Myanmar Culture

Myanmar Culture:  There are many indigenous cultures that belong to the main national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan existing together in Myanmar. Myanmar is the official language but, English also widely used around the country. It is not good to wear shorts and hot pants if you would like to enter pagodas. A typical Myanmar local male wears a checkered longyi with a knot in front paired with a collared shirt, whereas woman wears a longyi with a side knot that shows a very tiny bit of leg along with a matching blouse. Most Myanmar people are using “Mingalarbar” to greet one another. Myanmar people hand over things, especially money with the right hand. Myanmar people are hospitable and warm-hearted. Please respect their culture and familiarise yourself with the local etiquette.

What to Wear:  Most of the locals dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and legs despite the high temperatures. Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants, and t-shirts were our attire of choice. These are strongly encouraged and often enforced for entering the temples and pagodas. Local men wear a longyi, like a smart sarong-style skirt that wraps around their waist, which is apparently good enough for air circulation. Entering Pagoda’s means going barefoot and flip-flops are the best footwear choice. You are suggested to bring some cleaning wipes to wipe your feet after visiting a pagoda.