Health

Health care: Health insurance is strongly recommended. There are hospitals and clinics in cities and larger towns, and regional health centers in outlying areas. It is advisable to carry a remedy against minor enteric upsets.

 

Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas. Cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Myanmar. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country. Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is strongly advised. Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists below 1000m (3281ft). The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine and doxycycline, depending on the specific area visited.

 

Food and drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 

Other risks: Diarrhoea, amoebic and bacillary dysentery, and typhoid fever are all common. Japanese encephalitis may be caught via mosquito bites, particularly in rural areas between June and October. A vaccine is available, and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Filariasis, dengue fever, trachoma and Hepatitis A, B and E are also present.

Safety

Safety: The people in Myanmar are extremely friendly and polite. So for the tourist, it is a very safe country. Robberies and thefts are extremely uncommon. But like always, use your common sense; take care of your valuables in crowded places, and don't expose your wealth when changing money. Take care when you want to talk about politics, not for yourself, but because the people you talk to can get in trouble. They will give you a sign when it's safe for them to talk about it.

 

Natural Hazards: Almost the entire country is affected by natural hazards. Drought is the most persistent hazard. Cyclones impact three small distinct regions; earthquakes and floods significantly affect similar areas. Landslides also present a significant risk for regions on the western border.