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Social Profile
Food & Drink: The regional food is hot and spicy. Fish, rice, noodles and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies are the common local ingredients. Local dishes include lethok son (a sort of spicy vegetarian rice salad), mohinga (fish soup with noodles) and oh-no khauk swe (rice noodles, chicken and coconut milk). The avocados by Inle Lake are very good. Delicious fruits are available in the markets and food stalls appear on the corners of most large towns. Chinese and Indian cuisine is offered in many hotels and restaurants.
Tea is a popular drink; the spices which are added to it can make the tongue turn bright red. Locally produced soft drinks are generally of poor quality and rather expensive. Coffee is not common. Locally produced beer, rum, whisky and gin are generally available.
Nightlife: Western-style nightlife is almost non existent, although there are occasional performances in Yangon’s three theatres as well as a number of rock and pop groups gaining in popularity. Cinemas are popular and seven of Yangon’s 50 cinemas regularly show English-language films.
Shopping: Souvenirs include handicrafts and jewellery. In Yangon, a good place to shop is Bogyoke Aung San Market which sells luxury items, handicrafts, food stuffs, clothing, jewellery and consumer goods. It is open from 0800-1800 (except Sunday and public holidays) but the best time to visit is around 1000. Mandalay is a good place for traditional handicrafts which can be purchased at Zegyo Market. Phatahe Bazaar sells Buddhist articles of worship. Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 0800-2200.
Special Events: The Buddhist calendar is full of festivals, many timed to coincide with the full moon. Any visitor would be unlucky not to be able to enjoy at least one during their stay. The Myanmar New Year, Maha Thingyan, takes place in mid-April and celebrations last for at least three days. Two other major festivals are Thadingyut, at the October full moon, and Tazaungdaing, in early November. The Buddhist Lent (July to October) is marked by three months’ fasting and other religious observances. Other events are: the annual Gems Emporium in February; the Cultural Performances Festival in March; the International Machinery Expo in May and the Trade Fair in Sept/Oct.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. Full names are used, preceded by U (pronounced oo) in the case of an older or well-respected man’s name, Aung for younger men and Ko for adult males; a woman’s name is preceded by Daw. Courtesy and respect for tradition and religion is expected; for instance, shoes and socks must be removed before entering any religious building and it is customary to remove shoes before entering a traditional home (in most modern residences this is no longer observed except in bedrooms). When sitting, avoid displaying the soles of the feet, as this is considered offensive. Small presents are acceptable and appreciated, although never expected. Shorts and mini-skirts should not be worn. Tipping: It is usual to give five to ten per cent on hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
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