Rangoon Travel Forum

Hi all, I have read on some site that an indipendent tourist is only allowed to use the airline to travel between cities in Burma, is this info correct? I'll be going to yangon first and from there I would like to visit mandalay but I would like to go by bus or boat because of the better view,I will be traveling alone and I want to be sure that once there I can book a bus or boart without problems, can anyone informe me on this? Thanks

Just wondering, have you been watching the news?

Right now the whole situation of an independent tourist travelling to Myanmar/Burma is up in the air. But normally, there is no problem with travelling by bus or boat. Personally, I think the Mandalay to Bagan boat trip is fairly boring; not the most scenic river trip you'll take. Depending upon the water level it can take up a whole day (10-12 hours). I think you are better off flying between those two cities, getting into town early (the flight leaves very early in the morning), and having pretty much a full day to see the sights.
Hopefully the situation in the country will stabalize soon and tourists will be able to return this year. As things stand now, this whole situation is going to be devastating for people in Myanmar that depend upon tourism for their income.

As far as i know even last week people were still using the bus to go between cities. Not sure if it is possible this week but i have little doubt. As least on the normal 'tourist' routes. From Mandalay to Bagan i would skip the boat trip. Incredibly boring really. And rather expensive. If you have a little time, take the bus to Monywa. There are some really nice sites there that are worth a day (or 2), a nice and very different temple, the field of the 1000 sitting buddha's and a n buddhist caves nearby with small niches filled with buddha's. From Monywa you can take the bus to Pakokku where you can take the non-touristy ferry across the river to Nyaung Shwe (Bagan).

No problem at all, you can go . Although, curfew in Yangon and Mandalay ,bus leave in evening. Arrive early morning. Not effect. Go Yangon by Mandalay with bus and Mandalay to Bagan with Boat.Then, Bagan to Inle with bus if you prefer. No problem. The Ministry of Tourist not allowed to travel with motor bike only for safety reason.(Road accident and easy to get hurt).