Kamayut Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 535 756, +95 (0) 1 538038 Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm except for Embassy Holidays Fax: (95)-(1)-511-069 Website: http://burma.usembassy.gov/ Email: 1776Rgn@gmail.com, ConsularRangoo@state.gov

Australian Embassy ? 88 Strand Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 251810, +95 (0) 1 246462, +95 (0) 1 246463, Emergency: +61 2 6261 3305 The Embassy is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays. The Visa office is open for counter enquiries from 9:30am to 12 noon and telephone enquiries from 1pm to 4pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays.

Fax: +95 1 246159 Website: http://www.burma.embassy.gov.au

+95 (0) 1 507 225; +95 (0) 1 507 251, +95 (0) 1 507482 Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Bruneian Embassy ? No 17, KBZ Yeikthar Street, Shwe Taung Gyar (1) Ward, Bahan, Sanchaung Township, Yangon +95 (0) 1 526985, +95 (0) 1 524285, +95 (0) 1 503978 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 12:30pm/ 1:30pm 4:30pm Fax: (951) 512 854/ 527165 Email: myangon.myanmar@mfa.gov.bn bruneiemb@bruneiemb.com.mm

Cambodian Embassy The Royal Embassy of Cambodia ? 25(3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp,Yangon +95 (0) 1 549609, +95 (0) 1 540964 Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 12:00pm/ 2:00pm 5:00pm Consular: Monday to Thursday: 9:00am - 11:00pm, 2:00pm - 3:30pm Fax : 541462 E-mail : recyangon@myanmar.com.mm

KnowIt / November 2014

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CONSULATES

EMBASSIES

canadian embassy

Egyptian Embassy

? 9th floor, Centrepoint Tower, Sule Pagoda Road,

? 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon

Yangon +95 (0) 1 384 805 Fax: +95 (0) 1 384806 E-mail: YNGON@international.gc.ca

+95 (0) 1 222886 - 222887 - Dir 222296 Fax: +95 (0) 1 222865

French Embassy

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? 102 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, BP 858

Chinese Consulate ? Yadanar Lane, Yangyi Aung Road

Mandalay, Myanmar City: Mandalay Phone: 00952-34457 +95 (0) 9 5234458, +95 (0) 9 5235937 Fax: +95 (0) 1 235944 Website: http://mandalay.chineseconsulate.org Email: chinaconsul_man_mm@mfa.gov.cn

Chinese Embassy ? No.1 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road Yangon, Union of Myanmar Phone: +95-1-221280 +95 (0) 1221281 Fax: +95-1-227019 Website: http://mm.china-embassy.org Email: chinaemb_mm@mfa.gov.cn

+95 (0) 1 212 520 / 523 / 528 / 530 / 532 or 212 178 Fax: +95 (0) 1 212 527 Website: http://www.ambafrance-mm.org/ Email: ambafrance.rangoun@diplomatie.gouv.fr

German Embassy ? 9 Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Town-

ship, Rangoon (Yangon) 11201 +95 (0) 1 54 89 51 / +95 (0) 1 54 89 52 Fax: +95 (0) 1 54 88 99 Email: post@botschaftrangun.net.mm

Indian Consulate ? T-1/25, 65th Street, Corner of Ngu War Street Chan Mya Thazi Township Myothit-I +95 (0) 2 80355 Fax: +95 (0) 1 280366 Emergency Mail: cc.mandalay@mea.gov.in

EMBASSIES

? No. 545-547, Merchant Street P.O. Box No. 751, +95 (0) 9 5491219, +95 (0) 1 243972, +95 (0) 1 388412, +95 (0) 1 243972 Fax: +95 (0) 1 254086 Website: http://www.indiaembassy.net.mm Email: indiaembassy@mptmail.net.mm

Fax : 227446 E-mail : Laomyanmar@yahoo.com

Malaysian Embassy ? 82, Pyidaungsu Yeikhta Road, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 220248/ +95 (0) 1 220249 Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm Fax: +95 (0) 1 221840 Website: http://www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/yangon Email: malyangon@kln.gov.my

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Indian Embassy

CONSULATES

Indonesian Embassy Nepalese Embassy ? 16 Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 545880 Fax: (+95-1) 549803

Israeli Embassy

Pakistani Embassy

? No. 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon

? A-4, Diplomatic Quarters, P.O. Box 581, Pyay Road,

+95 (0) 1 515115 Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm Fax: +95 (0) 1 515116 Website: http://yangon.mfa.gov.il Email: info@yangon.mfa.gov.il

+95 (0) 1 222881 Fax: +95 (0) 1 221147 Email: pakeembyangon@gmail.com

Philippine Embassy ? No. 7, Gandamar Road, Yankin Township, Yangon

Italian Embassy ? 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 527 100/1 Fax: +95 (0) 1 514 565 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm Email: ambitaly@ambitaly.net.mm

Japanese Embassy

+95 (0) 1 558149 to 15 Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Fax: +95 (0) 1 558154 Website: http://www.philembassy-yangon.com Email: p.e.yangon@gmail.com Details: H.E. (Ms.) MA. HELLEN M. BARBER Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

? No.100, Natmauk Road, Bahan Township Yangon, Union of Myanmar +95 (0) 1 549644~8 Fax: +95 (0) 1 549643 Website: http://www.mm.emb-japan.go.jp Email: info.cul@yn.mofa.go.jp/ eco@yn.mofa.go.jp

Russian Embassy

Laotian Embassy

Serbian Embassy

Embassy of the Lao Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Republic.

? 114-A Inya Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon P O Box 943 +95 (0) 1 515282 / +95 (0) 1 515283 Fax: +95 (0) 1 504274 Email: serbemb@yangon.net.mm

? A-1 Diplomatic Quarters, Taw Win Road, Dagon

Tsp., Yangon. +95 (0) 1 222482 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm, 2:00pm - 4:30pm Consular: Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

? 38 Sagawa Road, Dagon Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 241955, +95 (0) 1 254161 Fax: +95 (0) 1 241 953, +95 (0) 1 254553 Website: http://www.rusembmyanmar.org Email: rusinmyan@yandex.ru

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? 100 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar +95 (0) 1 254465, +95 (0) 1 254469, +95 (0) 1 229750 Fax: +95 (0) 1 254468 Email: bidpen@indonesia.com.mm

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CONSULATES

EMBASSIES

Singaporean Embassy

Sri Lankan Embassy

? 238 Dhamazedi Road Bahan Township Yangon

? 34 Tawwin Road, Dagon Township, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 559001 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 1:00pm/ 2:00pm - 5:00pm Visa Hours : Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 11:30am (Visa application) 2:30pm - 4:00pm (Visa collection) The Embassy is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Fax: +95 (0) 1 559002/ Visa Fax : +95 (0) 1 559921 Website: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/yangon Email: singemb_ygn@sgmfa.gov.sg

+95 (0) 1 222812 Fax: +95 (0) 1 221509 Email: srilankaemb@mptmail.net.mm, embsrilanka@mptmail.net.mm

Swedish Consulate ? No.130(B), Than Lwin Street, Bahan Towhship, Yangon

+95 (0) 1 539901, +95 (0) 1 511256, +95 (0) 9 5006972 Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 12.30pm Email: smtmhr@myanmar.com.mm

Korean Embassy ? 97, University Avenue, Bahan Tsp., Yangon.

+95 (0) 1 527142~4, +95 (0) 1 515190, +95 (0) 1 524148 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm/ 1:30pm - 5:00pm Fax : +95 (0) 1 513286/ E-mail : myanmar@mofa.go.kr

Thai Embassy

? 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp., Yangon.

? No.94, Pyay Road, Manawhari Street, Dagon Township,Yangon +95 (0) 1 226-721, +95 (0) 1 226728, +95 (0) 1 226824 Visa and Consular section : Application for Visa/ Legalization 9.00am - 11.30am Collection of Visa / Legalization 2.00pm - 5.00pm Fax: +95 (0) 1 221713/ Email: thaiygn@mfa.go.th

+95 (0) 1 512642, +95 (0) 1 510205 Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm/ 2:00pm - 6:00pm/ Fax : +95 (0) 1 510206

United Kingdom of Great Britain

Democratic Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Korea

? 80, Strand (Kan-na) Road, Kyauntada Tsp., Yangon.

+95 (0) 1 370867, +95 (0) 1 380322, +95 (0) 1 371852, +95 (0) 1 371853, +95 (0) 1 256438, +95 (0) 1 370863~5 Monday -Thursday: 8:00am - 12:30pm, 1:30pm 4:30pm/ Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm Visa Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:15am - 9:45am Fax : +95 (0) 1 370866

Vietnamese Embassy ? Building No.70-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp

+95 (0) 1 511305 Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 11:00am/ 2:00pm - 4:00pm Fax: +95 (0) 1 514897 Website: http://www.vietnamembassy-myanmar.org/ Email: vnembmyr@cybertech.net.mm

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Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) DVB begun life in 1992 as an activist organisation abroad, aiming to provide information to people within the country who could not gain access to it. The organisation now has an office in the country and reports mainly about the ongoing political situation – dvb.no

The Irrawaddy The Irrawaddy is another formerly-exiled group that has officially returned to the country. Today, Irrawaddy publishes journals in both English and Burmese language and its English-language monthly often publishes interesting stories about Myanmar and the Southeast Asia region. – irrawady.org

Mizzima News The final in the trio of exiled media groups making their return, Mizzima appears to have taken more of a business approach with its content these days. It produces a daily newspapers in Burmese, a weekly business magazine and weekly television business and sports programmes – mizzima.com

Myanma Freedom Daily The first privately owned English language daily publishes news about politics and has a particular focus on highlighting the grievances of the country’s many ethnic groups – mmfreedom-daily.com

Myanmar Times The weekly general newspaper has both an English and Burmese language version – mmtimes.com

Travel Websites MYANMORE The most up-to-date guide for all the latest goings on in Yangon, whether that’s entertainment, nightlife, art or life in the city – myanmore.com

Go-Myanmar.com An extensive website on travel destinations in Myanmar – go-myanmar.com

Lonely Planet Lonelyplanet.com

CNN Sometimes runs informative articles about travel within Myanmar – cnngo.com TripAdvisor – For up-to-date reviews of hotels, restaurants and sights in Myanmar – tripadvisor.com

Myanmar Blogs Becky in Burma beckyinburma.blogspot.com – Becky is no longer living in Myanmar but her website still offers useful advice, particularly for families considering relocating to the country.

Myanmar Business Today (MBT) Founded in 2013, MBT is quickly emerging as a strong resource for business developments in the country. It is Myanmar’s first bilingual business journal – mmbiztoday.com

Cliff Lonsdale – clifflonsdale. com “I’m a fairly average bloke who happens to live

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News Websites

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further resources

a fairly amazing life filled with unbelievable experiences,” Cliff says by way of introduction.

Cliff blogs about general life, occasionally ranting (in a fun way) about the world around him.

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Errant Clickings (Julian Ray Photography) – errantclickings.com Photographer Julian Ray documents life in Myanmar and across the world and his blog has some very powerful images.

KnowIt / November 2014

Jessica Mudditt’s Blog jessicamudditt.com – Journalist Jessica Mudditt regularly shares stories about life in Myanmar.

Life in the Tropics by Marek Lenarcik – lifeinthetropics.org – Marek works in Myanmar’s ever-changing Tourism industry and regularly writes about issues and changes in the industry.

Wilsonblades Couple Wilson (him) and Blades (her) blog about the ups and downs of family life for expat.

Books Glass Palace (2000) by Amitav Ghosh This epic historical novel takes you through some of the most important events in Southeast Asia in the last two centuries, taking in Myanmar, India and Malaysia. The story begins in Mandalay in the 19th century when British troops invade the then-capital and leads us to almost current day events. Despite being fiction, it offers some great background into the country’s past.

Freedom from Fear (1991) by Aung San Suu Kyi A collection of essays written by former democracy icon and now leader of the opposition, Aung San Suu Kyi, Freedom from Fear documents her thoughts during her many years of house arrest.

Burmese Days (1934) by George Orwell Formulated during his stay in Burma in the 1920s but written about ten years later, Burmese Days is an excellently satirical take on British rule in what was then the British Raj.

Where China Meets India Burma and the New Crossroads of Asia (2012)

by Thant Myint U – Historian, and grandson of former UN Secretary-General U Thant, Thant Myint-U travels across the region connecting Myanmar with India and China to look at how Myanmar’s opening up can affect the region and the world.

From the Land of Green Ghosts A Burmese Odyssey (2003) by Pascal Khoo Thwe – A terrific tale of a young man in Burma meeting an English professor in Mandalay during anti-government protests in 1988.

The River of Lost Footsteps Histories of Burma (2006) by Thant Myint-U – A more personal tale than Thant Myint-U’s other book, River of Lost Footsteps, tells the history of modern day Myanmar, interweaving it with his own family’s story.

Burma Chronicles (2007) by Guy Delisle

Finding George Orwell in Burma (2006) by Emma Larking

A great graphic novel/memoir about the writer’s time in Myanmar, living with his young son, Louise, and wife, Nadege, who works for Medeceins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in Yangon long before the country began opening up. It gives great insight into how life might have been for expats in the city before it became much more accessible.

Journalist Emma Larkin goes in search of Orwell’s little-known life in the country, where he lived before becoming a writer. Renowned for his books about repressive regimes, the book, written during military rule, cleverly links Orwell’s books with things that were happening in the country at the time.

maps 119

kachin state

hsipaw chin mandalay state mandalay division rakhine state

ngapali

ngwe saung chaung tha

pyin oo lwin shan state taunggyi

bagan kalaw

inle lake

nay pyi taw magway division kayah state pyay bago division kayin state kyaik htee yoe yangon division hpa an mon yangon state mawlamyine

ayeyarwady division

tanintharyi state

Mergui Archipelago

myeik

KnowIt / November 2014

sagaing division

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