Local Customs & Etiquette in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma
1. Pagoda Etiquette
Respectful attire and behavior required when visiting pagodas. Remove shoes before entering.
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
- Silence: Whisper or be silent while inside the pagoda.
- Offerings: Bring offerings like flowers, candles, and coins if you wish.
2. Bogyoke Aung San Market
Popular marketplace selling a variety of Burmese goods. Haggling is expected and encouraged.
- Haggling: Start with a lower price to negotiate the best deal.
- Bargain Range: Expect to reduce the initial price by half or more.
- Market Etiquette: Be polite and friendly during negotiations.
3. National Kandawgyi Garden
Beautiful botanical garden with a variety of flowers, trees, and bird species. Take care not to disturb the wildlife.
- Wildlife Care: Do not feed or touch the animals.
- Photography: Ask permission before taking photos of people within the garden.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on marked paths to protect the flora and fauna.
4. Uppatasanti Pagoda
The most important pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw, housing a tooth relic of Buddha. Visitors must dress respectfully.
- Dress Code: Wear long pants and cover your shoulders.
- Silence: Respect the peaceful atmosphere by staying quiet.
- Offerings: Bring flowers or other offerings to show reverence.
5. Zeley Market
Traditional market selling fresh produce and local goods. Be aware of weighing items before purchasing.
- Weighing Items: Ensure the scale is accurate before accepting the weight.
- Bargaining: Negotiate prices to find a fair deal.
- Market Etiquette: Be patient and polite with the vendors.
6. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Building
Parliament building open for guided tours. Respectful attire is required and no photos are allowed inside.
- Dress Code: Wear long pants, shirts with sleeves, and avoid shorts or skirts.
- Tour Schedule: Check the official website for tour times and availability.
- No Photography: Leave your camera or phone in your hotel room.
7. Myazedi Monument
Historic monument engraved with inscriptions in four different scripts. Show respect by maintaining silence and not touching the monument.
- Silence: Whisper or be silent while near the monument.
- Respectful Touching: Do not touch the engravings to preserve them.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the monument's history before visiting.
8. Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Garden
Home to various wildlife species. Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
- Animal Disturbance: Do not approach or feed the animals.
- Photography: Take photos from a distance without flash or disrupting the animals.
- Zoo Etiquette: Stay on marked paths and follow the zoo's rules.
9. Nay Pyi Taw Botanical Garden
Beautiful garden featuring a variety of plants and flowers. Show respect for the flora by not picking or damaging the plants.
- Plant Respect: Do not pick, touch, or damage the plants.
- Photography: Take photos from a distance without flash or disrupting the plants.
- Botanical Garden Etiquette: Stay on marked paths and follow the garden's rules.
10. Nay Pyi Taw City Hall
Historic building with a beautiful architectural design. Dress respectfully when visiting.
- Dress Code: Wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
- Guided Tour: Take a guided tour to learn about the building's history.
- Respectful Behavior: Speak quietly and respectfully within the City Hall.
11. Nay Pyi Taw Stadium
Home to Burmese football matches. Respect local customs and cheer appropriately during games.
- Cheering Etiquette: Cheer for your team enthusiastically but avoid offensive or disrespectful language.
- Match Schedule: Check the official schedule for match times and availability.
- Stadium Rules: Follow the stadium's rules, including not bringing food or drinks.
12. Nay Pyi Taw Mosque
Beautiful mosque open for worship and visits. Dress modestly when visiting.
- Dress Code: Wear long pants, shirts with sleeves, and a headscarf for women.
- Respectful Behavior: Remove shoes before entering the mosque and speak quietly.
- Mosque Etiquette: Follow the mosque's guidelines for visitors.
13. Nay Pyi Taw Synagogue
The only synagogue in Burma. Visitors should dress respectfully and contact the Rabbi for visits.
- Dress Code: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Contact the Rabbi: Arrange a visit with the Rabbi in advance.
- Respectful Behavior: Speak quietly and respectfully within the synagogue.
14. Nay Pyi Taw Cathedral
Beautiful Catholic church open for worship and visits. Dress respectfully when visiting.
- Dress Code: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Respectful Behavior: Speak quietly and respectfully within the cathedral.
- Cathedral Etiquette: Follow the cathedral's guidelines for visitors.
15. Trishaw Rides
Affordable and popular mode of transportation in Nay Pyi Taw. Negotiate prices before starting the ride.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiate a price for the trishaw ride before getting on.
- Safety: Wear a helmet and ensure the trishaw driver is wearing one as well.
- Respectful Bargaining: Negotiate fairly and politely with the trishaw driver.