Looking to get some personal info on Myanmar

ro1798

hi looking to get info froma anyone that gone to this jewel of asia? some mighht know it as burma? heading that in auguest next year and need all the info i can get...

the government has opened borders a bit and the silly rule of having to convert 200 $ to the local currency has gone...

but anyone with some wise info on the country travel tips etc would be great

thanks

ronan

alvasheehy

Ok, I spent a month in Myanmar last January. And it was just amazing. Here's a bit of info about the place and the places I visited. Enjoy Myanmar - you'll love it!

MYANMAR (Burma)


Ok, the government is a military goverment and they're insane, so the county is a bit ****ed up but its an amazing place to go. Definately read up about the history and government before you go. Its really important that you be aware of the politics there. The people appreciate outsiders knowing their plight.
The people in Myanmar are unbelievable, really honest and innocent in a way. Its like going back in time, Tourists in some remote places are treated like they've never seen a white person before, and in general the people don't hear about the outside world much. Not many people go here but its such a remarkable place. Travelling is long and uncomfortable cause the roads haven't been maintained well at all. Its recommended to avoid giving money to the government by not staying in government-run/helped hotels, not taking flights or trains, and avoiding any official entrance fees where possible. Oh and internet is non-existant virtually in this country. Its sensored by the government and hotmail and yahoo are out of bounds. its also very very slow. Phone calls to international numbers are something like 8US dollars a minute so....

You need a visa before hand. Can get in any of the embassies in other countries like Thailand, Malaysia etc. Might take up to a week to get it though. To fly to Burma one of the best options is to fly into Mandalay and then fly out of Yangon, or visa versa. This cuts out a 24hour bus journey which is meant to be hell. The only places Mandalay flies internatinally to is Chiang Mai in northern thailand or China. Air Asia have cheap flights from Bangkok to Yangon.

MONEY - The currency here is the Kyat (pronounced "chat"), but it is unavailable in any other country. There is only one ATM and that is in Yangon so its advised to take all your money in with you. Bring in either US dollars or Euro. These can be changed on the street / black market for a much better rate than the banks or official places give you. The people want different currency cause theirs is so unstable and the government has devalued it many times before. Don't be afraid of bringing all this money with you, in all of south east asia I felt the safest here in Myanmar, the people are so trustworthy. You will not be robbed. Also all notes have to be in immaculate condition, no marks or tares no matter how small - they will not take anything less than absolute perfect. i can't stress this enough!

Most people do the main 4 places their first time in myanmar and they are Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan and Yangon. We went to two more places, Hsipaw and Chaungtha Beach. Heres a bit on each....
Mandalay - an amazing city. liked it way more than Yangon I have to say. Rent a bicycle and cycle round, its fantastic. The palace was great to see and Mandalay Hill at sunset is nice. Their are loads of temples and things to see in Mandalay itself but outside of mandalay are the ancient cities of Inwa, and Sagain. also one of the highlights was U Bein's Bridge, in Amarapura. Make sure to get here for sunset. Its stunning. You can hire a car or truck to take you to a loads of these places in the one day. start early though. If you want good internet Nylon Hotel has great internet. And great ice cream in the place next door too.

Bagan - rent a bike here and spend a day or two cycling around the ruins of all the thousands of stupas. Its like cycling round in a fairy tale. Amazing place and food is great here too. Nyaung U is the main place to stay and has all the budget accomodation and food. San Kabar does great pizzas and pastas.

Inle Lake - well we trekked from Kalaw to Inle and it was great. Stayed in a monastery one night and a local home the next. a great experience. We did the trek with Mr. Aung, can get a hold of him at the Everest Nepali restaurant. Aquarious guesthouse is meant to be nice. we stayed in the Teakwood Guest House and it was nice too. Can get great massages here.

Hsipaw - a little town up in the Shan state. Lovely lovely place to just relax. There good walks around and a popcorn factory to look at. Don't stay at Mr. Charles, we heard lots of bad things about him. Nam Khae Mao guest house is fantastic. the people there are great, kept bringing us tea and little snacks all day long. lovely!

Yangon - Okinawa guest house is just lovely. book it before hand to guanantee a room. its a small quiet little place. very quaint. the main attraction here is the Shwe Dagon. Go and find the "night bars", they're hilarious. Bogyoke Aung San market is good too.

Chaungtha Beach - a great place. beautiful beach, lovely water, really really relaxing. Shwe Hin Tha Hotel is a fantastic place to stay. they bring up fish to your door asking you want you want for dinner, king prawns, baracuda, its fantastic. lovely for a few quiet days. can walk to some other beaches as well and you'll have them to yourselves.

Hope that was the kind of thing you're looking for,
Alva