With 135 recognized ethnic groups living inside a country not even the size of Texas, there is no one word or image to adequately capture Myanmar. In the north, snowy peaks shelter the Kachin peoples; out west, the Muslim Arakanese struggle for recognition; in the far southern islands, groups of “sea gypsies” follow the fish. The abundance of languages, dress, and customs makes it difficult to differentiate between these culturally diverse lands. The following guidelines will help volunteers in Myanmar to show consideration and avoid offense.