16/06/2018
Paleik town, situated in the Mandalay region on the Myitnge River, is home to the snake pagoda and a rarely visited collection of more than 300 closely packed stupas, often referred to as ‘mini Bagan’.
The highway bus-ticketing in Myanmar and hotel-booking is available by phone or online. We do these
(18)
20/11/2017
Should tourists still visit Myanmar despite the violence towards the Rohingya?
By Kayleigh Long
Posted15 hours agoUpdated12 hours ago
Photo Rohingya Muslim children wait to receive handouts in a Bangladeshi refugee camp.AP: Dar Yasin
As a journalist who's been based in Myanmar for a number of years, there's a question I've been getting asked an awful lot lately: Given recent violence towards the country's Rohingya minority, should tourists still visit?
My answer is always yes — but with a few caveats.
Spanning from the dazzling archipelago on the Andaman sea, to the plains of Bagan and its thousands of stupas, to the foothills of the Himalayas, Myanmar has a reputation for being "untouched" — something cherished by tourists searching for an "authentic" travel experience.
Bigger than neighbouring Thailand and home to some 51 million people, the country is made up of a dizzying array of ethnic, tribal and linguistic groups.
Read the travel advice
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website gives Myanmar an overall "exercise a high degree of caution" rating, with area-specific warnings that run from "reconsider your need to travel" to an outright "do not travel".
Tips for visiting Myanmar
• Visit Tourism Transparency to learn how to visit Myanmar responsibly and which businesses to support
• Don't buy jade
• Don't ride elephants
• Avoid orphanages
• Don't give change to children begging: it keeps them out of school. Instead donate to Food Not Bombs or Books Not Bombs
• Hotel breakfasts are generally awful — support a local business instead. Try a laphae (sweet tea) and a bowl of mohinga, or a plate of peh nan pya
• Pack Immodium
Long-running conflicts endure in the borderlands, and vast swathes remain off-limits to foreigners. In reality, it's still a fairly small part of the country where tourists are actually permitted to go without having to tackle a mountain of paperwork. Some areas are off-limits for good reason: in 2016, two German tourists were injured in a landmine blast while trekking.
A tourism boycott supported by Aung San Suu Kyi, the now nominal head of state and internationally-feted democracy icon, was lifted in 2010. Tourists have been flooding in ever since.
Government-placed "Warmly Welcome and Please Take Care of Tourists" signs can be seen in major centres, and it's something that has been taken to heart — the people of Myanmar are renowned for their hospitality.
During the boycott years, what little tourism took place often lined the pockets of those with close ties to the military regime. In recent years a slight easing of the regulatory framework has opened up space for smaller operators, which has been an economic boon for those in destination towns.
Violence against a minority
But the events that have taken place since October 2016 have dealt a serious blow to the tourism sector and tarnished the country's image internationally.
Why are the Rohingya stateless?
In Bangladesh they are a burden; in Myanmar they are despised. Where did the Rohingya come from and where do they belong?
A brutal purge of Rohingya Muslims by the military (which top UN officials have branded "ethnic cleansing") has seen more than 600,000 people flee from Northern Rakhine State across the border to Bangladesh in recent months, an exodus that continues to this day.
While the Rohingya exodus has topped headlines around the world, within Myanmar the coverage is a completely different story.
The Rohingya are seen by Myanmar people as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Many believe the Rohingya have fled the country to gain international sympathy and get aid handouts — but not before torching their own homes.
People believe the international community has downplayed or ignored the threat posed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which has staged attacks on security forces.
They believe the Western media has ignored the deaths of Buddhist, Hindu and other minorities during the recent violence, and that aid agencies provide disproportionate support for the Muslim population.
Photo 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled persecution to refugee camps in Bangladesh in recent months.AP: Bernat Armangue
As for the now well-documented allegations of atrocities carried out by security forces? They are widely regarded as exaggerations, if not outright fabrications.
In a country where people were previously suspicious of its government, state media on the subject of the Rohingya is now taken for gospel.
It's in this climate that what the military calls "clearance operations" have taken place, with little domestic opposition. If anything, the army has experienced a surge in support off the back of this issue.
How the military still controls Myanmar
Despite Aung San Suu Kyi having widespread support, it's really the military that calls the shots.
There's a "siege mentality" at play, where people feel their country — and their beloved leader — is being unfairly maligned. The voting majority in central Myanmar see Aung San Suu Kyi as the country's best shot at staying a democratic state, who's doing the best she can to address the country's myriad challenges — including the apartheid-like conditions that persist in Rakhine, reviving the peace process, and trying to rein in the army.
They see the alternative: A power vacuum and state of catastrophic disarray that would no doubt legitimise military intervention.
Should I boycott Myanmar?
The decision whether or not to visit Myanmar, where state forces stand accused of heinous war crimes, ultimately comes down to the individual.
In Rakhine State itself, a brief surge in tourism had given a glimmer of hope to locals working in the industry. Last year, a few days prior to the start of renewed bloodshed in the north, I was sitting in a teashop in the state capital of Sittwe with a Buddhist friend and his teacher.
Photo Rohingya refugee sisters try to find their parents after crossing the Bangladeshi border under the cover of darkness.Reuters: Damir Sagolj
They asked me why so few tourists visit their town, and said they believed the flow-on benefits of tourism would go some way to rectifying the economic grievances that fuel conflict in that impoverished place.
I hope that someday Rakhine State will be stable enough for me to recommend in good conscience that people should visit, and see for themselves the awe-inspiring spectacle of sunrise over a foggy dawn in the ancient temple city of Mrauk U. Until then, I defer to DFAT.
To my mind, a boycott only increases the risk that the country will fold back in on itself. That won't help people of Myanmar and certainly won't help the Rohingya.
The general view in the tourism industry seems to be that ordinary people whose livelihoods depend on visitors are being affected by a faraway conflict which they can do little about.
When people in Myanmar talk about the heavy sanctions the country faced for years, they say the isolation and economic disenfranchisement largely hurt the common people.
'Genocide' in Myanmar
A report says that the systematic violation of human rights against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's Rakhine falls within a defined framework of genocide.
The widespread poverty in Myanmar is evident to any visitor, and it's incumbent on tourists and investors alike to ensure they do their part in promoting ethical and sustainable practices.
Tourists should inform themselves about the places they visit. In an age where clicks often drive editorial decisions, staying informed can also keep the spotlight on critical issues like the Rakhine crisis.
Ultimately, the environment that allows fear, ignorance and hatred of the other to thrive can only be changed by the people of Myanmar themselves.
You can call your elected representatives and ask them to strongly condemn human rights abuses, and press them to buck the trend of diminishing foreign aid allocations.
24/06/2017
Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephants draw thousands of visitors
Over 4,000 local and foreign visitors visited Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camp in Kyauktaga Township in Bago Region during the past 10 months.
The new elephant reserve is situated one mile away from Mile Post 105/4 on the Bago Region highway. The elephant-based tourism camp was opened on World Elephants’ Day, 12 August 2016.
The elephant park is one of Myanmar’s most popular destinations. Bago Region is home to four major elephant reserves including Kyein Ni, Khayu Chaung, Thingan Myaung and Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camps. Among the four elephant camps, the Hmaw Yaw Gyi has been chosen as a tourist destination and opened to spectators.
Hmaw Yaw Gyi is home to 25 elephants. Visitors can also greet and ride some of the elephants. On an average public holiday, about 90 people visit Hmaw Yaw Gyi. Myanmar nationals pay an entrance fee of Ks1,000 and Ks5,000 for elephant-riding. Foreign tourists are charged Ks20,000 each for entrance fees and elephant riding at the Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camp.
# MOI
18/05/2017
8 Reasons to Skip Thailand and Head to Myanmar Instead
May 12, 2017 2:45 AM by Claire Volkman
There are a million and one reasons to visit Thailand, and you've no doubt read them all: beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, staggering landscapes, and ancient culture. However, the word is out and millions of visitors—from backpackers to families—are flocking to Thailand's cities, beaches, and villages. If you're looking for a Southeast Asian destination, then, that is still relatively uncharted, head to Myanmar. Boasting epic and varied landscapes, quiet beaches, small villages home to indigenous tribes, a culinary experience that's unlike any other, and a chance to get truly off the grid, the former Burma is one of the area's last undiscovered gems. From hiking the hills outside of Heho, to biking in and around Bagan, you'll immediately understand why so many people want to keep this incredibly beautiful (and emotionally captivating) country a secret.
Incredible Cuisine
It may not hold the international notoriety that Thai cuisine does, but Burmese food is not to be dismissed. Healthy, delicious, and largely reliant on fresh produce, locally farmed livestock, and freshly-caught fish, the fare in Burma defines farm-to-fork. Thanks to Myanmar’s location, and the fact it was closed off from the Western world for decades, its cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbors such as Thailand, India, and China. The local people truly live off the land and try to make use of everything in their dishes, and not waste food, which you’ll note as you nosh on Shan noodles—a traditional rice noodle dish found in the Shan State that’s a bountiful blend of chicken, black bean or fish sauce, fresh vegetables, and peanuts. Another example is the laphet thoke, or fermented tea leaf salad. Residents toss the pickled leaves with fresh vegetables, peanuts, and other ingredients, for a tangy and delicious bite. Curries are also a mainstay in the cuisine, and the Burmese variety is a true marriage of Indian spices and Thai flavors.
Relatively Untouched Archeological Sites
Few places in the world offer the sheer volume of historic archeological sights that Myanmar does, and no place showcases the amount better than Bagan, a former capital of Myanmar that's dotted with more than 2,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas —all ranging in sizes, colors, and grandeur. Most of the larger temples surround the Tharabar Gate (the only surviving portion of Bagan’s ancient city wall), while the smaller ones can be found speckled throughout the picturesque plains. One of the most fantastic is the Shwesandaw Pagoda, which was built by King Anawrahta in 1057. The pagoda’s bright white exterior isn’t the only defining part of this mystical temple—the bell-shaped structure boasts five terraces that once bore the faces of terra-cotta statues of the elephant-headed Hindu God, Ganesh. Arguably the best way to see the temples rising above the jungled canopy of Bagan is by taking a hot air balloon ride. Albeit a little touristy, the sky-high vantage point provides the most breathtaking 360-degree views of the magnificent structures. The capital city of Yangon is home to probably the most highly decorated (and visited) stupa in the world—the 361-foot-high Shwedagon Pagoda. Covered with hundreds of gold plates, more than 4,000 glimmering diamonds (with the largest topping off at 72 carats), its allure lies in both the flashy exterior and the rich, 2,500-year-old history. Sunset may be the most crowded time to visit, but it’s also one of the most beautiful.
Fewer Crowds
Thailand saw more than 30 million tourists in 2015 (according to Reuters). Myanmar saw less than five million. The sheer number of people visiting a country makes a dramatic impact on how people see and experience it, and a shift in the political climate in Myanmar, as well as the borders opening to North American tourists means the number of visitors there is quickly going to catch up to its more heavily-traversed neighbors. But at the moment, you can still wander through the streets of Yangon, bike through the thousands of temples in Bagan, and visit the villages outside of Mandalay and Meiktila without as much as running into another English-speaking tourist. Fewer travelers also means fewer large group tours, so you’re free to explore the biggest sights—such as the Schwedagon Pagoda, Inle Lake, and Mount Popa —in peace.
Thrilling Adventures
While the repelling, kayaking, and hiking throughout Thailand is certainly amazing, the adventures offered in Myanmar come with a few additional perks. For one, most of the terrain is still largely uncharted, with few tour groups traversing the country’s jungle-clad limestone peaks. Two, there’s a seemingly endless variety of things to see by kayak, such as the stilt villages that punctuate the grassy coast of Inle Lake; by bike, such as the thousands of temples hidden all throughout Bagan, with only a fraction of them seen from the main road; or by foot – we suggest trekking through the small villages that make up the sprawling Shan Plateau, such as Htee Thein. Even more undiscovered are the southern parts of the country, which include Hp-Pan and Hpa-An, where you’ll find spectacular views as you walk, bike, or trek your way through. For a chance to explore the country by boat, by foot, and by bicycle, opt for the tour around Myanmar that’s offered by World Expeditions, an adventure-focused travel company. The tour pairs you with local guides who will bike, kayak, and hike with you through some of the country’s most enchanting landscapes.
It’s Cheaper
Thanks to the staggering number of tourists in Thailand, hotels (even the midrange ones) can set you back upwards of $80-150 a night. In addition, the price of food, tour guides, and even bus tickets has increased over the past five years. If you’re trying to vacation on a true backpacker’s budget, head to Myanmar instead, where the same two to three-star hotels and hostels will cost nearly half of what they do in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. A traditional meal will cost you just one or two pounds, while a beer to swill it down with will set you back just 70p. A three-star hotel in Bangkok generally costs more than $110, while a hotel of the same caliber will cost just $60-70 in Yangon.
The Rivers and Their Villages
Part of what makes Southeast Asia so special lies in the fact that much of it is still relatively unchartered, and this is especially true for Myanmar. Thanks to its location along the Irrawaddy River, you can board a river cruise with luxury outfitter Avalon Waterways and sail through the truly untouched riverside villages that have formed along the banks. Most of the cruises start in Mandalay and sail either to Bagan or to Katha. Mornings on the river might begin with the sound of devotional chanting from the riverside monasteries, and you’ll certainly pass by hundreds of fishing canoes, local ferries transporting passengers to and fro, and perhaps even a frolicking, friendly dolphin. Although it’s the Irrawaddy River is famous in the region, it isn’t the only one you can sail on. The Chindwin River, which flows down from the Burma-Assam border areas, explores extremely isolated villages. For a truly authentic experience, ride in one of the local boats, which are guaranteed to be filled with locals getting to and from their villages. The boats ride low, thanks to the river’s swirling whirlpools, so don’t fret if it looks (and feels) as though you’re sinking. You're not!
The People Are Kind
You can’t walk down the street in any of Myanmar’s cities or villages without encountering one thing—a smile. Unlike other cities that are largely reliant on the tourism trade, the hospitality, kindness, and care offered by the Burmese people is completely genuine. A visit is also made easier by the fact that many of the locals speak excellent English and are more than happy to practice their language skills over a long chat.
The Landscapes
More than just lush forest canopies flanked by the Himalayan mountains, vast fields speckled with golden temples, fishing boats floating down rivers, and red-coat-cloaked monks navigating through fog-laden valleys, Myanmar’s landscape is also home to several other remarkable sights. Take the bridge of Amarapura, which was built with over 1,000 posts and is thought to be the oldest teak bridge in the world. Or the nation's largest lake, Inle, which is ringed with stilt villages and fishermen who row using their legs. During the month of November, the country hosts a slew of celebrations, including the Tazaungmone Festival, where the sky above local villages are dotted with cow-shaped balloons. Or the Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you’ll find hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes floating around the unpolluted sky. The most unusual (and frankly perplexing) highlight of Myanmar is the holy rock, or the sacred gold leaf-decorated boulder that sits on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, seemingly defying gravity. Every year, you’ll find hundreds of monks making the trek to pray at the site. Beyond just mountains and village, though, Myanmar is also home to 1,200 miles of coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The beaches lack the crowds and debauchery of Thailand, and feature beautiful white sand, thatched cabanas, and crystal-blue water.
Photos: Courtesy of Claire Gallam and Alamy
8 Reasons to Skip Thailand and Head to Myanmar Instead
May 12, 2017 2:45 AM by Claire Volkman
There are a million and one reasons to visit Thailand, and you've no doubt read them all: beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, staggering landscapes, and ancient culture. However, the word is out and millions of visitors—from backpackers to families—are flocking to Thailand's cities, beaches, and villages. If you're looking for a Southeast Asian destination, then, that is still relatively uncharted, head to Myanmar. Boasting epic and varied landscapes, quiet beaches, small villages home to indigenous tribes, a culinary experience that's unlike any other, and a chance to get truly off the grid, the former Burma is one of the area's last undiscovered gems. From hiking the hills outside of Heho, to biking in and around Bagan, you'll immediately understand why so many people want to keep this incredibly beautiful (and emotionally captivating) country a secret.
Incredible Cuisine
It may not hold the international notoriety that Thai cuisine does, but Burmese food is not to be dismissed. Healthy, delicious, and largely reliant on fresh produce, locally farmed livestock, and freshly-caught fish, the fare in Burma defines farm-to-fork. Thanks to Myanmar’s location, and the fact it was closed off from the Western world for decades, its cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbors such as Thailand, India, and China. The local people truly live off the land and try to make use of everything in their dishes, and not waste food, which you’ll note as you nosh on Shan noodles—a traditional rice noodle dish found in the Shan State that’s a bountiful blend of chicken, black bean or fish sauce, fresh vegetables, and peanuts. Another example is the laphet thoke, or fermented tea leaf salad. Residents toss the pickled leaves with fresh vegetables, peanuts, and other ingredients, for a tangy and delicious bite. Curries are also a mainstay in the cuisine, and the Burmese variety is a true marriage of Indian spices and Thai flavors.
Relatively Untouched Archeological Sites
Few places in the world offer the sheer volume of historic archeological sights that Myanmar does, and no place showcases the amount better than Bagan, a former capital of Myanmar that's dotted with more than 2,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas —all ranging in sizes, colors, and grandeur. Most of the larger temples surround the Tharabar Gate (the only surviving portion of Bagan’s ancient city wall), while the smaller ones can be found speckled throughout the picturesque plains. One of the most fantastic is the Shwesandaw Pagoda, which was built by King Anawrahta in 1057. The pagoda’s bright white exterior isn’t the only defining part of this mystical temple—the bell-shaped structure boasts five terraces that once bore the faces of terra-cotta statues of the elephant-headed Hindu God, Ganesh. Arguably the best way to see the temples rising above the jungled canopy of Bagan is by taking a hot air balloon ride. Albeit a little touristy, the sky-high vantage point provides the most breathtaking 360-degree views of the magnificent structures. The capital city of Yangon is home to probably the most highly decorated (and visited) stupa in the world—the 361-foot-high Shwedagon Pagoda. Covered with hundreds of gold plates, more than 4,000 glimmering diamonds (with the largest topping off at 72 carats), its allure lies in both the flashy exterior and the rich, 2,500-year-old history. Sunset may be the most crowded time to visit, but it’s also one of the most beautiful.
Fewer Crowds
Thailand saw more than 30 million tourists in 2015 (according to Reuters). Myanmar saw less than five million. The sheer number of people visiting a country makes a dramatic impact on how people see and experience it, and a shift in the political climate in Myanmar, as well as the borders opening to North American tourists means the number of visitors there is quickly going to catch up to its more heavily-traversed neighbors. But at the moment, you can still wander through the streets of Yangon, bike through the thousands of temples in Bagan, and visit the villages outside of Mandalay and Meiktila without as much as running into another English-speaking tourist. Fewer travelers also means fewer large group tours, so you’re free to explore the biggest sights—such as the Schwedagon Pagoda, Inle Lake, and Mount Popa —in peace.
Thrilling Adventures
While the repelling, kayaking, and hiking throughout Thailand is certainly amazing, the adventures offered in Myanmar come with a few additional perks. For one, most of the terrain is still largely uncharted, with few tour groups traversing the country’s jungle-clad limestone peaks. Two, there’s a seemingly endless variety of things to see by kayak, such as the stilt villages that punctuate the grassy coast of Inle Lake; by bike, such as the thousands of temples hidden all throughout Bagan, with only a fraction of them seen from the main road; or by foot – we suggest trekking through the small villages that make up the sprawling Shan Plateau, such as Htee Thein. Even more undiscovered are the southern parts of the country, which include Hp-Pan and Hpa-An, where you’ll find spectacular views as you walk, bike, or trek your way through. For a chance to explore the country by boat, by foot, and by bicycle, opt for the tour around Myanmar that’s offered by World Expeditions, an adventure-focused travel company. The tour pairs you with local guides who will bike, kayak, and hike with you through some of the country’s most enchanting landscapes.
It’s Cheaper
Thanks to the staggering number of tourists in Thailand, hotels (even the midrange ones) can set you back upwards of $80-150 a night. In addition, the price of food, tour guides, and even bus tickets has increased over the past five years. If you’re trying to vacation on a true backpacker’s budget, head to Myanmar instead, where the same two to three-star hotels and hostels will cost nearly half of what they do in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. A traditional meal will cost you just one or two pounds, while a beer to swill it down with will set you back just 70p. A three-star hotel in Bangkok generally costs more than $110, while a hotel of the same caliber will cost just $60-70 in Yangon.
The Rivers and Their Villages
Part of what makes Southeast Asia so special lies in the fact that much of it is still relatively unchartered, and this is especially true for Myanmar. Thanks to its location along the Irrawaddy River, you can board a river cruise with luxury outfitter Avalon Waterways and sail through the truly untouched riverside villages that have formed along the banks. Most of the cruises start in Mandalay and sail either to Bagan or to Katha. Mornings on the river might begin with the sound of devotional chanting from the riverside monasteries, and you’ll certainly pass by hundreds of fishing canoes, local ferries transporting passengers to and fro, and perhaps even a frolicking, friendly dolphin. Although it’s the Irrawaddy River is famous in the region, it isn’t the only one you can sail on. The Chindwin River, which flows down from the Burma-Assam border areas, explores extremely isolated villages. For a truly authentic experience, ride in one of the local boats, which are guaranteed to be filled with locals getting to and from their villages. The boats ride low, thanks to the river’s swirling whirlpools, so don’t fret if it looks (and feels) as though you’re sinking. You're not!
The People Are Kind
You can’t walk down the street in any of Myanmar’s cities or villages without encountering one thing—a smile. Unlike other cities that are largely reliant on the tourism trade, the hospitality, kindness, and care offered by the Burmese people is completely genuine. A visit is also made easier by the fact that many of the locals speak excellent English and are more than happy to practice their language skills over a long chat.
The Landscapes
More than just lush forest canopies flanked by the Himalayan mountains, vast fields speckled with golden temples, fishing boats floating down rivers, and red-coat-cloaked monks navigating through fog-laden valleys, Myanmar’s landscape is also home to several other remarkable sights. Take the bridge of Amarapura, which was built with over 1,000 posts and is thought to be the oldest teak bridge in the world. Or the nation's largest lake, Inle, which is ringed with stilt villages and fishermen who row using their legs. During the month of November, the country hosts a slew of celebrations, including the Tazaungmone Festival, where the sky above local villages are dotted with cow-shaped balloons. Or the Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you’ll find hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes floating around the unpolluted sky. The most unusual (and frankly perplexing) highlight of Myanmar is the holy rock, or the sacred gold leaf-decorated boulder that sits on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, seemingly defying gravity. Every year, you’ll find hundreds of monks making the trek to pray at the site. Beyond just mountains and village, though, Myanmar is also home to 1,200 miles of coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The beaches lack the crowds and debauchery of Thailand, and feature beautiful white sand, thatched cabanas, and crystal-blue water.
Photos: Courtesy of Claire Gallam and Alamy
24/03/2017
Myanmar Travel Costs
5 Oct, 2015 in Myanmar by ASocialNomad (updated on July 5, 2016)
________________________________________
Throughout our time in Myanmar we were convinced that we were spending lots of money. Blame it on the large numbers of kyat (chat) to the dollar. Or more likely that we felt that accommodation was expensive, it turned out to be not the case at all. Here’s a round up of our Myanmar Travel Costs.
Myanmar was our cheapest country to date. And that includes India!
We entered the country on a US$105.14 flight on 16 September on an Air Asia fight from Bangkok. We applied for and received the US$50 Evisa a few days earlier. as we entered the country our individual costs, after 497 days on the road were US$60.42.
And, while I’m converting all the costs here to US Dollars and British Pounds, it’s no longer necessary to take wads of immaculate US Dollars into Myanmar – read about that here!
A day trip in an air conditioned car around the sights of Mandalay cost 35,000 kyat (US$27.26, GBP 18.04). A second trip and a 0500 start to get us to the Ubein bridge for sunrise cost 18,000 kyat (US$14.02, GBP 9.28).
After four days in Mandalay we headed north, taking the Train to Hsipaw – via the Gokteik viaduct. 18 hours of Burmese trains for 5 minutes of sublime fun. The trip cost us 3,950 kyat (US$3.08, GBP2.04) for our upper class seats.
After a night in Hsipaw we headed out on a two day one night trek in this northern Shan state with Sawnming for 25,000 kip (US$19.47, GBP 12.89) each. It included lunch, dinner and breakfast, plus our accommodation in private rooms. Toilet down the hill. Shower in the stream if required.
We didn’t brave the train back to Mandalay, taking a minivan instead. We then took the US$42 (GBP27.80) – prices for this trip are quoted in US Dollars by the provider.. boat to Bagan down the Ayerwaddy. It was a superb trip made even more pleasurable by the fact that there were only 9 of us on the boat.
Our tourist tickets to the Bagan area cost 27,000 kyat ( although you can pay in Dollars when it costs.. US$20). We rented 5,000 a day kyat (US$3.90, GBP2.58) electric bikes to get around (oh so worth it). We had the best time just riding around the pagodas and temples in the post sunrise time.
A minivan took us from Bagan to Nyaungshwe, the main town of Inle Lake, where we relaxed in the luxury of the Zawgyi Inn. We rented bikes with no gears or brakes for the day and tasted Burmese wine for 3,000 kyat (US$2.34, GBP1.55).
The fee to enter the Inle Lake area as a tourist is 15,000 kyat, (US$11.68 – although if you pay in US Dollars the fee is US$15 – , GBP7.73)
A private trip in a long boat along Inle Lake remains one of the highlights of my time in Myanmar. We toured around local silversmiths, silk weavers, umbrella manufacturers and saw a Long Necked Karen Lady.
We visited the jumping cat monastery, where the cats that used to jump through hoops (or their kits) now just sleep. In the middle of the lake we zoomed through the floating gardens, where Shan state tomatoes are grown and being that we’d enjoyed them so much it was necessary to see where they came from.
The slow train to Thazi took us from ShweNyaung to Thazi for 2,950 kyat (US$2.30), again in Upper Class. Then after an hours wait at this tiny station we were on another train to Naypyidaw, the nation’s capital.
Naypyidaw saw us taking a 40,000 kyat (US$31.15, GBP20.62) half day tour around. We saw the Uppatasani Pagoda – the fake Shwedagon, with its white elephants. There’s a superb market and train station with free wifi. Then we hopped on another train to the old capital, Yangon (Rangoon).
We walked around Yangon’s colonial district, saw the magnificent Shwedagon…
…and then jumped on our last Burmese train (my sanity thanks me for making it the last) to Mawlamyine. It was there that we drank our cheapest Myanmar beer at 1700 kip a large bottle (US$1.32, GBP0.88).
From Mawlamyine we took a local bus for 1,000 kyat (US$0.78, GBP0.52) and then a motorbike taxi 2000 kyat (US$1.56, GBP1.03) each to the end of the line. The Burmese end of the Thai-Burma Death Railway that we saw at Kanchanaburi and Hellfire Pass almost a year ago now.
It felt fitting that for us in Myanmar this was the end of the line and our time here.
Our average accommodation cost here was US$24.54 (GBP16.23). We always had a private room with air conditioning and a bathroom. Well, apart from our trek in Hsipaw, when there was no bathroom. Period.
All that remained was a 15,000 kyat (US$11.68, GBP7.73) shared taxi to the border at Myawaddy . It was here that we walked across another Friendship Bridge into Mae Sot and Thailand.
Our in country costs for the 19 nights and 20 days that we loved spending in Myanmar were US$35.75 (GBP23.66) each. We’re leaving the country with our average daily spend now down to US$59.83 (GBP39.60).
The people have been great, the scenery wonderful and mostly the food was fantastic. I can’t think of a bad day that we had, although I can think of a few “interesting” train journeys.
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Conor of Myo Pat Road & 35 Street
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0959782508886
Other Travel Agencies in Mandale
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31 Street, bet 63 & 64 st mandalay -
75 Street, corner of 9th street, Mandalay
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9th Street , Between 74 th & 75 th Streets
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Mega Mobile Bus Ticket - Mandalay
Between 81 & 82 Street -
Eden 24/7 Ticketing & Tour Service
64 Street
