South East Asian Trips

By Air

Myanmar has two international airports: one at the capital, Yangon and the other at Mandalay. Most international flights come to Yangon, and these include Myanmar Airways International (the national carrier) and other South Asian airlines with flights connecting Chiang Mai (in Thailand) to Yangon and Mandalay.

By Road

Although ships do call at Myanmar ports, passengers aren’t allowed to enter the country through them. The alternative to coming in by air is to take one of the land routes that have recently been opened- mainly on the borders with China along Yunnan province and Thailand from Mae Sot, Mae Sai and the Three Pagodas Pass.

Getting Around

Moving between Myanmar’s cities and tourist attractions can be a bit of an adventure. You can go (theoretically, at least) by road, by air or by river, but all have their pros and cons- and the cons usually outnumber the pros. Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways are the two domestic airlines, which have scheduled flights between Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Thandwe, Heho, Sittway, Tachilek, Myiek, and Kawthuong. There are trains and buses, but these are obviously much slower; they’re also dirty, crowded and (by and large) undependable. Ferries ply on major rivers (most notably the Ayeryarwady), and can be an option. Within cities, buses, horse carts, taxis and trishaws are available, but you’re best off hiring a car.

Tourist Offices

Under the ruling military junta of Myanmar, tourism hasn’t been exactly encouraged over the past few decades, but in the recent past, things have started to change. Although most foreign tourists can still visit only a few restricted parts of the country (such as Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan), there is actually a government body, which is responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Myanmar. It’s called the MMC (Marketing Myanmar Committee), and its head office is at 5, Signal Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, Yangon (Tel: 95-1-243 639-43). The office can provide the most basic information on travelling within the country, and you can pick up brochures and maps too. In addition, there are private tour operators and travel agents who can help you with information.

When to Go

Myanmar is strictly a cold-weather destination; its summers and monsoons are so hot and humid, it makes little sense to go to the country before the winter sets in. Even winters are so mild- warm, actually - that you’ll hardly feel it’s winter. November to February is the most pleasant time to visit, although December is usually the time when everybody’s on vacation, and the country tends to get fairly flooded with tourists- be prepared to fight for accommodation and transport facilities. Northern areas - particularly the state of Shan - are much cooler, so can be visited even during the summers.

Where do I Stay?

Prior to 1993, the only accommodation available for tourists in Myanmar was in the 'official’ public-sector hotels. However, in 1993, the hotel industry was privatised, and since then there has been a proliferation of accommodation facilities, both hotels as well as guesthouses. Although you’ll require FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates) to pay your way in the 'officially approved’ hotels in Myanmar, the private hotels will accept 'free-market kyats’. There is quite a range of hotels and guesthouses in the country, but most of them are restricted to larger cities and tourist destinations like Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. If you’re going off the beaten path, you’ll probably have to trust your luck and the hospitality of any friendly villagers you meet.

What to bring

Outside of Yangon and Mandalay, at the most, you’re unlikely to find Western products, even some fairly basic ones such as toiletries and camera film. If you’re headed for villages of other remote areas, it’s wisest to stock up beforehand. Western medicines, especially less common ones, are also hard to find, so you should bring along an adequate supply if you’re on medication.

As far as clothing is concerned, Myanmar’s climate is such that light summer clothing, preferably cotton, is all you’ll need through most of the year. However, if you’re planning to go north- particularly to the Shan State- or if you’re visiting the country in the winter, you should carry light woollens - a jacket or a sweater, as it can sometimes get quite cool. Whatever the time of year - and more so if it’s summer - bring along insect repellent and sunscreen- both the sun and the mosquitoes in Myanmar can be quite fierce.