Sustainability Do’s and Don’ts (Myanmar)

Dos:

- Remove both shoes AND socks before entering any pagoda or monastery grounds; you must be completely barefoot as a sign of ultimate religious respect.

- Dress with high modesty; ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. A "Longyi" (Burmese sarong) is highly recommended and widely appreciated by locals in the sacred Shwedagon area.

- Use "Mingalaba" (the auspicious greeting) with a gentle bow of the head; it fosters a warm connection with locals and shows respect for Burmese traditions.

- Use both hands (or your right hand supported by your left) when giving or receiving items, especially money; this is a sign of politeness and sincerity.

- Reuse towels and linens by participating in the "Think first think earth Let's save It" programme to signal you don't need a daily change, saving significant water and energy.

- Practise proper waste segregation by using the designated bins for recyclables and general waste.

- Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce the massive amount of single-use plastic waste.

- Support local artisans by buying souvenirs from community markets rather than mass-produced to ensure your money stays local.

- Appreciate and protect native plants; avoiding the removal of flowers or seeds helps maintain the micro-ecosystems that support urban wildlife.

- Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based like zinc oxide) before swimming to protect fragile coral reefs from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone.

Don’ts:

- Don't point your feet at the Shwedagon Pagoda or any Buddha images when sitting; always tuck your legs behind you or sit in a cross-legged position that hides your soles.

- Don't touch a Monk’s robes or a person’s head; the head is the most sacred part of the body, and religious figures must be treated with physical distance and respect.

- Don't take photographs or videos of security personnel, checkpoints, or government buildings; this is strictly prohibited for security reasons and can lead to the confiscation of your device or legal questioning.

- Don't leave the air conditioning on when you leave your room; cooling an empty room is the single biggest waste of energy in Thai hotels.

- Don't dispose of sanitary products or wet wipes down the toilet; please use the provided bins to prevent blockages and protect local water systems.

- Don't buy illegal animal products; avoid purchasing ivory, tortoise shell, or items made from protected species, as these support poaching and are illegal to export.

- Don't feed wildlife, especially monkeys or fish; this disrupts their natural diet, makes them aggressive, and causes ecological imbalance.

- Don't take shells or coral from the beach; it is illegal to export these, and removing them deprives the ecosystem of vital calcium and habitat.