Dear Yangon advisers,
I am planning my trip to Yangon in 2009. Hopefully by then, the situation over there will get better. Even so, disaster tourism has always been interesting too.
USD = Us Dollar
MMK = Myanmar Kyat
These are the problem I am facing:
1. What currency are they using? As for us (backpackers), do we need to use USD or MMK?
2. Its better to take bus from Yangon to Mandalay, but exactly in USD or MMK how much is it? Is there an express bus to it or we still need to use a public bus that use ';Yangon - Pegu - Taung ngu - Pyinmana - Meik Tila - Mandalay'; route?
3. Once in Yangon and Mandalay, how much is it to stay in the hostel? Standard rate?
4. Since Myanmar%26#39;s government is controlled by military, is it a problem to a traveller?
5. Is passing border from Thailand by land is a problem? With and without car?
Thats all for my inquiry, your help is highly appreciated. Thank you
kHad-
yangon (Rangoon) for backpackers 2009 inquiries
Since it%26#39;s too far out for 2009, there is no prediction at all what is going on next in the world of uncertainty. But sure it is, that Burma is a safe-to-travel destination. Nothing to do with the regime as long as you keep your steps out of their compounds or political activities. To your questions, it goes like;-
1) Our official currency is MMK (Myanmar Kyat) which can be exchanged from USD in Yangon. Pls note black market rate is way out better than the authorized local money exchange. Local currency is best used in restaurants, and local transportation. Mean while, USD must be used in domestic flights, trains, tourist boats, hotels and guest houses. It means you have to balance 2 currencies.
2) There are regular buses from Yangon to Mandalay
which normally leaves around 03.00PM and it is like 12000 Kyat for a foreigner while express train charge you for 45 USD placing you in reclining seat.
3)It goes between 7000 Kyat (7USD) to 12000 Kyat (12 USD)for a hostel or guest houses.
4)what do you mean? a problem like what?
5) With and without car, it is a problem if you intend to visit inland, like Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon. Because you are allowed to visit border town in 24 hour basis freely. Most done for visa run. The procedure of border crossing is varied from time to time due to political degree. So it%26#39;s not encouraged.
yangon (Rangoon) for backpackers 2009 inquiriesTripadvisors,
Thank you for your informations. It helps a lot. About the question number 4, you have answered it on the first part of your reply. So, really thanks.
However, there is one problem. I will come from Thailand (Thats the plan). From Tak to Yangon. Is there a bus express service from Thailand (Bangkok) to Yangon? If there is, i guess we can just take the bus right? What is the worst thing that could happen to a traveler if we cross the border (With VISA) inward / outward Myanmar by land?
Thank you for responding my inquiries. Your answer could help other travelers who wanted to visit Myanmar but have no idea on how to do it.
Regards
Khad
Karedo
No.4
Having visited Myanmar 8 times over the years ,I have never any problem with the military.
Whilst I despise the Generals and all they stand for I have found officials(everyone in uniform is ';military';) generally welcoming , helpful and mostly with a smile -as long as you are the same.
Avoid military areas and don%26#39;t try and visit the ';Lady'; and you will be fine.
Hi there, FYI: there is no bus at all from Tachileik to Yangon (Rangoon). And it%26#39;s not permitted to travel by road between cities there; i.e. between Tachileik and Kyaing Tong, between Kyaing Tong and Taung Gyi. The best way is to come across border town from Thailand to Tachileik, then fly in. But in order to do so, you will need to pre-arrange with a local travel agency. Hope this answers you. Cheers!
Tripadvisers,
I understand that there is no bus between cities to yangon. So, you mean that there is no possible way to travel by land from Thailand to Yangon? Total impossible? What about Thailand - Mandalay, is there any land route?
If we have to fly in, how much does it cost? Roughly.
Thanks
kHad-
Tripadvisers,
Sorry, I forgot one more thing..
from Mandalay to Imphal (India), is there any land route? Bus or Train?
Khad
hi.. none of them you mentioned ';Thailand and Mandalay';and ';Mandalay to India border'; work in your tourist type visa. I mean land route only is absolutely not OK.
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