Travel Responsibly in Myanmar

Either you are travel independently or join a group to explore the disverse country of Myanmar, there are always things that you can support local and make your holiday more meaningful as a responsible travelers.

As a local tour operator, Mr. Zaw a local Myanmar Tour Operator shares some tips of how to travel responsibly in Myanmar :

Respect Local Culture

You may find it uncomfortable to take off your shoes or your dress must covers your shoulder but this action for local Burmese is to pay the respect to Buddha. There are actually not so many practices on this matter as Myanmar people have high tolerance for the action that you are not familiar, we suggest you to read some guidebook or dos and donts list in Myanmar ( Myanmar Tourism )
 

Support locally run business

From one city to another, there are many hotels, guesthouses own by Burmese people. Though big hotel chain may offer some advantages, small hotels displays high level of authentic Burmese hospitality.
We strongly recommend you not to stay in government owned properties.
Homestay is not popular so far but you will support a lot the villager if you stay with them.
Join local people in a teashop, hire a horse drawn cart or bikes … means your money will go directly to the pocket of the villagers.
 

Do not give Children Money

We are totally against the idea of giving money to children as it does not help to illuminate the poverty but keeping the kids the habits of begging. It feels terrible to say no when kids ask for money but the right thing is to donate for local monastery or NGOS.

 

Protect the environment

There are two things you can do to participate :
- Do not buy the leathers / rare animals or animal related products
- Do not through the rubbish on the way.
 

Join hands with NGOs and supporting campaign

Social enterprises like Yangon Bake House is a good address for a nice break in Yangon but also a place you drink for a good cause.
If you want to travel and do something good for local, find the volunteer program with Friends for Asia who offers teaching English course.
Local Yangon Travel Agency, Tour Yangon launches campaign at the end of 2016 to support warm clothes in the far north, booking some tours with them means you will help other Burmese.

The local tour operator One Stop Myanmar funds a clinic in Yangon, why don’t you book the excursion with them then ?