The passport-check at Yangon International Airport told an interesting story. Two men in front of me, in the "Diplomats and Officials" line were dressed in what is often described in the fashion pages as smart-casual. They carried US diplomatic passports. In front of them stood two men, attired in black suits. They spoke in Japanese.

Regardless of attire, the polite female customs official had a warm smile of greeting for everyone. "For the summit?" she asked when she returned my passport, a question she must have asked many times.

Flight tickets to Nay Pyi Taw from Bangkok were sold out two weeks before the ASEAN related summit. The normally quiet capital has become a hive of activity as it welcomes leaders from the region and beyond. Times are changing in Myanmar.

Most vehicles, seem at first glance, to be Japanese. After Western countries lifted sanctions on Myanmar in 2012, thousands of vehicles are negotiating the country's streets.

But there is a problem. Cars in Myanmar drive on the right, with the steering wheel on the left. But many of the imported cars came from countries that drive on the left, which can make for an interesting journey for both drivers and passengers.

The driver of my rented car admitted it could be a bit scary, an opinion I found myself in white-knuckle agreement with, despite his skill at maneuvering between other cars.

In a Nay Pyi Taw night market, Chinese products are easily found at almost every shop, from lollipops to cookers.

One man I met seemed to personify the newera.

"Chinese products play a major role in daily life here. They are reliable and not expensive," said the 33-year-old Yangon born but US educated doctor. His grandfather recently received treatment in a hospital in Yunnan province.

Residents of the capital are justifiably proud that they are hosting such big events, but they are also concerned with their normal day-to-day concerns.

"The summit is a major event for our country. But in reality, wed on't care that much. We care who will help us to improve our education and provide more business opportunities," said a grocery stall owner.