Burma/Myanmar
- Thread starter Taz
- Start date
I should think quite a few people have (lol), but what a random question!
Taz - we also made it to Chang Mai & Chang Rai / Golden Triangle but not quite Myanmar. However, my younger sister was there last year with Explore and had a great time - especially ( expensive) balloon trips. I'll have her give you more details if you want to PM / e-mail etc.
I have, went for 8 days in 2012. Not cheap compared to other SE Asian countries but still a relatively cheap destination.
Taz - I would certainly recommend going, very few people do so the locals are yet to be jaded by the tourists as they are in certain parts of Thailand. The situation there is quite fluid and things change so take my gen with a pinch of salt. When I arrived I was expecting ATMs not to work, this didn't appear to be the case, though I didn't use any to take out cash. I took specially ordered crisp USD, and had about $2500 on my person. However, certainly where visitors are allowed (i.e. not in the far north), I would say it's the safest country in Asia aside from Singapore. Banks will change your money at a realistic rate now so avoid street money changers like the plague - they were the only hassle I encountered, be firm and assertive and they will leave you alone. Accommodation is expensive and relatively limited - as I was backpacking I wasn't looking at hotels, most of these have links to the government though so avoid. Intercity buses are a cheap form of transport but as I was limited for time I mostly flew. Flights aren't cheap. I left He-Ho airport on the 20th Dec and on the 25th a jet crashed there, 2 people died... so be mindful of the risk and take out insurance! I didn't make it to Bagan but went to Inle lake, amazing place not to be missed. Loved Rangoon and Mandalay. Street food is cheap but you have to hunt it out a little more than in Thailand. Take a city bus in Rangoon at rush hour, they cost pence, but the experience is worth every penny!
If you've been to India you'll really notice that the culture is a mix between that and of Asia, really interesting. Do some research, take lots of cash just in case and GO!
If you've been to India you'll really notice that the culture is a mix between that and of Asia, really interesting. Do some research, take lots of cash just in case and GO!
Oh, and not forgetting the right-hand drive vehicles driving on the right-hand side of the road! I'm told it changed overnight in 1970 on a bit of a whim... Similar to moving the capital!
Daughter and boy friend just spent about a month there and have just flown to Australia. They have just finished uni so taking gap year, all done on cheap.
ie when they arrive at Mymmar airport to be told its 9$ for taxi into town, they asked around and got a bus for 20c each.
Burma seems to be least touristy and more like thailand vietnam twenty years ago. Advised to go there from other backpackers they met.
There 6 week holiday in this part of the country extended to 6 months it was so cheap especially when away from tourist areas.
They had a blast.
Good luck, if want any other info i am sure I can e-mail daughter. Just drop me a pm.
ie when they arrive at Mymmar airport to be told its 9$ for taxi into town, they asked around and got a bus for 20c each.
Burma seems to be least touristy and more like thailand vietnam twenty years ago. Advised to go there from other backpackers they met.
There 6 week holiday in this part of the country extended to 6 months it was so cheap especially when away from tourist areas.
They had a blast.
Good luck, if want any other info i am sure I can e-mail daughter. Just drop me a pm.