Proposed trip to Rangoon

I am currently in Bangkok and was in the middle of planning a trip to Rangoon next month. In the light of the cyclone yesterday, should I cancel these plans? Alternatively, wouldthey be looking for volunteers to help with the clear up operation?

Proposed trip to Rangoon

I am in a similar situation. I was planning on flying into Yangoon early next month and travelling south east. I would really appreciate advice from someone who is in Yangoon right now or has recently departed. The language of the travel warning from the US Dept. of State (see below) is very strong. It is clear that travel into Myanmar should not be attempted right now, but it is unclear when the situation will become safe.

This Travel Warning is being issued to inform American citizens of the destruction caused to Burma by Cyclone Nargis from May 2-3, 2008. The Department of State has authorized the departure from Burma of non-emergency American citizen employees of U.S. Embassy Rangoon and eligible family members. American citizens in cyclone-affected areas should strongly consider departing Burma on commercially available flights. American citizens outside of Burma should defer non-essential travel to Burma at this time.

Proposed trip to Rangoon

15,000 dead and 3000 missing, big mess at the moment, no place for tourists. Power may be out for a month in Yangon (so it is reported).

Keep an eye on major forum in thailand (connected with visas), not allowed to put web address here, I believe.

Most of the regions, north of the delta, unaffected by cyclone.

Whilst Yangon will be a mess for some do consider being a tourist in Bagan,Mandalay and Inle Lake-the local Burmese will need your $$ even more at this time.

I have just spoken to the Mynamar consulate in Rome.

I wanted to make application for a VISA thru them (as I am living in Italy presently)...

He ';suggested'; my passport might be a problem (American)...because they wonder why I would want to go to Mynamar now with the cyclone disaster...his words...';perhaps you are not really a tourist';...

I had not heard of any Americans being rejected for a VISA (on this forum).

I obtained a visa before the cyclone hit, so my only concern is that Yangoon will be unsafe due to looting and lack of electricity/clean water. I think it might be unsafe to travel (if not impossible, if the trains and roads are out of service) to the south west as well - any information on this area??

I was also considering re-routing to northern Myanmar - it should be safe around Mandalay, correct?

traveling inside, in land flights are in operation as well as international. so there would be no problem at all for your trip arrangements. regarding volunteer in clear up, i do not think it%26#39;s good idea you can do upon the sight of government. so it%26#39;s wise to keep away.

regarding food and water in yangon, it would be ready if you are coming in next month when commerical traffics work out. And Yangon seems to be an enterance and exit to Myanmar, you have no problem at all. The rest of the places (tourist sites; Bagan, Mandalay and lake Inle) are all OK. To answer you, you should not cancel the plans.

In Yangon, No looting is hard so far. Short of electricity , yes, but some part are get back already. Clean water is no problem in Yangon. Most of the water supply is back only short of electricity and some do not able to pump up to their apartment. For tourist , staying in hotels will not be a problem .

Fuel cost also drop back and expected to be normal withing this month. Price are sore due to panic buyer.