Travel Answers

Hey - I'm a 20-year-old female Chinese American planning to travel for a few days in Burma in August 2013. Any ideas how safe traveling might be, considering that China and Burma aren't exactly best friends right now...?

I keep reading about how awful the bus from Bagan to Inle Lake is so I am thinking I should go in the opposite direction. Is there a decent bus that goes from Inle Lake to Bagan?

Thanks

Hello guys,

I come from Hong Kong and I am having a 7 full-day trip to Myanmar from May 11-18. One of my itinerary is to trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Knowing my limited time there, I decided to skip Bagan which I had similar trip with historic temples in previous one. Most of the trek tours are 3D2N,and other travellers have suggested me to skip the trek, but I'd really wanted to learn about their local living,ethnic minorities and also their natural environment from this trip, therefore I'd wish to have a 2D1N trek tour in my itinerary, I have sent email to 3 of the trek guides (Sam's, Toe Toe and John Sylvester) from the blogs recommendations, so far only Toe Toe had replied me. She advise it will cost me too much if I come alone for the tour, therefore I should find other travellers to join.

I will be appreciated if any of you, who are planning to come by around the period and wanted to have this trek as well. Please feel free to send me email 10671558g@connect.polyu.hk and let's see if we can match our time to have the tour together. Knowing rainy season is about to arrive soon, therefore I choose my earliest availability as to have greater chance to avoid those rain as much as possible.

For your information, I will plan to take overnight bus on May 11 from Yangon to Kalaw arriving in mid-night, hopefully I can confirm my trek tour and guest house with any of those recommended and replied before my trip so that the trek can start up early morning on May 12. I plan to have 2D1N for Kalaw and 1D in Inle Lake before heading South on May 14.

I know this is rush for me, but I'd wanted to get out most of this 7 full-days, and I surely can physically managed this tour with my plenty of trekking and traveling experience.

Hope to hear and meet you guys soon!~Many thanks!~

Hi,

I am looking for a remote place in the Mergui Islands where I could do some great snorkeling.
I have checked on the following website (myanmartravels.net/mergui-ar... and found some interesting islands called "N°60" and "Wa Ale Kyun".
Does anyone know how I could reach these islands from Burma. Is it allowed to go there now? Is there a boat going?

Or do you know any way to reach some of the Mergui Islands starting from Burma and not Thailand?

Thanks in advance for your answer!

Ben

Hello fellow travelers!
I will be going to Myanmar in May for 28 days. I might be traveling solo or with a friend.

I REALLY want to go to Mrauk U.

Could you please help me with some questions:
1. According to lifeinthetropics.org/changes..., Mrauk U is now open again, but I've read in some posts on thorn tree, that it is not so. Does anyone know for sure?

2.Also, I've read on minthanhtut.wordpress.com/20... that you can go there by road now. Has anyone done it?
I'm new to all the permit things, so if it would be good if I had a permission (I read here, it helps if you show printed permission when you need one)-- can you please tell me how to obtain one?

3.If you think that trying to go by road would be only a waste of time-- could you please tell me what's the fastest way to go there by boat (flying is to expensive for me)? Which city should I start from to get to Sittwe as quick as possible?
I know that boats on to Mrauk U then only leave few times per week- but as I love temples, I don't mind staying for 3 days!
4. And the last- do I have to go back the same way I came?

Thank you all for your help!

Me and my girlfriend and considering traveling to Burma in august 2013.

We would have around 10 days.

Our main targets are rangoon and Bagan.

I read below that the weather is not brilliant this time of year, how badly would it affect these plans?

Is it safe since the disturbances this March? Particularly near Bagan?

Would this trip be better off waiting until January where we MAY also have some time.

Many thanks

Hi

I am looking to go Burma in June / July and have some questions:

1. Is it a good time to go in June / July?
2. I am looking to fly into Yangon and travel upwards towards the direction of Mandalay. What will be the best mode of transport in terms of value, yet not compromising safety?
3. My period of travel, about 3 weeks. O hope to do some trekking, nature activities. Which areas are recommended?
4. Should I book my transport between places before I go and accomodation too?
5. I am interested to do some voluntary work. Any organisations to recommend?
6. If I would like to get more upclose and acquainted with the locals and their way of life, how could I do so? I was wondering since it's mandatory to stay in guesthouses / hotels and in my opinion homestays are the best way to interact etc.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Looking to visit Burma in September/October 2013, will collect visa from Embassy in Bangkok, but do not wish to travel as part of an organised party. I am struggling to get infomation about transport when travelling "solo" or even if this is possible................would be very grateful for any help or ideas

I'm planning to spend a week in Yangon In May. I'm an Australian citizen born in Australia with parents from middle eatern country. My question is : is it safe for a person of middle eastern/ Indian extraction to be in Yangon? Especially with the unrest in some part of Myanmar. I have travelled extensively In Asia and I've never had any problems. Thanks Patrick

I'm planning to spend a week in Yangon In May. I'm an Australian citizen born in Australia with parents from middle eatern country. My question is : is it safe for a person of middle eastern/ Indian extraction to be in Yangon? Especially with the unrest in some part of Myanmar. I have travelled extensively In Asia and I've never had any problems. Thanks Patrick

hey fellow nomads! anyone recently been to burma from thailand? Is Mae Sai to Tachileik the best option? how much hassle is it? or is better to just fly in from BKK??

Hello!
I am planning on traveling to Burma in August and September, which are supposedly low seasons. I've read a lot about all rooms in Burma being full most of the time and quite expensive, but mostly I can only find info about December to March, so I would really like to know how it is in August and September. Would I have a lot of problem with finding cheap rooms on the spot? And how much does the cheap (low budget-I'm a student, I don't need A/C) rooms approximately cost? I am well aware that I have to book my accommodation at least in Yangon.
I would really appreciate the help!
Thank you,
Natasha

Has the political situation in Burma changed enough to ethically travel there or does our money go to the government. The kayaking companies seem to rely on motor boats to shuttle guests around and then drop them off for limited kayaking. Is the coral in the Mergui and Lampi areas in good shape? Thanks, David

what is the weather like in November compared to November?

where should I buy an engagement ring? are there locally made rings made of white gold with diamonds? thanks fellow travellers

where should I buy an engagement ring? are there locally made rings made of white gold with diamonds? thanks fellow travellers

i want to know where in Myanmar i can have a vacation like in Pattaya? With beach, nightclubs and sightseeings

I'm wondering whether it's worth extending my visa for a further two days according to the flight prices.....Do you think 26 days is sufficient time to see the main points of Burma or should I stay 30 days in total? How much would it cost to extend my visa - $3 per day plus $3 registration?

Hi,

I will be in Myanmar for 14 days. Here is a tentative itinerary. What do you think?
Also, which between Kyaukme or Hsipaw be worth spending some time at?

31 July-depart to Yangon
1 Aug-Yangon
2 Aug-depart by bus to Bagan
3, 4, 5, Aug-Bagan, Mt Popa
6 Aug-depart by boat to Mandalay
7 Aug-Mandalay
8 Aug-Ancient capitals around Mandalay
9 Aug-depart to Pyin Oo Lwin
10 Aug-Pyin Oo Lwin
11, 12 Aug-Spirit Festival?, Kwaukme/Hsipaw
13 Aug-departure to Bangkok.

Thanks!

In Monywa I met someone from Gantgaw and he said that there's direct bus from Mandalay to Gantgaw, Yaw region in Magway division. This region is famous for its longyi and its distinct Burmese dialect. And that's all information on this region I could find on the internet, no picture.

Anyone has more info on this region? Is it worth visiting?

I will be travelling to Burma in February 2013. I am aware ATMs are rare and I should bring in USD. I will be travelling with my partner for 28 days hitting the main areas, we are seasoned low budget travellers but how much USD will we need to take? Many thanks in advance

I have been reading on another website about how busy Myanmar is now. Probably 2013 will be even busier than 2012. I have been thinking about going for a few years and finally decided it would be this year. I have already booked my flight to Bangkok for November and intend flying with AirAsia to Myanmar from there. But after reading some comments on the other site about how difficult it is to get accommodation now I am having doubts. One person described on their blog about hotels not honoring reservations and about seeing people walking down the street almost in tears because they couldn't find anywhere to stay.

Are things really that bad? I need someone to talk me back into my trip!

Can anyone suggest a chiropracter in yangon and mandalay and contact details please

Hi all, We are planning on going to Myanmar in December/January.We have been to the four main Cities of Myanmar in 2012 and combined that trip with visiting Siem Reap. We expect to spend two to three weeks in Myanmar on this trip and are seeking suggestions as to where else we can go in the region for the other one to two weeks. Thanks for any suggesstions

Hi, I plan to visit Mandalay and Bagan in early August. I just found out that there are three festivals near Mandalay around that time: 1. Taung Byone Nat Pwe (Madayar, Mandalay) 2. Yadana Gu Nat festival (Amapura, Mandalay) 3. Shwe Kyun Pin Nat Pwe (Mingun) and would like to know when exactly this year they are. It would be helpful if some locals could confirm the dates. Also, any information such as time of day to visit and guides, accommodation or any other relevant info is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

We are going on the Orient Pandaw and wondering if anyone has experienced a cruise with them or any other touristy cruise for that matter in Burma. Staying briefly in Rangoon and Mandalay then cruising down the Irawaddy river. Also what will the weather be like at that time. Any hints or info would be appreciated.

Dear all, I'll come yangon airport . so for the first time i visit Myama so help me to come somewhere : - the big center or mall or super market ... - anywhere 'll visit in Myama ( i need where business that it is crowded ) - tranport ? - money usd or ? - Hotel ? - some area that use domestic flight ? I 'll stay a bout 4-5 days Thanks a lot Mr.Anh

Mingalaba!!! I will be in Yangoon on the morning of the 9th of Feb. I will stay in Burma for 7 nights in total. I would like to travel somewhere but one of my aims is also spending 2-3 days in a Meditation Center. I see there are several of them with courses of meditation open to foreigners even though, most of them want people to stay longer. However when I try to get in contact with them whether the email doesn't work or the online form doesn't go through. Any of you guys went to these centers? How was the experience? And... any chance that if I go there and knock at their door they would let me join? THANKS!!!

I see references of a train from Pyay to Bagan. Many people seem to have taken it. But I can't find the train number or its timings (apart from the fact that it is some kind of overnight train from Pyay to Bagan). Anyone have more details of this mystery train? Also, if I wanted to reserve a sleeper on this train, would my best option be doing it on day of travel in Pyay? Or could I do it a couple of days earlier in Yangon?

Is a special pass/permission for a day trip by ferry needed to go to Twante from Yangon? The Lonely Planet book says so, but it was published some months ago and things are changing quite rapidly in Myanmar.