Just back from Myanmar

Hi

We just back from Myanmar on 12 December. It is nice and fantastic culture, enviroonment and especially people but few tourists. At beginning i was a bit worried about situation but when i have been there, it is safe and nothing worried. I would be happy to go back again so soon. We visited Yangon, Inle, Mandalay and Bagan. Great trip !

Just back from Myanmar

Thanks. Most tourist need to know that.

Just back from Myanmar

Thanks. It will help tourist as well people of Myanmar.

Hi Diamant21,

Many thanks for the valuable information. I am waiting for a few more, especially of my friends going to Burma in the next few weeks to update me as well.

Best Wishes,

Khayeethe

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Myanmar Shalom - Travel Agent

We recently returned from our 9 days amazing trip from Myanmar. It was our first trip and we fall in love with the country and the people.

It is beautiful place. A friend of mine recommends Myanmar Shalom Travels %26amp; Tours and we arranged our trip with them. Everything was perfectly organized. They are very reliable, efficient and they have contact person in United States so it is pretty easy to communicate and very reasonable tour package price as well. The owner, Moses Samuels, is well known internationally in Jewish world for his work and dedication for the Jewish community in Myanmar.

Their website is: www.myanmarshalom.com

Myanmar Shalom - Travel Agent

Agreed! We used with them for our trip as well. Private owned great agency and nice people.

Myanmar Shalom - Travel Agent

With regard to Myanmar Shalom, we also cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism. When the troubles began we were very concerned and decided we would not go to Myanmar at this time. However we had already paid a deposit to Myanmar Shalom. They were absolutely wonderful about our decision and returned our full deposit. When we do go to Myanmar we would not hesitate to contact Moses Samuels to book our tour with this company.

I might also add that we had paid our airfare with Bagan Air from Bangkok to Yangon and they refunded our air fare in full without any hesitation. I fully thank them for their professionalism too.

xp

Yangon hotel reservations

Greetings travelers. I am planning on entering Myanmar February 7 for two weeks. I visited most major sites (Bagan, Mandalay, Inle, Yangon) on a previous visit (loved it in 1993!). On this portion of my holiday I am traveling solo and want to plan as I go.

I%26#39;m interested in staying in 4 star hotels such as the Grand Plaza park Royal in Yangon. Is it necessary to book online from out of the country or can one take chance and book upon arrival. I realize this may be risky - but from what I can gather, tourism is down in the country and I assume many hotels have plenty of rooms available. Perhaps I am naive.

Incidentally, I have no problem with online service providers: they are helpful and their rates seem competitive. However as I may want to extend my stay in, for instance, Yangon, I do not want to commit reservations until the last minute since payment is often final.

Finally, am I correct to presume that my credit card will not be accepted even at larger ';international'; hotels in Myanmar and all payments are in $US or equivalent?

Thanks to you all for your seasoned advice!

Yangon hotel reservations

You get a better rate if you book on-line. This also enables you to pre pay using your credit card.

Only a few hotels accept credit card payments once you are in Myanmar and usually with very large fees. Anything from 7% to 30% in addition to the bill.

Yangon hotel reservations

What mosegrisen said is right. You get better rate with on line. Usually walk in rate is higher than on line rate .

However, what you said also right that at present no much tourist and you will able to get rooms at anytime.

If you want to extend stay, you can extend at anytime too.

US $ is the most prefer currency .

Thanks for this good information! I%26#39;ve been informed that an annual gem trade/auction show in Yangon during the month of February can make hotel reservations difficult; do you know if this is any longer relevant?

I%26#39;m don%26#39;t know when will be gem auction again but usually that time, those upscales hotels are full. Recently they just have one auction in November and quite full.

Apprendre-

Typically a reservation in Yangon is very easy to secure. I confess that I have never been to Yangon while one was taking place, and would probably go out of my way to avoid it.

That said, there is a gem auction taking place this week (ending Jan 19), and as of right now there are still plenty of hotel rooms in Yangon%26#39;s more upscale hotels.

Don%26#39;t bother with your credit card once you are there. You can book hotels online with it at competitive rates.

Have a great time. Greatest place and people on earth (with one of the most horrific governments.)

110 voltage power outlet

I like to know if Traders Hotel has 110 power outlet to charge camcorder battery.. I believe they use 220

voltage power in Myanmar. Or do l have to bring power converter from North America.. Thank you

110 voltage power outlet

The plugs are a mix of European and UK sockets. 220 Volt. You need and adaptor/transformer.

110 voltage power outlet

I%26#39;m not sure about Traders but Sedona provide 220/110 v transformer upon request and Traders should have too.

Why don%26#39;t you mail to them and ask directly. Their e-mail is reservations@tradersyangon.com.mm , www.shangri-la.com.

Thank you so much for the information... I will surely find out and if they have then l will let the Readers at the Forum know too.

I just ring to Traders Hotel and upon request, they can provide you with 220/110 transformer/adaptor in your room.

Oh!! I must say that Traders Hotel has 110 plug adaptors in all their rooms as l discovered during my stay at this first class hotel a few weeks ago.. And l found their staff very courteous and their have excellent breakfast menu too..I did have a great time in Yangon.

Hi Salwm-

You don%26#39;t need a converter to charge your battery. Virtually any appliance with which you might travel will work on both 110 and 220. All you%26#39;ll need is an adaptor. And the big hotels all have universal plugs that support the North American double prong.

Have fun!

Myanmar air schedules?

As one of your contributors sagely advised, given the poor road and rail conditions in Myanmar, it is advisable to travel by air if you are on a limited stay (12 days or less) in this beautiful country. That’s me and my dilemma: where to go with relative comfort while in Myamanr February 7-14?

Spending 10-12 + hours commuting in this country is not my idea of an adventure anymore. So I am currently thinking of flying to any destinationin the country that is not accessible within 2-3 hours by taxi from Yangon.

Given my destinations will hinge on flight availability; what is the best way get accurate flight departure information for internal flights? Must I wait until I arrive at Yangon’s airport to confirm domestic air schedules or is possible to do this while I layover at Bangkok International enroute to Luang Prabang January 18.

For example, I’m keen to visit Myitkyina; from here I’d break my ‘comfort rule’ and travel overland to Bhamo, and then onto Mandalay by cargo river boat - but coordinating flights to Myitkyina or Bhamo with river boat departures is a challenge.

Perhaps these types of travel arrangements are best made while in the country?

Any advice fellow travelers?

Myanmar air schedules?

Really only possible to make flight arrangements when you are about to fly. Many flights are cancelled at the moment.

A few weeks ago a fligh betweem large cities had only 4 passengers.

Between the major cities you probably will be ok. But to the smaller ones you may have to wait for days for a flight.

Major airlines are ... Mandalay air, Bagan Air and Yangon Air. The government airline (Myanma Air) flies older planes and is less relaiable.

Myanmar air schedules?

Only Air Bagan and government air fly to Myitkyina. Air Bagan fly twice a week. Yangon to Myitkyina is about 2 1/2 hrs flight.

Airline issue weekly schedule and you may request to send to you.

Below are the e-mail address :-

Air Mandalay..marketing@airmandalay.com.mm

Air Bagan ... market@airbagan.com.mm

Yangon Airway .. marketing@mmb.com.mm

Thanks again for your seasoned advice which rather confirms my decision not to make too many plans in advance of arriving in the country. Unfortunately this negatively impacts advance bookings and payments ... such are the challenges of indepedent travellers in Burma/Myanmar.

The one and only way to convenience travel in Myanmar is use travel agent. Air schedule and info are terriblely bad..

you can rely on the Unreliability of Flight schedules within Myanmar. we took two internal flights with Air Mandalay this month. both flight were changed within 16 hours of departure (by several hours). luckily we used a local agent to book them and so were kept informed which avoided wasted time. this said, the airline and flights were professional and comfortable, with friendly staff.

I returned from Myanmar 2 weeks ago. Most of the flights were full or close to full, so do not assume that you can just pick and choose any flight. Generally speaking you can book a flight 24 hours in advance with some confidence of getting a seat. Also, ALWAYS give your ticket to staff at your hotel or guest house to confirm for you, as schedules change constantly.

Visa for British national

Hi

I am Thai national and just back from Myanmar but i would love to go again with my family but my husband and my sister in law are British. I heard British national has difficultty to get visa. Is it true?

How difficult to get tourist visa for British national in Thailand.

Do we need travel agent to assist or not. And how much it costs?

Thank you

Mam

Visa for British national

Hi,

I can say for sure British Nationals do not have difficulty getting visas for Burma/Myanmar. I know of a few who applied at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok with no hassle. I don%26#39;t think you need a tourist agency to get a Myanmar visa. it is more likely such an impression may have been given. Recently, a number of British have been to Myanmar.

Khayeethe

Visa for British national

During the demonstrations last August/September/October some people were rejected visas, as the embassies were trying to avoid giving access to journalists.

As things are at the moment there should be no difficulty getting the visa in Bangkok, (or in Britain)... only difference is that the option of getting the visa through a local agent or getting it in one day is not available, you must go in person to the embassy. It now takes a minimum of two days or, usually 3 days, for the visa to be issued. Cost is still around 810 or 820 Baht.

It is also still possible to have visas “pre-arranged” through Myanmar travel agents (at an extra fee).

ngapali beach

Hello my name is Carlos and I麓ll be in ngapali beach with another friend staying at Ngapali beach Hotel from Feb 13 to 21 2008.Does anyone know anything about the place? what麓s there towards entertainment?can you rent a boat for the day and go on boat trips? is there any night life at all? do people talk to foreigners there? I like to be on the beach but not all day long and I like to have a few beers with and after dinner and a chat.Tks

ngapali beach

Dear Carlos,

Well, for Myanmar, entertainment and night life, you have to forget it. No night life in Myanmar.

People do talk to foreigners and very friendly. In front of the Ngapali Beach Hotel , numbers of small restaurants and where you can sip your beer and can chat. You can hire the boat and go for snookering if you are interesting or go for fishing. Other than that, beach in Myanmar and just sand , sea and sun only.

Wellcome to Myanmar.

ngapali beach

Carlos - there 6 or more resort hotels spread along Ngapali beach and you can walk into any of them so to check out the facilities and have a beer. Locals , as in all of Burma , will be delighted to see and chat to you - the place will be quiet as tourists are not yet returning in numbers.

The market at Thandwe is a real working market and it is worth a few hours looking around this typical Rakhine town.

There were a couple of new hotels being constructed when we were last there - maybe the building has stopped with the lack of tourists but please report back with a detailed posting on your return as many people are hoping to return to here in the future.

Thank you guys I really apreciated your replies.They were big help.As for night life believe you me it won麓t be worst than Rajastan.I will report back to future reference.tks again

Hi Carlos,

I have stayed at the Ngapali Beach Hotel for the last 3 times I have been to Ngapali. It is in the prime site for beach in Ngapali. You get a wide sandy beach. There are some rock outcrops, but not as much as in front of some of the hotels. Almost at the centre of the entire beach. Facing the sea, trun left and walk along the beach to it%26#39;s southern end and you will come across an island connected by a bridge (if the tide is in, you may have to wade across it to reach the bridge!) - the ';Paradise Island'; very good to relax with a beer there. On the other side of it is the fishing village - you can watch the boats go out in the early evening. The sunset is wonderful from here. Early in the morning after the boats have come in, you can go and buy fis etc for your barbecue. People will talk to you, so don%26#39;t be worried. You can certainly rent a boat to go out to offshore islands and snorkelling etc. During the day, (if I have time) I tend to lie in the shade of the trees and enjoy the cool breeze with a drink - beer or preferably coconut. Generally I tend to visit the other hotels and check out prices rooms etc for future reference or for a drink or snack. Rise early in the morning to pick the sea shells washed ashore overnight by the tide.

The hotel itself - I would recommend strongly. Very friendly staff. Will hold interesting conversation, help you with eating ideas, souvenirs etc. Rooms are clean and comfortable with airconditioning (which I prefer not to use - but rely on the cool breeze)Food is good; but I tend to go outside, cross the road to the little restaurants across. Good local freshly cooked food! The come back across to the hote bar on the beach-front for a drink and chat with anyone :-)

Entertainment: not much or none. Just peaceful and quiet rest.

I am sure you will enjoy the stay as I did.

Bon Voyage

Khayeethe

Dear silverswimmer,

The new hotel near airport ..

1. Amazing Ngapali Resort .. opened in 2005

2. Eden hotel construction is still going on and expected to open in late 2008.

. Near Ngapali Beach Hotel ..

1. Thandei Ngapali Resort .. opened in 2007

2. Aurum Palace Resort .. opened in 2006

This year another hotel opened near Royal beach hotel,but I don%26#39;t know the name yet. Currently, following hotels operated in Ngapali.

1. Amazing Ngapali Resort

2. Silver Beach Hotel

3. Bay view hotel

4. Lin Thar Oo hotel

5. Thandai ngapali resort

6. Aurum Palace Resort (ngapali)

7. Ngapali Beach Hotel

8. Sandoway Resort

9. Amata hotel

10.Royal beach hotel

11. The newly opend which I do not know name.

Thank you very much indeed kayeethe!the way you put it makes me want to go there more still.I like that kind of thing ;get up early and just wander as long as it麓s not forever.After a while I get bored,I麓m a city person,but I麓m preety battered at the moment so it will be lovely to have that kind of time before exploring Burma any further.As for my question will people talk to me is that all the stories going on the internet about people getting in trouble over contacting foreigners is much too upsetting for me because the whole point of travelling is too have some local contact,otherwise I dont think there is much left..Tks again

went to ngapali beach hotel last feb

we are going back feb29

last time stayed for 10 days and loved it

people very friendly

not lots to do on an evening

down to the hotel bar watch the beautiful sunset

have a few cold beers

then find a nice restaurant run by locals and havea nice meal

if i remember correctly 4 plates of food and 4 large bottles of beer about $2.50 dollars

electricity goes off about 9.30 then out come the candles or electric comes back on if they have a small generator but its very nice and relaxing.

One of the restaurant owners took us out in his friends boat and we fished and then travelled further down the coast to a deserted beach where he bbq the fish for us. We then went to a small fishing village well off the beaten track where we took some pens, pencils and books for the young children.

I think it cost us $15 for the day, well worrth it.

The locals are very interested in where you are from and our customs etc... for example my wife had a scratchcard which they had never seen before so alot of the things we take for granted they have never experienced.

Bought a nice ruby broach handmade at the local thwande market, got to be worth alot more than what i paid for it!

You will enjoy it and I%26#39;m almost certain you%26#39;ll go back.

hey truey!

Internet DOES make the world smaller!Tks a lot for the info,I麓m sure I麓ll love it as much as you people did.It all sound absolutly heaven to me.Tks again

Hello salpepe,

You%26#39;re welcome. I am glad to be of help. Few more points I picked up from other entries. Yes, the electricity does go off around 9:30 pm; but some hotels like the Ngapali Beach Hotel, have their own generators so the power cuts are very short. Take a good torch; so if you find yourself in another hotel or place, you can find your way back. I had a powerful head light - the ones cave explorers have. Frees both hands. One good thing about electricity cut is that you see the night sky in it%26#39;s full glory! wonderful to find the constellations - great fun! (If you hotel it lit, then just turn your back to the hotel and you will still get a good night sky :-)

Well, city person, you will certainly find Ngapali really really relaxing for you; after all that hectic city life!

Best Wishes,

Khayeethe

Thanks again Kayeethe,I really look forward to that sky because I`ve seen it in Brazil and it麓s awsome!

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