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MYANMAR HOLIDAY REVIEWS
Myanmar
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is an historically fascinating country which gained independence from Britain in 1948, after decades of colonial rule. With unspoilt beaches stretching for hundreds of miles along its coast on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, and the snow-capped Himalayas on its northern border, a holiday in Myanmar offersmore
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is an historically fascinating country which gained independence from Britain in 1948, after decades of colonial rule. With unspoilt beaches stretching for hundreds of miles along its coast on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, and the snow-capped Himalayas on its northern border, a holiday in Myanmar offersmore
Yangon - Alex Loeb. Date of travel: Nov 2008
Although beautiful and extremely intriguing, I found it difficult to stay in this one time capitol city. Until the monk led uprising last year much of the population depended on foreign tourist dollars but the violent government response appeared to deter almost everyone but me. While usually such exclusivity would be my traveler's dream, here it felt lonely and desperate as the remnants of the tourist industry clamoured to get part of any tourist's business. There are a host of guesthouses in the heart of the city which all are about the same and I can about guarantee available rooms on arrival. My favorite is Beauty Land guesthouse on the very top floor. I found asking your guesthouse for the appropriate exchange rate and then going to the jewelery shops to change money ensures the best deals. For a real treat and a surrogate mom, hang in front of the Islamic hospital downtown until you're approached by an elderly, charming, cigar smoking old woman who will lead you to the very best historic spots in Yangon. Just make sure to give her a bit of money at the end of the day and a few cigars.
Although beautiful and extremely intriguing, I found it difficult to stay in this one time capitol city. Until the monk led uprising last year much of the population depended on foreign tourist dollars but the violent government response appeared to deter almost everyone but me. While usually such exclusivity would be my traveler's dream, here it felt lonely and desperate as the remnants of the tourist industry clamoured to get part of any tourist's business. There are a host of guesthouses in the heart of the city which all are about the same and I can about guarantee available rooms on arrival. My favorite is Beauty Land guesthouse on the very top floor. I found asking your guesthouse for the appropriate exchange rate and then going to the jewelery shops to change money ensures the best deals. For a real treat and a surrogate mom, hang in front of the Islamic hospital downtown until you're approached by an elderly, charming, cigar smoking old woman who will lead you to the very best historic spots in Yangon. Just make sure to give her a bit of money at the end of the day and a few cigars.
Bagan - Alex Loeb. Date of travel: Nov 2008
The temples of Bagan, in my opinion, are more breathtaking than the much more popular temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The best means of travel between these millennium old buildings, stretching along the river bank for miles, is to simply rent a bicycle and do it on your own. Thousands of buildings, ranging from small pagodas to enormous towers, litter the fields and are able to be navigated by pathways cut into the tall grass. Forget about a package tour or hiring a guide. When i got to a temple children, well versed in English and Bagan history, offered to show the highlights for a bit of pocket change or just conversation. Although there are resorts in town, I found the best deals to be on the main road in medium budget guesthouses. The town does get boring at night so coming with friends and taking over a local beer canteen is about as exciting as i could muster.
The temples of Bagan, in my opinion, are more breathtaking than the much more popular temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The best means of travel between these millennium old buildings, stretching along the river bank for miles, is to simply rent a bicycle and do it on your own. Thousands of buildings, ranging from small pagodas to enormous towers, litter the fields and are able to be navigated by pathways cut into the tall grass. Forget about a package tour or hiring a guide. When i got to a temple children, well versed in English and Bagan history, offered to show the highlights for a bit of pocket change or just conversation. Although there are resorts in town, I found the best deals to be on the main road in medium budget guesthouses. The town does get boring at night so coming with friends and taking over a local beer canteen is about as exciting as i could muster.
Inle lake - Alex Loeb. Date of travel: Nov 2008
This lake is best discovered by hiring your own boat driver for the day. This should cost you 10 dollars or over but is worth not waiting for others to join you or taking a tour. There is simply too much to see on this lake to wait for others. The lake is unique for many reasons but for tourists because entire towns are constructed on stilts in the middle of the water. Even the tourist trap industries the boat driver took me to were interesting. Every guesthouse can arrange a boat or walk along the river and one can do it alone. A real treat is going to the lake home of your guide and see how to live on water.
This lake is best discovered by hiring your own boat driver for the day. This should cost you 10 dollars or over but is worth not waiting for others to join you or taking a tour. There is simply too much to see on this lake to wait for others. The lake is unique for many reasons but for tourists because entire towns are constructed on stilts in the middle of the water. Even the tourist trap industries the boat driver took me to were interesting. Every guesthouse can arrange a boat or walk along the river and one can do it alone. A real treat is going to the lake home of your guide and see how to live on water.
Ngwe Saung - Alex Loeb. Date of travel: Nov 2008
This beach is a must go. The place was largely deserted from a lack of tourist industry and infrastructure to get people here. But I ventured the jolting 6 hour bus ride from Yangon and paradise was my reward. I took a rickshaw to the southern end of the beach for the budget rooms which bottom out at about 14 dollars a night. There are very fancy resorts lining the otherwise palmed beach but almost no customers and they all seemed reluctant to cut deals. The seafood is among the best I have had in Asia so bring your appetite...and a book, as there is little to do when the lights go out.
This beach is a must go. The place was largely deserted from a lack of tourist industry and infrastructure to get people here. But I ventured the jolting 6 hour bus ride from Yangon and paradise was my reward. I took a rickshaw to the southern end of the beach for the budget rooms which bottom out at about 14 dollars a night. There are very fancy resorts lining the otherwise palmed beach but almost no customers and they all seemed reluctant to cut deals. The seafood is among the best I have had in Asia so bring your appetite...and a book, as there is little to do when the lights go out.
Mandalay - Alex Loeb. Date of travel: Nov 2007
My arduous journey in form of Myanmar buses to Mandalay was rewarded by the charming city. Great for craft shopping and antique hunting this city collects the goods from the wilder areas surrounding it. A long and steep hike up the main Pogoda gives a great view of the old palace and the new prison which is packed with political prisoners. Most hotels are drab but cheapish...less than ten dollars. One area of the city seams as interesting as the next so location doesn't matter too much. For a surprise check out the city's one Japanese restaurant which has good food and a cool atmosphere.
My arduous journey in form of Myanmar buses to Mandalay was rewarded by the charming city. Great for craft shopping and antique hunting this city collects the goods from the wilder areas surrounding it. A long and steep hike up the main Pogoda gives a great view of the old palace and the new prison which is packed with political prisoners. Most hotels are drab but cheapish...less than ten dollars. One area of the city seams as interesting as the next so location doesn't matter too much. For a surprise check out the city's one Japanese restaurant which has good food and a cool atmosphere.
Updates for Myanmar travel - Oliver. Date of travel: Aug 2007
I have just returned from Myanmar and thought these updates would be useful for those going holiday to Myanmar => Getting around: Air Mandalay, Air Yangon and Bagan Air run a good internal flight service, but Myanmar Airwarys internal flights are to be avoided. They have had at least three crashes in the last ten years. => Currency exchange: There is an official and unofficial currency exchange rate in Myanmar. The official rate is about 6kyat to the dollar. unofficial rate is about 1,300 kyat to the dollar. Travellers should never change at the official rate unless they like to lose their money; change on the street, or at money changers at Scott Market or the big hotels. There is also the Foreign Exchange Certificate in use (FEC) that is the equivalent of US$ 1 but is only useable in Myanmar and mainly only in hotels or government shops. The exchange rate for this is just below the US$ rate. US dollars are accepted, but the Euro is not widely known in Myanmar. => Note that international calling is very expensive in Myanmar, the UK is US$ 4.75 per minute for example.
I have just returned from Myanmar and thought these updates would be useful for those going holiday to Myanmar => Getting around: Air Mandalay, Air Yangon and Bagan Air run a good internal flight service, but Myanmar Airwarys internal flights are to be avoided. They have had at least three crashes in the last ten years. => Currency exchange: There is an official and unofficial currency exchange rate in Myanmar. The official rate is about 6kyat to the dollar. unofficial rate is about 1,300 kyat to the dollar. Travellers should never change at the official rate unless they like to lose their money; change on the street, or at money changers at Scott Market or the big hotels. There is also the Foreign Exchange Certificate in use (FEC) that is the equivalent of US$ 1 but is only useable in Myanmar and mainly only in hotels or government shops. The exchange rate for this is just below the US$ rate. US dollars are accepted, but the Euro is not widely known in Myanmar. => Note that international calling is very expensive in Myanmar, the UK is US$ 4.75 per minute for example.
Truly a great trip. Highly recommended. - Bob Snodgrass. Date of travel: Jan 2005
I had an excellent time in Myanmar (Burma) too much to write here. Started in Rangoon. From there took a rickety train ride 17 hours to Mandalay. Great experience. Then I think about 4 hours by boat to Bagan (ancient temples) very cool place, then bus through very steep, rough dangerous looking mountain roads to Inle lake. Great time, very beautiful and interesting place to explore by boat and on foot. Then flew (Myanmar Air - vey nice airline), to Ngapali Beach, great beautiful beach, locals will take you out in thier small wooden boats snorkelling or anywhere very cheap. There is a massive incredible rock formation you can walk out on way down the beach. Then by plane and 5 hour taxi to the famous (Kyityo) Golden Rock. It's a tough hike up the mountain several hours but must be done. Got a ride most of the way back down different way. The perfect adventure trip and cultural experience. Many great things not mentioned.
I had an excellent time in Myanmar (Burma) too much to write here. Started in Rangoon. From there took a rickety train ride 17 hours to Mandalay. Great experience. Then I think about 4 hours by boat to Bagan (ancient temples) very cool place, then bus through very steep, rough dangerous looking mountain roads to Inle lake. Great time, very beautiful and interesting place to explore by boat and on foot. Then flew (Myanmar Air - vey nice airline), to Ngapali Beach, great beautiful beach, locals will take you out in thier small wooden boats snorkelling or anywhere very cheap. There is a massive incredible rock formation you can walk out on way down the beach. Then by plane and 5 hour taxi to the famous (Kyityo) Golden Rock. It's a tough hike up the mountain several hours but must be done. Got a ride most of the way back down different way. The perfect adventure trip and cultural experience. Many great things not mentioned.
