Does Yangon deserve a 2 days visit?
Apr 19th, 2004, 01:02 AM
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Does Yangon deserve a 2 days visit?
What are the highlights? Is it less interesting that Angkor? Is it safe for kids?
I will go after to Koh Samui or Krabi depending on the weather.
I canceled a side trip to Angkor because I don't want to expose my kids (7 and 11 y) to either malaria or malaria prophilatics.
I will go after to Koh Samui or Krabi depending on the weather.
I canceled a side trip to Angkor because I don't want to expose my kids (7 and 11 y) to either malaria or malaria prophilatics.
Apr 19th, 2004, 07:15 AM
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Cy, I responded to your other thread, but I'll repeat the info here for other travelers' future reference and provide some additional info on health info and Burma.
There is malaria in Burma. One would need to take the same precautions in Burma as you would in Siem Reap (both for malaria and for dengue fever). Note that we have less complete and accurate information about the prevalence, incidence, virulence and resistance of malaria in Burma than we do in the surrounding countries because of the non-cooperation of the Burmese government in reporting to the World Health organization.
There is malaria in Burma. One would need to take the same precautions in Burma as you would in Siem Reap (both for malaria and for dengue fever). Note that we have less complete and accurate information about the prevalence, incidence, virulence and resistance of malaria in Burma than we do in the surrounding countries because of the non-cooperation of the Burmese government in reporting to the World Health organization.
Apr 19th, 2004, 09:14 AM
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we did not take any malaria pills for our visit to yangon...we stayed only around the town and within 40 miles...no tropical forested areas...
yangon is very lazy and old fashioned...i'm not sure that the children would like it honestly....we found plenty to do there in 5 days...we had a driver(do a fodors search on myanmar and you will see what i have posted about him, who was great...there is a small museum and the large market to visit...the golden pagoda is fantastic and you could spend lots of time there...it is very hot up there by the way--go in early am.....watch out for how slipery the marble is on your feet...
i think that you have over estimated the danger of malaria to your children, but parents always know best... would you consider a full day trip to angkor returning to bkk before mosquito time in the late afternoon?? just an alternative thought...
yangon is very lazy and old fashioned...i'm not sure that the children would like it honestly....we found plenty to do there in 5 days...we had a driver(do a fodors search on myanmar and you will see what i have posted about him, who was great...there is a small museum and the large market to visit...the golden pagoda is fantastic and you could spend lots of time there...it is very hot up there by the way--go in early am.....watch out for how slipery the marble is on your feet...
i think that you have over estimated the danger of malaria to your children, but parents always know best... would you consider a full day trip to angkor returning to bkk before mosquito time in the late afternoon?? just an alternative thought...
Apr 19th, 2004, 11:01 AM
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Yes, there is reported malarial risk in Yangoon.
I really do think you should consult with a travel med or tropical med doc before making your decision. Giving your children malarone, the newest anti-malarial with the fewest side effects, is likely not to be a problem. Of course, a physician must assess the situation in light of the the individual factors. But you seem to have decided it's too risky to give your children anti-malarials without consultation with a professional. Both the cdc website (www.cdc.gov/travel) and a search on information on malarone would provide you with some background to be able to ask good questions of a physician about this matter.
I really do think you should consult with a travel med or tropical med doc before making your decision. Giving your children malarone, the newest anti-malarial with the fewest side effects, is likely not to be a problem. Of course, a physician must assess the situation in light of the the individual factors. But you seem to have decided it's too risky to give your children anti-malarials without consultation with a professional. Both the cdc website (www.cdc.gov/travel) and a search on information on malarone would provide you with some background to be able to ask good questions of a physician about this matter.
Apr 19th, 2004, 05:20 PM
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Unless you plan another visit to the country in the future, you shouldn't limit yourself in Yangon. The best of Myanmar is not in Yangon.
Myanmar is one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Punishments are so severe, especially those against foreigners, that crime rate is extremely low. People are generally very friendly.
I don't know about malaria. I was there last November. Don't remember see mosquitos in Yangon or Mandlay. Saw some in Bagan.
With the gradual openness of the country to the outside world, Mayanmar is on its way to become a new hot spot for tourism, and very soon. Now is a good time to go before it is running over by tourists.
Myanmar is one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Punishments are so severe, especially those against foreigners, that crime rate is extremely low. People are generally very friendly.
I don't know about malaria. I was there last November. Don't remember see mosquitos in Yangon or Mandlay. Saw some in Bagan.
With the gradual openness of the country to the outside world, Mayanmar is on its way to become a new hot spot for tourism, and very soon. Now is a good time to go before it is running over by tourists.
Apr 19th, 2004, 05:40 PM
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Cy,
I've been there twice and haven't had any problems, though. Please be aware the medical care is very limited though, so you will need to bring whatever medications that you may need with you.
Two must see things in Yangon are the Shwedagon Pagoda and Scotts Market. There are tons of other things, but if you are limited on time, then these are must sees.
The country is not very modernized on the whole. But, I believe it would be a great experience for your kids to see how the 'other' half of the world lives. Not everyplace is as clean or as industrialized as the US or Europe. Also, the people of Myanmar are wonderful. They are open and, for the most part, honest because of their devout religion.
Also, I agree with Kang, if this will be your only trip to Myanmar, I recommend that you try to stay longer and visit other cities. Mandalay has a different feel to the city, they are more cultured (being the ancient capital of the country). Bagan is a beautiful area with old pagodas all around.
I love the country. Visiting there and thinking about the way life is over there helps me to orient myself and not get caught up in the rat-race.
Just my two cents.
I've been there twice and haven't had any problems, though. Please be aware the medical care is very limited though, so you will need to bring whatever medications that you may need with you.
Two must see things in Yangon are the Shwedagon Pagoda and Scotts Market. There are tons of other things, but if you are limited on time, then these are must sees.
The country is not very modernized on the whole. But, I believe it would be a great experience for your kids to see how the 'other' half of the world lives. Not everyplace is as clean or as industrialized as the US or Europe. Also, the people of Myanmar are wonderful. They are open and, for the most part, honest because of their devout religion.
Also, I agree with Kang, if this will be your only trip to Myanmar, I recommend that you try to stay longer and visit other cities. Mandalay has a different feel to the city, they are more cultured (being the ancient capital of the country). Bagan is a beautiful area with old pagodas all around.
I love the country. Visiting there and thinking about the way life is over there helps me to orient myself and not get caught up in the rat-race.
Just my two cents.
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