tsunami damage to myanmar and its reefs

we are planning on visiting myanmar and also diving its waters via thailand (rangon) departure in April. Has anyone heard about damage to the country or its reefs from the tsunami?

tsunami damage to myanmar and its reefs

Currently the government are reporting little bar the 90 odd dead but news is leaking out about battered coastlines %26amp; possiblilties of a greater death toll. The governemnt is currently monitoring all emails out of Myanmar so information is restricted, aid offered by the Chinese has been turned down.

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake

This resort is absolutely heaven on earth. The service is impeccable and the staff is very friendly. Spacious, luxurious bungalows on stilts and a main building with a great bar and restaurant. Managed by Burmese woman and her French husband. Hotel is one of three owned by her father. They are in process of building a new spa facility and rumor has it they are negotiating an affiliation with Aman Resorts chain. The lake is magical. Boat trips to villages around the 20+ mile long lake are amazing. Vistas are spectacular. Hard to get to location, but it is definitely worth it. Jane Fonda and Mick Jagger are some of their recent guests.

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake

Hello, Do you have a few digital pictures that you could e-mail me of this resort? I am going to Myanmar the first part of May on a mission trip for 2 weeks. On my way home I would like to visit this resort.

Thank you for your time,

Randy in Ohio

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake

Sorry for the slow response, but tripadvisor didn%26#39;t notify me there was a reply to my posting. I have several pics of the resort. Leave me your email address and I can send them to you.

structuretoptr

Invitation to travel Myanmar (Burma)

http://www.7courier.com is one of the best Myanmar Travel Guide website I think.

You can find the best nature and culure exploration. Burma Myanmar Travel Guide and Burma Myanmar Travel Information Web Site include all Myanmar Informatoin.

Travel to Myanmar Burma,

Myanmar Travel Guide,

Burma Travel Guide,

Myanmar Travel Tips,

Myanmar Maps,

Myanmar Travel Directory,

Myanmar Online Travel News,

Myanmar Travel Agent List,

Myanmar Hotel List,

Myanmar Tourists Attraction,

Myanmar Tourists Guide,

Travel Myanmar,

Travel burma,

Trekking,

Yangon,

Bagan,

Inle,

Mraukoo and many other resourcses..

Invitation to travel Myanmar (Burma)

But their English is awful....I know that it%26#39;s newly developed one. I am opinionated of ';something is better than nothing.

Visa

(1) How do I get a VISA for Myanmar?

(2) I hear that they are doing Electronic Visas?

(3) Can anyone recommend a company that I can

get a Visa from online?

(4) Any other info on getting a Visa for Myanmar would be greatly appreciated!

With thanks

Visa

If you want to handle the details yourself, go to

www.mewashingtondc.com/visas_passports.htm

for a printable copy of the application form and details on how to apply.

There are a number of companies that will do this for you, for a fee. Do a search under visas for Myanmar.

Visa

I just got my visa. No need to pay extra for a company to do it for you. Go to www.visastogoabroad.com, download the application, attach the required photos and send it to the embassy in DC. I sent mine by priority mail and enclosed an express mail return envelope and I got it back within 6 days!

I am pretty late in replying. But to answer for the others who has got similar questions on Myanmar (BURMA) Visa, hopefully this is helpful.

1) Myanmar Visa can be obtained on respective Myanmar Embassies in the ';Country where you apply visa'; or NEXT to your Country where Myanmar Embassy exits.

2) Yes, go directly to http://www.visa.gov.mm. NOTE: the information is based on the source from www.peacehousetravel.com/faq.html#visa.

1) in respective Myanmar Embassies where you apply/live or A Country NEXT to your Country where hold Myanmar Embassy.

2) Go directly to http://www.visa.gov.mm

Read the link : http://www.peacehousetravel.com/faq.html#visa

makeup

Flights within Myanmar

I am planning a trip to Myanmar but can%26#39;t find a convenient way to make reservations for the internal flights . The only method I have found is by e mail with travel agencies in Myanmar. Is there any agent in the US that you can talk to on the phone and book reservations?

Flights within Myanmar

Hi, I have tried the same thing myself but have been advised that the only way to get flights is to turn up at Bangkok %26amp; book from there - or wait til you are in Myanmar %26amp; then book - if you find a different way let me know I am trying the same thing but from UK.

Flights within Myanmar

The reasons for the difficulty are that credit cards are not accepted in Myanmar and visitors need to have a visa ahead of time. I recommend you contact Diethelm Travel%26#39;s office in Bangkok and see if they can help you. They have a website with contact info. We were on a tour that used them as the Thai/Myanmar local agency. They booked us within Myanmar on Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways, and between Bangkok and Yangon on Thai Airlines.

I%26#39;m sorry that my info will be a bit old, and I will have to look up the name of the contact agency in Bankok....I think it is Irawaddy Travel. The couple tht ran this agency were from Myranmar (or Burma as I like to think of it before it became a military h unta run country)...and they put together a wonderful package for my traveling there back in l998.

If you can%26#39;t find anyone who will book this trip in or from the US...if you have the time frame for that part of your trip %26#39;alotted%26#39; in your other travel plans, once you get to Bankok, you can arrange your trip from there. You will have to spend some time in Bankok however....we managed to do it with just one day in Bankok, but I would suggest that you plan on at least 3 days in Thailand for all the arrangements to be made.

It is an incredibly beutiful country as are its people. I regret that we only had a 4 night package. I will never forget a sunset from the top of one of the stuppas (sp?) in the archeological site.

Good luck!

Colorado Belle

Everyone

We are a reliable travel agency in Bangkok with very good connections in Burma. We can arrange air, rail and boat travel as well as hotels and private tours with good English speaking guides. We send a couple of dozen people every year with good reports. We are UK owned and operated agency with 10 years experience in SE Asia travel. Feel free to email with questions to info@dtctravel.com and we%26#39;ll get back to you with good, current information.

Regards

Will

DTC

Twante and Bago

We have two days at the end of our trip. How interesting are Twante and Bago -- or should we go back and use the extra time inf Bangkok?

Twante and Bago

Dear Souri,

For Twante, you can see hand made pot factory and ways of life. These pots are very very cheap lower than US$50 for one pot but in europe that pot is above US$2000 for one pot. You can see the ways of life.

For Bago, you can see the second biggest reclining Buddah image, Shwemaedaw pagoda which is 3 meters higher than Shwedagon pagoda that is built by 16 tons of gold plates and 98 meter high. And also you can see the Mon enthic village and hand weaving . And then you can see the stream engine train since second world war.

If you like to know any informatins , please contact to me.

regards,

wintours

Twante and Bago

In comparism, Twante is a bit difficult to access than Bago. Bago is a city of 15 Century and Twante is a pottery town.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Twante : http://peacehousetravel.com/twante.html#top

Bago : http://peacehousetravel.com/bago.html#top

kyat rate

Doesnt anyone know the exchangerate dollar for kyat ???

kyat rate

last week in yangon we received 1300kyat for dollar but in Bagan the rate was a bit less 1100-1200

kyat rate

It%26#39;s a bit changing in daily basis. It should be around 1100~1200 KS per dollor. But I never experienced of 1300 KS/1 USD in these three years.

But there is a certain condition you must have a big note, 100 USD with no exception will be done for better price. No dragged, no ink or nothing on it and no BC sereies.

Hope this helps you.

The rate I got is 1275ks / US$ on 24.Sep.2005

ie hosted control

Day trips of out Yangon

Can anyone suggest day trips out of Yangon. We are on the four day Road to Mandalay cruise, and Inle Lake in late October. We have two full days in Yangon, plus an additional afternoon waiting for our flight to Bangkok. Id like to see as much of the country as possible. How do we go about hiring a driver/guide and how much should we pay. Thanks

Day trips of out Yangon

Dear wideworld,

I like to suggest you to go Golden Rock ( Kyaikhyiyo ) for day trip. That place is 120 miles from Yangon and it will take 4 hours drive. The rock round shaped is situated and balancing on the cliff one square feet area . If they got earthquake seriously, you have no chance to see that position again and it will disappear. This is the only amazing view in the world. For that trip, you have to pay for the guide fee is US$ 20 and car is US$ 130 for day trip for Ygn - Bago - Ktyo - Ygn. If you like to know other detail informatins , please contact to me.

Best regards,

wintours

Day trips of out Yangon

I hope the Golden Rock staffs by the other party would probably interest you. With No doubt, you will enjoy the trip to Golden Rock but depands on your health fit. The walk up to Rock takes about 45 minute and back same basis. I suggest hereunder the day returns;-

1) Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) it%26#39;s a bit hard for you. Something like you must do in the same day within 12/14 hours. Safe drive takes 5 hours without stop on the way (it means you must spend 10 hours to and from). But the 5 hour drive will just take you to a place called Kimpun, Base camp. From there, you must take a truck which goes up and down in rotation taking 45 minute (it means you must spend 1 and a half hour). Then truck will drop you in the middle camp and you must walk about 30/45 minute to the top. Take it into your consideration. It%26#39;s suggestable to overnight on the hill.

2) Bago : it%26#39;s more suitable for day return chancing to see WWII cementry by Common Welath Countries, Village of Pottery, Big Monestry of Bago dewlled by hundreds of monk and other buddhist monumnets that you can see in any guide books.

If you have different outlook of travelling, pls reply to me so that I can try to get you a right ones.

Adroit River thro Yangon

Thanks for your advice. It does seem like the rock may be stretching it for a day.

I may try Bago - there is a cemetery there?

Dear wideworld,

There is no cemetery in Bago. But on the way to Bago, you can see the second war war 2 cemetery in Htauk Kyant which is 27miles away from Yangon. In Bago, you have to see some pagodas. Regarding to your trip, you will visit Bagan and you will see thousands of pagoda in up country. When you arrive back in Yangon, some pagodas can not make attractions for your mind.

I like to suggest you one place, we called Pan Ta Pwint Hill which is situated in Mawbi township and it is 36 miles away from Yangon. In that place, you can see imazing monestic education high school. This school is organized by Pan Ta Pwint Hill chief monk. There are about 150 students in that school. Most of the students are orphans and some are sons and daughers of poor parents who can not send their children to the school. The chief monk provide with books, pencils, uniforms, medicine, teachers and including lunch as free of charge for all studends and visitors everyday. If you like to go there, please contact wintours@myanmar.com.mm. At the moment , the chief monk is planning to built the new building for the students and asking some donors. Most of the visitors including me when we arrive there, we donate some money as we can to the chief monk. If you are interesting that place, we will invite you and provide with A/c deluxe car to go there, and you have to pay only for just 7 gallons of gasoline for that trip.

Best regards,

Zaw

Dear wideworld,

Min-galar-bar from Myanmar !

First,allow me to introduce my self.I%26#39;m Simpatico from Yangon.Regarding your e-mail,I understand what you need.For your information,two days in Yangon visit including guide,transportation with good driver,you have to pay 199 USD per pax.It is based on per person to/from the Golden Rock Trip.

If you%26#39;d like to visit only in Yangon S/S and Thanlyin (Eastern part of Yangon),tour price will be lower than that rate.It cost only 94 USD.

If you%26#39;d tell me the exact date and how many person in your group,I%26#39;m sure to say that the price be the most reasonable and affordable for you.

Should you need further helps and information on your trip,please do not hesitate.I%26#39;ll be near you to serve for your satisfaction.

All the best,

Simpatico

Messages and ads are overwhelming, WW. I rather stop it. HuHh.... You may try Bago en route visiting some villages.

Adroit River Thro%26#39; Yangon

avoiding planes

Hi i%26#39;m going to visit myanmar in November, bought my plane ticket to yangon.

How can i reach mandalay avoiding planes (train, boat...), and how long will it take?

Is it that difficult to travel by any other mean than plane in myanmar?

avoiding planes

i am also going in november and plan to take the train up the 1930 to arrive mandalay 0717 next morning.I will also take boat express from mandalay to Bagan and overland from Mount Popa to Thazi for the train to Inle lake.I too want to avoid to many planes

have fun

alex

Travel to Myanmar

My husband and I are planning a trip to Myanmar in November we are old hands at travelling to Asia but it is our first trip to Myanmar. We will enter the country from Thailand does anyone have any suggestions on what Airline to use or not use I hear the Government Airline is a bit suspect. What is the approximate return costs of flights from Thailand, can we fly out of Chang Mai or does it have to be from Bangkok and any other travel tips of interest the usual do%26#39;s and dont%26#39;s would be a great help. We hope to have one week in Yangon and one week in Mandaly before returning to Thailand for our trip home to Australia.

Travel to Myanmar

My wife and I just returned from a week in Myanmar. We flew Thai Airways from Bangkok to Yangon. It costs a bit more (around $230 round trip), but is a safe, comfortable, reliable airline. Although Yangon is an interesting city, I would strongly recommend spending some of your time in other areas such as Bagan and Inle Lake. Both were beautiful and worth visiting. Air travel within the country is safe and easy and allows you to fit in more adventures. I can provide more info, pictures, guide advice if you like.

Travel to Myanmar

If you%26#39;re travelling from Bangkok, there are flights on Thai, Bangkok Air and Myanmar Air. Bangkok Air is about US$200 round trip including tax. From Chiang Mai, only Air Mandalay flies . . . sporadically. If you need help with your trip -- we are a UK owned travel agency in Bangkok with very good Burma connections and would be happy to assist.

Hello .......... Greetings from Myanmar !

I live in Yangon . Most of my friends come to see me in yangon from bangkok by Bangkok Airways. They said the airline price is fair %26amp; their services are confortable.

Yes, you can come from bangkok to yangon ........ and go to mandalay %26amp; then fly to chaing mai.

Yangon %26amp; Mandalay are the main tourist attraction in myanmar, also Bagan %26amp; Inle Lake.

If I have a chance, welcome to meet you in yangon.

Regards/ whitelotus

We are travelling to Bangkok from UK in February 2006 and from there with Thai Airways to Yangon, we are spending 8 days in Burma and will fly to Mandalay. We are using a company called Audley Travel and their Burma specialist is Kate Dicks, try them they will help you, they have been brilliant in organising our trip for us as we are also visiting Kuala Lumpur. Hope you have a good time. JW

FOR those of you who have said you are willing to be contacted about your experiences/recomendations-would you please show your email address?

I am planning on traveling to Myanmar this fall and have lots of questions about logistics...

Hi,

You might want to consider going to Bagan and the Inle Lake as well. A week in Yangon is quite long, unless you plan to get out of the city.....

Dear dragon,

To enter Myanmar , Thai airways TG 303/305 is convenient for the clients. For Yangon - Chang Mai, there is only two times in a week Yangon - Chang Mai by air mandalay flight owned by private company. The flight charge about US$75 for Ygn - Chang Mai. Do you have any agents in Myanmar? If you have no agents, please contact to me.

Best regards,

wintours

I hope it%26#39;s NOT a late information for you as I came here in the trip advisor once a while.

Flight connection: Yes, you have now way but Bangkok and Chaing Mai from Thailand to Myanmar. There are Thai Airways (TG), Bangkok Airways (PG) new airline renowed for its services, Phuket Airline (which is recognized as not a good one but cheap) and Myanmar Airways International (MAI). Try to browse and surf around in the web or pls reply to me for further information.

County Access: You can also access Myanmar by border-cross from Mai Sai (Thai Land) to Tacheleik (Myanmar). The only thing you have to do is just get Myanmar Visa which is valid for 27 days. You can then across Tacheleik border. Tips: Don%26#39;t spend much time there, take a taxi to Kyaing Tong (Keng Tung) taking about 3 hours nice drive. You can spend about at least 2/3 days there and fly to Yangon or Mandalay or Heho (INLE LAKE) by Air Bagan / Air Mandalay or Yangon Airways; all private airlines in Myanmar. You will need advanced booking for that by the way.

You can spend about at least 3 days in Yangon (IN/OUT/SIGHTSEEING) and for the rest of days you can roam around Yangon such as Bago and Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) which is also worth visiting and adventure sort.

Mandalay can be done in the same way. There are also some interesting day return places from Mandalay such as Pyin Oo Lwin (May Myo), Mo Nyin Than Boddhay. It means that you can spend days as long as you can find your interest.

An modle of Myanmar program standardized for 14 days can be learned @ URL tour.peacehousetravel.com/colourful.html .

Truly,

the Adroit River

Hi

I am going to Burma too and have booked a flight through an agency in Bangkok info@viengtravel.com a guy called Mats .I go into Burma 20 November and stay 20 days.I have studied the guide book and spoken to people and decided only a few things to actually see in Yangon and see and buy things in the market which is supposed to be the best in the counrty? Will go to Bago,Kyaikhtiyo(1 night)Mandalay(3 days),Bagan(3 days)Mount Popa(1 day)Inle lake(4-5 days)as I like wildlife,local markets,nature and will chill there!and then back to Yangon for last minute shopping.It would be very sad to miss the other places by spending so much time in the 2 cities.Since you do not have so much time you can fly or take some overnight train say from yangon to Mandalay .Roads are bad and overland transport -bus very slow-better to not do too many of those unless it is a very scenic road like from Thazi to Inle Lake.My email is a.killwick@cts.uk.com if you want to contact me

makeup

Quick Bangkok - Rangon trip

Planning a 2 night trip to Yangon mid November. Want to see main wats %26amp; historical sites. Anyone with recommendations for a good value package from Bangkok, with or without air fare? Or a good value flight only + best way to get from airport to hotel?

Quick Bangkok - Rangon trip

bangkok air flys bkk-rangoon.

Check out their discovery air pass option. You have to buy 3 ';legs'; (flights). Even if you only use the 2 to/from Rangoon, it might be good deal for you.

how to email other posters

I read on this and other forums words like';if you want more information please email me';. how do I do this pse?

how to email other posters

EXCELLENT QUESTION!!!

If they don%26#39;t leave their email address, then address the sticky to them, like what I did here:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294226-i7220-k246鈥?/a>

Good luck!

cs files

gems show

I%26#39;ve been looking into the Myanmar Gems show in Yangon next to the Kaba Aya Paya. Is this event open only to merchants, or can anyone attend? Do you have to buy in lots or can you purchase single items? We were not originally planning a trip to Burma, but will be in Thailand for a month. I was considering applying for a Burma visa to attend this show if I am able. Any info anyone can pass along would be appreciated.

gems show

You can just come to Yangon as a tourist and you can get your visa on arrival at www.myanmarvisa.com. I read in the Lonelyplanet that they have a secure system and many travelers have been processed thru it.

Then you can pay a visit to Myanmar Gems show or any other places of your choice. Cheers.

Happy New Year!

gems show

do you know WHEN the biannual Gem show is?

Bringing souviners home

According to the state dept. It is illegal to bring anything from Myanmar into the U.S..Is this true or inforced?

Bringing souviners home

It is true.

It likely would be enforced if customs officials determined that you were bringing back goods from Myanmar, however it has never been an issue for me, and I have visited Myanmar many, many times.

Tour Companies

We are a family of 6 traveling to Myanmar for the first time. For convenience%26#39;s sake, we have decided to use a tour company within Myanmar. However, we are told that we must send payment in cash -- no credit card, no traveler%26#39;s checks. Obviously, we are nervous about doing that. Can anyone write about their experiences with using tour companies from Myanmar? Has anyone had experience with Yangon Tours or Asia Roads Tours specifically?

Thanks!

Tour Companies

Earlier this year we visited Myanmar using KST Tours. http://www.ksttours.com.

They were extremely helpful and we paid them in full cash when we arrived. Our trip was up the West Coast visiting Mrauk U and beach relaxation time at Ngpali Beach. Can recommend both areas.

Tour Companies

Hello,

Mingalarbar! Greetings from Myanmar!

I live in Yangon %26amp; working in tourism field as I love travelling. I give travel consultation to who want to travel to my country.

We, Myanmar Expedition Tours, are a unique group of young active people which providing tourism services in Myanmar.Especially we are offering personalized caring for all the time while you are traveling.

please contact to travels@myanmar.com.mm by my name ei.

will give the wonderful travel packages with a fair price for you.

No pre payment required if you used normal hotel %26amp; flight.

Sometime asked for prepaid as they need to pay hotel also.

regards/ eithwe

eithwe@myanmar.com.mm

Just took a group to Myanmar, and yes everything there is on a cash basis, but try Asian Trails out of Bangkok, you can go thru them, bank transfers only but very reputable company.

Yes, Asia Trails is definitely reputable. I personally prefer a non-choreographed guide. As far as paying for everything in cash - you%26#39;ll just have to get used to it. The amount of crime in Myanmar is extremely low, almost nonexistent against foreigners.

bpfungles - I strongly advise you NOT to use any Yangon based agencies. Many of them are not independent and you may well discover that your $$$ are going to people and places that are less than savory.

Thousand Lights Festival

If you happened to travel to Myanmar during the month of Feb, I would strongly recommend you to visit Kyaithiyo.

Thousand Light Festival is their annual event and probably the biggest celebration in Kyaithiyo. This special celebration draws thousand of locals from

all over Myanmar to rush to Kyaithiyo and very rare the outside world knows about it. So, be the lucky one to witness this special event.

I do have some tips and photos from my trip to Kyaithiyo, Myanmar, visit my web page below;

members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/77272/#TL

Thousand Lights Festival

when exactly is the thousand lights festival? And where is Kyatihiyo and how far is it from rangoon?

Thousand Lights Festival

The last thousand lights festival was held on the 5th Feb last year.And the kyaithiyo area was very, very crowded with the locals and some foreigners.

Kyaithiyo is located in the south of Yangon and it%26#39;s about few hours away from Yangon by bus/coach. Thanks.

Thanks, Vuzu. Am still trying to get a travel package from my travel agent here, so I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;ll be able to make it in time for the Thousand Lights. But Thanks for the information.

Kyaikthiyo is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Burma, a wonderful experience festival or not, you can find it in any guidebook, but they are weak on practicalities. It is a long road journey from Rangoon (5 - 6 hours) and that is only to the %26#39;base camp%26#39;. From there you must either transfer to a local bus, and then walk about an hour up a pretty steep hill, or be carried by palanquin. Another 2 hours in total from base camp.

A much better project is to do the traditional walk from base camp, which is very beautiful but 7 miles and 3000 feet vertical, it takes about 5 hours. You can then enjoy the sunset and sunrise, and walk back the long way, or walk down for the bus. You will need to start early (6 a.m. suggested) for the walk up as it gets very warm.

The temple itself has a village attached. Many of the Burmese visitors (of which there are literally thousands every day in season) sleep out on the platform near the temple, but there are some Western style hotels. Mountain Top or Kyaikto are OK.

You can get a taxi to take you there and back for about $20/$25. I think the best option is to stay a night at Sane Lei Tin hotel about 12 miles short of base camp (Yangon number +951 651263), clean, cheap (10$) and with a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant. Get up early the next morning for the walk.

makeup

telephone links

hallo everybody.

Will be going to Myanmar soon. Last time we were there carrying own cellphone was not allowed. Can anyone bring me uptodate and tell me if things have changed?

After all they have suppressed the 200 USD downpurchase at the customs.

Thankyou all.

telephone links

you can bring your cellularphone but it wont work in myanmar. it is very expensive to own a cellularphone in myanmar but it is cheaper to use it.

telephone links

Hi Tipitina-

No, officially there has not been a relaxation on cell phones in the country. You can bring your cell in your carry on, but it will be useless. Just don%26#39;t declare it on your customs form.

fish

visit

what is a good time weather-wise to visit? Is it safe to drive yourself? Thankyou

visit

We just arrived back from Myanmar (12days trip) on Sunday. We had the most wonderful experiences in Myanmar. We loved the sights, the people and the food. Regarding your question about driving yourself. I would not or could not suggest that you drive yourself. It is not that the traffic is so bad/mad as in other parts of Asia rather that if you had a problem and needed to deal with any officals you may find yourself in trouble. It is not expensive to hire a car and driver and this would be the more sensible approach. It would also give you the chance to look out the window and not miss any of the sights. The roads are also very bumpy off the beaten track and even on the beaten track and if your car breaks down you would have problems with communication. Will you carry a mobile phone, there are no telephone booths around. It just doesn%26#39;t seem practical to me.

Myanmar, family friendly?

Hello all-

Just wanted some opinions on traveling with small children, ages 5 and 2, to Myanmar. Is it family friendly and safe? Planning a trip in March or April %26#39;06. Brought the kids all over Thailand in Dec and we all had a great time...is it similar in kid friendly attractions? Which are some family friendly hotels with great pools? Is transportation easily accessable? Should I book with a tour co, or can I plan it just as simply as my Thailand trip?

Any and all suggestions would be happily received.

Myanmar, family friendly?

Hello,

I have two children (now teenagers) who I have dragged all over the world from 6 weeks of age. We have just arrived back Sunday 26th from our 12 days Myanmar trip so I%26#39;ll try and give you my impressions on Myanmar as a family holiday.

The good hotels are fantastic and have great swimming pools. The country is one of the cleanest asian countries I%26#39;ve visited (lived all over asai for 5 years). The food was fantastic the sights amazing! I%26#39;m normally an independent traveler but Myanmar is not the place to be independent. Not because it%26#39;s dangerous but because it is antiquated and not a huge tourist hub, this adds to the beauty of the place, not crowded with tourists but tourisim is in it%26#39;s infancy in Myanmar compared to Thailand. We used a fantastice private tour company. Our guide Mr Zaw, a director of the company had two children of his own (6 and 8) so he would know how to entertain children. Having said all that I don%26#39;t know that your children would be interested in seeing temples and monestries or countryside and if you don%26#39;t like that Myanmar doesn%26#39;t have much to offer. They do have a beach resort area which our friends visited and said it was truly wonderful. I guess it depends on what you want to do or what you want out of your holiday but the Burmese people are in my opinion as friendly as the Thai people and would go out of there way to help you with the children. Do use an independent tour company not a government one and look at their web sight to see what you would to do and see in Myanmar. I%26#39;m happy to give you the e-mail of the tour company we used. Myanmar has to be my favourite asian experience so far and I%26#39;ve lived all over Indonesia, own a place in Bali just taken a trip all over India. Seen a great amount of Thailand, Singapore, Brunie and Malaysia. If you need specific questions answered I%26#39;d be happy to do so.

Myanmar: trip Bagan - Inle lake

In april 2006 we are in Myanmar and we want to make a trip from Bagan via Kalaw (1 night) to Inle lake. We thought to do this with a car+driver. Can someone inform us about a reliable agency and the present prices for such trips?

Tour companies, guides etc.

We are travelling to Myanmar for the 1st time in April. We have only a short time and thought it might be a good idea to use a tour company. We usually book hotels/flights etc. over the internet before we leave the uk.

Prices quoted for the 16 days seem rather high.

How do we know if a tour company is independent - not government run?

Is it easy to find good reliable drivers and guides?

Tour companies, guides etc.

there are over 400 tour agencies in Yangon and almost all of them are privately owned. but all kow tow to the government officials. myanmar is one of the more corrupt countries on earth and without proper bribes no one can get anything done.

tour agents dont get any commission from airlines. from hotels they may get a percentage. everything is rather expensive, especially car hire.

i always use eithwe at travels@myanmar.com.mm it is a private company run by young women who are quite capable. you may wish to email her and give her your itinerary.

let me know if you require any information on Myanmar

Tour companies, guides etc.

I just came back from an eight-day trip to Myanmar. Diethelm Travel handles the entire trip on a full-board basis. I find their service to be very reliable and choice of hotels quite good. If you%26#39;re interested, send an email to their Bangkok office and they%26#39;ll give you a quote within a day. I have a lot of admiration for the Mynamar people. They work very hard under the circumstances and don%26#39;t despair. Regardless of which company you hire, I%26#39;m sure that the people will benefit somehow. Have a great trip!

If you want to make sure that your money stays in the right place, do NOT book anything through Diethelm. A large chunk of their revenue goes to people with whom you do not want to share your sterling.

I have a terrific guide whom I have used several times and to whom I have referred many happy guests. She is smart, very bilingual, and will show you things and enhance your Myanmar experience. Just let me know if you are interested and I will forward all contact info. Additionally, she will arrange everything domestically within the country (flights, ground transport, etc.) Good bang for your money, GREAT service, etc. She is independent, but licensed, which means that she can get VERY substantial travel and accomodation discounts for herself - even more than the average local. She also has a great stable of drivers with whom she networks.

As far as getting guides and drivers after arrival, it is certainly doable, but you will not get a better price than you would by arranging everything in advance.

Again, avoid the commercial agencies. I cannot stress this enough...

Trip to Myamar - July 06

I am planning a trip to Myamar next July. Would like to hear from anyone who has been there. Tips on tour operators, flights and hotels will be most welcome. Any information on the intinerary will also be great. Thanks

Trip to Myamar - July 06

See my other discussion forum posts for details on the trip I took to Myanmar in December 2004. Our tour company in the U.S. used Diethelm Asia Tours out of Bangkok to handle the arrangements for us in Myanmar. Have used Diethelm for many years and they are always first class and very thorough. Flew Thai Airways roundtrip between Bangkok and Yangon and Yangon Airways within Myanmar. They were very reliable and on time. I believe the Lonely Planet Guide to Myanmar is the most current and accurate guide book in English - I recommend buying it to help your trip planning. We went to Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and surrounding towns, Pindaya, and Inle Lake. Post another message if you have specific questions you%26#39;d like me to answer.

Trip to Myamar - July 06

We have been there twice (2004+2005) and will be there again in January 2006.

We had our trip (hotels, domestic flights, guide, transports...) arranged by tour operators in Myanmar which we contacted by email.

Everything was perfect and everything was ';tailormade'; for us.

We have seen most interesting places like Yangon, Bago, Golden Rock,Mandalay, Sagaing, Ava, Amarapura, Monywa, Maymyo,Kekku, Bagan, Inle Lake,Ngapali Beach, Mrauk U etc, etc.

If you would like to have more informations about our itinerary please contact me by email.

Please be aware that travelling in Juli means ';Rainy Season'; which makes it difficult to travel because some roads can not be used.

Greetings

Marco

Can you let me know how safe it is to book the trip in Myanmar and how is the payment carried out?What about the planes? Are the planes from Myanmar?

Don%26#39;t have a choice about the time as I will be going with some students and they can%26#39;t go any other time. I also have to consider the cost as the students are on a budget. Thanks

When I was in Myanmar in December 2004, credit and debit cards were not accepted anywhere or for anything - only cash (U.S. dollars or Myanmar kyats). Fly Yangon Airways within the country. Reliable service and good planes, all made in Europe or U.S. Into and out of Myanmar, I recommend a non-Myanmar airline, such as Thai, Silk Air(owned by Singapore Airlines), or one of the Chinese airlines. Travel agents outside of Myanmar should be able to book your tour to any level of customization and price you desire, including flights. Check out Lonely Planet for their recommendations.

There never has been any problem with booking our trip/flights/hotels directly via email through a tour operator in Myanmar.

They delivered the hotel vouchers and flight tickets directly to your hotel or even picked us up at the airport when we arrived.

Please be prepared that everything is payed cash, no possibility of paying with credit cards anymore.

As much as I remember there has been a possibility of paying with CC via Singapore in a few hotels but I think even this possibility does not exist anymore so take enough cash with you.

As I wrote me and my wife are going there for third time in January 2006 and we never had any problems.

For domestic flights in Myanmar please only use the private ones like Air Mandalay, Yangon Air or the new one - Air Bagan.

They are safe, clean and they have pilots and crew with international standards.

(check their websites)

So forget about using Myanmar Airways.

NO PROBLEM with using Myanmar Airways International which is flying from Bangkok to Yangon for example, this is a totally different airline (codesharing with Thai Air).

makeup

java

trip to Yangoon

Does anybody know of any air/hotel packages from Manila to Rangoon? I%26#39;ve already asked two travel agents here and they seem to be having a hard time getting information for my request. Thanks in advance.

trip to Yangoon

it is easier to get to Bangkok and Singapore and KL from Manila via air asia and jetstar asia and you could get package tours from those cities. or get yourself to Yangon form any of these cities and have a package tour waiting for you. it is less expensive to book a tour in yangon rather than other cities since the travel agents will add on some profit to the price from Yangon

trip to Yangoon

Thanks so much for your helpful tips, Aungkhant!

Thank you Italian Girl!

Thank you Italian Girl!

some travelling advice pls

Hi

I%26#39;m planning to go to Myanmar with a friend.

Is it safe for two females to travel there alone? and is getting around relatively easy without having to go with a tour?

thanks

some travelling advice pls

Hi,

My husband and I went on our own - without any guides and it was fine. We got around on our own and didn%26#39;t have any problems.

some travelling advice pls

jade_du:

thanks for your response. how was transportation around the cities. Did you hire a driver on a daily basis? Do you recommend it? I%26#39;m no a tight budget and would like to know.

Thanks

Hi dongdong,

Yes, we hired a driver on a daily basis. In Yangon, we mainly took taxis and walked. We only hired a driver on one day to go to the cultural village and to see a temple which was located in the middle of the lake (or some body of water, can%26#39;t remember, but we had to take a boat to get to the temple). So that was kinda like a day trip.

In Bagan, we only hired a donkey cart for one day - just for the fun of it, and the other times, we hired bicycles and cycled around the place.

At the Inle Lake, we got a taxi to go to the hotel and then hired the boats to get around.

Booking Hotels

Hello

Can anyone suggest a reliable site where I can book hotels for Myanmar online.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Booking Hotels

Prooky-

If you must book online, try asiahotels.com. If you are really looking for deals, however, let me know and I can put you in contact with a guide in Myanmar who will be able to get you better rates (confirmable directly with the hotel) than any online site.

Booking Hotels

I always use asiarooms.com and so far am satisfied with the service. Just as long as you don%26#39;t cancel your booking since I heard in other forums about problems with refund.

I wanna share inbound..agency and some websites

www.lodgingmyanmar.com

Since US and EU sanctions/ Economic embergo, myanmar tries on her long way to stand upon tourism, it%26#39;s a pitty nobody can merely accept Credit cards but cash and deals.

Adroit_River

tour mandalay travel agency

me and my husband would like to book a tour for Myanmar through a burmese travel agency. ';Tour Mandalay'; in Yangon has the best offers with lowest prices. Did anybody ever book a tour with this travel agency? There are 2 travel agencies with the same name but different homepages. I am talking about www. tourmandalay. net. There is also www. tourmandalay.com, but this is not the agency I am talking about. Thanks for help!

tour mandalay travel agency

We%26#39;ve already booked a tour for next winter (tintin@tourmandalay.net).

Aren%26#39;t both sites from the same travel agency? The adresses are the same!We%26#39;ve contacted sereval tour agencies; they gave us a detailed price quotation that seemed good value for money to us.

I%26#39;ve already found some positive things about them on the web, but I%26#39;m as curious as you are. to know that it is true.

For all visitors to INLE LAKE ,shouldn't miss it !

Hello!

Hope you all%26#39;ve already known that there is naturally Spring /hot Water on the earth.

For your general knowledge,now,I%26#39;d like to inform you that kind of place.It is on the western bank of the Inle Lake.It is 30 minutes drive by boat and make 20 minutes slight trek from the village where boat trip ends.After that you gonna see naturally spring water at the base of the hill, is stored in two/three small wells.It is needless to pay any admission fee.

But,keep it in your memory,there is an Inn near that place if you wish to taste SPA,you have to pay 3/5 U$ based on the type of the pools you used,special and normal pool are separated.

If you%26#39;re an orchid lover,you can see on the water way from your hotel in the lake to Naung Shwe.There are varities of orchid flowers grown on the floating garden(Now,it is firmed and settled at that place).

Hope this finds your interest .It is worth to write if my information is helpful for you all in anyway.Surely to say is that it is less%26amp;least visited place in INLE LAKE.

With best wishes,

Simpatico

For all visitors to INLE LAKE ,shouldn't miss it !

Hi Simpatico!

Thanks for this hint, I`m very fond of hot springs and shall see it!

Would you please answer two more questions: does one stil have to exchange a certain amount of money upon arrival at Ragoon airport? Where should I exchange US dollars? At the banks? Moneychangers? Black market? Whats a good rate at the moment?

Also: have you been to Mergui archipelago? Any good hints on where to stay and where snorkelling would be best?

Thank you so much

Karl

kajoba@bluewin.ch

For all visitors to INLE LAKE ,shouldn't miss it !

Mingalaba !!I spent 3days in Inle during my last visit to Myanmar. I love Inle Lake and of course how could I forget the SHAN curry which is different from other countries%26#39; curry.

Unfortunately, I missed out the spring water due to time constrain, just hope that I will have the chance again to visit Inle in the future.

My pics from Inle

members.virtualtourist.com/m/660c0/122098/

Meet Dori of Shark Tale

www.mergui.org/photogallery/displayimage.php鈥?/a>

multiple tables

sedona hotel

hi,

i%26#39;m planning to go yangon on this coming april and i have booked sedona hotel. may i know who stay there before? any comments to share?

thanks

kenix

sedona hotel

Sorry you might have gone by now. We stayed at the Sedona last year and it was very nice. The staff were especially nice.

Regards

James

makeup

Best way for independent tour

I am looking for suggestions for Dec. trip to Myanmar and Laos. Looking for someone in the country to help with booking,driver and guides. Hoping that Tombonyc will let me know his contact person. Any other ideas will be great.

Best way for independent tour

Hi hope10 we are also very interested in looking information to do an independent tour across the country for about 15-18 days. we also are looking for someone who can help us with driver and guides.

We will be searching information for this so if we find it we will send it to you. We hope we can get in touch about this info.

Best way for independent tour

please write sales@lodgingmyanmar.com, there he is, Sai Kyaw Min. He will reply you shortly from Yangon for all you need....

Keep up with good starts.

Adroit_River

Hi, you can contact tintin@tourmandalay.net.

He gave us a price quotation and some extra tips as well for our December trip. We compared several offers and Tour Mandalay seemed to give the best value for money.

Hi - for Myanmar just get a flight from BKK to Yangon (Bangkok Air often cheap) or Chaig Mai to Mandalay (Air Mandalay) and when you get there sort out your own travel arrangements. You can book your own interal flights easily, or, if you want a driver, your airport taxi will probably offer or your guest house will sort you out. in a couple of weeks you should do the main sites Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, maybe Pyin U Lwin. For Laos you can fly direct from BKK to Vientiane or Luang Prabag, get the boat from Chiang Kong to Luang Prabang (not recommended - very hot and long) or maybe the best option get the overnight train from BKK to Udon Thani and get a tuktuk to the border. To do a circular route of the main sites in both countries you could go: train from BKK to Vientiane, bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang (via Vang Vieng if you like for gorgeous mountain scenery), fly from Luang Prabang to Chaing Mai, fly from Chaing Mai to Mandalay, driver from Mandalay to Bagan, fly from Bagan to Inle Lake, fly from Inle Lake to Yangon, fly from Yangon to BKK.

Hi - for Myanmar just get a flight from BKK to Yangon (Bangkok Air often cheap) or Chaig Mai to Mandalay (Air Mandalay) and when you get there sort out your own travel arrangements. You can book your own interal flights easily, or, if you want a driver, your airport taxi will probably offer or your guest house will sort you out. in a couple of weeks you should do the main sites Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, maybe Pyin U Lwin. For Laos you can fly direct from BKK to Vientiane or Luang Prabag, get the boat from Chiang Kong to Luang Prabang (not recommended - very hot and long) or maybe the best option get the overnight train from BKK to Udon Thani and get a tuktuk to the border. To do a circular route of the main sites in both countries you could go: train from BKK to Vientiane, bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang (via Vang Vieng if you like for gorgeous mountain scenery), fly from Luang Prabang to Chaing Mai, fly from Chaing Mai to Mandalay, driver from Mandalay to Bagan, fly from Bagan to Inle Lake, fly from Inle Lake to Yangon, fly from Yangon to BKK.

much more fun and adeventurous and flexible to sort it out yourself.

When I was there I used www.rubyland.com.mm. I also used a guide in Mandalay, Sai Moon Sein PH: 02-80351 , email: tunec@mptmail.net.mm (use his name in the subject or title.

For Inle Lake, Novelty Tours, Konge, ph (081) 29232. He is located on Main Road, no 10, Nyaung Shwe - near the market. You can make airline reservations over the internet and upon arrival pay for them (cash). You can use Rubyland, Mr. U Aye Kyaw, and his son Pye Phyo Kyaw - very good English speakers and lots of experience in the business. Like a dumb American, I drifted into their place (I found it listed in a LP guide) about 4 or 5 pm on a Friday - and Myanmar is not a 24/7 country. So everyone jumped on the project and had me transportation, rooms, guides etc by 9:00 pm. However - if you will go straight to the guides the money helps them more and they are the most needy. Twice during the trip I had glitches and they were there to %26#39;fix%26#39; it. However, I met people who had traveled totally independently and it worked for them. One, they had more time in country than I, I believe Rubyland will do as little or as much as you want of the trip.

Mandalay to Monywa

I am staying in Mandalay for 3 nights at the beginning of October before going to Bagan. I wondered if anyone could tell if it is possible to drive from Mandalay to Monywa and back in one day.

Do you think I would be able to find someone in Mandalay to drive me and if so what sort of price do you think would be asked.

Also what are the condition of the roads like over this distance

Any help and advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

Mandalay to Monywa

Get in touch with Sai Moon Sein, tel: 02-80351 or email: tunec@mptmail.net.mm (use his name in the subject ). He is a licensed guide there and can answer your questions. (Very good English).

Kyaing Tong / Kengtung Area

We will be travelling to Myanmar %26amp; Thailand in August. There are so many great sounds places I%26#39;m having a hard to narrowing down the choices. Has anyone been to the Kengtung area? How do villages / scenery compare with those in the golden triangle area of Thailand. Any recommendation for one over the other durning the rainy season? Advice from those who have been there would be appreciated.

Kyaing Tong / Kengtung Area

Hi Seattle!

Ok, Kyaingtong (Colonial name Kengtung) during the rainy season:

Kyaingtong is beautiful, no question about it. The indigenous local people here are significantly more traditional and %26#39;authentic%26#39; than their relatives over the border. I have been to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (Kyaingtong is actually the companion settlement to the Thai locales - Prounced Chiang Dong), and up to the Myanmar border in Thailand. It certainly is convenient, but the hilltribe life you will observe and participate in there is nothing but a creation by the TAT - for foreign tourists. But it is convenient and there are creature comforts you will NOT find in Kyaingtong.

The only hotel you SHOULD stay in in Kyaingtong is the Princess. It is reasonably comfortable, and, most important, privately owned.

I am not certain about the frequency of flights into and from Kyaingtong out of season. Tourism there is a new venture, and if you are not ethnically Asian, you will get LOTS of curious stares and giggles from local kids.

If you go to visit the tribes, bring hotel soaps and shampoo, aspirin, etc. Rather than candy for the children, I suggest bringing colored pencils or crayons. Virtually all of these people practice traditional medecine, and even aspirin is a nice thing for them to have. Additionally, if you can bring bandages, neosporin (or any antibacterial cream,) antifungal creams, etc., it would be wonderful. If you are in Thailand before, you can buy all of these things very inexpensively at any Thai pharmacy (not in a western style supermarket - they%26#39;re more expensive.)

I return to Myanmar in a few days. I do not know that I shall be able to reposnd during the next month, but I shall try to answer any questions you might have either before my departure or after my return in mid June.

Oh yes, I just saw the last part of your question - scenery in Kyaingtong - 1 word - WOW!!!!!!!!

Have fun.

Appropriate Clothing

I%26#39;m going to Myanmar in August. I understand that his is the monsoon season. My preferred clothing in hot, humid weather is shorts (knee-length and I%26#39;m male), but I read that this may be inappropriate. I don%26#39;t want to offend local sensibilities. Does anyone have experience on the do%26#39;s and don%26#39;ts in this regard?

Appropriate Clothing

We have travelled to Myanmar a few times now and shorts are fine. Just note that you will need to take some trousers for the temples etc. I found the trousers that zip off at the knees are very useful.

Best regards

James

Appropriate Clothing

Hi Numbat, August in Myanmar is not exactly the best time to go- December, January is balmy and pleasant...but at least you are not going AFTER the monsoon season, around October...that is the worst time for malaria, since they have the opportunity to breed after the heavy rains.

Clothing-wise, my concern is more for health than fashion, so I recommend covering your ankles and arms, hence wearing 100% light-weight cotton/linen fabrics in long-sleeves, as well as ankle-length trousers. Try avoiding dark colours and go for the whites, since for some strange reason, I got bitten a lot when I visited during my macabre phase (all-black wardrobe). (I didn%26#39;t realize that mosquitoes were so colour-biased...:) On my last visit there, I avoided being outdoors during dusk and don%26#39;t remember getting bitten. But then again, I had covered myself with my own mix of lemongrass/citronella in a 2.5% dilution of grapeseed oil. Grapeseed is not as oily or greasy as sweet almond oil and upon application, leaves your skin smooth without an oily residue.

I lost a friend to the mozzie demise, and thereafter took the above precautions whenever I visited- including homeopathic anti-malarial oral prophylactics.

As regards appropriateness of dress- agree with other post about when visiting temples (ditto all religious places all over the world) but elsewhere, knee-length shorts are not uncommon amongst local expats anyway and not a problem at all.

Hope info helps, P.

Numbat-

Shorts are fine, especially knee length. It%26#39;s also not a bad idea to try the local style of dress, the longyii. You can buy an inexpensive, pre-cut one for about a dollar, and the Myanmar will appreciate the effort. You will also have MANY, MANY people showing you how to tie it properly - always a good way to make impromptu, lifetime friends.

Don%26#39;t worry about the monsoon if you are going to Yangon, Mandalay, Inle, etc. It really is only a problem if you are going off the regular visitors%26#39; path. Also, it seldom rains in Bagan, and there are few experiences like being the ONLY visitor at Shwezigon during sunset. Tis could easily happen during the month of August.

Also, it is a good idea to wear collared shirts and always look neat. Unless you are a teenager, you will receive a warmer welcome if you make a little effort to look decent. You can buy inexpensive collared shirts in Yangon for like a dollar or two each.

Good luck!

vc

for Tombonyc

Hi, I plan to travel to Myanmar in April/May, saw that you posted many good comments about the country. Appreciate your advice:

1) which travel guide/agency to use

2) how much money is needed for a 10 days trip

3) which places are the most interesting from your point of view

Have been to Thailand,VietNam,Indonesia Java.

Thanks!

for Tombonyc

Hi there:

Great to learn that you%26#39;re interested in Myanmar as your vacation.

1) If you find time, why not visit our site at http://www.myanmarelitetours.com for your info and you can be sure that your travel with us will be a part of your memorable experience and you won%26#39;t be disappointed!

2) There are many interesting places to explore in Myanmar. To name some major tourist sites are Yangon, Mandalay, Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing, Pyin-Oo-Lwin, Bagan, Mt. Popa, Lake Inle and its environs...

For more info, feel free to email us: info@myanmarelitetours.com

for Tombonyc

Hi Mary,

1)try to browse www.lodgingMyanmar.Com for your hotel information and its link partner...

2)it might range from 70-120 USD per day..Of couse it depands on how different of your travel tastes..

3)YGN for gateways *(IN/OUT), Bagan, Mandalay and INLE LAKE.

Regards,

Adroit River %26lt;%26lt;adroit_river@yahoo.com

Hi Mary!

I assume that you have already visited Myanmar, and I hope that your experience was as wonderful as my mnay experiences there have been.

If you have not yet visited, please let me know, and I shall do my best to respond to any questions you have!

Best regards-

Tombonyc

intend traveling to myanmar in july - difficult to get time off otherwise - presume monsoon season at its height - would a beach visit be foolish - can you recomend an agency to arrange 12-16 day tour for 2 people - many thanks - bill

For Tombonyc .contacts

Hi, I read the forum and it seems that you have many good ideas and contacts. Can you write me on my email your contacts? We want to go to Burma in december and we want to choose correctly the agencies. Thanks Martina

korina@email.cz

For Tombonyc .contacts

Hello,

If y%26#39;all don%26#39;t mind, I would also really love to see those contacts and ideas. If y%26#39;all (Tombonyc or korina1976) wouldn%26#39;t mind forwarding that email to me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

ACaplan@houston.rr.com

makeup

whiskey exchange rate

In 1975 when I first went to Rangoon, you used to buy a bottle of Johnny Walker and a carton of 555 cigarettes in Bangkok and sell them to the taxi driver who took you from the airport - which gave you just about enough money to spend a week travelling through Burma! Are whiskey and cigarettes still a useful currency in Myamar?

whiskey exchange rate

In short no this does not seem to work anymore. Did you know that they have now done away with FECs%26#39; as well.

Best regards

James

whiskey exchange rate

Hi I am of to Yangon on the 12th july and would like to know where to go for a beer and how much does it cost? Cheers Dave

Mynmar for women

Hi

I%26#39;m travelling in Myanmar alone for two weeks in Janary 2006. Does anyone have any tips on what or where to avoid, or is it generally safe for a woman travelling on her own?

I%26#39;d be interested to hear from anyone else travelling in Myanmar at the same time.

Thanks

Nina

Mynmar for women

Totally safe. If you don%26#39;t get this until you return, I hope you had a great experience.

Mynmar for women

Hi Nina, how was your trip? Plan to go to Myanmar in April/May, any travelling advice? BR Mary

HI

Hope you had a good trip to Yangon. I am planning a trip beginning of May, any recommendations on a good 5 star hotel?

Thanks

Nai

If you want a 5 Star hotel of international standard, the Strand is really the only option. If you are looking for good service, comfort, cleanliness and basic amenities, there are several nice options.

I have always enjoyed the Grand Plaza Park Royal, as much because of its warm service as general environment. I have stayed there many times. It is the choice of many Japanese expats who do business in Yangon. and they will all tell you that it is their favorite hotel there, despite the presence of a Japanese owned hotel in Yangon (Nikko.)

2 suggestions if you do stay there: Stay on the Executive Floor (7th Floor.) It%26#39;s worth the extra few dollars. Also, the Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor is GREAT. There are not too many people eating there as the prices are high by Yangon standards (but still VERY inexpensive by international standards.)

All of this having been said, the people are always the most important element in hotel service. I am sure that other hotels in Yangon also provide the positive experience of the Grand Plaza.

Thanks for the advice on the hotels in Yangon. I think I will try the Strand and see how it compares to the mixed reviews I have been reading about it.

Will let you know what my experience was like after I return. I will be travelling beginning May.

Nai

Thanks for the feedbackl Tombonyc

Will be going first week May for 3 nights to Yangon Only.Finally selection is the Sedona Hotel. Any advice on what is it like? How are the rooms, the food and Service. Does it have any nice bars of clubs for meeting like minded?

Thanks

Hi Misschief cool name!

I am off to yangon for a few days and would like to know where to eat and drink, any place to get upto misschief?

Cheers Dave

what airlines flies to Mandalay?

Are there direct international flights that flies into Mandalay?

I%26#39;m coming from Singapore, planning to go mandalay, then back to yangon n to singapore.

what airlines flies to Mandalay?

If you take a look at the Thorn Tree you will see people write that there is a flight from Chiang Mai to Mandalay and return. We had planned to take that flight but could never find it on any airline website. We finally gave up and changed our plans but I believe there is a flight but it is infrequent - once a week?. Why don%26#39;t you e-mail a travel agency in Yangon or Mandalay and ask. We made most of our flight arrangements by e-mail and found both agencies we dealt with to be true to their word and had our onward tickets delivered to the airport by courier. Isn%26#39;t the internet wonderful!

what airlines flies to Mandalay?

Yes:

Chiang Mai to Mandalay only, but not every day. Please note, also, that the flight does not return from Mandalay to Chiang Mai. Also, the flight is not daily.

The flight is on Air Mandalay (which is safe and rather charming.)

Also, AirAsia is now flying from Bangkok to Yangon. AirAsia is a budget airline based in KL. Not a bad alternative.

java

Cheap flights into Myanmar

Hi all,

I am looking to visit Myanmar next year and am hoping to find some cheap flights (it looks a bit too unreliable to plan for an overland border crossing).

I have checked out Bangkok Airways%26#39; Discovery Airpass which looks like a good deal, but am wondering if anybody knows of any better deals? Not fussed which city in Myanmar I fly into or whether I fly in from India/Sri Lanka or Thailand, so can be flexible for the right deal!

Any recommendations or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Cheap flights into Myanmar

If you are taking flights from neighbour countries, it doesn%26#39;t make much difference. If you fly from far away, you can better buy the tickets through agency and make your exact schedule. It will save you money. Don%26#39;t try to cross the border. You are not allowed to go too far and it doesn%26#39;t worth at all. Border towns are not the image of Burma.

Good luck.

Thuzar

Cheap flights into Myanmar

Air Asia has started selling tickets for a new service from Bangkok to Yangon.

And there is talk, on the LP Thorn Tree, of them soon flying from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon as well.

Kevin

Thank you!

Yangon in october?

I am considering visiting Yangon for the first time this october (first week).

I am looking at staying either four or five nights, is this enough time?

What should I look at doing apart from the Pagoda,Circle train trip and maybe a trip to Bago?

Will there be much rain at this time?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

Yangon in october?

I%26#39;m in the middle of planning for a trip there myself, and not a lot wiser than you when it comes to Yangon.

For what it%26#39;s worth, it sounds like a very long way to go just for a few days in a big city. Is there nothing else in Myanmar that you like to see or do while you are there?

Yangon in october?

I am glad to reply.There are many interesting spots apart from the Pagoda and the train.You should not miss these: (1)downtown area where colonial buildings and religious buildings coexist.There are cinama stalls where you can observe the locals ,betel-nuts,iced-water sellers.

(2)Bogyoke Market

(3)Gem Museum

(4)Strand Hotel

(5)National Museum

(6)Kyaukhtatkyi Monastery

(7)Glass factory

(8)China Town

(9)Allied War Cemetry

(10)ferry-boat trip to Thanlyin.(highly recommended)

A day-return trip to Bago is a good value.It is probably a good idea to go

to the Golden Rock.It rains about 2 hours long almost everyday.But,it is ok.

It is advisable to hire a guide to go to Bago,Golden Rock,Shwedagon ,downtown area and Thanlyin.

Stay for ten days or two weeks or three.

Yangoon 3-4 days. fly or train to Mandalay.

Inle lake 5-7 days. Bagan 3-5 days.

take your time there: slow down [to their pace] so as not to miss what is there to see; meet the people; take time to smile back at them and say hello; travel low [simple] so your money goes to the common people

photos of Inle lake:

terragalleria.com/theravada/…inle.html

Bagan

www.sacredsites.com/asia/burma/bagan.html

Stay for ten days or two weeks or three.

Yangoon 3-4 days. fly or train to Mandalay.

Inle lake 5-7 days. Bagan 3-5 days.

take your time there: slow down [to their pace] so as not to miss what is there to see; meet the people; take time to smile back at them and say hello; travel low [simple] so your money goes to the common people

photos of Inle lake:

terragalleria.com/theravada/…inle.html

Bagan

www.sacredsites.com/asia/burma/bagan.html

Thank you both for the info and web sites.

We have actually been planning for about 2 weeks and do the 4 areas mentioned. Thought we’d forget about the beaches at least for this time.

Thanks again.

Travel from Thailand to Kentung

Hi All,

I%26#39;m in northern Thailand at the moment and I am contemplating a trip to Kentung overland via the Mae Sai/Taichiliek border.

I%26#39;m just looking for some clarification. As I understand it I can purchase a 2 week visa at Taichilek that allows me to travel to Kentung, does anyone know the current cost of this visa?

Will I need to purchse any FECs or have they been completley scrapped, I will be travelling independently not with a tour group.

Has anyone recently made this journey? If so how long did it take via car/taxi.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Travel from Thailand to Kentung

The Myanmar immigration border pass costs USD15.

There is no more need to exchange USD into FECs upon arrival in Myanmar.

Useful currencies for Kyaing Tong are US Dollars and Thai Baht as well as Burmese Kyat. In Mong La it is Yuan, US Dollars and Thai Baht.

Credit cards are not accepted for paying for purchases. Traveler checks are a total disadvantage as these can only be converted in a government bank at a very unfavorable rate. Cash is best. Have small denominations of banknotes.

No hand phones and notebook computers are permitted into Myanmar. You can leave these with the Myanmar Tourist Office in Tachileik at your own risk. Phone charges are very high in Myanmar. There are no Internet Cafes anywhere in Kyaing Tong and no public phone booths.

Electricity supply in Kyaing Tong is erratic and hotels use their own generators, which are not powerful enough to run the room air-conditioners. It can cause some inconvenience for hot water showering during the cool season and air-conditioners during the hot season. Laundry is available at the hotel at a low cost. Hotel staff is very obliging and happy to do services at the bidding of the guests.

Weather in Kyaing Tong and Mong La is 15-22 Celsius during the day during November-February; March-May is 28-32 Celsius; June-October is 25-28 Celsius. Night temperatures are considerably cooler. It%26#39;s dry weather from November-February. The rains come in June, with August-September being the rainiest months. So bring your wet togs and jackets. A pair of sandals will add much to your comfort.

People travel to Keng Tung for its pristine environment and non-touristy hill tribe villages. The town was a British colonial outpost before Burma gained independence in 1948. It is heavily influenced by Thailand rather than Yangon. And in Mong La it is dominated by the former head-hunting Wa ethnic group and the Chinese more so than the Burmese. The street langauge is Mandarin and the currency in use is the Yuan (Renminbi). It sits on the Burma-China border. The road from this checkpoint goes to Jinghong about 3 hours drive away into Yunnan province. Mong La is a town built by opium. It is more developed than Keng Tung the provincial capital. Tourist infrastructure is basic. The sense of real adventure is pervading.You can visit the nearby villages of tribes in the company of a locensed tour guide.I am a professional licensed tour guide.If you want my services for your visit to Keng Tung,please email me.(eugenelatt@gmail.com).

makeup

trip to bago

I want todo a day trip to Bago when I visit Yangon in October.

Are there any tour companies that do a day trip or do I have organise everything for myself?

Is it best to hire a driver from yangon for the day, as once you get to Bago there is a few places to see which aren%26#39;t exactly close to each other.

How much would this cost?

Dose anyone have any other sugestions?

trip to bago

All tour companies can organize that kind of trip though the fee they charge is not too small.You don%26#39;t need to do much by yourself.First hire a car for the trip (about 40 or 50dollars).Instead go by bus.Then hire a cheap taxi in Bago. return by bus.The trip will cost about $90

if you don`t hire a guide or buy something expensive.

Any Flights from India to Yangon?

Please let me know whether there are any flights from India to Yangon

Any Flights from India to Yangon?

Hi,

I was in mynmar earlier this year and flew INDIAN AIRLINES Kolkata to Yangon

migrating existing portal

currency requirements

I was advised by my agent that on arrival in Ra ngoon that all travellers have to change $300 us in exchange for a foreign exchange coupon (FEC) , is this correct?

currency requirements

No, it no longer applies.

Arrive with US$.

New or as new notes as you can get. Large notes.. like 50$ or 100$ are worth more.

If you book some hotels or tours on-line it will reduce the amount of cash you need to carry.

currency requirements

Thanks for your advise , appreciate it. Do you think that 1 week is sufficient to see Rangoon and Mandalay ?

Thanks

Wayne

let me just say that we are in the process of planning a trip... so what I tell you is merely what I%26#39;ve understood to be so. Not how it is!

We are thinking that about two weeks would do for time in Yangon... Mandalay ... Bagan and Inle Lake....

I%26#39;m sure you could see a lot in one week. Depending on how you travel between places. Our thought at the moment is train to Mandalay... perhaps get to Bagan with a boat and then road transport to Inle lake .. We are looking at flights also but they are fairly pricey...

BTW... did you know that Airasia now have cheap flights from Bangkok to Yangon?... I%26#39;ve heard that at some time they may also do the Kuala Lumpur to Yandon leg.

Also worth knowing is that you can fly from Chiang Mai to Mandalay with Mandalay Airways...

Thanks Mosegrisen,

Very helpful advice , we are planning on spending 2 months in Asia , mainly based in Bangkok.

Yes we have seen the great packages with Air Asia , hard to beat!

I didnt know about Mandalay airlines from Chiang Mai , will check out their deals as we will be visiting Chiang Mai as well as Phuket and of course we are going to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival at Sukhothai.

Thanks once again and hope that you enjoy your trip.

Regards

Wayne

Adding comments to other replies.

Dont forget, you will need some small change such as USD 1, 5, 10 for entering pagodas, archeological area ( USD 10 per person, if you go to Bagan) and others such as the Palace in Mandalay. Carry about USD 50 worth per person.

Thanks for this advice Khayeethe...

Can I ask you which mode of transport you used? And any other tips that you might have, please.

Mode of transport,

If you have 7 days only, better to use flight. Roads are bad and cars are old.

If you can spare times, visit Bagan and Inle. 2 night each is quite enough if you use flight.

Make sure that the dollars you bring are absolutley unmarked- no pen marks, no doodling, no major creases. I arrived in country with about $1300, but only $700 was usable because if the money isn%26#39;t perfect, they won%26#39;t take it.

If you have seven days, skip Mandalay and go to Bagan instead. Also, travel by plane. Really you ought to cut some time off wherever else you are in Asia and spend at least 10 days in Burma. You can always go to Thailand, but Burma wil be a totally different country in 10 years.

Myanmar airways is scary, I would stick with Air Bagan (great quality brand new planes) and Royal Thai, or Air Asia. When I went Air Asia had no flight to Rangoon, but I took them from Macau to Bangkok. Cheap, but reliable.

No. That regulation was withdrawn some time ago (3-4 years ago).

Travelling around: Replying to Mosegrisen.

Sorry for this delay. Didn%26#39;t check and I was away. I prefer to travel around by air. I use Air Mandalay, Air Yangon or Air Bagan; simply because my time is always limited. I book through a travel agent recommended by a close friend. I organise my itinerary well ahead. I pay on arrival. I normally ask for transport to be arranged for me as well in Bagan and Mandalay. Costs roughly about 15 USD per day. In Mandalay, I have discovered I could ask the hotel to organise a boat trip to Mingun which is up river, diagonally across the Irrawaddy. It was by a motorised small boat. It is a good 45-60 minutes ride to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda which has been cracked by an earthquake. One is able to climb to the top and get a commanding view around. the alternative is by a dusty lon overland route. Bullock carts await your arrival, or you can walk which is equally interesting.

Similarly, you could arrange a crossing from Bagan to the Tantkyi Taung Pagoda on top of the mountain range. There are Jeeps waiting to transport you up the mountain unless you are well energised to climb it.

Thank you very much, Khayeethe...

we enjoy every bit of information we can get.... we booked seats on Mandalay air from Chiang Mai to Mandalay already... which seemed to be easy enough.. so far so good!

Thanks again.

Reliable Tour Operators

My wife and I will be travelling during November in SEA. We would like to spend 7 nights in Myanmar. I am having difficulty obtaining referances for a good and reliable Tour Operator. We would like to visit Yangon, Inle, Mandalay and Bagan.

Your opinions and advice would be very much appraciated.

Thanks to all.

Reliable Tour Operators

Hi Fullstop!

The first thing I would do is pick one of your destinations and remove it from the list. You%26#39;ll be doing so much moving around that you won%26#39;t be able to catch your breath. Can you do it? Sure. But I wouldn%26#39;t recommend it.

Regarding tour companies, I don%26#39;t particularly care for them as I like to work with an independent guide, but there are several which are referred to in this forum which will likely fit your bill.

Reliable Tour Operators

7 days is quite short to do all those places! You will want at least 3 days in Rangoon; then move on to Bagan for another 3 days. You may have to do a rushed job to get back to Rangoon and fly out almost as soon as you get back. For a tour operator, try Indochina Services on info@is-myanmar.com or www.indochina-services.com I have used them for the last 3 visits and they have been very efficient and reliable. They responded quickly to my queries. Their manager is Ms. Thit Thit Zin.

Best Wishes,

PSW

I agree with the previous comments. The roads in Myanmar are quite bad. I have been in Myanmar 3 times and I have always rented a car with driver. You are not allowed to drive yourself in Myanmar and believe me, you wouldn%26#39;t like to do it either! You will love Myanmar. Have a good trip.

Zwaantje

7 days is quite hurry for all these place. I suggessted for Yangon than go to Bagan and Inle. If you can extend to 9 days , you can go all place. For tour operator , Adventure Myanmar Travel is one of the best in Myanmar. You can contact to aye@amtt.com.mm or their web site is www.adventruemyanmar.com.mm.Usually, you can get back your answer by within 24 hrs if e-mail are not break down and they can suggest you for the trip with no hidden cost.

Beware those on these forums suggesting local Companies in which they have a vested interest!

Several large Tour Operators operate in Myanmar, including Asian Trails, Diethelm, Exotissimo, All of them will put a package together for you, some will even tailor one specifically to your requirements.

We just returned from five weeks in Asia including nine days in Myanmar. We loved Myanmar! I booked our Myanmar portion with the help of Columbus Travels (www.travelmyanmar.com). They were fabulous to work with! I mapped out where we wanted to go and for how long, and they proposed the flights, hotels and guides. It was all for less than I could have arranged on my own and was great! We had a great local guide at each location and made great use of our time. We visited Yangoon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Pindaya, and Kyaing Tong. They were all great. (Kyaing Tong is only for the more adventurous!) Have a great trip!

Suggest you contact Columbus Travels

586 Strand Road, Yangon

columbus@mptmail.net.mm

www.travelmyanmar.com

We are dealing with Ohnmar.

Two years ago they did an itinerary for my husband and I - gave them the number of days and funds available. Within half an hour it was all done. We visited their office to do the booking on our first trip to Yangon. Got their name from Lonely Planet Guide. We did Bagan, Mandalay, Lake Inle (don%26#39;t miss visiting this). A guide, car and driver, met us at each stop and looked after us. Fantastic. Now we are going again next month for an 11 day visit. Again Columbus are doing our bookings via email. They are quick and efficient and reliable. Yangon, Golden Rock (by car), then flying north to Heho, drive to Lake Inle, fly to Mandalay, fly to Kyaing Tong, then back to Yangon - USD1035/person incl accommo, flights etc.

You will love Myanmar. First visit I%26#39;d recommend Bagan and Lake Inle if you have limited time, most definitely Lake Inle.

Good luck

visa requirements

We are travelling to Myanmar for about 3 weeks from the middle of December. We are flying into Bangkok early in the morning and then out to Yangon 2.5 hours later. I know we will need a multi entry visa for Myanmar but do we need a visa for Thailand if we are only spending a total of 5 hours at the airport?

visa requirements

You will not need a visa to enter Thailand... while you are in transit in the airport

In any case you would get a stamp for 30 days stay (in Thailand) in your pasport if you were to go through immigration.

However if you do... you would then have to pay 500 baht departure tax per person.

visa requirements

The under 15 will be the points that will be needed from you %26amp; request to send quickly to %26lt; voa-tours@myanmar.com.mm %26gt;

( 1 ) Your full name as in your p/p

( 2 ) Gender

( 3 ) Father%26#39;s name

( 4 ) Nationality

( 5 ) Race

( 6 ) Religion

( 7 ) P/p related five data : passport ( a ) number ( b ) issue date ( c ) expire date ( d ) place of issue %26amp; ( e ) issuing authority

( 8 ) Date of birth ( D - M - Y )

( 9 ) Place of birth

( 10 ) Occupation in native country

( 11 ) Full address in native country ( not PO Box No. or C/o address )

( 12 ) Purpose of visit to Myanmar

( 13 ) Arrival / departure dates to / from Myanmar

( 14 ) Flight number %26amp; airline that you will fly in / out of Myanmar

( 15 ) Personal related four data, colour of your ( a ) hair ( b ) eyes ( c ) complexion %26amp; ( d ) your heigh

Points you should know about your Myanmar Visa On Arrival

You don%26#39;t need to send your p/p or VOA processing fee to us before hand %26amp; you can fly in to Yangon with the VOA processed by us. We will process your Myanmar VOA which will be official %26amp; approved by the Myanmar Visa Issuing Authorities and this will take ( 14 ) days time to process. Afer getting your VOA we will scanned email it to you %26amp; another to the Yangon office of the airline that you will fly into Yangon %26amp; this VOA will inturn be relayed to their counter parts in Bangkok.Kndly bring in three p/p size photos of each of you ( this time real photos not scanned ) %26amp; please don%26#39;t forget that there is no photo shop or photo copy centre in the Yangon International Airport you will be met by one of our staff ( who will be holding a placard --- your name written on it ) deep inside the arrival lounge before you pass Immigration %26amp; Customs and you will be cleared out swiftly, your Immigration %26amp; Customs formalities attended. Kindly settle the VOA processing fee to our staff. THAT%26#39;S ALL OVER %26amp; OUT.

Should you need extra clarification, information or explanation you are welcome as always !. Please feel free to contact us any time to %26lt; voa-tours@maynmar.com.mm %26gt; We are at your service.

Warmest Regards

Tommy M Lwin

Email : %26lt; voa-tours@myanmar.com.mm %26gt;

Asian Trails or other Tour Companies

My wife and I intend to spend about one week in Myanmar mid November. Given our short time we feel that an ';organized'; tour will be more efficient.

I have been in contact with Asian Trails (Bangkok) and who offers a one week tour to the major sites.

Has anyone toured with Asian? Perhaps you might suggest other tour companies with high recommendations. Finally, with which companies have you negative comments, and tells us what happened.

Thanks a bunch!

Asian Trails or other Tour Companies

Hello,

We have travelled with Asian trails in Thailand a couple of years ago and we were very happy. Organisation, hotels and guides were excellent. Have a good trip.

Harry

makeup

cash Euros

Can we exchange cash Euros in Myanmar ?

How much do we get for 1 € compared to what we would get from 1USD?

We would like to know if it%26#39;s worth exchanging euros into USD at home. If the difference between what you get from Euros/USD isn%26#39;t that big we would bring Euros.

cash Euros

http://www.irrawaddy.org/

this site gives the USD rate. Updated weekly... I%26#39;ve read that you can exchange Euros in the bigger cities like Yangon and Mandalay but am not certain about the rate of exchane.

Usually changing currency twice is not good but I%26#39;m not sure if this may be a situation where it%26#39;s worthwhile. There are a number of places where paying with USD is required so perhaps bring both would be better.

Aparently the exchange rate is better for larger notes and you much bring newish and fault free notes.

More info here:

thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/messagepost.cfm…

data into xsds

Gem fair, Yangon,October?

Dose any one know what dates the gem fair is being held this October/

If not the exact dates when is it usually held? in first week , second week etc. of october?

Hope someone can help

Gem fair, Yangon,October?

Dear Seat-belt,

Last year they did on 6 th, 14 th and 24 th October. I don%26#39;t know yet for this year October but they have in this month , August 27 and 28. If I get more information , I will let you know.

Gem fair, Yangon,October?

It will start from Oct 19 exactly

Myanmar Tourex touroperator reliable ?

Hi,

We are planning a tour in Myanmar and find the programm of Myanmar Tourex interesting. Anyone who has experience with this touroperator ?

Thanks,

Harry

Myanmar Tourex touroperator reliable ?

Dear Harry,

May i know more about the programme,thanks.

Myanmar Tourex touroperator reliable ?

Hi harry,

yes. Myanmar Tourex is included in one of our most reliable tour operator in Myanmar. We also arrange adventure tours (white water rafting, trekking and kayaking) for early next year. Let me know if you are interested. Top tour operators in Myanmar include Exotissmo, Asian Trails, Adventure Myanmar and Diethelm.

Pyomay